Potawatomi State Park

View a wide variety of shrubs, trees, forbs and fall blooming plants. Meet at boat landing parking lot. State park vehicle admission sticker required, but no charge for the guided walk.

Work on cleaning up campsites, trail work, spreading mulch, cleaning the handicap cabin, and invasive species removal. Lunch provided. No experience required. No time commitment needed. Long pants, sturdy shoes, and work gloves recommended. Stop at park office to be directed to a work site.

A guest speaker from the Wisconsin Historical Society gives an exciting talk about the Maritime Preservation Program and the shipwrecks found around the Door Peninsula. Meet at the Amphitheater. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Join naturalist on a 3/4 mile (one way) hike. Learn about natural and cultural history, while exploring the natural beauty of Potawatomi State Park. Meet at the Campground Shelter. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Jennifer Redell, WDNR bat biologist, teaches about the importance of bats. Attend to learn how the WDNR studies bats and how white-nose syndrome is affecting Wisconsin bats. Find out what action you can take to help bats in your neighborhood. Jennifer is accompanied by live bat ambassadors, including a flying fox native to Africa. Meet in the Amphitheater. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

3-5pm. Drop In. Drop by to see the naturalist at the Park Office to learn all about the Great Horned Owl. Find out what makes it unique, and what exactly those “horns” are for. Free. Park vehicle sticker required. 7pm. Guided Hike. The park naturalist leads a guided 2.5 mile hike. Learn natural and cultural history of the park, geology, biology and plant ID. Remember insect repellent and water; dress in layers and good shoes. Meet in Parking Area #3.…

3pm. Muck Walk. Throw on some old shoes and join the park naturalist by the boat landing to explore the critters living in Sawyer Harbor. Get your hands dirty finding macro-invertebrates in the shallow waters of the harbor. Free. Park vehicle sticker required. 7pm. Campfire. Sing songs, hear stories, and have fun. All are welcome. BYOS (Bring your own S’mores!) Remember your insect repellent and flashlight. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Meet the Naturalist at the top of the tower to see what you can see. Learn some history of the park and check out the amazing view. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Hear a nature story or two and make your own nature journal to remember your trip to Potawatomi with a park naturalist. Story appropriate for younger children and the journals for all ages. Parents must accompany children. Meet at the picnic shelter. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Take a hike and explore the park with the park naturalist. Kids can complete one activity toward earning your Wisconsin Explorer Badge. Meet at the Nature Center. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Join the park naturalist in a 2 mile hike. Learn natural and cultural history of the park, geology, biology and plant ID. Remember insect repellent and water; dress in layers and good shoes. Meet at Parking Area #4. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Join the park naturalist for a short talk on what makes an owl special, and then accompany her on a hike to see who you can find. Meet at the Nature Center. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Join the park naturalist as they talk about the solar eclipse. Different, safe viewing methods available to try, as well as information about what exactly is happening. Drop in anytime and stay as long as you’d like. The partial eclipse starts at 11:54am, reaches its maximum at 1:17pm and ends at 2:37pm. Held at the Old Ski Hill Overlook. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Learn how our eyes see in the dark and use other senses to explore the park at night. Hike will be 1/2 mile. Remember insect repellent and dress in layers and sturdy shoes. Meet at the amphitheater. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

2-4pm. Native Games. Drop by the shoreline area across from the campground shelter to learn about traditional stickball games played by the Native Americans. Lacrosse sticks and Double Ball sticks available to pass around or play a game with. Stay for as long or little as you like. Free. Park vehicle sticker required. 7-8pm. Survival Shelters. The Park Naturalist teaches you about the principles of maintaining body temperature as well as how to build a solid shelter. Meet at the Nature…

