Roofing of the Goats at Al Johnson's: A Sister Bay Summer Tradition

The morning light in Sister Bay has a different quality than the rest of the peninsula. While the sun sets over the water in Ephraim, the mornings here feel expansive. If you drive north from our doors at The Wilder Inn, past the limestone bluffs of Peninsula State Park, you will reach the village of Sister Bay in under ten minutes. There, a peculiar sight awaits on the corner of Highway 42 and Bay Shore Drive: a sod roof where a herd of goats spends the day grazing among the wildflowers.

The presence of the al johnsons goats sister bay residents is not a gimmick. It is a living piece of Scandinavian heritage that has become the unofficial start of the summer season. Each June, the village gathers for the Roofing of the Goats, a festival and parade that officially marks the transition from the quiet of spring to the vibrant energy of July and August.

The Roots of the Sod Roof

The tradition traces back to Al Johnson himself, who opened his namesake Swedish Restaurant in 1949. The story goes that orignally, a friend gave Al a goat named Oscar as a birthday prank. Oscar was led onto the roof to graze, and the sight was so arresting to passersby that it became a permanent fixture of the business. The building was renovated in the 1970s with logs imported directly from Norway and a traditional sod roof, which acts as a natural insulator. For the goats, the roof is a high-altitude pasture with a view of the marina.

During the Roofing of the Goats parade, the herd is led through the streets of Sister Bay to the restaurant. It is a grounded, community-focused event where locals and visitors line the sidewalks. There is no loud music or frantic pacing. Instead, there is the sound of hooves on pavement and the sight of the Swedish flag snapping in the breeze. Once they reach the restaurant, the goats are ushered up their private ramp to take their place on the green turf above the diners.

A Day in Sister Bay

Attending the goat parade is a perfect catalyst for exploring the northern reaches of the peninsula. After you watch the goats reach their summer home, the day usually demands a plate of Swedish pancakes served with lingonberries and a side of Swedish meatballs. The restaurant is a sensory experience of pine wood, white lace curtains, and the rhythmic clinking of coffee cups.

Once the morning festivities settle, the rest of the village offers a slower pace:

• Walk down to the Sister Bay waterfront to watch the sailboats navigate the waters beyond the breakwater.
• Drive further north to Ellison Bay to visit the potters and weavers who keep the local craft traditions alive.
• Take the winding road to the tip of Northport and watch the car ferry navigate the Death's Door passage toward Washington Island.
• Return south toward Ephraim for a quiet afternoon on the porch, listening to the wind in the cedars.

Beyond the Sod Roof

While the goats are the primary draw, the weekend of the Roofing of the Goats often coincides with the first real surge of the season. It is a time when the cherry blossoms in May have fallen, and the small green fruit is beginning to take shape in the orchards. The air smells of lake water and fresh-cut grass.

If you find the crowds in Sister Bay a bit too lively, the drive back to Ephraim offers immediate relief. The transition from the bustle of the Swedish restaurant to the white-picket quiet of Eagle Harbor is one of the distinct joys of staying in this quiet pocket off the highway. Here, you can watch the same sun that shone on the goats dip below the horizon at Anderson Dock, painting the sky in shades of ochre and violet.

Frequently asked

When can I see the goats on the roof? Typically, the goats are on the roof from June through mid-October, weather permitting. They are taken down each evening and if it is raining, they stay in their barn to protect the sod and their safety.

Is there a cost to attend the Roofing of the Goats parade? The parade and festival are free to the public. It is a community celebration that takes over the main thoroughfare of Sister Bay for the morning.

Can you pet or feed the goats? For the safety of the animals and the public, the goats are kept at a distance during the parade and remain on the roof during business hours. They have a healthy diet provided by their caretakers and do not need extra snacks from visitors.

Stay with us

After a day of wandering through Sister Bay and Ellison Bay, returning to the stillness of Ephraim is a necessary ritual. Our rooms are designed for deep rest, far enough from the summer traffic to hear the rustle of the leaves but close enough to walk down for a late-night scoop at Wilson's Restaurant. Whether you spent your day at the goat parade or hiking the quiet trails of Peninsula State Park, we provide a grounded place to land. Explore our available rooms and book your summer escape to experience the unique textures of a Door County summer.