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Door County Outdoors
Door County is rich in environmental jewels - our county and state parks, our beaches, our waterways. There are many opportunities for enjoyment in the outdoors at little or now cost. Biking, kayaking, golfing, and boating are also available and there are deals to be had. Check them out below.
| Peninsula Park Golf Course | Peninsula State Park | Newport State Park | ||
| Potawatomi State Park | Rock Island State Park | Whitefish Dunes State Park | ||
| Ellison Bluff Park |
Peninsula State Park Golf Course
Submitted by Henry Godbout
The Peninsula State Park Golf Course has long been considered one of the best vacation values in Door County. The winning formula: Immaculate course conditions + spectacular views + numerous amenities = big time golf at a small price.
An 18-hole round costs $33 while nine holes runs $18, with power carts extra. At 3:00 PM the $16 twilight rate kicks in, which allows golfers to play an unlimited number of holes until closing. Peninsula is the only course in the area that includes tax in their published rates, which make them even more attractive.
A state-of-the-art irrigation system ensures fairways are always lush, and a hard-working grounds crew keeps the greens and course in great playing shape all season. The views, simply stunning, come at no additional cost. You can check out the course conditions for yourself, as several holes are located near the clubhouse.
Peninsula is one of the few courses in Door County that operates a driving range and practice facility. Prior to their rounds, golfers can putt, practice bunker shots or hone their skills with irons and woods. The driving range, which stocks practice clubs, has become a favorite with families looking for an inexpensive vacation diversion. A large bucket runs $7 and a small $5, or a value card can be purchased for $50 for 10 large buckets, a savings of $20.
A major clubhouse renovation has recently been completed. Highlights include everything from new flooring to creature-comforts like redesigned bathrooms with skylights. One of the most dramatic changes is the bank of picture windows in the newly carpeted clubhouse. Golfers waiting for a tee time or grabbing a bite from the restaurant will now have a clearer view of the course, Eagle Harbor and the Village of Ephraim.
The restaurant at the course serves a hearty breakfast and lunch menu, with oversized sandwiches, hot dogs and brats also available at the turn. Sandwich and burger prices range from $6-7 and come with a bag of chips, pickles and all the fixings. Try the hefty cheeseburger ($6.50) with grilled onions that has become, arguably, the best burger in Door County. But you don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy the fare, as the restaurant is open to the general public and a park sticker is not required.
If you forget your hat or are short a sleeve of balls, the Pro Shop in the clubhouse is well stocked with golfing necessities and a wide range of souvenirs.
Ellison Bluff Park
FREE
This 174-acre park offers one of the most breathtaking views in the county. A wooden walkway/observation deck leads safely to the edge of sheer, 100-foot limestone bluffs. For the more adventurous, an enclosed catwalk extends out over the bluff. Shady picnic area and cool breezes off the water add to the charm. Toilet facilities and parking available. Highway 42 north to Porcupine Bay Road. Left; follow signs.
Newport State Park
Annual Sticker Good at All State Parks - In-state: $25.00 / Out of state: $35.00
Daily Sticker Good at All State Parks - In-state: $7.00 / Out of state: $10.00
Newport, northeast of Ellison Bay, is Wisconsin’s only formally designated wilderness park. With 2,373 acres and 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline it offers quiet alternatives to bustling Door County.
There are evergreen and hardwood forests, wetlands, and upland meadows. The park has an interpretive center and naturalist program.
Newport offers 38.3 miles of trails, all of them open for hiking. Of these, 16.8 miles also are open to off-road bicycles. In the winter, 26.3 miles of trails are available for cross-country skiing, including, 12.5 miles groomed and tracked for classical skiing and 2 miles groomed for skate skiing, and 4.5 miles are open for snowshoeing.
Newport has 16 backpack campsites, 13 of which can be reserved. The park also offers winter backpack camping.
Peninsula State Park
Annual Sticker Good at All State Parks - In-state: $25.00 Out of state: $35.00
Daily Sticker Good at All State Parks - In-state: $7.00 Out of state: $10.00
Peninsula State Park, established in 1909, is a 3,776-acre state treasure on Wisconsin's Door County peninsula. This year is Peninsula State Park's Centennial Celebration!
Rocky bluffs ascend over 150 feet while deer graze contentedly in abandoned farm fields. The park has a rich heritage, from Potawatomis and pioneers to a girls' camp and state game farm. Considered Wisconsin's most complete park, Peninsula is also its most popular camping destination, with 468 campsites.
Recreational opportunities are boundless. Visitors can picnic, hike, bike, boat, fish, golf and swim during spring, summer and fall. Picnic shelters can be rented for group events.