Bring a chair or blanket and join us for a community campfire down by the bay. The Park Naturalist will supply the stories, songs, and fire, you supply the s’mores. Meet at the shoreline area across from the campground shelter and playground. Move to the campground shelter in case of rain. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Join the park naturalist for some activities that will teach you how to identify trees by touch, the different parts of trees, and the life cycle of trees. Appropriate for all ages. Sturdy shoes and bug spray recommended. Held in the amphitheater. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

1-2pm. Primitive Fire Demo. See the park naturalist demonstrate how native peoples once created fire using hand drill and bow drill techniques. Held inside the Nature Center in case of rain. Held at the shoreline area across from the campground shelter. Free. Park vehicle sticker required. 3-4pm. To Build a Fire. Learn how and where to gather dry materials, how to set up a fire, and start one using various methods. A hands-on workshop that involves hiking and working with fire. Meet at the…

2-4pm. Wisconsin Furbearers. Stop by the shoreline area across from the campground shelter to learn more about the mammals that live in our State Parks. In case of rain, held in the Nature Center. Free. Park vehicle sticker required. 7-8pm. Community Campfire. Park Naturalist will supply the stories, songs, and fire; you supply the s’mores. Meet at the shoreline area across from the campground shelter. Bring a chair or blanket. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

2-4pm. Wisconsin Furbearers. Stop by the shoreline area across from the campground shelter to learn more about the mammals that live in our State Parks. In case of rain, held in the Nature Center. Free. Park vehicle sticker required. 7-8pm. Wolves in WI. Learn all about the history, and future, of wolves. Family friendly. With special guest Michelle Hefty. Meet at the amphitheater. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Talk about wildflowers, trees, and other interesting plants. 1-2 mile loop along the shore of Sturgeon Bay. Meet at the Potawatomi Nature Center. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

2:30-4pm. Bug Catching. Bring your own net or borrow ours. Sweep through the grassy slopes and forests to see how many different six legged friends we can find. Meet at the old ski hill overlook parking lot. Long pants and closed toed shoes recommended. Free. Park vehicle sticker required. 7-8:30pm. Community Campfire. Bring a chair or blanket and join us for a community campfire down by the bay. Meet at the shoreline area across from the campground shelter and playground. Move into…

A talk and slide presentation covering a broad view of astronomy by the UW-Madison Astronomy Department. Following the presentation, a telescope is set up to view whatever astronomical objects are available. Q&A follows. Meet at the picnic shelter. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Come join our Park Naturalist at the Nature Center to help him build a shelter that will be on display for the rest of the summer. A hands-on building workshop that may involve walking to gather materials. All ages welcome. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

11am-1pm. The Curious Case of Coyote. Drop by the Nature Center to learn more about Coyote and even make your own Coyote Mask. Free. Park vehicle sticker required. 2-3pm. Native Games. Drop by the shoreline area across from the campground shelter to learn about traditional stickball games played by the Native Americans. Stay for as long or little as you like. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

"Shipwrecks of Door County." Dive into the history hidden beneath the waves with the Wisconsin Historical Society’s (WHS) maritime archaeologist, Victoria Kiefer. Meet at the amphitheater. Held in the campground shelter if raining. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Talk about shipwrecks, native history, wildflowers, trees, and any other interesting things we come across on this short 1-2 mile loop along the shore of Sturgeon Bay. Meet at the Potawatomi Nature Center. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

3-5pm. Watersheds by the Bay. Learn about the Great Lakes and interact with a cool watershed model at this drop in program at the shoreline area across from the campground shelter down by the bay. Free. Park vehicle sticker. 7-8:30pm. Full Moon Fire. Bring a chair or blanket and join us for a community campfire down by the bay. Park Naturalist will supply the stories, songs, music, and fire; you supply the s’mores. Meet at the shoreline area across from…

10:30am. Meet a Tree. Join the Park Naturalist at the amphitheater for some fun filled activities that will teach you how to identify trees by touch, the different parts of trees, and the life cycle of trees. Appropriate for all ages. Free. Park vehicle sticker required. 2-3pm. To Build a Fire. Learn how and where to gather dry materials, how to set up a fire, and start one using various methods. A hands-on workshop that will involve hiking to gather materials as…

