Door County New Year’s Day Events

Get wet, get silly and get outside to start the new year!

First Day Hikes

If your New Year’s resolution is to get outside more or to move more, start off strong with one of these four free hikes. A state-park vehicle sticker is required for all except the Crossroads hike.

9:30 am – 12 pm 

Whitefish Dunes State Park, 3275 Clark Lake Road in Sturgeon Bay

After the walk, warm up with hot drinks and a bonfire. 

10 am – 12 pm

Peninsula State Park, 9462 Shore Road in Fish Creek

Guided, 30-minute hikes will leave from the recently renovated White Cedar Nature Center and end with hot drinks and a fire.

1 pm 

Newport State Park, 475 Cty NP in Ellison Bay

Meet in parking lot 3 for a 1.2-mile walk, then enjoy a bonfire and refreshments afterward.

2 pm 

Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay

This hour-long hike leaves from the Collins Learning Center.

Jacksonport Polar Bear Swim

10:30 am registration; 12 pm swim 

Lakeside Park, Hwy 57 in Jacksonport

Looking for a refreshing start to the new year? There’s nothing quite like a freezing-cold dip in Lake Michigan! Take warm clothes, protective footwear and blankets. Free to participate.

Polar Plunge

12 pm

Waterfront Mary’s Bar and Grill, 3662 N. Duluth Ave. in Sturgeon Bay

Take an icy swim in Lake Michigan, then stop by Waterfront Mary’s to warm up with food and drinks. Both spectators and participants are welcome. 

New Year’s Day Parade

1 pm 

Downtown Egg Harbor

Watch an eccentric lineup of DIYed floats go by, or join the parade yourself. No registration is required – just don a costume, dress up your pets or decorate an old car (or motorcycle, or tractor, or heavy-construction equipment).