5 Door County State Parks to Love: A Complete Guide
- Updated: 04/15/2024
- Janice
We recently took our first weekend trip to Door County, Wisconsin, an easy driving destination from our hometown of Chicago. To plan the visit, I read a guidebook, and I got advice from local friends who live full-time or summer on the peninsula. It quickly became clear what the main highlights of a visit were—the state parks. For an outdoor lover like me, having these parks take center stage on my family’s Wisconsin weekend itinerary was a no-brainer.
Table Of Contents
For more about our visit to Door County check out “Need A Door County, WI Weekend Itinerary? Try Ours.”
About Door County
On a picturesque peninsula along the eastern edge of Wisconsin, Door County wins over travelers with its blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. Situated between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, this destination boasts over 300 miles of shoreline dotted with historic lighthouses, sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and scenic bluffs. Additionally, visitors flock here to visit Door County’s many state and county parks—ideal for hiking, biking, camping, and bird-watching.
See where to find Door Couty—Wisconsin’s skinny left thumb, below.
The Five State Parks: What You Need to Know
Door County has five state parks and nineteen county parks. These outdoor spaces are perfect for hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, boating, and more.
See the map and list of the parks below.
I share detail for each of the five state parks, including fast facts and links to help you plan your visit, in the sections that follow.
How to use this map: In the map header, click the square tab to the left of my logo or click the enlarge frame to the right to view detail. You can save the map to “Your Places” on Google Maps by clicking the star next to the map name. Or you can share it by clicking the share icon.
Newport State Park
Newport State Park is a 2,400-acre wilderness area found on Door County’s northeastern edge bordering pretty Newport Bay along Lake Michigan. It is a former logging village reclaimed by nature.
Go there for hiking, biking, picnicking, swimming, camping, and dark sky night viewing—potentially even catching the Aurora Borealis on a lucky night. And in the winter, the hardiest (and most warmly-dressed) visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Explore the park’s 11-miles of shoreline with fewer crowds and quieter trails than some western bayside parks.
Newport State Park Quick Facts:
Here are some quick facts and links to help you plan your visit.
- Location: 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
- Size: 2,400 acres
- Park Hours: Year-round 6A-11P. Office hours vary by season.
- Admission: Purchase a vehicle sticker at the office, online, or self-pay-station when the office is closed. View State Park fees here.
- Bathrooms: Flush toilets at the park office (if open). Vault toilet near parking lot 3.
- Hiking: 26-miles of hiking across 12 trails. View hiking map here.
- Biking: 14-miles of mostly level off-road dirt bike trails best suited for hybrid or off-road bikes. View bike trails here.
- Swimming: Available on Newport’s sand beach. No lifeguards.
- Boating: There is no boat launch at the park. Strong west winds on Lake Michigan can make boating perilous. Use caution.
- Winter: 26-miles of cross-country ski trails and 5-miles of snowshoeing trails. View the winter map here.
- Camping: 17 sites reservable year-round and up to 11-months in advance here. All sites are hike-in, located 1 to 2.5 mi from parking lots, and have a pit toilet.
- Dogs: Dogs kept under control and on a leash are permitted. View Wisconsin State Park pet rules here.
- For More Info: Newport State Park Wisconsin DNR website, or the FriendsOfNewport.org website.
Wonder what Newport State Park looks like? Check out our YouTube video below. Or read about our visit here.
Peninsula State Park
Peninsula State Park is Door County’s state park gem. And with approximately one million visitors annually, it is the most popular. The park is also Door County’s largest, with 3,700-acres, of which three-quarters are undeveloped. While at Peninsula State Park, enjoy the view along 8-miles of western shoreline facing Green Bay. You can visit a lighthouse, an island, and hike trails with 150+ foot high bluffs along the Niagara Escarpment.
Go to the park for hiking, biking, boating, fishing, picnicking, swimming, camping, and even golfing. Or go for the entertainment in nature. View a Northern Sky Theater production June through September in the park’s outdoor amphitheater surrounded by trees.
In the winter, the park offers cold-loving visitors several outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
Peninsula State Park Quick Facts:
Here are some quick facts and links to help you plan your visit.
- Location: 9462 Shore Road, Fish Creek, WI, 54212
- Size: 3,776 acres
- Park Hours: Year-round 6A-11P. Office hours vary by season.
- Admission: Purchase a vehicle sticker at the office, online, or self-pay-station when the office is closed. View State Park fees here.
- Bathrooms: View the map of the park with locations of all flush and vault toilets here. Or view a list of picnic areas and toilets here.
- Hiking: 20-miles of hiking across ten trails. View hiking map here.
- Biking: 20+ miles of gravel and off-road bike trails. View bike trails here.
- Swimming: Available at Nicolet Bay’s sand beach. No lifeguards.
- Boating: Rent kayaks and other watercraft at Nicolet Beach. Find a boat launch at Nicolet Bay.
