The Essence of Door County – State Parks
They are Door County. Each is unique in its own way and probably one of the primary reasons so many of you considered visiting the Door Peninsula.
There are many appealing aspects of the Peninsula from the fabulous shopping and dining opportunities to unmatched recreational pursuits. Disney World may owe its existence to Walt Disney, and the grandeur of New York City reflects the power of the American dream, but humble Door County has a purely God-given appeal. Those who visit come ultimately for one reason, to see the beauty Mother Nature can create with a slab of ice. There is no better way to explore the making of the Door Peninsula than by visiting its five state parks.
Just as it took time for glaciers to carve out this remarkable “thumb” of land, creating these individual monuments to its existence was an exercise in patience.
In 1900, Wisconsin joined neighboring Minnesota in creating Interstate State Park, located in St. Croix Falls. But the creation of one park did not herald a statewide park system. On the contrary; it would be nine more years before the Wisconsin State Legislature would create a state park system.
Eventually, Massachusetts-born landscape architect John Nolen took control of the situation and his recommendations for the formation of a state park system were favorably received and formally implemented in 1909. Peninsula State Park, an expanse of 3,776 acres, was established the same year. Door County would never be the same. Peninsula has become the county’s principle attraction, but four other parks have since followed and those fortunate to have enough time on their visit to the county should try to visit each. From the spectacular bluff and tower views at Peninsula and Potawatomi to the sand of Whitefish Dunes, and the relative isolation of Rock Island and wilderness of Newport, the parks define Door County and provide inspiration for everything you’ll find here.
Here’s an overview:
Peninsula (920-868-3258), located off Highway 42 between Ephraim and Fish Creek, celebrated its centennial year in 2009. But it’s primary appeal remains its stunning overlooks of the sparkling waters of Green Bay. It has 472 campsites, a beach, boat launches, a golf course, 20 miles of hiking and biking trails—including a rough-terrain mountain bike path — plus an extensive road system. Following one such road, starting at the park office in Fish Creek, the motorist passes a series of scenic overlooks to a must-see nature center and on to Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. Shore Road continues to Nicolet Beach and then slowly climbs a 150-foot high limestone bluff to Eagle Tower overlook and the golf course.
Rock Island State Park (920-847-2235) is the northernmost park in Door County. Day-trippers enjoy a magnificent beach, miles of inland and shore-side hiking trails and 40 reserved sites for tent campers. Biking is not allowed on the island. A magnificent boathouse and the county’s oldest lighthouse are its primary structures. Outside of private boating, access to the island is via the ferry Karfi from Washington Island.
On the mainland, a southbound traveler can next visit Newport State Park (920-854-2500) at the end of County Road NP, north of Ellison Bay. Newport’s 2,373 acres are devoted to a wilderness credo, so there’s only one mile of road for motor vehicles. The road terminates in a sand beach and picnic area from which more than 30 miles of hiking trails radiate, including some 15 miles of unpaved trails suitable for off-road bikes. There are no overnight spaces for RVs, but hardy backpackers enjoy 16 remote campsites, many on the shore of Lake Michigan.
Whitefish Dunes State Park (920-823-2400) is off County Road WD from Highway 57 south of Jacksonport. The towering sand dunes of this 863-acre park form the backdrop of one of the best-loved beaches in Door County. Naturalist programs for every age level, along with exhibits on ancient cultures, are features of the well-equipped nature center. A two-mile self-guided nature trail highlights the trees and plants native to this part of Wisconsin. Behind the ancient dunes are more than 13 miles of hiking trails to explore. This is a day-use park only, meaning there is no camping.
Potawatomi State Park (920-746-2890) has its entrance on Park Road off Highway 42-57 south of Sturgeon Bay. It is a jewel of the Green Bay shoreline in southern Door County. A 75-foot tower on a hilltop offers stunning views of the bay and Sawyer Harbor. The half-mile long Ancient Shores nature trail is a feature of the 17 miles of trails that wind through this 1,225-acre site. There is a boat ramp because this is a popular park among fishermen. Campers, too, find peaceful retreat in the 123 campsites the park provides.
Visit www.dnr.state.wi.us for information on visiting the Wisconsin State Parks. Entry stickers for the state parks are required. Annual Wisconsin resident stickers are $25; non-resident stickers are $35. Sticker fees are also available for short term visits. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources can be contacted at 608.266.2621.
