Peninsula State Park: The four-season family guide

Wisconsin's most beloved state park welcomes over one million visitors annually to its 3,776 acres of bluffs, forests, and eight miles of Green Bay shoreline. This guide provides families with everything needed to experience Peninsula State Park authentically across all seasons—from spring wildflower carpets to world-class winter skiing.

Located at the entrance to Fish Creek village in Door County, Peninsula delivers iconic Wisconsin experiences: climbing the newly rebuilt Eagle Tower, swimming at one of America's top-rated beaches, catching outdoor theater under the stars, and exploring over 20 miles of trails through the ancient Niagara Escarpment.

Essential planning information

Park hours and admission remain consistent year-round. Gates open 6 AM to 11 PM daily, with the park office available from 8 AM. Every vehicle requires a Wisconsin State Park admission sticker: $13 daily for residents ($16 non-resident) or $28 annually for residents ($50 non-resident). Seniors 65+ pay just $13 for an annual pass or $3 daily. Purchase stickers online at wisconsin.goingtocamp.com, at the park headquarters, or check one out free from participating Wisconsin libraries.

Campsite reservations determine success for most visits. Book exactly 11 months in advance when sites become available at 9 AM Central Time—popular summer dates fill within minutes. Call 1-888-WI-PARKS or reserve online. The park offers 468 family campsites across five campgrounds, with 101 electric sites available. Tennison Bay operates year-round for winter camping.

Pet policies allow leashed dogs (8-foot maximum) in campgrounds, on the White Cedar Nature Trail, at Pine Picnic Area, and along rocky shores. Pets are prohibited at Nicolet Beach, the observation tower, playgrounds, and cross-country ski trails.

Spring awakens Door County (March–May)

Spring transforms Peninsula into a wildflower wonderland before the summer crowds arrive around Memorial Day Weekend. The park's position on Green Bay means colors emerge one to two weeks earlier than Lake Michigan's eastern shore.

Wildflower progression and best viewing spots

Early spring (March–mid-April) brings hepatica's star-shaped blooms and trailing arbutus's waxy white blossoms on sandy ridges. By mid-April through early May, trout lilies and spring beauties carpet forest floors—each delicate spring beauty flower lasts only two to three days. Late spring (mid-May–early June) delivers the showstopper: large-flowered trillium blankets the woods in unforgettable white displays, alongside threatened dwarf lake iris (found nowhere else but northern Great Lakes shorelines).

The Eagle Trail offers prime wildflower viewing along its 150-foot bluffs, though spring mud makes conditions challenging. For accessible wildflower walks, visit The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor—Wisconsin's oldest nature preserve features 500+ plant species on boardwalk trails.

Peak bird migration makes May magical

Door County hosts 315 documented bird species along the Mississippi River Flyway. May 10–15 marks peak warbler migration—expect 20–30 species on good mornings. Best viewing occurs 7–9 AM at Weborg Point, where birders have recorded 23 warbler species in single sessions. March brings sandhill cranes and red-winged blackbirds; April adds bald eagles (15–20 pairs nest in Door County); May explodes with scarlet tanagers, indigo buntings, and ruby-throated hummingbirds.

Spring fishing opportunities

Wisconsin's general fishing season opens the first Saturday in May (May 3, 2025). Brown trout fishing runs "best in years" along Green Bay's shoreline. Shore fishing at Nicolet Bay produces smallmouth bass and rock bass, while the nationally recognized Sturgeon Bay Canal offers exceptional smallmouth action. Free fishing poles are available for loan to campers at the park office.

Spring camping and crowd levels

Only Tennison Bay Campground operates in early spring, with full campground openings typically by late April. March and April offer remarkably light crowds—"quiet and peaceful" with last-minute restaurant reservations possible in Fish Creek. Expect daytime temperatures from 35–45°F in March climbing to 55–64°F by May, with occasional rain and muddy trail conditions.

Summer delivers peak Door County

Summer brings swimming, theater, and full programming—along with over a million annual visitors competing for space. Strategic timing makes all the difference.

Nicolet Bay Beach anchors the summer experience

The park's 944-foot sandy beach ranks among America's finest, with warm water temperatures thanks to its sheltered Green Bay location. No lifeguards are on duty—families swim at their own risk. Facilities include restrooms, showers, changing rooms, two sand volleyball courts, a playground, and a concession stand serving ice cream and burgers. Kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes rent from the camp store (920-854-9220).

