Ellison Bay, Wisconsin
A Haven for Artists, Nature Lovers, & Explorers
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Art & Nature Collide in Ellison Bay
For decades the tiny village of Ellison Bay, which is in the town of Liberty Grove, has attracted artists, writers, and dreamers whose influence you’ll witness strolling Main Street today. Quirky public art, galleries where the artist answers the door, and eclectic shops showcasing foreign culture all call Ellison Bay home.
This hamlet is also home to craft cocktails and classic diners, revered storekeepers, old-school supper clubs, and some of the most stunning views in the county.
Restaurants in Ellison Bay
Ellison Bay is a tiny town with a stunningly diverse restaurant scene. Find a hearty diner-style breakfast, a veteran fish boil master, hip upscale dining, and old-school supper-club fare. You can even hone your skills at a cooking school here.
Ellison Bay Lodging
Lodging in Ellison Bay includes charming old hotels on the water, beautiful rental homes on the bluff or on the water, roadside inns, and wooded cottages. Ellison Bay is the destination for those who want to get away from it all, yet still be a short, beautiful drive from the action.
Ellison Bay Favorites
Things to Do in Ellison Bay
Take a class on the beautiful grounds of The Clearing Folk School, Jens Jensen’s folk school north of town. Shop for unique gifts and art in Ellison Bay’s galleries, take a class at the cooking school, or simply explore two county parks that offer some of the most awe-inspiring, secluded vistas in the county.
Take a Deeper Dive into Ellison Bay
5 Must-Dos in Ellison Bay
1. Ellison Bluff Overlook
This overlook in Ellison Bluff County Park will awe you as you embark to the edge of the Niagara Escarpment for a view from hundreds of feet above the water.
2. Meet the dreamers
The famed writer Norb Blei escaped to Ellison Bay from Chicago in 1972 and found no shortage of like-minded creatives to call neighbors. Blei is gone, but the creative juices remain strong among the potters, painters, clothiers, writers, and collectors of Ellison Bay.
3. Find a story
Pull up a stool, catch a boil over, or hang in a shop for more than a few minutes in Ellison Bay and you’re likely to catch a taste of local lore and flavor.
4. Take a beach to yourself
The beaches of the northern tip of Door County don’t get the publicity that others do, but that may just be why they’re so great. Sand Bay, Europe Bay, and Europe Lake are all favorite getaways for locals avoiding the crowds.
5. Hit up Newport State Park
Hike in Wisconsin’s only designated wilderness park and enjoy the solitude, backcountry campsites, forested trails, stunning water views, and sand dunes.
Ellison Bay Annual Events
February
Ellison Bay Groundhog Day Parade
Ellison Bay’s Annual Groundhog Day Parade is the social event of the season in Door County. Held each year on February 2nd at 4pm downtown.
May
Ellison Bay Spring Arts Crawl
Local artists and art schools show off their creations at the Ellison Bay Spring Art Crawl, including paintings, sculptures and pottery, furniture, and clothing.
June
Uncork Summer
The annual beer, wine, and music festival at the Wickman House kicks off the summer season in northern Door County with local eats and drinks.
July
Antique Tractor Show and Arts and Crafts Fair
A tractor parade, hayrides, art shows, folk and bluegrass music, and local cuisine are on tap at the Antique Tractor Show and Arts and Crafts Fair that takes place in July
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