Join the park naturalist on this short 1-2 mile loop along the shore of Sturgeon Bay. Along the way we’ll talk about shipwrecks, native history, wildflowers, trees, and any other interesting things we come across. Meet at the Potawatomi Nature Center. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

2-3pm. Native Games. Drop by the shoreline area across from the campground shelter to learn about traditional stickball games played by the Native Americans. Stay for as long or little as you like. Free. Park vehicle sticker required. 7-8:30pm. Community Campfire. Park Naturalist will supply the stories, songs, and fire; you supply the s’mores. Meet at the shoreline area across from the campground shelter. Held inside the shelter if raining. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Jennifer Redell, WDNR bat biologist, teaches about the importance of these animals and unearths the mysteries of WI's bats. Accompanied by live bat ambassadors. Meet at the Amphitheater. Held in campground shelter if raining. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Join the Park Naturalist on this 2.6 mile trail. Climb the escarpment, walk the shoreline, and talk about plants, native history, and shipwrecks. Wear sturdy shoes and have a water bottle. Terrain is rugged in some sections. Meet at the Nature Center. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Drop by the shoreline area across from the playground and campground shelter to learn how to identify some of the plants and critters you probably don’t want to run into while you’re enjoying your time in the great outdoors. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

An outreach program of the UW-Madison Astronomy Department. The session begins with a 20-30 minute talk and slide presentation followed by a night sky viewing. Q&A follows around the telescope. Meet at the Picnic Shelter. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

3-4:30pm. Bats of WI. Join the Park Naturalist at the Nature Center to learn more about WI bats and create your own origami bat. Drop in program, stay for as long or little as you like. Free. Park vehicle required. 7-7:45pm. Raptor Program. Kim Diedrich, Chief Naturalist of the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, teaches about the importance of different raptor species. Live ambassadors. Meet at the Park Amphitheater. Held in the campground shelter if raining. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

12-2pm. WI Furbearers. Stop by the Nature Center to learn more about the mammals that live in our State Parks. Feel their pelts and stay for as long or little as you like. Free. Park vehicle sticker required. 3-4:30pm. Guided Shoreline Hike. Join the park naturalist on this short 1-2 mile loop. Along the way we’ll talk about shipwrecks, native history, wildflowers, and trees. Meet at the Potawatomi Nature Center. Held rain or shine. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

4-5pm. Camouflage. Meet at the Nature Center for a brief talk on how different animals defend themselves and see examples of how animals use camouflage. Afterwards go into the woods and play a few games to see how good you are at camouflaging yourself. Free. Park vehicle sticker required. 7-8:30pm. Community Campfire. Bring a chair or blanket. Park Naturalist supplies the stories, songs, and fire; you supply the s’mores. Meet at the shoreline area across from the campground shelter. Held…

Drop by the Nature Center to learn about traditional stickball games played by the Native Americans. Stay for as long or little as you like. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

60th Anniversary of this 1,200 mile long trail. Hike 2.8 miles together from the Eastern Terminus to the park boundary discussing some of the trails history and features along the way. Meet at the Old Ski Overlook parking lot. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

2-4:30pm. Un-Nature Trail. Hike the half mile Ancient Shoreline trail with a unique twist. Along the way are some unnatural items that you will have to keep a look out for and check off your list. Stop by the Nature Center to pick up the scavenger list. Free. Park vehicle sticker required. 7-8:30pm. Community Campfire. Bring a chair or blanket and join us for a community campfire down by the bay. Park Naturalist will supply the stories, songs, and fire; you…

2-4pm. WI Furbearers. Stop by the Nature Center to learn more about the mammals that live in our State Parks. Feel their pelts and stay for as long or little as you like. Free. Park vehicle sticker required. 7-7:45pm. WI Conservation Wardens. Door County Conservation Warden Chris Kratcha talks about the daily life of a warden and the history and future of wardens. Meet at the Amphitheater. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