An accessibility beach mat extends into the sand, and a free beach wheelchair is available. Pets are prohibited on the beach and adjacent mowed areas—use Pine Picnic Area instead.

Northern Sky Theater creates unforgettable evenings

Formerly American Folklore Theatre, this professional outdoor theater produces original musical comedies under the pine forest canopy. The 2025 summer season (June 11–August 23) features three shows in repertory, with performances daily except Sundays. Ticket prices run $29 adults, $19 teens, $14 children ages 3–12 for standard seating. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome at the outdoor amphitheater—sit toward the back.

Visitors entering the park within one hour of performance time don't need a park sticker. The 2026 season includes a world premiere whimsical birding comedy featuring puppets.

Water activities beyond swimming

Guided kayak tours launch from Ephraim and Sister Bay, with popular routes including the Eagle Bluff Tour (view the lighthouse, Horseshoe Island, and sea caves from water level) and sunset paddles—92% of July/August evening tours enjoy clear visibility. Nicolet Bay and Tennison Bay both offer launch access, with Tennison's shallow draft ideal for canoes and kayaks.

Summer fishing shifts to smallmouth and rock bass in warm shallow waters. Wisconsin fishing licenses are required for ages 16+.

Managing peak season logistics

Summer weekends, especially holiday periods, create significant crowding at Nicolet Beach parking and Eagle Tower. Arrive before 9 AM on weekends for best parking and beach spots. Consider visiting early June or late August rather than mid-summer peak, and prioritize weekdays over weekends.

Eagle Tower, rebuilt in 2021 and fully ADA-accessible, offers panoramic views from 253 feet above Green Bay. Choose between 100 stairs or an 850-foot accessible canopy walk with maximum 5% slope and benches throughout. Open May 1–October 31.

Family programs keep children engaged

The White Cedar Nature Center on Bluff Road features wildlife displays, hands-on exploration rooms with puzzles and nature crafts, and a reading corner. Free Wisconsin Explorer Booklets encourage nature discovery for ages 3+, available at the park headquarters. Complete five activities in the "Like to Hike" program to earn a commemorative pin.

Summer naturalist programs include guided hikes, wildflower walks, bat viewing at Welcker's Shelter (30–60 minutes after sunset), and live animal presentations.

Fall foliage (September–November)

Door County's fall colors draw photographers and leaf-peepers seeking dramatically reduced crowds and ideal hiking weather.

Peak color timing and premier viewing locations

Fall colors typically peak October 10–20, with progression moving from northern Door County southward over approximately two weeks. Track conditions via Travel Wisconsin's Fall Color Report at travelwisconsin.com/fall-color-report, updated weekly by 100+ volunteer reporters.

Eagle Tower delivers the ultimate fall panorama—the 60-foot observation deck surveys islands, shorelines, and rolling forests ablaze with color. The accessible canopy walk travels through the treetops themselves. Sven's Bluff on Skyline Road offers classic overlook views, while Eagle Bluff Lighthouse (built 1868) frames beautifully against autumn maples at golden hour.

For scenic driving, Highway 42 from Sister Bay to Northport features famously curvy roads with breathtaking views near the peninsula's tip. Bayshore Drive follows Green Bay's high bluffs through hardwood forests.

Fall hiking at its finest

The Eagle Trail earns its reputation as Peninsula's most popular hike (4.7 stars, 3,400+ reviews)—the 2.1-mile loop traverses 150-foot cliffs, caves, and forested terraces. Wear sturdy boots for steep, rocky sections with exposed roots. The Skyline Trail and Sven Bluff Loop combines rolling meadows with forest paths and panoramic views—perfect for fall colors. For families, the easy Sentinel Trail connects to Eagle Tower through peaceful forest.

Weather expectations: September highs of 68–72°F create perfect hiking conditions. Early October averages 61°F highs; by late October, expect highs around 51°F with potential frost.

Harvest festivals and family activities

• Sister Bay Fall Fest (October): The "granddaddy" of Door County festivals celebrates its 50th anniversary with parades, fish boils, and the famous Ping Pong Ball Drop

• Pumpkin Patch Festival (October): Egg Harbor hosts carnival rides, scarecrow contests, and family activities—extremely popular

• Jack O' Lantern Days (October): Fish Creek features town-wide trick-or-treating and costume parades

• Fall Lighthouse Festival (October): Exclusive access to all 11 Door County lighthouses, including normally-closed locations

Apple orchards near the park include Lautenbach's Orchard Country (Fish Creek) and Wood Orchard Market (Egg Harbor), famous for its apple cider donuts.

