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>>
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DNR Announces Temporary Trail Closures at Potawatomi State Park
Temporary trail closures to the northern half of Potawatomi State Park’s trail system are in immediate effect while logging operations are underway to improve safety for visitors and the health of the ecosystem. During the scheduled logging operation, a commercial logger contracted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will remove hazardous trees impacted by […]
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Kewaunee County to Open Ice Rink, Winter Park
The Kewaunee County Promotions and Recreation Department (KCPRD, kewauneeco.org or visitkewauneecounty.com) will soon open the new Dana Farm Ice Skating Rink, funded primarily with a donation from Kewaunee County Farm Technology Days 2017. The free, lit, outdoor rink – at N3787 Ransom Moore Lane, adjacent to Winter Park – is freezing over and will open as […]
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Baileys Harbor Looks at Next Steps for Anclam Park
During a budget hearing this fall, Baileys Harbor officials expressed uncertainty about 2021 spending needs for flagstone and heating repairs for the town hall and costs to complete repairs at Anclam Park. In December, board members reached a consensus to hold down costs on one of those – the jetty repairs. Bashed by waves and […]
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Towers Rising: Maritime Tower, Eagle Tower Nearing Completion
Much has been made of the loss of Eagle Tower and potentially Potawatomi Tower, but two new towers are rising toward completion in Door County. At Peninsula State Park, progress on the new Eagle Tower continues, with hopes for completion by the end of the year. The new tower will be shorter than the original, […]
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Door County Supports Repair of Potawatomi Tower
During its October meeting, the Door County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution supporting repair of the Potawatomi State Park Observation Tower. The resolution asked that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) assess the repairs needed for the tower from a historical perspective and encouraged the DNR to repair the tower in a […]
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Erosion Control Project Proceeding at La Salle Park
With a 14-7 vote on Tuesday, the Door County Board of Supervisors agreed to kick in half the costs of installing 150 feet of rip rap at Robert La Salle County Park to protect the shoreline and decrease erosion. The Door County Facilities and Parks Committee awarded the bid Oct. 14 to Hutchinson Property Services […]
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Back to Nature: State parks saw influx of visitors looking for safe oases
First, the coronavirus pandemic drove people indoors. Then, opportunities for safe recreation and relaxation lured them outdoors, both in Door County and nationwide. If there’s a bright side to all of this, Chris Holicek thinks that’s one of them. “People are being very careful, and yet they’re able to be out and enjoy nature,” said […]
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Door County Board of Supervisors will consider support Oct. 27 Incremental progress has been made during the past month to save the historic Potawatomi State Park Observation Tower. First, the Door County Board of Supervisors is set to discuss a resolution Oct. 27 that its Legislative Committee recommended earlier this month to support tower repair. […]