State & Local Parks

With five state parks, 18 county parks and countless local parks, Door County offers recreational opportunities from shore to shore.

County Parks in Door County

AHNAPEE TRAIL
This former railroad thoroughfare is a multi-faceted trail, linking Sturgeon Bay with Algoma and Casco. Sporting a crushed stone surface, the 30-mile trail is perfect for mountain biking, snowmobiling and hiking. It runs through open spaces, woods and small communities, and it follows the Ahnapee River for about ten miles. Toilet facilities are available in Sturgeon Bay and Forestville.

BAILEYS HARBOR RIDGES
Established in 1934, this 30-acre park is located along the Lake Michigan shoreline and includes 400 feet of sand beach and great swimming. The park also adjoins the Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor. Parking and toilet facilities are available.

CAVE POINT COUNTY PARK
Located within Whitefish Dunes State Park, this county park features picturesque 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. Take Highway 57 north to Namur; then make a left on County N and head to the park.

DOOR BLUFF HEADLANDS
The most northerly point of the 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 here that the mainland Potawatomi Indians repelled the Iroquois Indians from Washington Island in an ill-fated attack. Take Highway 42 north, past Ellison Bay. Make a left on Door Bluff Road and head to the park. There are no facilities available.

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 park’s charm. Toilet facilities and parking are available. Take Highway 42 north; then make a left on Porcupine Bay Road. Follow the signs to the park.

FORESTVILLE DAM PARK
This popular park abuts the Ahnapee Trail (biking, hiking, snowmobiling) and provides access to the Ahnapee River. A fishing hot spot, the 79-acre park also has picnic tables and playground equipment. Located on Highway 42, just north of Forestville. Parking and toilet facilities are available.

FRANK E. MURPHY PARK
This 14-acre park is located on Horseshoe Bay, just south of Egg Harbor on County B. Notable features include 1,600 feet of sandy beach, boat launching facilities, a dock, picnic area, volleyball court and playground area. Take County B south from Egg Harbor—or Highway 42 north from Carlsville—to County G. Parking, toilet facilities and a well are available.

JOHN MILES PARK
This park is the proud host of the annual Door County Fair in early August. It features soccer fields, a picnic area, playground, horse arena, and stock car races on Saturday nights, May through September. Parking and restrooms are available. The address is 812 N. 14th Avenue in Sturgeon Bay.

LILY BAY PARK
Set in the town of Sevastopol on Lake Michigan, Lily Bay Park features a boat launching ramp and easy water access. You’ll find it located on County T.

LYLE HARTER-MATTER SANCTUARY
Located in Jacksonport, these 40 acres of undeveloped woodland provide a sanctuary for wildlife. No parking or other facilities are available.

MERIDIAN PARK
This 92-acre park has an interesting claim to fame: it is located exactly halfway between the equator and the North Pole. A picnic area, parking, toilet facilities and well are available. Take Highway 57 north, past Jacksonport.

OLDE QUARRY PARK
Renovated in 1996, this park features a two-lane boat launching ramp and a great pier for shoreline fishing. It is located just a few miles north of Sturgeon Bay on Bay Shore Drive. Parking and toilet facilities are available.

PERCY JOHNSON MEMORIAL PARK
A sandy Lake Michigan beach provides a beautiful setting for lunch in our picnic facilities. Located on Washington Island, there is no swimming permitted at this park. Parking and restrooms are available.

ROBERT LASALLE PARK
An historical site named after French explorer Robert LaSalle, this eight-acre park has a playground, picnic area and beach access on Lake Michigan. Take Highway 42 to County J; then head east to County U. Parking and toilet facilities are available.

ROBERT M. CARMODY PARK
This park is open a half-hour before sunrise until 11 p.m. daily. You’ll also find a six-lane boat launch ramp; launch fee is required. Restrooms and parking are available. Located at 3570 County Rd CC, on the west shore of Little Sturgeon Bay.

SUGAR CREEK PARK
This 41-acre park is a popular boat launch and picnic site in Southern Door County. Parking and toilet facilities are available. Take Highway 57 to County N in Namur.

TORNADO MEMORIAL PARK
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. This site is officially recognized by the Door County Historical Society. It’s located along Highway 57, just south of the County K intersection. Parking, toilet facilities and a well are available.

Want to Rent a Pavillion at a County or City Park in Door County?

• For county park rentals, download the application from the Door County Parks Department Website or call 920-746-9959.
• For city park rentals, call 920-746-2914.

PORTAGE PARK
You’ll find this quiet Lake Michigan sandy beach on Lake Forest Park Road (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. A swimming beach and nature trail are available.

Wisconsin State Parks in Door County

NEWPORT STATE PARK
2,400 acres of wilderness await, offering hiking, swimming, fishing, backpack camping, ski touring and snowshoeing. This park features 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and 30 miles of hiking trails. The address is 475 County NP in Ellison Bay. Call 920-854-2500 for details.

PENINSULA STATE PARK
The biggest of the Door County state parks, it features 3,776 acres on Green Bay. You’ll find an 18-hole championship golf course, hiking, bicycle trails, VITA course, camping, groomed ski trails, snowmobiling, sledding, swimming, boat and bike rentals, boat ramp, observation tower, summer theater, nature programs and fishing. Want more? There’s also the 130-year old Eagle Bluff lighthouse, over six miles of shoreline and a safe harbor. For more information, call 920-868-3258. For the Nature Center, call 920-854-5976. For the golf course, call 920-854-5791.

POTAWATOMI STATE PARK
This 1,178-acre park features more than two miles of Green Bay shoreline. Activities/amenities include biking trails, six miles of hiking trails, camping, nine miles of groomed ski trails, snowmobiling, observation tower, boat ramp and fishing. The park is located at 3740 County PD in Sturgeon Bay. For more information, call 920-746-2890.

ROCK ISLAND STATE PARK
906 acres of beauty make up this park, located one mile northeast of Jackson Harbor on Washington Island. You’ll find camping, swimming, fishing and ten miles of hiking trails. Visitors also enjoy Wisconsin’s oldest lighthouse as well as Thordarson great hall and boathouse. Gain access to the island by Karfi passenger ferry; no vehicular traffic permitted. Call 920-847-2235 for more information.

WHITEFISH DUNES STATE PARK
You’ll find 863 acres of forest and dunes on the rugged Lake Michigan shore, including a mile of sandy beach, two miles of rocky shore and the highest sand dunes in Wisconsin. Visitors enjoy swimming, snowshoeing, fishing. 14 1/2 miles of hiking/skiing trails, one trail to Clark Lake and 1 1/2 miles of interpretive trail. The address is 3701 Clark Lake Road in Sturgeon Bay. Call 920-823-2400 for more information.