- Winter: 16-miles of cross-country ski trails and 6-miles of snowshoeing trails. View the winter map here. Sledding/tubing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling are also available.
- Camping: 460+ sites reservable up to 11-months in advance here. A handful of sites are plowed for winter camping.
- Dogs: Dogs kept under control and on a leash are allowed in the park. View Wisconsin state park pet rules here.
- For More Info: Peninsula State Park Wisconsin DNR website, or the Friends of Peninsula State Park website.
Wonder what Peninsula State Park looks like? Check out our YouTube video below. Or read about our visit here.
Potawatomi State Park
Considered the gateway to Door County, Potawatomi State Park, is the furthest south. Found on the southern shore of Sturgeon Bay, just over a ten-minute drive west from the center of the town of Sturgeon Bay. For years the park had been a federal quarry supplying stone for breakwaters and harbors throughout Lake Michigan. And before it was a quarry, it was the home of the Bo-De-Wad-Me Native American tribe, known today as the Potawatomi.
Visit the park for its sweeping views from a former ski hill along the park’s 2.5-miles of shoreline. Or enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking. While there, walk down geologic history by stepping on the eastern terminus of the 1,000-mile Ice Age Trail which starts in the park. The park is a popular camping spot as well.
Potawatomi State Park Quick Facts:
Here are some quick facts and links to help you plan your visit.
- Location: 3740 Park Drive, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235
- Size: 1,225 acres
- Park Hours: Year-round 6A-11P. Office hours vary by season.
- Admission: Purchase a vehicle sticker at the office, online, or self-pay-station when the office is closed. View State Park fees here.
- Bathrooms: View the map of the park with locations of toilets here.
- Hiking: Nearly 10-miles of hiking across four trails. View hiking map here.
- Biking: 8-miles of off-road bike trails, plus biking along park roads. View bike trails here.
- Swimming: There is no swimming beach here due to its rocky shoreline.
- Boating: Rent kayaks and other watercraft from the park concession store (open May – October). Find a boat launch at Sawyer Harbor.
- Winter: 8.5-miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and 2.5-miles of snowshoeing trails. View the winter map here. Snowmobiling and ice fishing are also possible.
- Camping: 123+ sites reservable up to 11-months in advance here.
- Dogs: Dogs kept under control and on a leash are allowed in the park. View Wisconsin state park pet rules here.
- For More Info: Potawatomi State Park Wisconsin DNR website. Read an interesting history about the park here.
Wonder what Potawatomi State Park looks like? Check out the YouTube video below.
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Rock Island State Park
This island park might not make it in a quick weekend itinerary as it takes more time and effort to reach. However, for those who can carve out time to go—you will not be disappointed. Come to this park at Door County’s northernmost point for the views, to see the lighthouse, to overnight at its rustic campsites, and hike the 6-mile Thordarson Loop, which rings the island.
While on this vehicle-free retreat, take time to explore the stone buildings built by a wealthy inventor whose family owned the island for over 50-years until 1964. And for those who get lucky enough to snag a campsite and stay overnight —enjoy truly special night sky views. The island is accessible via boat or a passenger ferry from Memorial Day through mid-October.
Rock Island State Park Quick Facts:
Here are some quick facts and links to help you plan your visit.
- Location: 1924 Indian Point Rd., Washington, WI, 54246
- Size: 912 acres
- Park Hours: The passenger-only ferry runs and park buildings are open only from Memorial Day to the second week in October. Office hours vary by season.
- Getting There: Two ferry rides are required to get to Rock Island. The Washington Island Ferry from Door County to Washington Island. And then the Rock Island Ferry (passenger-only) from Washington Island to Rock Island. No vehicles or bikes are allowed on the Rock Island ferry.
- Admission: Visitors pay fees to take the ferries to the island. And boat owners visiting the island must pay a nightly mooring fee. There is no additional visitor fee upon arrival.
- Supplies: There are no concessions at this park. Drinking water is available at the dock, though no other services. Visitors must bring all supplies and equipment in and out.
- Bathrooms: View the map of the park with locations of all pit toilets here.
- Hiking: 10-miles of hiking across four trails. View hiking map here.
- Biking: There is no biking in this park.
- Swimming: Available from the island’s sand beaches and cobbled shores.
- Boating: Boats pay a nightly fee to moor at Rock Island. Space is limited and cannot be reserved. Kayaking and canoeing around the island are popular, though caution is needed due to rapidly changing conditions and frigid early season water temperatures. If space is available, the ferry will transport canoes and kayaks for a fee – per the captain’s discretion.
- Winter: The ferry does not run in the winter. And the lake and ice conditions make travel to the island treacherous. Winter visits are not recommended.
- Camping: 40 primitive walk-up tent sites reservable up to 11-months in advance here.
- Dogs: Dogs kept under control and on a leash are allowed in the park. View Wisconsin state park pet rules here.