3-4:30pm. Guided Shoreline Hike. Join the park naturalist on this short 1-2 mile loop along the shore of Sturgeon Bay. Along the way talk about shipwrecks, native history, wildflowers, and trees. Meet at the Nature Center rain or shine. Free. Park vehicle sticker required. 7-8:30pm. Community Campfire. Bring a chair or blanket and join us for a community campfire down by the bay. Park Naturalist will supply the stories, songs, and fire; you supply the s’mores. Meet at the shoreline area…

Bring a chair or blanket for a campfire down by the bay. The park naturalist will supply the stories, songs, and fire; you supply the s’mores. Meet at the shoreline area across from the campground shelter and playground. In the event of rain, it will move to the campground shelter. Vehicle park sticker required.

9:30am. Hike the Hemlock Trail. This 2.6-mile trail will take hikers along the escarpment and shoreline. Listen to the guide talk about native history and shipwrecks. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle. Terrain is rugged in some sections. Meet at the Nature Center. 12:30-2pm. Wisconsin Furbearers. Stop by the Nature Center to learn about the mammals that live in the state parks. Programs are free, but a state park vehicle sticker is required.

2-3pm. To Build a Fire. Learn how and where to gather dry materials, how to set up a fire, and start one using various methods. This hands-on workshop will involve hiking to gather materials as well as working with fire. Successful attendees may also have the opportunity to build and start the community campfire later in the evening. Meet at the amphitheater. 7-8pm. Community Campfire. The park naturalist will supply the stories, songs, and fire; you supply the s’mores! All-ages…

12-2pm. UnNature Trail. Hike the half-mile Ancient Shoreline trail and find some unnatural items along the way. Scavenger lists are available at the trailhead. Return completed lists to the Nature Center. 12:30-2pm. Native Games. Stop by the Daisy Field in the South Loop of the campground to experience a few of them, including blanketball, ball races and guessing games. All ages welcome. Enter near campsite 2E. 12:30-1:30pm. Story and Game. Hear a story about which animals brought fire to humans and…

Meet the park naturalist at the ski hill parking lot for this mile-long hike into some lesser-known regions of the park, including views of the Niagara Escarpment and Sawyer Harbor. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes and pants are recommended. Free. State park vehicle sticker required.

3-4:30pm. Drop by the Nature Center to greet the camp dogs, build a debris hut, or play a game of camouflage. The naturalist will lead these activities as well as assist with the Wisconsin Explorer Activity Book. 7-8pm. Community Campfire. The park naturalist will supply the stories, songs, and fire; you supply the s’mores! All-ages friendly event. Meet at the shoreline area across from the campground shelter and playground. In the event of rain we will move into the campground…

Join the park naturalist on this 1.25-mile loop on the shores of Sturgeon Bay. Learn about shipwrecks, native history, wildflowers, trees, and more. Meet at the Potawatomi Nature Center. Free. State park vehicle sticker required.  

Stop by the Native American village off the Red Trail to learn about the structures Native people once lived in. Park naturalist available for questions. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

2:30-3:30pm. Meet a Tree. Join the park naturalist for some fun-filled activities that will teach you how to identify trees by touch, parts of the tree, and their life cycle. Sturdy shoes and bug spray recommended. Held at the amphitheater. Free. Park vehicle sticker required. 7-8pm. Community Campfire. Bring a chair or blanket for a campfire down by the bay. The park naturalist will supply the stories, songs, and fire; you supply the s’mores. Meet at the shoreline area across from…

4-5pm. Camouflage. Meet at the Nature Center for a brief talk on how different animals defend themselves. Afterwards, participants will go into the woods and play a few camouflage inspired games. 7-8pm. Community Campfire. Bring a chair or blanket for a campfire down by the bay. The park naturalist will supply the stories, songs, and fire; you supply the s’mores. Meet at the shoreline area across from the campground shelter and playground. In the event of rain, it will move to…

