Peninsula State Park - Fish Creek, WI
Although rainy, stormy weather took center stage the weekend I made my first trip to Door County, I was determined to see at least a few of the beautiful state parks in the region. Peninsula State Park was definitely on my list. There were two main features in the park I wanted to see - Sven's Bluff, and Eagle Tower. But, shortly after entering the park, I came across Weborg Point.
Location: 9462 Shore Road, Fish Creek, WI (Door County)
For more information, click here.
Location: 9462 Shore Road, Fish Creek, WI (Door County)
For more information, click here.
WEBORG POINT
Shortly after entering the park , along Shore Road, I made a stop at Weborg Point. One of many camp sites in the park, it offers some lovely views of Green Bay, along with a fishing pier, picnic shelter, and a few other amenities in season. I took a few photos from the point and then headed back out onto Shore Road toward Sven's Bluff.
SVEN'S BLUFF OVERLOOK
Traveling along Shore Road, I made the turn to Skyline Road, which climbs upward to Sven's Bluff. I pulled into Sven's Bluff Overlook as the rain tapered off for a few minutes. Though the views over the lake were misty and gray, the views of Green Bay and the coastline were pretty spectacular.
Situated atop part of a Niagara Escarpment Bluff, there are multiple hiking trails in the park that meet up with Sven's Bluff. Whether you're driving through, biking, or hiking in Peninsula State Park, you'll want to put this stop on your list.
Situated atop part of a Niagara Escarpment Bluff, there are multiple hiking trails in the park that meet up with Sven's Bluff. Whether you're driving through, biking, or hiking in Peninsula State Park, you'll want to put this stop on your list.
EAGLE TOWER
Leaving Sven's Bluff, I once again drove along Skyline Road until it reconnected with Shore Road. It was along Shore Road that I arrived at my last park destination - Eagle Tower.
This 60-foot high tower on the peninsula's northeast shore, features an observation deck at the top with inspiring views of the park, the surrounding islands, the upper Michigan shoreline, and the village of Ephraim.
If the idea of climbing the 100 steps from bottom to top leaves you breathless, there is a more accessible, and incredibly scenic option. Take the 850-foot fully accessible boardwalk ramp from bottom to top. The angle of the ascending slope is never more than 5%, and makes it passable for wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, and hikers alike. There are level landings and benches for resting, and photo ops, along the way as well. I was intrigued by the ramp for two reasons: I have difficult knees, and the view as you climb the ramp is like walking among the treetops. Not something you get to do everyday.
It was still raining as I walked up the ramp, and the winds had picked up. Wind gusts of up to 50mph were expected. Once or twice I grabbed the railing when the wind gust caught me by surprise, but it was more thrilling than dangerous. Though someone on the tower did lose a hat! The panoramic views promised, though, were absolutely worth it!
The tower is open seasonally from May 1 to October 31. However, from November 1 through April 30 it may be open, weather permitting.
I was there on November 5. It was passable in the rain, not sure I would be brave enough to try the climb over ice or snow. But if weather permits, it's worth the climb. Whichever climb you prefer.
This 60-foot high tower on the peninsula's northeast shore, features an observation deck at the top with inspiring views of the park, the surrounding islands, the upper Michigan shoreline, and the village of Ephraim.
If the idea of climbing the 100 steps from bottom to top leaves you breathless, there is a more accessible, and incredibly scenic option. Take the 850-foot fully accessible boardwalk ramp from bottom to top. The angle of the ascending slope is never more than 5%, and makes it passable for wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, and hikers alike. There are level landings and benches for resting, and photo ops, along the way as well. I was intrigued by the ramp for two reasons: I have difficult knees, and the view as you climb the ramp is like walking among the treetops. Not something you get to do everyday.
It was still raining as I walked up the ramp, and the winds had picked up. Wind gusts of up to 50mph were expected. Once or twice I grabbed the railing when the wind gust caught me by surprise, but it was more thrilling than dangerous. Though someone on the tower did lose a hat! The panoramic views promised, though, were absolutely worth it!
The tower is open seasonally from May 1 to October 31. However, from November 1 through April 30 it may be open, weather permitting.
I was there on November 5. It was passable in the rain, not sure I would be brave enough to try the climb over ice or snow. But if weather permits, it's worth the climb. Whichever climb you prefer.
SENTINEL TRAIL
Near the base of Eagle Tower is the entrance to Sentinel Trail. The first .6-mile portion of the trail is crushed gravel for wheel chair, walker, and stroller accessibility. The entire trail is a 2-mile loop; a mostly level, easy trail past stands of maple, beech, and red pine trees. Of course, on my walk through, there was a wet carpet of autumn leaves covering the trail. Educational signs regarding forest ecology are scattered along the trail. It's a low-impact trail, surrounded by high-impact beauty.
EAGLE BLUFF LIGHTHOUSE
The Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is constructed of cream city brick, and was first operational in 1868. Although it is no longer occupied, the beacon of light it provides to travelers on the waters of Green Bay shines on to this day. Every day of the year.
It resides on a bluff 76 feet above the sometimes voracious waters below. Unfortunately, the museum was closed during my visit. However, it is the only lighthouse in Door County open to visitors. If you are interested in touring the inside of the lighthouse, check the schedule to be sure it is open when you plan to visit.
It resides on a bluff 76 feet above the sometimes voracious waters below. Unfortunately, the museum was closed during my visit. However, it is the only lighthouse in Door County open to visitors. If you are interested in touring the inside of the lighthouse, check the schedule to be sure it is open when you plan to visit.
All photos, blog posts, and content are copyright (c) 2014-2024 Kimberly Mackowski, unless otherwise noted. |
|