Rowleys Bay:
Ecological Wonder on
Door County’s Northern Lakeside
Explore Stunning Natural Beauty in Rowleys Bay
Rowleys Bay sits on the edge of the Mink River Estuary, one of Wisconsin’s most diverse and important wildlife habitats. This makes Rowleys Bay a phenomenal location for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and birding, which may be why Fodor’s named it one of the “500 places to see before they disappear” in 2009.
You’ll find miles of trails, few distractions, and no crowds in this northern lakeside hamlet named for Peter Rowley who settled here in 1835, nearly 150 years after French missionaries first visited in the late 1600s. Learn more at DoorCountyNorth.net.
Rowleys Bay Restaurants
Rowleys Bay Resort is famous for its fish boil, where the story is a big part of the show. Get an in-depth introduction to fish boils here. You can also enjoy a cozy pub and great pastries from Grandma’s Swedish Bakery.
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Rowleys Bay Lodging
In addition to quiet vacation home options, you’ll find a campground, cabins, and Rowleys Bay Resort, located at the mouth of the Mink River Estuary.
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Things to Do in Rowleys Bay
Rowleys Bay is an ideal place to base your ecological adventure. Take a kayak or canoe up the Mink River and watch for birds, rare plants, and other wildlife. Hike miles of trails, find a perch to write or read in absolute solitude, or join the crowds for an authentic Door County fish boil.
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Rowleys Bay Insider
Fish Boil for Home Chefs
Keep potatoes whole but cut a small slice from each end. This will add flavor to the potato during the cooking process. Bring the water...
4 Must-Dos in Rowleys Bay
Did you know?
Careful local conservation has helped keep the Mink Water Estuary in much the same condition it was when it was inhabited by the Potawatomi Indians more than a century ago.
1. Paddle. The Mink River Estuary is one of the most important fresh-water estuaries in the world, and a beautiful place to paddle when the bugs aren’t out.
2. Put your eyes to the sky. The rich habitat of the bay and surrounding woodlands draws hosts of migrating birds.
3. Get up in the trees with a zipline tour. Ziplines are a thrilling way to get a new perspective on the woods or a town, and the views can't be beat.
4. Whether you’re boating or fishing, there’s nothing quite like seeing Door County from the water.
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