County Parks
When conditions are right, you'll hear the pounding surf. Your eyes don't really get involved until after you park the car and walk to the edge of the cliff. It's only then that Cave Point County Park's magic comes alive. All the senses come to life as the fresh misty air brings with it its own smell and taste. On those particularly gusty days, the clashing surf hits the cliff with such force that the vibration crawls right up your legs.
There are 19 county parks in Door County, but there is no doubt which one reigns over all the others. When it comes to those iconic treasures which truly identify Door County, only Cana Island, with its famed lighthouse, is of comparable stature to Cave Point, located adjacent to Whitefish Dunes State Park near Jacksonport.
The 19 parks encompass 951 acres and suffer from a bit of an identity crisis - at least most do. Door County's county parks are often over shadowed by the county's five state parks. Nestled throughout the Peninsula, the county parks shine with natural beauty, historical significance, modern boat launching facilities, and plenty of outdoor, family-friendly options. Visiting a county park is affordable, as well. All the parks - with one exception - have free admission.
One of the most majestic - and most photographed - parks is Cana Island Lighthouse, found north of Baileys Harbor off County Highway Q. Built in 1869, the lighthouse remains a functioning navigational light of the Great Lakes. A short walk across a causeway and a modest admission fee are well worth the breath-taking view from the tower.
With over 300 miles of shoreline, many county parks feature access to our magnificent maritime views. Door Bluff Headlands, near Gills Rock, and Ellison Bluff, off of Porcupine Bay Road, feature breathtaking views of the Niagara Escarpment's tall, rocky shoreline. And, Cave Point, adjacent to Whitefish Dunes State Park on the east end of County Highway WD, is another shoreline beauty and home to captivating sea caves worn into the limestone.
To keep the kids moving, consider a hike at Ellison Bluff, which boasts an improved family friendly and handicap accessible trail. Or, for the more experienced family of hikers, try the natural trails at Door Bluff.
The sandy lakeshore at Baileys Harbor Ridges is perfect for summer swimming, sun bathing and even kite boarding. The park is located adjacent to the Ridges Sanctuary on Ridge Road. Many rare plants - lake orchids, grasses and sedges - grow on over 30 sand ridges.
For a quiet escape to nature devoid of crowds, visit Sugar Creek, located off of County Road N in the town of Gardner. The park adorns the shoreline of Green Bay with grassy open spaces bordering a forest surrounding the namesake creek. Unmarked wooded trails provide a challenging hike for anyone nimble enough to wade across the creek.
A popular waterfront destination, Frank E. Murphy - off County Hwy G in Egg Harbor - has picnic areas, playground, sandy bayside beach and volleyball court. Bring along a rod and reel to fish off the dock. Divers will enjoy treasure hunting or viewing logging wagons sunk long ago off the old dock.
Tornado Memorial - off Highway 57 on County Road DK near Southern Door Schools - is the county's first park. It identifies the location of Williamsonville, a town erased in a storm of fire in 1871 and reminds others of the significant loss of life and property that took place on the same day as the Peshtigo and Chicago fires.
For an adventure of a different sort, take a ferry to Washington Island and stop at Percy Johnson, a quaint shoreline park that overlooks Hog Island - a Horicon National Wildlife Refuge area. Bring binoculars or a scope for a glance at nesting Herring Gulls, Black-Crowned Night-Herons, Great Blue Herons and the occasional White Pelican.
Lyle-Harter-Matter Sanctuary and Meridian are natural havens located adjacent to each other at 6799 State Highway 57 - watch for wayside signs. The Sanctuary has the tallest sand dune in Door County; it is covered with trees and overlooks Kangaroo Lake. Meridian's forest is also atop sand ridges that mark the past beach locations of Lake Michigan. Meridian, designated as a State Natural Area in 2007 also offers unmarked, challenging hiking trails. The park is misnamed since it actually marks the 45th "parallel" which is mid-distance between the equator and the North Pole.
Robert LaSalle, a lakeside park on County Road U in Clay Banks, just north of the Door-Kewaunee county line, marks the possible landing spot of the famous French explorer in 1679. The park is perfect for a large family gathering or a romantic picnic for two. The upper grassy level is a superb seat to enjoy a sunrise.
The Ahnapee State Trail, a 12-mile scenic pathway for biking, hiking, horseback riding and snowmobiling, stretches from the city limits of Sturgeon Bay into Kewaunee County. The trail follows the retired Ahnapee and Western railroad line and five miles of the Ahnapee River. Its flat terrain and hard surface make it perfect for family biking.
Trail users can stop at or start from the Forestville Dam, located mid-trail on Mill Road in Forestville. Take a careful walk along the top of the small dam, play on the playground or paddle a canoe or kayak on the millpond, where many come for catch/release salmon fishing.
Door County is a natural boating paradise. With a minimal fee, any type of boat can launch at a county dock. To access the waters of Green Bay on modern, handicap accessible facilities consider Chaudoir's Dock (on County Road N in the town of Union); Robert M. Carmody (on County Road CC in the town of Gardner);, and the Olde Stone Quarry which has prime sunset viewing just outside Sturgeon Bay on Bayshore Drive as well as the Joseph L. Hurd wreck located in the waters near the park.
A quick access to Lake Michigan and fair weather launch is Lily Bay off of County T in Sturgeon Bay.
A map and complete listing of the parks can be found at Park-Locations
