Park It: Door County's Parks

Door County is packed with lovingly preserved county, state, and community parks just begging to be explored year-round. This slender peninsula and its surrounding islands are home to five sprawling state parks, 21 county parks, dozens of local parks, and even four dog parks. Wherever you go, whichever park calls to you, you’re sure to find a cure for your wanderlust up here.

STATE PARKS

Newport State Park
Prime wilderness awaits you. It is perfect for hiking, swimming, fishing, backpack camping, stargazing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The 2,400-acre park features 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and 30 miles of hiking trails.

Peninsula State Park
The area’s largest state park features 3,776 acres along the bay. Enjoy an 18-hole Peninsula State Park championship golf course, hiking and bicycle trails, a fitness course, camping, groomed ski trails, snowmobiling, sledding, swimming, and fishing. Tour Eagle Bluff Lighthouse or the White Cedar Nature Center, climb Eagle Tower, spend the afternoon at Nicolet Beach, then attend an evening performance at the Northern Sky Theater amphitheater.

Potawatomi State Park
This 1,178-acre park features more than two miles of Green Bay shoreline. Located in southern Sturgeon Bay, the park offers a variety of biking trails, six miles of hiking trails, camping, groomed ski trails, snowmobiling trails, a boat ramp, and fishing hot spots.

Rock Island State Park
This 906-acre island park, located one mile northeast of Jackson Harbor on Washington Island, offers several activities, including hiking, camping, swimming, and fishing. Visitors can enjoy 10 miles of hiking trails, the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, and an Icelandic-style great hall and boathouse. The park is open daily; however, the Rock Island Ferry from Washington Island only travels Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day.

Whitefish Dunes State Park
Whitefish Dunes State Park offers 867 acres on the rugged Lake Michigan shoreline, with a mile of sand beach and the highest sand dunes in the state of Wisconsin. Visitors here enjoy swimming, snowshoeing, fishing, and hiking on more than 14 miles of trails, which include a route to Clark Lake and an interpretive trail.

COUNTY PARKS

Ahnapee Trail
This former railroad thoroughfare is a multifaceted trail linking Sturgeon Bay with Algoma, Casco, Luxemburg, and Kewaunee. Sporting a crushed-stone surface, the 40-plus-mile trail is perfect for mountain biking, snowmobiling, hiking, or horseback riding. It runs through open spaces, woods, and small communities along the Ahnapee River for about 10 miles. Toilet facilities are available in Door County in Sturgeon Bay, Maplewood, and Forestville.

Baileys Harbor Ridges
Established in 1937, this 30-acre park on Lake Michigan adjoins The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor with 300 feet of sand beach and great swimming. Parking and toilet facilities are available.

Canal County Park: Situated along the historic Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, it serves as a waterfront spot for viewing ships, fishing, and accessing the shoreline. This waterfront destination has been a longtime local favorite for its sweeping canal views, iconic lighthouse, and strong ties to the area's maritime heritage. 

Cave Point County Park
This county park features picturesque sea caves, the result of Lake Michigan’s relentless pounding against the limestone bluffs. The 19-acre park also features a tranquil half-mile hiking trail, plentiful picnic facilities, and a beautiful gazebo, which may be reserved for special events.

Chaudoir’s Dock
This five-acre park on the shore of Green Bay in southern Door County has an excellent boat launch and some of the best fishing around.

Door Bluff Headlands
Located at the most northerly point of the Door County peninsula, the 253-acre park has been preserved in its natural state. The towering bluffs offer a spectacular view of Hedgehog Harbor and Green Bay. It was here that Potawatomi repelled the Winnebago warriors from Washington Island in an ill-fated attack. The park is undeveloped and 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 at the northwestern tip of the peninsula. For the more adventurous, an enclosed catwalk extends out over the bluff offering another perspective of the majestic surroundings. A shaded picnic area and cool breezes off the water add to the park’s charm. Parking and toilet facilities are available.

Forestville Dam Park
This 79-acre park borders the Ahnapee Trail and provides access to the Ahnapee River. A popular fishing spot, it also has picnic tables and playground equipment. Toilet facilities and parking are available.

Frank E. Murphy Park
This 34-acre park is located on Horseshoe Bay just south of Egg Harbor. Notable features include 1,600 feet of sand beach, boat launch facilities, a dock, a picnic area, a volleyball court, and a playground area. Parking and toilet facilities are available.

George K. Pinney Park
This park is a favorite spot for local fishermen to access the waters of Green Bay, which provides an excellent habitat for bass, northern pike, and perch, with a modern boat launch that is wheelchair accessible. The park also includes an accessible fishing pier and is a prime location to watch sunsets over the waters of the bay.

John Miles Park
Located in Sturgeon Bay, this park is the proud host of the annual Door County Fair held in early August. The park features soccer fields, a picnic area, a playground, a horse arena, and stock car races on Saturday nights, May through September. Parking and toilet facilities are available.

Lily Bay Park
Set in the town of Sturgeon Bay on Lake Michigan, Lily Bay Park has a boat launch ramp and easy water access.

Lyle Harter-Matter Sanctuary
Located in Jacksonport, this area includes 40 acres of undeveloped woodland serving as a sanctuary for wildlife. No parking or other facilities are available. Interesting claim to fame: It is situated exactly halfway between the equator and the North Pole. A picnic area, parking, toilet facilities, and a well are available.

Percy Johnson Memorial County Park
Located on Washington Island, this park has a sand beach with welcoming picnic facilities that serve as a beautiful setting for lunch. Parking and toilet facilities are available.

Plum Bottom County Park
Situated inland and south of Egg Harbor off Highway 42, this 6.5-acre park features a grassy area with picnic tables. Toilet facilities and parking are available.

Robert M. Carmody Park
On the west shore of Little Sturgeon Bay you’ll find this park featuring a six-lane boat launch ramp (launch fee is required). Parking and toilet facilities are available.

Robert LaSalle Park
Named after the French explorer Robert LaSalle, this 29-acre park in southern Door County has a playground, picnic areas, and beach access to Lake Michigan. Parking and toilet facilities are available.

Sugar Creek Park
Also in southern Door County—but on the shore of Green Bay—this 35-acre park is a popular boat launch and picnic site. Parking and toilet facilities are available.

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 and can be found in the middle of southern Door County. Parking and toilet facilities are available.