Fall camping considerations

Welcker's Campground closes after Labor Day; other campgrounds remain open through October. Fall weekends fill quickly despite reduced crowds—book early. The dump station closes after October. Nighttime lows drop into the 40s by mid-October and 30s by month's end; pack accordingly.

Wildlife activity increases during fall—white-tailed deer rut makes them more visible, and migrating birds including warblers and thrushes pass through headed south.

Winter transforms the landscape

Peninsula State Park becomes a Nordic winter wonderland, offering premier cross-country skiing and surprisingly accessible winter camping.

Cross-country skiing rivals dedicated resorts

The park maintains 16 miles of groomed classic (double-tracked) trails plus 6 miles for skate skiing, making it one of Wisconsin's best ski destinations. A warming house near Lot 5 on Highland Road provides relief during the season.

Easy trails include the Yellow Loop (1 mile) and White Loop (1.5 miles)—gentle terrain through hardwood forests ideal for beginners. Moderate options include the popular Orange Loop (3 miles) with enjoyable gliding hills. The Purple Loop (5.7 miles) challenges experts with abundant hills and access to Sven's Bluff views.

State Trail Passes are required for skiers 16+. Rent equipment at Nor Door Sport & Cyclery in Fish Creek (920-868-2275)—they also rent snowshoes and sledding tubes.

Snowshoeing through pristine forest

Six miles of designated snowshoe trails traverse peaceful, remote park regions—marked with green signs with pink reflective dots. Trails are not groomed. Snowshoeing and hiking are prohibited on ski and snowmobile trails. The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor offers guided naturalist snowshoe hikes covering cultural and natural history.

Ice fishing on Green Bay

Access Green Bay's frozen waters for perch, walleye, whitefish, and northern pike. Ice conditions vary rapidly—check thickness and never fish alone. Multiple guide services operate from Door County, including Ice Fish Green Bay and Trophy Ice Fish, providing heated shanties, equipment, and instruction (typically $150–300 per group). Popular access points include Sturgeon Bay (earliest access, December), Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, and Sister Bay.

Winter camping at Tennison Bay

Tennison Bay Campground operates year-round, with approximately 30 sites available after November 1. Electric hookups serve about half the sites. Running water is available at the winter-water building, though flush toilets and hot showers are seasonal only—vault restrooms remain open. Roads and campsites are plowed.

Pack sleeping systems rated for below-zero temperatures; lows regularly drop into single digits with severe wind chill near the shoreline.

Door County winter events

Fish Creek Winterfest (February 7, 2026) features heated tents overlooking frozen Green Bay, the beloved Stumpf Fiddle Contest, quirky competitions (bike toss, cherry pit spit), and a candlelight ski-hike through Peninsula State Park. Sturgeon Bay Fire & Ice Festival (February 13–14, 2026) includes ice carving competitions, luminary-lit hikes, and fireworks over downtown.

Indoor options during harsh weather include the Door County Maritime Museum, Peninsula School of Art classes, and traditional Friday night fish boils at the White Gull Inn.

Winter closures and operations

Eagle Tower closes October 31 through April 30. Flush toilets, showers, beach facilities, the dump station, golf course, boat launches, and Northern Sky Theater all close for winter. The warming house, ski trails, snowshoe trails, snowmobile trails (17 miles), and Hill 17 sledding (golf course fairway) operate through winter.

Complete trail system reference

Peninsula offers over 20 miles of hiking trails traversing bluffs, shorelines, and interior forests.

Trail Distance Difficulty Key features Eagle Trail 2.0-mile loop Difficult 150-foot cliffs, caves, shoreline access; most popular Sentinel Trail 2.0-mile loop Easy ADA-accessible section (0.6 mi); forest ecology signs Skyline Trail 3.0-mile loop Moderate Sven's Bluff access; meadows; historic stone fences Nicolet Bay Trail 2.2 miles Moderate Wild turkeys; basswood-hemlock forest Hemlock Trail 1.8 miles Moderate Cedar-hemlock forest; Strawberry Islands views Minnehaha Trail 0.7 miles Easy Lakeshore connector; scenic lake views White Cedar Nature Trail 0.5-mile loop Easy Self-guided; deer ecology focus; pets allowed Trail Tramper's Delight 0.5 miles Easy Shaded path to lighthouse; origin dates to 1920s

Sunset Bike Route covers 9.6 miles of fine gravel/crushed limestone, accommodating bicycles, wheelchairs, and hikers. New mountain bike trails (20 miles) opened 2024–2025 with terrain from beginner to expert; State Trail Pass required.

