Door County Trail Initiative
The Vision
The Door County Trail Initiative exists to create a well-connected and thoughtfully designed trail system that provides easy access to businesses, safe routes to school, and a memorable visitor destination. We are a nonprofit group of volunteers that promote and support trail development efforts throughout Door County, Wisconsin.
The Trail Initiative identifies potential trail sites, funding opportunities, and facilitates partnerships to develop trails and connectivity up and down the peninsula — serving as an umbrella organization for trail efforts throughout the county.
Benefits of a Trail System
A connected trail network delivers measurable value across our communities, economy, and environment.
Economic
- Increased property values
- Local job creation
- Easier access to businesses
- Transportation for employees
Health
- Safe routes to school & work
- Reduced obesity & chronic disease
- Improved mental wellbeing
- Long-term healthcare savings
Environmental
- Carbon sequestration
- Wildlife habitat preservation
- Natural air filtration
- Less traffic congestion
Tourism
- Outdoor recreation fuels $524.8B in annual U.S. trip spending
- Cyclists shop and return to local businesses more often
- Attracts eco-conscious travelers year-round
Active Trail Initiatives
Many initiatives are already in motion. Explore the projects moving Door County’s trail network forward.
Multi-Modal Trails
Countywide planning for shared-use trails that accommodate walkers, runners, cyclists, and adaptive users — creating safe, linked corridors between communities.
Egg Harbor Trails Project
The Village of Egg Harbor is planning and building new trail infrastructure to connect neighborhoods, schools, and the downtown business district.
Bayshore Trails
A regional effort to stitch together a continuous bayshore route along the western edge of the peninsula — share feedback through the community input survey.
Green Fund Trails Collaboration
In 2022, the Door County Green Fund — a fund of the Door County Community Foundation — convened an ad-hoc group of government officials, environmental organizations, and trail enthusiasts to foster better communication toward a seamless trail network connecting the entire county.
Grants & Funding Resources
Explore local, state, and federal funding programs supporting trail development and active-transportation projects.
Local & State Resources
- Wisconsin Congressional Spending Request Form
- Knowles-Nelson Program Benefits Report (Wisconsin Bike Fed)
- Wisconsin DOT Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
- Wisconsin DNR Land and Water Conservation Fund Program
- Wisconsin DOT Federal Discretionary Grant Opportunities
- Wisconsin DOT Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality Program
- Wisconsin DOT Transportation Alternatives Program
- Office of Rural Prosperity — Green Tier Legacy Communities
- Office of Rural Prosperity — Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
- Office of Rural Prosperity — Recreational Trails Program
- Wisconsin DOT Summary Guide to Federal Discretionary Grants
- Bay Lake Funding Opportunities
- Coastal Management Grants
- Bike & Ped Funding Opportunities
- Rails to Trails — Multi-use Trail Funding
Federal Resources
- U.S. DOT Bicycle & Pedestrian Program Funding
- Congressionally Directed Spending Requests
- U.S. DOT Bike & Ped Funding: Addressing Misconceptions
- Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE)
- RAISE Application Guidance (2024)
- U.S. DOT Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Technical Assistance
- U.S. DOT Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding Opportunities
- U.S. DOT Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Competitive Grant Programs
- U.S. DOT Rural Grant Application Toolkit
- U.S. DOT Navigator
- U.S. DOT Discretionary Grants Dashboard
- U.S. DOT ROUTES Initiative
- U.S. DOT Pedestrian & Bicycle Funding Opportunities
- Grants.gov
Support the Trail Initiative
Every contribution helps fund trail planning, safe crossings, and the volunteer work that keeps Door County’s trail network growing.
Meet the Board
The volunteer members who steer the Door County Trail Initiative.
- Duska Pearson
- Bryon Shea
- Susan Stauber
- Tim Pflieger
- Tim Kazmierczak
- Craig Charles
- Erick Schrier
- Samantha Herheim
- Dick Untch
- Shannon Moore
- Myles Dannhausen Jr.
In Partnership With
This work is made possible through the generous collaboration of public agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations across the peninsula.
- Egg Harbor Trails Initiative
- Door County Green Fund
- Bayshore Trail
- Wisconsin Bike Fed
- Community Design Lab
- Door County Land Trust
- Door County Medical Center
- Door County Facilities & Parks
- Horseshoe Bay Farms
- National Park Service (RTCA)
- Village of Egg Harbor
- Village of Sister Bay
- Town of Egg Harbor
- Town of Gibraltar
Discover Door County
Trip Planner
Explore local businesses, activities, and events and add them to your custom trip itinerary.
Door County Events
Find Door County events for every kind of trip, including festivals, performances, art shows, live music, and kids’ events.
Business Directory
Check out our comprehensive business directory to find great spots for dining, shopping, playing, and exploring.