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Category: Parks

Door County is the only county in Wisconsin with five state parks, plus one state trail. No visit to the peninsula is complete without exploring these pristine open spaces that are home to historic landmarks, rare flora and fauna, hiking trails, and much more.

Peninsula State Park

The crown jewel of the Wisconsin State Park system, Peninsula State Park offers more than 3,700 acres for exploration.

Bike or hike on the Sunset Bike Trail, or challenge yourself on more than 12 miles of off-road biking trails weaving through the woods. Rent kayaks and peddle boats at Nicolet Beach Concessions at famous Nicolet Bay beach, where you can also get snacks, burgers, supplies, and ice cream.

The park is also home to the beautiful Peninsula State Park Golf Course, award-winning Northern Sky Theatre and historic Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. The 75-foot Eagle Tower was closed in May 2015 for structural concerns, but is expected to reopen in 2018. More>>

Potawatomi State Park

Home of the eastern trailhead of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, 75-foot observation tower and views of Green Bay from the escarpment, overlook of the park’s old ski hill, several picnic areas and playgrounds, more than 2 miles of shoreline, canoe, kayak, paddleboat and bicycle rentals, boat launch and fish cleaning station, nature center and park store. More>>

Newport State Park

Newport State Park is Wisconsin’s only formally designated wilderness park, with miles of sand beach, secluded hike-in camping on the lakeshore, quiet hiking and biking trails, and great skiing in winter. More>>

Rock Island State Park

If you want a quiet beach, Rock Island is your place. The sand beach on the north side of the island was recently lauded in Minnesota Monthly magazine as one of the last “remains of old Door County.” More>>

Whitefish Dunes State Park

It was the rare botanicals, unique beauty and the largest and most significant dunescape on Lake Michigan’s western shore that led noted landscape architect Jens Jensen to recommend Whitefish Dunes as a state park site in 1937. More>>

Ahnapee State Trail

We are quick to praise Door County’s five state parks as the crown jewels of the county, but we often forget about the Ahnapee State Trail. The county-operated trail runs 48 miles between Sturgeon Bay and Algoma and its history as a railroad predates the founding of the parks system. More>>

  • Run the Door Circuit Standings Go Gender-Free

    Run the Door, the scenic series of local races overseen by the Door County Silent Sports Alliance (DCSSA), begins its third season April 30 at the YMCA Blossom Run in Egg Harbor at Dockside Park. New this year, the season point standings will not be gender-specific. “That’s right,” scorekeeper Bob Richards of the DCSSA said. […]

  • Earth Day Activities, Brown Trout Tourney & More Weekend Plans

    What better way to start a weekend in beautiful Door County than with a host of Earth Day celebrations? Get out and about while lending Mother Nature a helping hand and when you need a break, head to the local theater to see what our young talent has to offer or celebrate your Belgian heritage […]

  • Dark Sky Celebrations, Folk Icons & More Weekend Plans

    The Door Peninsula is coming alive with the sights and sounds of spring, from blooming buffaloberry to the sweet sounds of folk at a local gallery. Take a look at our top picks for the weekend ahead! Friday, April 8 In Search of Blooming Buffaloberry Join a Peninsula State Park naturalist for a 2.5-mile hike […]

  • Peninsula Park Superintendent Named Property Supervisor of the Year

    Kelli Bruns, Superintendent of Peninsula State Park, has been presented the “2014 Property Supervisor of the Year” award. The Wisconsin State Park System presents this annual award to a supervisor who excels in the management of a state park property. During 2014, Bruns provided solid leadership to park staff delivering customer service; visitor and resource […]

  • Raku Firing, Spring Hikes & More Weekend Plans

    Usher in the first full month of spring with a gallery open house, pig auction or some good ol’ fashioned line dancing with our top picks for the weekend ahead. Friday, April 1 Gallery Open House Head to Steele Street in Algoma for Clay on Steele’s family-fun open house. There will be Raku firing, wheel […]

  • Peninsula Park Hike, Acoustic Song Jams & More Weekend Plans

    It will be a quiet weekend on the Door Peninsula. Why not take advantage with an acoustic music session, naturalist-guided hike or story time? Friday, March 25 Acoustic Tunes Aplenty Grab your acoustic instrument and share in the fun of the weekly Door County Acoustic Song Circle, today at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church coffee […]

  • Travelogue Brings ‘America’s Parklands’ Filmmaker to Sister Bay

    Traveling is a favorite pastime among many of Door County’s residents, not only for those who get behind the wheel or book flights and cruises, but for armchair travelers as well. This month’s Kiwanis/Rotary Travelogue America’s Parklands by the award-winning filmmaker Gray Warriner will take that latter group to parks throughout the United States, all […]

