Find Your Adventure: Three Ways To Explore Door County In Winter

FIND YOUR ADVENTURE: THREE WAYS TO EXPLORE DOOR COUNTY IN WINTER

ANDREA ZANI

Andrea Zani is managing editor of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.

Experience a different side of the Door County peninsula by trying these winter activities at state parks across the area:

Visit Newport State Park to check out the winter nighttime sky. The park is an International Dark Sky Park, a rare designation recognizing the absence of artificial light and exceptional environment for star gazing at the minimally developed park on Lake Michigan’s shore. While the entire park provides dark sky scenery, three parking areas offer access to optimal views: Lot 1, Lot 3 and near the end of Europe Bay Road.

Newport dark sky

Robert Queen

Hike your way up to Sven’s Bluff at Peninsula State Park for a magnificent view of Lake Michigan. Follow the Skyline Trail, a moderate 3-mile loop with rolling terrain. Look for signs of historic farms along the way, including remnants of old stone fences. Access the trail at the Skyline parking lot on Shore Road.

Sven's Bluff

Myles Dannhausen Jr.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the fantastic ice formations at Cave Point County Park, nestled inside Whitefish Dunes State Park. Each winter, water from Lake Michigan’s crashing surf freezes along the park’s dolomite cliffs, creating unique natural ice sculptures that often can seem otherworldly.

Bonus: If you like the idea of a Door County winter adventure, visit in February when Fish Creek hosts its annual Winter Festival featuring live music, games, food, a chili cook-off, fun run, fiddle contest, fireworks and more. The 35th annual festival is scheduled for Feb. 4-6; go to visitfishcreek.com to learn more.

Cave Point ice formations

Tim Stoffel