Memorial Day Weekend: Hiking, Kayaking and Camping at the Door County, WI

Door County stands alone in Wisconsin as the sole county boasting five state parks - we are going back to the Potawatomi State Park!

How to get on the trip:
1. Add your name to the "Wait List"
2. Fill out the trip application and get approved within 48h:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2JNS58B
3. Make a payment (information provided below)
4. After the payment is received, you will be marked as "Going"
5. See you at the campsite! :)

Door County starts just north of Algoma, but the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal creates the Door Peninsula. Sturgeon Bay is 45 miles from the city of Green Bay, 150 miles from Milwaukee, 240 miles from Chicago and 320 miles from Minneapolis. The first town on the Green Bay side, Egg Harbor, is 17 miles from Sturgeon Bay. The park is conveniently located about 50 miles from Washington Island; if you have never been to the lavender farm; this is your chance.

We are camping at the group site, cap is at 30 campers. The site has a parking space allocated for 12 vehicles right at the site, plus additional parking spots at the overflow area. Parking spots will be assigned in the order of the trip sign-ups, on the “first come first served basis”. Our campsite has a communal fire pit (with grid), accessible vault toilets and drinking water are in the close proximity. Showers are at the family campground area.

We will have activities planned for each day, closer to the trip. See the tentative agenda below; a detailed trip agenda will be shared closer to the trip.

• FRIDAY: arrivals, set up tents, watch the sunset, and meet & greet at fire pit
• SATURDAY: kayaking, hiking, and finish off your day around the campfire & POTLUCK (optional)
• SUNDAY: hiking, trip to Washington Island/Rock Island and finish off your day around the campfire
• MONDAY: am hike and returning home

Door County peninsula offers various activities for all tastes, here are just a couple of recommendations:

Hiking:

• Right from our camp site, you will be able to hike on several hiking trails - Ancient Shores trail (0.5miles); Ice Age National scenic trail (2.8 miles); Hemlock trail (2.6 miles); Tower Trail (2.6 miles) https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/potawatomi/recreation/hiking
• Whitefish Dunes State Park is 28 minutes car ride, and has an amazing sandy beach and several trails worth to hike https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/whitefish/recreation/hiking
• Peninsula State Park is 41 minutes car ride, and also has amazing trails with breathtaking views: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/peninsula/recreation/hiking

Biking:

• Potawatomi offers about eight miles of off-road bike trails wind through the park. Parking for the trails is available in Parking Lot 1 near the picnic areas along the shoreline. Visitors can also bike on any of the park's roads.
• Peninsula State Park - a great place for biking while admiring the surroundings: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/peninsula/recreation/biking

Kayaking:
If you like kayaking, or any other water sports, this is the place to try. In Door County you’ll find out how crystal clear Lake Michigan is, rather you’ll explore the beautiful caves from water perspective, or you’ll enjoy the beautiful sunset from water you won’t regret it. Rent or book a guided tour:

• Whitefish Dunes : https://www.dcadventurecenter.com;
• Peninsula State Park : https://peninsulakayakcompany.com

Door County Wine Trail:
If you are a wine lover, you should not miss a tour of the charming peninsula wineries: https://www.doorcountywinetrail.com/who-we-are

Washington Island:
Take the ferry https://wisferry.com and visit Washington Island. Hike, bike, visit the lavender farm, or just enjoy your day at one of the remote beaches: https://www.doorcounty.com/discover/washington-island/

Rock Island State Park:
Take the second ferry https://wisferry.com/rock-island/ and visit this charming small island. No cars or bikes allowed. Superb hiking, beaches and scenery. Visit the oldest lighthouse in northern Lake Michigan.
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/rockisland

Price: $45
The price is per person and includes a camping spot for 3 nights as well as firewood, to keep the fire going for 3 nights, and charcoal for grilling food . Payment guarantees your spot. Electronic payment can be made via PayPal/Zelle/Venmo and sent to mcdzica AT gmail.com

Post comments/questions below and happy camping!

Magda