  • Roy Lukes: The Mallard Duck

    Perhaps it’s the beautiful snowfall continuing throughout the day that got me thinking about the last glacier and its incredible benefits to mankind in the Midwest. Undoubtedly the glacial till, eventually resulting in some of the best farming country in the world, can be listed as the number-one benefit. Ask the average person to name […]

  • Eagle Tower Peninsula State Park

    Eagle Tower Will Stand

    A meeting of state representatives and officials from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) resulted in the goal of opening Eagle Tower in the spring of 2017. A statement from Door Property Owners (DPO) Vice President Kathie Vavra alleged that there was an agreement and commitment from the DNR to open the tower, but officials […]

  • Candlelight Ski Tradition Continues at Newport State Park

    Newport State Park will hold its 26th annual candlelight ski/hike/snowshoe event on Feb. 13, 5:30 – 8:30 pm.

  • Fire & Ice, Short Film Fest & More Weekend Plans

    Sturgeon Bay will take its turn hosting a winter festival this weekend as they celebrate their annual Fire & Ice Festival. Staying up north this weekend? Between Newport State Park’s winter programs and the Door County Short Film Fest, you’re sure to find something that suits your fancy during Valentine’s Day weekend. Friday, February 12 […]

  • Winter Festivals, Pond Hockey, Super Bowl & More Weekend Plans

    It’s a weekend of celebrating the quiet season in Door County! Head to the lake side to celebrate Baileys Harbor’s Winter Carnival and the 3rd Annual Pond Hockey tournament or head to the bay side for Fish Creek’s 29th annual Winter Festival. No matter where you spend the weekend, you’re sure to stow away some […]

  • Films, Candlelight Ski, Play Readings & More Weekend Plans

    From classic film-themed parties to a candlelight ski event, you’re sure to find something enjoyable waiting for you this weekend. Friday, January 29 Frostbite Party Pull out your fedora, curl your hair and slip into a vintage frock as Turtle Ridge Gallery celebrates the black and white shades of winter with its annual Frostbite Party. […]

  • Frigid Fun In Door

    After an unseasonal detainment, the snowy and cold portion of the year is finally upon us. Winter enthusiasts have had to wait a bit longer than usual to enjoy the activities that are provided during the frigid months, but now the frost-bitten ground seems to be here to stay for its appointed season. As much […]

  • Door County History, Mad Hatter’s Ball, A Cappella & More Weekend Plans

    If ever there were a time for Door County history buffs to brave the cold in favor of interesting historical presentations, this weekend is definitely it. Learn about the historic girls’ camp that once stood in Peninsula State Park and hear about one of the county’s most interesting men, Hjalmar Holand, from another of the […]

  • Polar Bear Swim, Mini Golf, First Day Hikes & More Weekend Plans

    From the annual polar bear swim in Jacksonport to a frosty mini golf tournament in Ephraim (not to forget Egg Harbor’s yearly New Year’s Day Parade), we’ve got the top picks to start your 2016 off right! Friday, January 1 Jacksonport Polar Bear Swim Take a plunge in the brisk waters of Lake Michigan for […]

  • Remembering Peninsula State Park’s Olden Days With Janet and Alvin “Itsie” Krause

    Itsie and Janet, married for 67 years, are two of the few remaining people who remember the park in its simpler days

  • State Park Sticker is Gift that Keeps Giving

    People looking for a holiday gift that keeps giving throughout the year can give outdoor enthusiasts access to thousands of miles of trails, hundreds of nature hike opportunities, dozens of beaches, and some of the most scenic areas found in Wisconsin with a 2015 Wisconsin state park admission stickers or state trail pass. 2016 stickers […]

  • Holly Days, Small Business Saturday, Hip-Hop & More Weekend Plans

    This weekend is the official start to the Christmas season in Door County, with Sister Bay and Egg Harbor hosting their hometown holiday festivities and area businesses taking part in Small Business Saturday. Check out our top picks for the festive weekend ahead! Friday, November 27 Capture the Spirit of the Holidays Sister Bay will […]

  • Celebrate Native American Heritage Month

    Hanging above a desk at the Door County Land Trust is a bumper sticker that reads “Great Minds Think A Hike.” In 1990, by presidential decree, November was declared Native American Heritage Month and taking a hike is a fitting way to note and appreciate an important, less visible and often forgotten chapter in Door […]