Join the park naturalist for this short 1.25-mile loop along the Niagara Escarpment on the Hemlock and Ice Age Trail. Discussing local history, identifying plants, and sharing native lore. Meet at the Nature Center. Sturdy shoes recommended. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

3-4:30pm. Native Games. Stop by the Daisy Field in the south loop of the campground to experience a few games played by Native peoples. All ages welcome. Enter near campsite 2E. 7-8pm. Community Campfire. Bring a chair or blanket for a campfire down by the bay. The park naturalist will supply the stories, songs, and fire; you supply the s’mores. Meet at the shoreline area across from the campground shelter and playground. In the event of rain, it will move to…

9:30-10:30am. Meet a Tree. Join the park naturalist at the amphitheater for fun-filled activities that will teach you how to identify trees. Appropriate for all ages. Sturdy shoes and bug spray recommended. 12-1pm. Build a Fire. Learn how to start a fire using various methods. A hands-on workshop that involves hiking, gathering materials, and working with fire. Meet at the amphitheater. Activities free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Join the Park Naturalist at the Ski Hill Overlook to hike a short portion of the Tower Trail under the full moon. Listen and look for wildlife during the hike through the forest. Closed toe shoes and a headlamp/flashlight are recommended.

Join the park naturalist for this 1.25-mile loop on the shores of Sturgeon Bay. Discussing shipwrecks, native history, wildflowers, trees, and more along the way. Meet at the Potawatomi nature center at 9:30am.

A 20-30 minute presentation by UW-Madison astronomy department, followed by an opportunity to check out the night skies with a telescope. Meet at the Park Shelter near parking lot 2. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

4-5pm. Native Games. Stop by the Daisy Field in the south loop of the campground to experience a few games played by Native peoples. Instructions and equipment available. All ages welcome. Enter near campsite 2E. 7-8pm. Community Campfire. Bring a chair or blanket for a campfire down by the bay. The park naturalist will supply the stories, songs, and fire; you supply the s’mores. Meet at the shoreline area across from the campground shelter and playground. In the event of rain,…

4-5pm. What's a Watershed? Learn about the Great Lakes and interact with a cool watershed model at this drop-in program at the Nature Center. 7-8pm. Community Campfire. The park naturalist will supply the stories, songs and fire; you supply the s’mores. Meet at the shoreline area across from the campground shelter and playground. Bring a chair or blanket. Meet inside the campground shelter if raining. Free. State park sticker required.  

Join the park naturalist on this 1.25-mile loop along the Niagara Escarpment on the Hemlock and Ice Age Trail. Learn some local history and native lore along the way. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Meet at the Nature Center.

Join the park naturalist on this weekly hike. When the series is done, every trail in Potawatomi State Park will be hiked. All are welcome to participate. Meet at the Old Ski Hill Overlook Parking Lot.  

4-5pm. Native Games. Stop by the Nature Center to experience a few of them including blanketball, ball races, lacrosse and guessing games. Instructions and equipment provided. All ages welcome. 8-9pm. Full Moon Shoreline Hike. Bring a flashlight and hiking shoes and head down to the shoreline of Sturgeon Bay for this one-mile guided hike with the park naturalist. Meet at Parking Lot #2 near the park shelter and picnic area. Free. State park sticker required.

3-4:15pm. Guided Shoreline Hike. Join the park naturalist on this 1.25-mile loop on the shores of Sturgeon Bay. Along the way, talk about shipwrecks, native history, wildflowers and trees. Meet at the nature center. 7-8pm. Community Campfire. The park naturalist will supply the stories, songs, and fire; you supply the s’mores. Bring a chair or blanket. Meet at the shoreline area across from the campground shelter and playground. Held inside the campground shelter if raining. Free. State park sticker required.

