Potawatomi State Park - Sturgeon Bay, WI
My first stop in Sturgeon Bay was Potawatomi State Park. The park is large, 1200 acres, and the drive along the roads that wind through the park is especially scenic. Once past the entrance station, I took Norway Road to Shoreline Road, following it until I reached the parking lot of the nature center and park store, which is in-between the north and south campground areas.
Since the weather was wet and stormy, I decided to try a short hike. Across the road from the parking lot stood the entrance to the Ancient Shorelines Nature Trail. A half-mile woodland loop, it seemed like a good fit in the pouring rain. I put on my rain gear, got out my umbrella, and ventured onto the trail.
There is something spectacular about being in nature on a gray, rainy day. The foliage takes on a richer hue, the mist from the rain giving the whole scene a kind of mystical feel. There is a sense of peace and magic in surrendering to the elements, standing beneath a canopy of trees in a gentle rain, autumn leaves falling around you. An umbrella doesn't hurt either.
The bluffs rising from the waters of Lake Michigan, along the shores of Potawatomi State Park, are part of the Niagara Escarpment, which is a prominent feature in this part of the state. Among the plants, trees, and dense forest of the park, are a multitude of wildlife. The park is home to deer, racoon, fox, and more. Over 50 species of birds nest in the park, with over 200 species recorded in the park as migrants or residents.
There are about 9 miles of hiking trails in the park, in addition to fishing, kayaking, boating, canoeing, and bicycling trails as well.
If you're camping, there are a total of 123 campsites, including four group sites. A fully accessible cabin is also available for rent.
Hours: Open Daily 6am to 11pm
A vehicle admission sticker is required.
Location: 3740 Cty Hwy PD, Sturgeon Bay, WI (Door County)
For more information, click here.
Since the weather was wet and stormy, I decided to try a short hike. Across the road from the parking lot stood the entrance to the Ancient Shorelines Nature Trail. A half-mile woodland loop, it seemed like a good fit in the pouring rain. I put on my rain gear, got out my umbrella, and ventured onto the trail.
There is something spectacular about being in nature on a gray, rainy day. The foliage takes on a richer hue, the mist from the rain giving the whole scene a kind of mystical feel. There is a sense of peace and magic in surrendering to the elements, standing beneath a canopy of trees in a gentle rain, autumn leaves falling around you. An umbrella doesn't hurt either.
The bluffs rising from the waters of Lake Michigan, along the shores of Potawatomi State Park, are part of the Niagara Escarpment, which is a prominent feature in this part of the state. Among the plants, trees, and dense forest of the park, are a multitude of wildlife. The park is home to deer, racoon, fox, and more. Over 50 species of birds nest in the park, with over 200 species recorded in the park as migrants or residents.
There are about 9 miles of hiking trails in the park, in addition to fishing, kayaking, boating, canoeing, and bicycling trails as well.
If you're camping, there are a total of 123 campsites, including four group sites. A fully accessible cabin is also available for rent.
Hours: Open Daily 6am to 11pm
A vehicle admission sticker is required.
Location: 3740 Cty Hwy PD, Sturgeon Bay, WI (Door County)
For more information, click here.
All photos, blog posts, and content are copyright (c) 2014-2023 Kimberly Mackowski, unless otherwise noted. |
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