Last But Not Least

A Return To Door County - Day 4

A welcoming bench along the east trailhead of Crossroads at Big Creek.

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My time in Door County was coming to an end.  In search of coffee and something simple for breakfast, I made a few stops: first at Scaturo's, a nearby restaurant and bakery, for a fresh-baked chocolate croissant. Followed by a quick stop at two different coffee shops in downtown Sturgeon Bay - Pinky Promise Coffee, and Lawlss Coffee Roasting. They were within a block of each other, so I had to sneak a peek at each. Both have character, and great coffee. 

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Caffeine in hand, it was time to depart Door County, but I had one final exploration to make before heading back to Milwaukee. Crossroads at Big Creek, in Sturgeon Bay.  This 200-acre Nature Preserve, Learning Center, and Heritage Village caught my eye when researching the area last fall. I didn't have a chance to visit then, so I wasn't leaving this time without checking it out.

The preserve includes four main habitat trails: Field, meadow, forest, and creek. Wildflowers, birds, bees and other pollinators make their home here. There are easy boardwalks, and moderate natural trails as well. Two additional nature preserves reside across from the southern end of the campus: The Cove Preserve, and Ida Bay Preserve.

I wandered a bit of each trail, as they overlap. I was hoping to see some migrant birds, and could hear them call from the surrounding trees and bushes. Eventually, I got lucky and spotted a blue grosbeak. My first-ever sighting of this beautiful bird. My photo wasn't a prize capture, but I was thrilled to get to see it in person just the same. 

Location: 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay
Trails are open every day, no charge

A blue grosbeak spotted along the field trail on the east side of Crossroads at Big Creek.

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Note: Dogs are allowed, but must be on-leash.

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Collins Learning Center:
Monday-Friday: 10am - 4pm, Saturday: 1-4pm
​Sunday: Closed

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The main campus also includes an Astronomy Center and the Star Garden dark sky viewing area, including a planet walk and observatory. 

Since the moon was nearly full during my visit, there weren't any dark sky viewing events. I had trouble figuring out where the dark sky viewing area was along the trail when I visited a couple nights earlier, so I was glad to find it during my daytime visit. 

​The trail leading to the viewing area features signage along the way about the planets in the Milky Way Galaxy.

​Viewing events are held on-site by the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society. Viewing nights are free and open to the public.

​Locatioon: 2200 Utah St.,
​Sturgeon Bay​

Signs along the planet walk depict different planets in the Milky Way Galaxy.

The Leif Everson Observatory at the Astronomy Campus of Crossroads at Big Creek.

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Also on-site is a bit of history, by way of the Heritage Village at Big Creek.  This historical park includes 11 prominent buildings that depict the life and times of early settlers to Door County.

Buildings include a general store, a one-room schoolhouse, a village chapel, blacksmith shop and more.  Some of the buildings were moved to this location and refurbished or reconstructed.

​They include many original furnishings and artifacts, and provide historical information of the buildings and their inhabitants. I particularly found the one-room schoolhouse interesting. Special events are held at the historical park throughout the year.

Location: 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay
Tours are self-guided, Admission is Free
Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 10am - 4pm (Closed Monday/Tuesday)

The Vignes Schoolhouse is one of 11 Door County historical buildings on view at Heritage Village at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay.

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This last bit of exploration of my summer Door County trip was a great way to end my adventure. A bit of history, a bit of nature, a relaxing walk. There is much more to the Crossroads at Big Creek. More to explore another time. If you're interested, take a look at the map of the campus. There's much to do here all year through.  In the meantime, I was homeward bound. Until next time...