Ellison Bay Bluff County Park - Ellison Bay, WI
Ellison Bay Bluff County Park was definitely one of the grand highlights of my first summer trip to Door County. I was headed back from a quick trip to Washington Island, and decided to take advantage of the opportunity to witness a sunset from the bluff. Seeing a sign for the park, I took the turn and headed towards it, enjoying the lovely drive in, so green and lush. I followed the road until I came to a sign directing me to the scenic overlook, pulled in and parked.
It was quiet. One other car and myself. I took a quick scan of the grounds, noted the restrooms were open (good to know), grabbed my camera gear, and took the wooden steps towards the lookout. Then I took the stairs all the way down to the wire fence lookout. This looks out over the water, with a side view of the bluff, Niagara Escarpment.
I couldn't have asked for a better night to view the sunset over the bay. The sky was mostly clear, there was barely a breeze, the weather was cooling some, and even the mosquitoes were shy. Normally, I feel the need to keep moving, exploring. I'll be honest, it was a challenge to just relax and take in the view, absorb the minute by minute changes in the sky. But it was going to be worth it.
As time went on more people were arriving. Some, obviously locals who knew just where to go to view a perfect sunset, some with guests in tow. Others, like me, tourists from other parts of the state, or other states or countries altogether. All gathered, one by one, along the wooden viewing deck, down the stairs, on park benches, and on the wire fenced viewing deck below. There we were, in the quiet, peaceful dusk, witnessing the glorious sun go down on another day.
The park is 174-acres, and includes the bluff overlook, and a 1.2 mile looped walking trail. Picnic tables and park benches available. A wide variety of native trees, plants and wildflowers dot the landscape. Positioned along the migratory flyway, winged residents and migrants both are highlights of the terrain.
Fees: None
Hours: Daily 1/2-hour before sunrise to 11pm
Dogs allowed, but must be on-leash at all times.
Location: 12050 Ellison Bluff Road, Ellison Bay, WI (Door County)
For more information, click here.
It was quiet. One other car and myself. I took a quick scan of the grounds, noted the restrooms were open (good to know), grabbed my camera gear, and took the wooden steps towards the lookout. Then I took the stairs all the way down to the wire fence lookout. This looks out over the water, with a side view of the bluff, Niagara Escarpment.
I couldn't have asked for a better night to view the sunset over the bay. The sky was mostly clear, there was barely a breeze, the weather was cooling some, and even the mosquitoes were shy. Normally, I feel the need to keep moving, exploring. I'll be honest, it was a challenge to just relax and take in the view, absorb the minute by minute changes in the sky. But it was going to be worth it.
As time went on more people were arriving. Some, obviously locals who knew just where to go to view a perfect sunset, some with guests in tow. Others, like me, tourists from other parts of the state, or other states or countries altogether. All gathered, one by one, along the wooden viewing deck, down the stairs, on park benches, and on the wire fenced viewing deck below. There we were, in the quiet, peaceful dusk, witnessing the glorious sun go down on another day.
The park is 174-acres, and includes the bluff overlook, and a 1.2 mile looped walking trail. Picnic tables and park benches available. A wide variety of native trees, plants and wildflowers dot the landscape. Positioned along the migratory flyway, winged residents and migrants both are highlights of the terrain.
Fees: None
Hours: Daily 1/2-hour before sunrise to 11pm
Dogs allowed, but must be on-leash at all times.
Location: 12050 Ellison Bluff Road, Ellison Bay, WI (Door County)
For more information, click here.