Potawatomi State Park Activities and recreation

Hiking

There are several hiking trails at the park. Potawatomi is home to the eastern trail head of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which begins near the site of the old observation tower.

Camping

Camping at Potawatomi State Park

Picnic areas

Potawatomi State Park has several picnic areas along the Sturgeon Bay shoreline, as well as an overlook of the park's old ski hill. There are playgrounds in the picnic area by Parking Lot 2 and the Daisy Field campground. There is a shelter available for reservations along the south shoreline picnic area.

Boating, canoeing and kayaking

Potawatomi State Park is a base for boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, SCUBA diving and water skiing on Green Bay. Over two miles of shoreline provide many scenic views and recreational opportunities.

There is a boat launch in the park on Sawyer Harbor, a sheltered inlet at the mouth of Sturgeon Bay. Canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals are available at the park. Due to the rocky shoreline, Potawatomi does not have a swimming beach.

Bicycling

About eight miles of off-road bike trails wind through the park. Parking for the trails is available in Parking Lot 1 near the picnic areas along the shoreline. Visitors can also bike on any of the park's roads.

Fishing

There is a fish cleaning station at the boat launch. Anglers 16 years or older must have a valid Wisconsin fishing license.

Anglers of any age may check out basic fishing equipment free of charge at the park office. This equipment was donated by the Tackle Loaner Program. Call the park office to find out what equipment is available.

Hunting and trapping

Hunting and trapping are allowed in the open areas of the park during the Wisconsin state parks hunting and trapping time frame. Trapping is not permitted in closed areas as noted on the park hunting map or within 100 yards of any designated use area, including trails. Certain trap types are restricted on state park properties. For more information, please see:

• Hunting and trapping in Wisconsin State Parks

• Potawatomi State Park hunting and trapping map [PDF]

Winter activities

In winter there are several miles of groomed cross-country ski trails. All the trails begin near the picnic area shelter. Hikers and snowshoers can traverse most of the park, as long as they stay off the groomed ski trails. Potawatomi also offers about eight miles of snowmobile trails that connect with county trails on the west and south park boundaries. Snowmobile parking is available at the park office.

The opening and closing of snowmobile trails is at the discretion of each county. Snowmobile trails which cross DNR lands are opened and closed consistent with the surrounding county (or counties). Whenever possible, the opening and closing of snowmobile trails is done on a county-wide basis, however localized conditions may require localized trail opening and closing. It is the responsibility of the county to provide notification about the status of snowmobile trails. The Travel Wisconsin Snow Conditions Report [exit DNR], and local club and county snowmobile web pages [exit DNR] and telephone hotlines will provide the most current information.

Sawyer Harbor is the site of many ice shanties during winter. The DNR does not monitor ice conditions, so be extremely cautious of ice conditions at all times.

There is a small sledding hill across from the warming shelter near the campground.