Door County State Parks
Five Jewels in the Crown

Newport State Park, northeast of Ellison Bay, is a 2,400-acre "wilderness park" with 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and 3 miles of sand beaches. Newport has more than 40 miles of hiking and mountain bike trails. The park features 16 backpack, walk-in campsites, including several along Europe Lake. Cross-country ski and snowshow trails are open in winter. (920) 854-2500.

Peninsula State Park, between Fish Creek and Ephraim, is a 3,776-acre state treasure on Wisconsin's Door County peninsula. Rocky bluffs ascend over 150 feet while deer graze contentedly in abandoned farm fields. Considered Wisconsin's most complete park, Peninsula is also its most popular camping destination, with 468 campsites. (920) 868-3258.

Potawatomi State Park, south of Sturgeon Bay, has gently rolling upland terrain bordered by steep slopes and rugged limestone cliffs. The park has 123 family campsites (25 electric) plus a fully accessible cabin. The park overlooks Sawyer Harbor on Green Bay and presents exceptional fishing opportunities. (920) 746-2890.

Rock Island State Park, at the very tip of the Door County Peninsula, is a 700-acre gem. Pottawatomie Lighthouse, a sand beach, and an Icelandic-style boat house offer a diverse experience. This park offers 40 walk-in campsites; motorized vehicles are not allowed. You can reach Rock Island by private boat or ferry (seasonal). (920) 847-2235 summer, or (920) 847-3156 winter.

Whitefish Dunes features a spectacular, fully acessible sand beach and Wisconsin's highest dunes. Trails wind through both woods and wetlands. Exhibits at the visitor center highlight dune ecology. This park is for day use only. (920) 823-2400.

Ahnapee State Trail [exit DNR] stretches between Sturgeon Bay, Algoma, and Casco along a 29-mile former railroad grade. The screened limestone path winds its way through farmland and cedar swamp. The nearly level trail is suitable for biking, hiking, snowmobiling and horses. Parking and rest rooms are available on Neenah Street in Sturgeon Bay and Forestville Dam Park in Forestville. Call (920) 746-9959 or e-mail for more information.

Admission stickers are required on all vehicles entering Wisconsin state parks. Buy yours at any state park contact station upon arrival. Daily stickers are valid at any Wisconsin state park on the date of purchase. Annual stickers are valid at any Wisconsin state park until the end of the calendar year.

For more information, ask Wisconsin State Parks, (608) 266-2181.