Things to See and Do at Peninsula State Park

Many people consider Peninsula to be Wisconsin's most complete park. When you see its many offerings, it is easy to see why. See the park map for locations.

• American Folklore Theatre
• Eagle Bluff Lighthouse
• Land Sports - Biking, Golf, Hiking, and More
• Nature Viewing - Sunsets, Wildlife and More
• Sightseeing - Historic Sites, Eagle Tower, Overlooks
• Water Sports - Beach, Boating and Fishing
• Other Activities(links to picnicking, weddings, and winter activities)

American Folklore Theatre

The American Folklore Theatre (AFT) [exit DNR] is a professional group of actors and musicians that perform from mid-June to late August. These whimsical musical comedies are geared toward families.

Land Sports

Biking: The Sunset Bike Route (10 miles) winds through northern forest framed by dramatic Sven's Bluff. Off-road bike trails (12 miles) are rough and rolling. A state trail pass (available at Park Headquarters) is required for bicyclists age 16 and older using off-road bike trails. See Peninsula's Trails.

Hiking: Eagle Trail offers close-up views of the Niagra Escarpment. The White Cedar Nature Trail is a half-mile loop near the Nature Center. See Peninsula's Trails for more hiking options. Peninsula has a total of 20 miles of hiking trails.

In-line skating is prohibited on Shore and Bluff Roads and on all roads within the Town of Gibraltar (Fish Creek area). In-line skating is allowed on Peninsula's interior roads, including Skyline, Middle, Mengelberg and Highland Roads. Peninsula has rolling terrain with steep ascents and descents, creating a challenge for even the most experienced in-line skater.

Golf: Peninsula has an 18-hole golf course [exit DNR], managed by the Peninsula Golf Associates, a nonprofit organization.

The Peninsula Golf Course offers stunning views of Eagle Harbor.
Wisconsin Department of Tourism Photo

Challenging holes include a 69-yard drive straight down a 50-foot cliff. The course is open daily late-April through late-October. Amenities include a clubhouse (remodeled in 2009) which serves breakfast and lunch. Information and tee time reservations are available at the clubhouse (920) 854-5791.

Volleyball: Two regulation size, sand volleyball courts are at Nicolet Bay Beach. Nets are provided, but bring your own volleyball.

Tennis: Peninsula offers a single paved tennis court, across from the Skyline parking lot.

Eagle Bluff Lighthouse

The Door County Historical Society (DCHS) conducts tours of the 1868, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse [exit DNR] from mid-May through mid-October. Group tours may be scheduled in advance by calling (920) 421-3636.

The Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is open for public tours all summer.
DNR Photo

Water Sports

Beach: Nicolet Beach offers a swimming area (no lifeguard provided), rental of kayaks and other watercraft, a snack bar, and plenty of sand for sunbathing. For rental information, call (920)-854-9220. Pets are not allowed on the mowed area or the beach but are permitted at The Pines picnic area, next to the Nicolet Beach parking lot.

Boating: Tour Peninsula from the water for incredible views, fine fishing and great fun. The park's eight-mile shoreline is popular with motor boats, sailboats and kayaks. A launch ramp is located at Nicolet Bay. Day-use only vehicle and trailer parking is available near the ramp. Peninsula campers have overnight trailer parking at the amphitheater lot. Kayaks often launch at Tennison Bay, which has a shallow draft.

Overnight, offshore anchoring is allowed at Horseshoe Island and in Nicolet Bay, outside of the designated swimming area and boat launch. Tie-up to ramp piers is prohibited except for launching and take-out.

Fishing: Weborg pier is a hotspot for hooking smallmouth and rock bass or perhaps brown trout. Anglers 16 years or older must have a valid Wisconsin fishing license. A Wisconsin Great Lakes Trout stamp is required for trout fishing. Fishing licenses and Great Lakes stamps can be purchased online or at local sporting goods stores. Fishing poles are available for free loan at the Nature Center.

Horseshoe Island, the only island that is part of Peninsula State Park, is picture perfect from Nicolet Bay. It lies about one mile north of Nicolet Bay. It is accessible only by boat. Engelmar Trail, a one-mile rustic path, meanders the circumference of the 38-acre island. Camping and fires are prohibited. Visitors must carry out their own garbage.

Nature Viewing

See the White Cedar Nature Center and the Calendar of Events. Visit Key Ecosystems to discover Peninsula's incredible natural legacy.

Birding: Weborg Point is a major migration stopover for warblers in mid-May. Peninsula's 8-mile shore often yields views of bufflehead ducks, mergansers and bald eagles. Ask for a bird checklist at Park Headquarters or the Nature Center. Visit Peninsula's Wildlife for more information.

Sunset Spots: Popular sunset spots in the park are the Tennison Boat Launch, Welcker's Point and Eagle Tower. After dusk, Sven's Bluff offers clear views of starry skies.

Sightseeing and Touring

Peninsula is known for breathtaking views of Green Bay. There are eight miles of Green Bay shoreline within the park, compelling visitors to stop, take a photo, and rest. An historic sites guide is available for $2 from Park Headquarters or the Nature Center. Seven historical wayside signs reveal stories about key park features.

The Door County Visitor Bureau has a video podcast [exit DNR] about Peninsula Park and other places of interest in the county.

From Eagle Tower you can view Welcker's Point, Horseshoe Island, the town of Ephraim, and on a clear day, the Michigan shoreline.
Wisconsin Department of Tourism Photo

Eagle Tower: Eagle Tower, at 75-feet tall, offers extraordinary views of Green Bay islands and even the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Originally built as a forest fire observation platform (1914), the tower stands 225 above the water.

Scenic Overlooks: Skyline Road traverses the highest terrain, providing excellent views of the local islands and landscape. Shore Road follows the lower coast with access to the cobblestone beach. Sven's Bluff and Eagle Panorama are favorite look-outs.

Historic Burial Sites: Both a private and a public cemetery can be found nestled within Peninsula's boundaries. Blossomburg Cemetery is open to the public for visits during regular park day-use hours, 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. The Pioneer Cemetery, near Weborg Point, is privately owned and maintained.

Memorial Pole: Chief Simon Onanghuisse Kahquados, the last hereditary chief of the Potawatomi Nation, is buried near the Memorial Pole on the golf course. Belgian artist C. M. Lesaar carved the original pole in 1927, basing designs on art created by Vida Weborg. Park staff replaced the original pole in 1970 with a laminated pine replica carved by Adlai Hardin. The pole was painted and restored again in the fall of 1994. View the bear carving that topped the original pole at the White Cedar Nature Center. The Memorial Pole and Chief Khaquados' grave may be visited only during non-play hours at the golf course.

Other Activities

Picnicking and shelters
Weddings
Winter activities—Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sledding, and ice fishing

For more information, ask Peninsula State Park, (920) 868-3258.