State Parks
Few places on the Door Peninsula are as treasured, visited or admired as are its five state parks.
Rock Island State Park (920-847-2235) is the northernmost of a prized network of five state parks in Door County. Day-trippers enjoy a magnificent beach, miles of inland and shoreside hiking trails and there are 40 sites reserved for tent campers. Biking is not allowed on the island. A magnificent boathouse and the county’s oldest lighthouse are its primary structures.
On the mainland, a southbound traveler next can 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 radiate more than 30 miles of hiking trails, 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.
Peninsula State Park (920-868-3258), off Highway 42 between Ephraim and Fish Creek, overlooks the sparkling waters of Green Bay. Its 3,776 acres encompass 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 (photo - top center).
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 of hiking trails to explore. This is a day-use park only, meaning there is no camping (photo - top left).
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.
All Wisconsin state parks have vehicle admission and camping fees. For camping information, fees and reservations visit www.dnr.state.wi.us.