Peninsula Centennial
Winter offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and snowmobiling. Camping, nature programs, and sightseeing are offered year-round.
Special attractions include the historic Eagle Bluff lighthouse, an 18-hole golf course, Horseshoe Island, an outdoor musical theater and more.
Potawatomi State Park
Annual Sticker Good at All State Parks - In-state: $25.00 / Out of state: $35.00
Daily Sticker Good at All State Parks - In-state: $7.00 / Out of state: $10.00
Potawatomi State Park on the shore of Sturgeon Bay in southern Door County, has 1,200 acres of gently rolling upland terrain bordered by steep slopes and rugged limestone cliffs. Over two miles of shoreline provide many scenic views and recreational opportunities. A 75-foot observation tower rises above the forest canopy giving a panoramic view. On a clear day, the view from the park's observation tower reaches 16 miles across Green Bay.
The park is named in honor of the tribe that inhabited Green Bay’s shores and islands when Europeans first settled the area. The tribe called themselves “Bo-De-Wad-Me” which means “keeper of the fire.” Eventually the spelling and pronunciation were changed to “Potawatomi.”
There's plenty to do at the park. You can camp, fish, picnic, bike, ski, boat, hike the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, and more.
Rock Island State Park
Annual Sticker Good at All State Parks - In-state: $25.00 / Out of state: $35.00
Daily Sticker Good at All State Parks - In-state: $7.00 / Out of state: $10.00
Take the ferry (Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day) to this primitive island off the tip of the Door County peninsula in Lake Michigan. Stone buildings, built by a wealthy inventor who owned the island between 1910 and 1945, house exhibits.
Cars and even bikes are not allowed on the 912-acre island, making for an experience unlike any other Wisconsin state park. There are 10 miles of hiking trails, including a one-mile interpretive trail, a naturalist program, and 5,000 feet of beach.
Rock Island has 40 campsites, all of which are reservable. Pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings are provided; there is drinking water near the dock and boathouse. Firewood is for sale at $5.50 a rick. There are no carts or equipment for hauling camper supplies and equipment.
Take Wisconsin Highway 42 to its end at Northport, the tip of the Door County peninsula. Take the Washington Island Ferry [exit DNR] to Washington Island. The ferry carries people, vehicles, bicycles, and freight. Take County Highway W to the opposite end of Washington Island. Leave your vehicle or bike there and take the passengers-only Rock Island Ferry to Rock Island. There are fees for both ferries.
Visitors may take their boats to Rock Island, but caution is urged since Lake Michigan and Green Bay can be hazardous due to reefs and storms. There is a nightly fee of $1 per foot of boat length for all boats mooring overnight at Rock Island.
Whitefish Dunes State Park
Annual Sticker Good at All State Parks - In-state: $25.00 / Out of state: $35.00
Daily Sticker Good at All State Parks - In-state: $7.00 / Out of state: $10.00
Whitefish Dunes State Park, established in 1967, is an 865-acre day use park on Wisconsin’s Door County Peninsula. Set aside to protect the fragile dune environment, Whitefish Dunes has more visitors than any other day use park in Wisconsin.
Enjoy strolling along Lake Michigan, watching waterfowl at Clark Lake, using the boardwalk to discover the wetlands or relaxing on one of the many trails throughout the forested sand dunes and beech forest. Trails are open year round and 8 miles are groomed for skiing in winter.
* Whitefish Dunes Park Map. Throughout the seasons, there are activities and trails for everyone. Find summer and winter trails and viewing spots such as Old Baldy, Clark Lake and Whitefish Creek. Get a bird’s eye view of the park.
* History. Learn about the geologic, dune creation, people of the dunes, early settlers, and park history.
* Naturalist Programs and Nature Trails. Discover the nature center, reconstructed village site, naturalist lead hikes and programs, and nature trails.
* Wildlife. Explore the flora and fauna that call Whitefish Dunes home. Learn about the special plants and animals that live only on the dunes. Discover the best wildlife watching locations.
* Park Information. Accessible facilities, picnicking.
* Park Policies. Rules and tips to protect you, other people, pets, and the environment. Information about hours and fees.
* Friends Group. Support the park by joining the Friends group. Learn more about the specialty shirts and bookstore in the Nature Center.
* Seasons Of Whitefish Dunes. Take a visual tour of the four seasons at the park. Enjoy award-winning photographs.
* Area Information. Door County is full of family fun activities, quiet relaxing spots and educational opportunities, including four other state parks. Find out about these and other activities you can enjoy within the county.
If you have any suggestions for great deal in Door County drop us an email!