- For More Info: Rock Island State Park Wisconsin DNR website.
Wonder what Rock Island State Park looks like? Check out the YouTube video below.
Whitefish Dunes State Park
Come to Whitefish Dunes State Park for the 1.5-mile long award-winning sandy beach. Find this park on the east side of the peninsula, about a 20-minute drive north of Sturgeon Bay. At this day-use only park you can swim, snorkel, kayak, though you can not camp. Or, take a break and hit the trails.
Hike to the top of Old Baldy—the highest dune in Wisconsin at 93 feet. Or, great for kids, learn about the park’s plants and animals by walking the 1.5-mile Brachiopod Interpretative Trail loop while sneaking in some beautiful views.
The kids will also enjoy visiting the interpretative exhibits at the park’s Nature Center. And while there, find the recreated village sites behind the center. Learn about the different native peoples who lived in the area for over 3,000 years.
Whitefish Dunes State Park Quick Facts:
Here are some quick facts and links to help you plan your visit.
- Location: 3275 Clarks Lake Rd., Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235
- Size: 865 acres
- Park Hours: 6A-8P year-round. The main gate opens at 8A.
- Admission: Purchase a vehicle sticker at the office, online, or self-pay-station when the office is closed. View State Park fees here.
- Bathrooms: View the map of the park with locations of park office and vault toilets here.
- Hiking: 14.5-miles of hiking across eight trails. View hiking map here.
- Biking: Biking is allowed on designated bike trails only. No biking on hiking trails, on the beach, or dunes. View map showing bike trails here.
- Swimming: Available in Lake Michigan. No lifeguards are present. Beware of the risk of dangerous rip currents, especially when large waves are present.
- Boating: The park does not have a boat launch. Windy conditions can make navigation risky. Pay attention to changing weather.
- Winter: 8+miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and 2.5-miles of snowshoeing trails. View the winter map here.
- Camping: No camping.
- Dogs: Dogs kept under control and on a leash are allowed in the park. Though, pet access to the entire beach area is restricted from April 1 to November 1. View Whitefish Dunes pet beach rules here. View state park pet rules here.
- For More Info: Whitefish Dunes State Park Wisconsin DNR website.
Wonder what Whitefish Dunes State Park looks like? Check out the YouTube video below.
County Parks
In addition to the five outstanding state parks, Door County boasts 19 county parks. Some like Cave Point County Park, which we visited on the last day of our trip, are stunning. Others that should make their way on your must-visit list include Bailey’s Harbor Ridges for bird-watching. Or Cana Island Lighthouse to climb the 102-steps for the incredible view. View the whole list of county parks with links to individual park information here.
Related Reading
If you are traveling to Door County, or going on a Midwest road trip, check out these related articles to help you get the information you need to plan your best trip.
Or take a look at my “Wisconsin: The Best Books to Read Before a Trip” booklist below to get a pre-trip reading list, including my preferred guidebook, Moon’s Wisconsin’s Door County.
Additional Trip Planning Resources
To further help you with travel planning, I share my go-to resources for every trip below.
Google Flights. My first research stop for affordable flights for every trip. Learn why here.
Google Hotels. Use its “Where to stay” button to discover the best neighborhoods to base your visit.
Booking.com. For hotel and rental bookings, I appreciate its flexible cancellation, candid user reviews, discounts, loyalty program, and easy-to-use interface.
Viator, Get Your Guide, & Airbnb Experiences. Quickly find and book highly-rated tours and activities on these sites.
Google Travel Things to Do & Google Maps. Find more things to do in your destination on Google Travel, then record where you want to visit on a custom Google Maps list.
AllTrails. Love to hike? Me too. I religiously use AllTrails to discover hiking and biking trails and download its offline maps to manage my hikes.
Guide Along. 5-star self-guided audio tours that are GPS-compatible for US road trips and national parks. We loved the Glacier National Park tour.
Insure My Trip. I never travel internationally without trip insurance. Learn why here. My preferred place to shop and compare policies is InsureMyTrip.com.
Plus, check out the 15 travel apps I use on trips, my preferred guidebooks, and my free customizable travel itinerary template, downloadable in four file formats.
About the author: Janice Moskoff is a travel writer and blogger who loves hiking, exploring the world, and reading. She writes to inspire travel-loving families, adult friends, and couples on her blog, Gather and Go Travel. Check out her bio, learn how she became a blogger, and discover how to work with her. Sign up for her monthly Discovery Newsletter to get her latest travel recommendations and how-to’s.
Love to travel? Sign up for my monthly Gather & Go Travel Discovery Newsletter and get a free trip budget calculator.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use. And the income goes to keeping the site community-supported and ads minimal.
Welcome to Gather and Go Travel, a blog inspiring families, adult friends, and couples to explore US and international destinations and to get outdoors. I am Janice, an experienced traveler to over 50 countries and a travel writer, book lover, and blogger. Learn more about me, read our story, and how to work with me.
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