Trails Initiative Would Connect Northern Door Communities

The Trail’s proposed route.

Public input sought at Dec. 12 meetings

Residents from throughout Door County can provide ideas and learn more about proposed bicycle and walking trails linking communities and beaches at an event at the Kress Pavilion Dec. 12.

During open-house-format meetings 10 am-noon and 5-7 pm, at the Kress Pavilion in Egg Harbor, residents, business owners, landowners and other interested community members can learn more about the vision for accessible trails spanning 11 miles from Fish Creek to Frank E. Murphy County Park and beach in the Town of Egg Harbor. 

The initiative gained momentum this year and got a boost late last month when Door County Medical Center (DCMC) joined the Egg Harbor Trails Initiative as a partner promoting the trail network.

“At this point, it’s not monetary, but they’re behind the project,” Egg Harbor Village President John Heller said of DCMC’s support. “This is all right in their wheelhouse.”

Erick Schrier, DCMC chief information officer, said the trail system aligns perfectly with DCMC’s vision of promoting a healthy community by providing accessible and enjoyable outdoor spaces for recreational activities and wellness. 

“Together, we aim to inspire and encourage the community to embrace an active lifestyle through the development of a vibrant trail system,” Schrier said.

Heller said the vision also includes trails linking Fish Creek, Peninsula State Park, as well as Ephraim and Sister Bay.

Sessions will include 20-minute presentations at 10:30 am and 5:30 pm – with town and village officials, hospital representatives and National Park Service trails experts and the Wisconsin Bike Federation appearing and available to further discuss the projects in person.

“Community feedback is key as we embark on this collaborative effort to shape the future of our community and create a trails network that will be enjoyed for generations to come,” trails initiative leaders said in a statement.

An effort to create a trail to link Egg Harbor’s village beach with the county beach at Frank E. Murphy Park sparked the trails initiative in 2019. Find more information at villageofeggharbor.org/egg_harbor_trails_project and facebook.com/EggHarborTrails/