"Small and mighty" are words that come to mind in describing Jacksonport. It's an intimate town that sits on Lake Michigan in Door County.  And it's strong base from which to travel around Door County.  Here are some highlights of Jacksonport and the surrounding area.

What's to do? Jacksonport has staged some renowned Door County events including the annual Maifest. The 38^th annual Maifest takes place this year on May 29 and 30 at Lakeside Park on Hwy. 57 and overlooking the lake, of course.  Arts and crafts exhibitors set up on the east as well as west side of the highway.  It's a great show for finding garden art, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, homemade soap and candles and much more. Food and drinks, a parade, fun run and horse pull are also part of the weekend event.

Jacksonsport also hosts Cherry Fest Aug. 7. This event attracts fine craftsman, and is a wonderful time to explore truly unique items for the home and garden as well as wearable art and more. Oh, and the desserts are all about Door County cherries. 

If you have children, Lakeside Park is a pretty place to visit with play areas on sandy surfaces. You can also check out some of the outdoor recreational parks conveniently located to Jacksonport. They include Plum Loco Animal Farm, where there are farm animals to see and a mini play farm.  At Kurtz Corral, people of all ages can ride horses.  

The kids will probably also enjoy The Farm, between Sturgeon Bay and Jacksonport on Hwy. 57. This is a family-owned business and a kind of outdoor museum.  Kids learn about rural life and history while interacting with (feeding, petting, holding) animals. 

As for natural attractions, you will not want to miss a visit to Cave Point Park, which is just south of Jacksonport.  Park officials ask you to take note of the posted caution signs as you view this natural landmark: rock and water, rugged yet beautiful, peaceful but popular. 

Waves crash on the dolomite bedrock, which formed millions of years ago but changed shape as erosion took its toll. On a still day, the waves may not crash, but you'll hear clear lake water lapping about 50 feet below you.

Whitefish Dunes State Park entices with more than one mile of sand beach, two miles of rocky shore and more than 14 miles of hiking trails.   

What to buy: Shop here for antiques, crafts and more items. For instance, LaMere House Antiques tastefully displays furniture and home accessories such as art, pottery, and linens.  Featured are English, French and country furnishings of various periods.

"We try to get as much a mix as possible," said Ron Schultz, owner. "And because Door County is a destination for people from all over, they have different needs and wants."

Another place to shop is the Jacksonport Craft Cottage. The shop carries a variety of Amish goods. At the higher end of the product mix are striking handmade quilts of all sizes, colors and traditional Amish patterns.  A wide variety of items made by Wisconsin artists and Door County artists are also for sale here including paintings, lighthouse art, cherry accented pottery and more. This historic log building, 6275 Hwy. 57, is also the home of the Jacksonport Visitor Center.

Also on Tuesdays from mid June through October, you can head over to the Farmers Market (from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) in Lakeside Park. Here, local growers, artists and craftsmen sell their wares.

Where to eat:  J.J.'s LaPuerta of Jacksonport recently opened after a long tradition of serving Mexican and American food in Sister Bay. Also here are Mike's Port Pub & Grill and Square Rigger Galley.

Historical highlights:  The township of Jacksonport was organized in 1869, and some of the most important industries were fishing and lumbering.  But by 1890, agriculture also became key, and people in about 1900 started to vacation here.  Learn about Jacksonport history by touring (when open) the old root cellar at the Erskine rest area (across from Lakeside Park). 

Where to stay:  Overnight options abound and include Square Rigger Lodge, Sunrise Shore Condominiums, Innlet Motel, Clark Lake Waterfront Cottages and the Sandy Beach Lake House. The best way to learn about them and others near Jacksonport is on DoorCountyNavigator.com