3-4:30pm. Drop by the Nature Center to make a mammal mask, build a debris hut, or play a game of camouflage. The Naturalist will be on hand to lead these activities as well as assist with the Wisconsin Explorer Activity Book. 7-8pm. Community Campfire. The park naturalist will supply the stories, songs, and fire; you supply the s’mores. Bring a chair or blanket. Meet at the shoreline area across from the campground shelter and playground. Held in campground shelter if…

Join the park naturalist on this 1.25-mile loop on the shores of Sturgeon Bay. Along the way they'll talk about shipwrecks, native history, wildflowers and trees. Meet at the nature center.

12-2pm. Wisconsin Furbearers. Stop on by the nature center to learn more about the mammals that live in our state parks. Feel their pelts, create a mammal mask, and stay for as long or little as you like. 4-5:15pm. Guided Escarpment Hike. Join the park naturalist on this 1.25-mile loop along the Niagara Escarpment on the Hemlock and Ice Age Trail. Learn about local history, native lore and how to identify plants along the way. Meet at the nature center.…

Join the park naturalist at the Ski Hill Overlook to hike a 1.25-mile portion of the Tower Trail. Closed-toe shoes and a headlamp/flashlight are recommended. Come early to check out the sunset around 7:30pm.

2-5pm. UnNature Trail. Hike the half-mile Ancient Shoreline trail with a unique twist. Along the way will be some unnatural items that you will have to keep a look out for and check off your list. Scavenger lists will be available at the trailhead. Return your completed list to the nature center to see if you found them all. 7-8pm. Community Campfire. The park naturalist will supply the stories, songs, and fire; you supply the s’mores. Bring a blanket or…

Learn about the park’s wildlife by identifying their tracks. Discover why different animals leave different shaped tracks and then create your own story with track stamps. Held at the Park Amphitheater. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Enjoy a 1.25 mile hike highlighting the Niagara Escarpment and Sturgeon Bay’s shoreline. This hike does include some more difficult portions of the Hemlock trail. Meet at the Nature Center. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

3-4pm. Guided Shoreline Hike. Join the Park Naturalist on this short 1.25 mile loop on the shores of Sturgeon Bay. Learn about shipwrecks, native history, wildflowers, trees and more. Meet at the Potawatomi Nature Center. 7-8pm. Community Campfire. The Park Naturalist will supply the stories, songs, and fire; you supply the s’mores! Come on down for the full hour or stop by. Meet at the shoreline area across from the campground shelter and playground. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Learn more about the birds you may see while at Potawatomi. Drop in at the Nature Center. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Join the Park Naturalist at the Ski Hill Overlook to hike a portion of the Tower/Ice Age Trail. Listen and look for wildlife as we hike through the forest. Closed toe shoes and a headlamp/flashlight are recommended. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Come to feel some pelts and stay to learn some cool facts about Wisconsin’s mammals. Drop in at the Nature Center. Free. Park vehicle sticker required.

Join the Friends of Potawatomi State Park as they clean up trails, spread wood chips at the playgrounds, pick up campsites and more. Meet at the shelter by the new accessible fishing pier.

9am. Ice Age Trail Hike. Join the Lakeshore Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance for a guided hike. A shuttle will be available to transport those do not want to complete the return hike. Meet at the Old Ski Hill overlook. 1-3pm. Backyard Bird Feeders. Stop by at any time to craft your very own nature-made bird feeder. While you’re at it, learn a bit more about some of Wisconsin’s feathered friends. Meet at the Nature Center. 4-5pm. Ancient…

Discover how you can become a Wisconsin nature explorer and earn a state symbol patch. We will complete one of the activities in the nature center. Free, park vehicle sticker required.

Refreshments & a bonfire.

Clean up litter, rake leaves, paint & more. Park admission waived while volunteering. Meet at the shelter by the campground on Shoreline Road.