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>>
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This Weekend in Door County: Folk Festival, Sea Kayak Symposium and More
The festivities in Door County don’t stop after the Fourth of July weekend! In fact, we are in the midst of the most happenin’ time of the summer here on the peninsula. Check out this weekend’s highlights below. Festivals and Celebrations Door County Folk Festival Stop by Baileys Harbor this weekend (July 10-14) to participate […]
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Free Sunset Yoga in Sister Bay
All are welcome to enjoy free, outdoor, sunset yoga in Sister Bay’s Waterfront Park on Mondays, 7-8 pm, July 1 through Sept. 2. Try it once, or join the class every week. Certified instructors from Ironwood Yoga will teach. Limited mats will be available, so supply your own mat if possible. Ironwood Yoga, Ecology and […]
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This Weekend in Door County: Spuds, Mud and Music
This weekend, experience live music, special performances, and theater across the peninsula. Spend a day outside with the whole family at programs such as Peninsula State Park’s celebration of International Mud Day. Then, end the day with delicious, build-your-own food at the Spuds N’ Splits fundraiser. Music and Performance “Quintessential Quintets,” featuring quintets by Mozart […]
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Eagle Bluff: The Lighthouse with a Story
Sitting high on the bluffs of Peninsula State Park, right off Shore Road, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is the perfect destination for a blend of beautiful views and local history. While driving (or hiking or biking) along Shore Road’s winding, sun-speckled path, be on the lookout for bright wildflowers and softly stepping deer. In late May […]
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This Weekend in Door County: Wine, Dine and Celebrate Pride
This weekend, check out Door County Wine Fest, Uncork Summer, Open Door Pride and Paddlefest. Festivals Wine Fest On June 22 (12-4 pm), enjoy unlimited tasting of award-winning wines from eight local wineries and relaxing music from the Fabulous Rugburns at Wine Fest’s new location in Sunset Park, Sturgeon Bay. Food will be available for […]
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New Tribute Wall at Nicolet Beach Shelter
The Friends of Peninsula State Park unveiled a new tribute wall (PeninsulaFriends.org/tribute) at the Nicolet Beach shelter at Peninsula State Park on May 25. Donors who made a gift of $1,000, $1,500 or $2,500 could specify the wording on a plate to honor family members or friends. These donations are helping to provide three new […]
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This Weekend in Door County: Bikes, Beer and Fyr Bal
Festivals Peninsula Century Spring Classic Avid and casual cyclists alike will enjoy this scenic ride on June 15, beginning in Baileys Harbor at 7 am, which offers 25-, 50-, 62- and 100-mile (“century”) courses with aid stations along the way. Celebrate with a post-ride meal back in Baileys Harbor. Riders can register on-site Friday, June […]
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This Weekend in Door County: Lighthouse Festival and Goat Fest
This weekend, learn about Door County history during Lighthouse Festival, celebrate goats in Sister Bay, and experience live music throughout the peninsula. Festivals Lighthouse Festival and 150th Anniversary Celebration of the Baileys Harbor Range Lights Explore and celebrate Door County’s 11 historic lighthouses from June 7-9. Tours, tales, boat excursions and educational programming will take […]
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2019 Jacksonport Maifest Schedule of Events
The 47th annual celebration of Jacksonport Maifest is taking place on May 25-26. Since 1973, the Jacksonport Advancement Corporation, a non-profit organization committed to community benefit and enrichment, has hosted Door County’s unofficial summer kick-off festival at Lakeside Park, located at the intersection of County V and Highway 57. Event highlights include the grand parade […]
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Volunteers Prepare Plum Island for Visitors
May 11 was the year’s first Plum Island volunteer work day, sponsored by the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. About a dozen people helped to get the island ready for visitors. Fall and winter stormy weather damaged part of its pier, so new stringers had to be […]
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County Parks Department Offers Michigan St. Home
With the recent acquisition of the Younkers building next to the Door County Historical Museum, the county has been pondering what to do with the house at 442 Michigan St. that was purchased for $89,000 in August 2008 to serve as archival storage for the museum. At its May 8 meeting, the county Facilities & […]
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Peninsula State Park’s Blossoms and Birds Program
Join the Peninsula State Park naturalist on May 14 and 21 for the Blossoms and Birds program: an easy walk of about a half mile to look for spring wildflowers and migrating birds – shorebirds and palm, yellow-rumped and other warblers. The walks start at 8 am and last about an hour. Take binoculars if you […]
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Half Marathon Registration Closes Monday
Organizers of the Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5k have extended registration through Monday, April 29. “We’ve had a lot of runners transfer from the half marathon to the 5k, which has opened some spots in the half marathon,” said race director Brian Fitzgerald. The race takes place Saturday, May 4 in Peninsula […]
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High Costs Delay Eagle Tower Reconstruction
When the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) dismantled Eagle Tower in 2016, officials said it would be extremely expensive to reconstruct it in accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It turns out that the expense is even greater than expected. The lowest bid for the project came in at $3.6 […]
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Join a Peninsula State Park naturalist for a hike along Skyline Trail on April 27, 10 to 11:30 am. Leatherleaf, a pretty shrub with yellow blossoms, should be blooming; migrating shorebirds may be visible at the outset; then it’s into the woods for a walk past the historic girls-camp site and up to Sven’s Bluff. […]
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Assessment Finds Significant Decay at Potawatomi Tower
CAn assessment commissioned by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has concluded that the load carrying capacity of Potawatomi Tower has been compromised. Forest Products Laboratory, part of the U.S. Forest Services, Department of Agriculture, has released its report outlining the nondestructive wood testing done on the observation tower at Potawatomi State Park. Routine inspections […]
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State Supreme Court Keeps Sister Bay Pavilion Lawsuit Open
The Wisconsin Supreme Court reversed part of Door County Circuit Court Judge D. Todd Ehlers’ decision in a lawsuit over concerts held at the Sister Bay performance pavilion. In the lawsuit filed July 8, 2016, the Yacht Club at Sister Bay alleged that concerts held at the pavilion constituted a nuisance. The legal question did […]
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Land Donation Expands Chambers Island Nature Preserve
Door County Land Trust announces the donation of nine acres of land at the Chambers Island Nature Preserve. The donation of land, made by Pete and Fawn Rogers, long-time summer visitors on the island, is the fifth conservation project to be completed on Chambers Island during 2018. The donated land connects other protected lands within […]
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Roughing the Trails of Door Bluff Headlands County Park
A winter hike at Door Bluff Headlands County Park provides spectacular views.
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2019 Door County Runs and Rides
We’ve made your planning easy with this guide to getting active with 2019 Door County runs and rides to check out. If you want plan to take on many runs, consider signing up for the Run the Door race series. Door County has become a hotbed for silent sports competition and experiences. Whether you want […]