Whitefish Dunes State Park Celebrates 50 Years

Whitefish Dunes new shipwreck exhibit. Photo by Len Villano

The Friends of Whitefish Dunes will host a 50th anniversary event on July 14, 11 am to 1:30 pm, that celebrates the park and honors those who have worked on behalf of the park since 1967. Live music will be performed by Last Man Standing bluegrass band. Artists Lynn Gilchrist, Barbara Shakal and Mac Schueppert will exhibit their work.

Other events sponsored by the Friends during the summer anniversary season include hikes that will explore the unique flora and fauna of Whitefish Dunes, as well as its place in the history of the native peoples of this area.

Whitefish Dunes State Park, one of the five state parks located in Door County, offers visitors nearly one-and-a-half miles of sandy beach, the highest sand dunes on Lake Michigan’s west shore, 14 miles of hiking and nine miles of skiing trails, and a host of other attractions. A state park sticker is required.

In 1967 the citizens of Door County passed a referendum that led to the establishment of the park. For 50 years the park has been a cool water retreat for residents and visitors during hot summer days; a serene winter tableau to ski through; and a feast of remarkable flora, fauna and physical features for nature lovers.

The Friends of Whitefish Dunes was organized for the charitable and educational purposes of supporting the park with interpretive, scientific, historical, educational and other support services.

Whitefish Dunes State Park is located at 3275 Clark Lake Road, Sturgeon Bay. For more information, call 920.823.2400 or visit dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/whitefish.