With five state parks, 18 county parks and countless
local parks, Door County offers recreational opportunities from shore to shore.
Go To Door County State Parks
County Parks in Door County
AHNAPEE TRAIL
This former railroad track is a multi-faceted trail linking Sturgeon Bay with Algoma and Casco. The 30-mile trail with its crushed stone surface is perfect for mountain biking, snowmobiling and hiking. It runs through open spaces, woods and small communities and follows the Ahnapee River for about a third of its course. Toilet facilities in Sturgeon Bay and Forestville.
BAILEYS HARBOR RIDGES
Adjoins the Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor. Established in 1934, this 30-acre county park is located along the Lake Michigan shoreline and includes 400 feet of sand beach and great swimming. Parking and toilet facilities.
CAVE POINT COUNTY PARK
Located within Whitefish Dunes State Park, this county park features picturesque limestone sea caves, the result of Lake Michigan's relentless pounding against the limestone bluffs. While the sea caves are the big draw, the 19-acre park also features a tranquil half-mile hiking trail and is a haven for a wide variety of birds.
CHAUDOIR'S DOCK
This five-acre park on the shore of Green Bay in Southern Door County has an excellent boat launch, protective seawall and dock. Some of the best fishing in Green Bay can be found here. Highway 57 north to Namur, left on County N to park.
DOOR BLUFF HEADLANDS
The most northerly point of the Door peninsula, this 155-acre park is preserved in its natural state. The towering bluffs offer a spectacular view of Hedgehog Harbor and Green Bay. It was at this point that Iroquois Indians from Washington Island were repelled by the mainland Indians (Potawatomi) in an ill-fated attack. Highway 42 north past Ellison Bay. Left on Door Bluff Road. No facilities.
ELLISON BLUFF PARK
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.
FORESTVILLE DAM PARK
This 79-acre park abuts the Ahnapee Trail (biking, hiking, snowmobiling) and provides access to the Ahnapee River. A popular fishing spot, the park also has picnic tables and playground equipment. Located on Highway 42, just north of Forestville. Parking and toilet facilities.
FRANK E. MURPHY PARK
This 14-acre park is located on Horseshoe Bay, just south of Egg Harbor on County B. Notable features are 1,600 feet of sand beach, boat launching facilities, dock, picnic area, volleyball court and playground area. Take County B south from Egg Harbor or Highway 42 north to County G. Parking, toilet facilities and well.
JOHN MILES PARK
Soccer fields, picnic area, playground, horse arena, restrooms, stock car races Saturday nights May through September, County Fair early August. Located at 812 N. 14th Avenue in Sturgeon Bay.
LILY BAY PARK
Boat launching ramp on Lake Michigan in the town of Sevastopol on County T.
LYLE HARTER-MATTER SANCTUARY
Forty acres of undeveloped woodland provide a sanctuary for wildlife. No parking or other facilities. It is located in Jacksonport.
MERIDIAN PARK
A 92-acre park located exactly halfway between the equator and the north pole. Picnic area, parking, toilet facilities and well. Highway 57 north past Jacksonport.
OLDE QUARRY PARK
Newly upgraded in 1996 and located just a few miles north of Sturgeon Bay on Bay Shore Drive, this park features a two-lane boat launching ramp, a great pier/dock for shoreline fishing, toilet facilities and parking area.
PERCY JOHNSON MEMORIAL PARK
Lake Michigan sand beach on Washington Island. No swimming. Picnic area, parking and restrooms.
ROBERT LASALLE PARK
Historical site named after the French explorer Robert LaSalle. This eight-acre park has a playground, picnic area and beach access on Lake Michigan. Highway 42 to County J, east to County U. Parking area and toilet facilities.
ROBERT M. CARMODY PARK
Located at 3570 County Rd CC on the west shore of Little Sturgeon Bay, this park has a 6-lane boat launch ramp, restrooms and parking. The park is open a half hour before sunrise until 11 p.m. daily. A launch fee is required.
SUGAR CREEK PARK
This 41-acre park is a popular boat launch and picnic site in Southern Door County. Highway 57 to County N in Namur. Parking and toilet facilities.
TORNADO MEMORIAL PARK
Located along Highway 57, just south of County K intersection, this wayside park serves as a memorial for the former village of Williamsonville, which was destroyed in October 1871 when a "tornado" of fire claimed 128 lives. The site is officially recognized by the Door County Historical Society. Parking area, toilet facilities and well.
Renting a Pavillion at a County or City Park in Door County
- For a county park download the application from the Door County Parks Department website or call them at 920-746-9959.
- For a city park call 920-746-2914.
PORTAGE PARK
Quiet Lake Michigan sand beach located on Lake Forest Park Rd (County TT) a
few miles north of the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Station Lighthouse.
JACKSON HARBOR RIDGES
The Ridges, a State of Wisconsin scientific area on Washington Island, is an outstanding example of beach, dune, boreal, and shore meadow. Beach for swimming and nature trail available.
Go To County Parks
Wisconsin State Parks in Door County
NEWPORT
2,400 acre wilderness area offering hiking, swimming, fishing, backpack camping, ski touring, snowshoeing. Eleven miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 30 miles of hiking trails. 475 County Hwy. NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210. (920) 854-2500.
PENINSULA
3,776 acre peninsula on Green Bay waters features: 18 hole championship golf course, hiking, bicycle trails, VITA course, camping, groomed ski trails, snowmobiling, sledding, swimming, boat/bike rentals, boat ramp, observation tower, summer theater, nature programs, and fishing. 130 year old Eagle Bluff lighthouse, safe harbor, over six miles of shoreline. PO Box 218, Fish Creek, WI 54212. (920) 868-3258. Nature Center: (920) 854-5976. Golf Course: (920) 854-5791.
POTAWATOMI
1,178 acre park with over two miles of Green Bay shoreline. Activities/amenities include: hiking, bicycle trails, camping, groomed ski touring, snowmobiling, observation tower, boat ramp, and fishing. Six miles of hiking trails, nine miles of ski trails. 3740 County PD, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. (920) 746-2890.
ROCK ISLAND
906 acre island located one mile northeast of Jackson Harbor on Washington Island. Hiking, camping, swimming, fishing. Ten miles of hiking trails, Wisconsin’s oldest lighthouse, site of Thordarson greathall and boathouse. First discovered by LaSalle in 1679. Access by Karfi passenger ferry. No vehicular traffic. (920) 847-2235.
WHITEFISH DUNES
863 acres of forest and dunes on rugged Lake Michigan shore with a mile of sand beach, two miles of rocky shore, and the highest sand dunes in Wisconsin. Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing, swimming, and fishing. 14-1/2 miles of hiking/skiing trails, one trail to Clark Lake. 1-1/2 mile of interpretive trail. 3701 Clark Lake Road, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. (920) 823-2400.
FOR WISCONSIN STATE PARK CAMPING RESERVATIONS CALL: 1-888-947-2757
Important notice for campers regarding DNR Firewood Rules