Campground details for planning

Campground Sites Electric Special features Tennison Bay 188 97 Year-round; kayak launch; largest South Nicolet Bay 143 54 Closest to beach; ADA sites 776E, 779E North Nicolet Bay 44 None Adjacent to beach; boat launch Welcker's Point 81 None Heavily wooded; bat viewing at shelter Weborg Point 12 All Fish Creek views; accessible pier

All campgrounds offer flush toilets; shower buildings at Tennison Bay, both Nicolet Bay areas, and Weborg Point. The dump station operates May–October only.

Accessibility features throughout

Peninsula has invested significantly in accessibility. Eagle Tower's 850-foot canopy walk provides the only fully ADA-accessible wooden observation tower of its height in the Midwest—benches line the maximum 5% grade ramp. The Sentinel Trail's 0.6-mile graveled section offers universal access through the forest. Weborg Point Fishing Pier is fully accessible concrete construction.

Designated accessible campsites include South Nicolet Bay sites 776E and 779E, and Tennison Bay sites 322E and 324E. Nicolet Beach provides an accessibility beach mat and free beach wheelchair for borrowing. An all-terrain track wheelchair handles rough, rocky surfaces—reserve free through Friends of Peninsula State Park at peninsulastatepark.org.

Fish Creek village delivers essential services

Located at the park entrance, walkable Fish Creek provides everything families need. Fish Creek Market (since 1892) stocks groceries, produce, deli sandwiches, and camping supplies year-round. The Fish Creek BP at the park entrance sells firewood, ice, propane, and limited groceries. For full grocery shopping, drive 15 minutes north to Piggly Wiggly in Sister Bay.

Family-friendly restaurants include Wild Tomato for wood-fired pizzas near the park entrance, Pelletier's Restaurant for traditional Door County fish boils, and White Gull Inn for classic whitefish dinners. Founder's Square offers unique shops, galleries, and the Door County Confectionery.

Nearby Door County attractions

Cave Point County Park (free admission, 25 minutes south) features spectacular limestone sea caves with dramatic wave action—best during windy conditions. Whitefish Dunes State Park offers Wisconsin's highest sand dunes, a dog-friendly beach, and 14 miles of trails. Newport State Park (20 minutes north) holds Dark Sky Park designation for exceptional stargazing.

Cana Island Lighthouse in Baileys Harbor is Door County's most photographed—open May–October with 97-step tower climbs ($12 adults, $10 children 5–17). Access via haywagon across the causeway.

Apple and cherry orchards cluster throughout the peninsula. Wood Orchard Market serves legendary apple cider donuts; Lautenbach's Orchard Country combines 50 wines with bakery treats and U-pick cherries (mid-July through mid-August).

First-time visitor priorities

Must-do experiences: Climb Eagle Tower for panoramic views; swim at Nicolet Beach; attend Northern Sky Theater (summer); tour Eagle Bluff Lighthouse; hike Eagle Trail for cliffs and caves; experience a traditional Door County fish boil.

Critical timing: Book campsites exactly 11 months ahead at 9 AM Central—popular dates sell out within minutes. Arrive before 9 AM on summer weekends for beach parking. Plan theater nights around performance schedules.

Common mistakes: Underestimating Door County distances (the peninsula stretches 70 miles); forgetting vehicle admission stickers; expecting beach lifeguards (there are none); bringing pets to restricted beach areas; skipping layers (lake breezes cool temperatures significantly).

Plan your meal breaks. Here’s where to eat lunch throughout Door County.

Contact information

Peninsula State Park 9462 Shore Road, Fish Creek, WI 54212 Phone: (920) 868-3258 Website: dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/peninsula

Camping reservations: 1-888-WI-PARKS (1-888-947-2757) or wisconsin.goingtocamp.com

Destination Door County: doorcounty.com