RP Outdoors-Peninsula State Park

It’s no secret Wisconsin offers miles upon miles of trails and parks to hike, climb, camp, bike or ride. From Devil’s Lake to Peninsula State Park, adventure-seekers will find much to do whilst exploring Wisconsin.

Traveling at summer’s end allows for spontaneity and flexibility. So on the last week of summer, I loaded up my car and headed north for a week.

If ever you find yourself near Door County, Wisconsin, Peninsula State Park should be at the top of your list of places to explore.

The park’s site at drn.wi.gov quotes, “Many people consider Peninsula to be Wisconsin’s most complete park. When you see its many offerings, it is easy to see

why.”

It really is easy to see why. The park offers numerous hiking trails, scenic drives, several campgrounds and much more. The park is open year-round. Visitors can rent kayaks, golf and attend the American Folklore Theatre. During the winter months, visitors can ski, snowmobile, ice fish and sled.

While visiting Fish Creek, Wisconsin, a local bartender encouraged me to visit the park, located just off of Highway 42. She said I should take the Skyline Road first. I did so, and was not disappointed.

Visitors can see miles of blue lake water, several islands including Horeshoe Island, Adventure Island and Jack Island, and numerous boats, canoes and jet skis.

After traveling down Skyline Road for several minutes, visitors can turn down Shore Road and drive along the lakefront.

Along Shore Road stands Eagle Tower, an approximately 75-foot tall tower on the east side of the park. From there, visitors can get a clear view of the scenery and communities around the harbor.

Several stops dot the road where people can pull over and take in the beautiful vista. At one point on my trip, I stopped at one such place and made my way to the water. I hopped off the trail and climbed down rocks I don’t think people were meant to climb down, and stood on the beach to look out over the waters.

Canoers, boaters, jet skiers passed by as I snapped numerous photos of the water, the skyline and the islands. The sun was in the western sky by this time, so the water was taking on an orange tint.

Further along the road stands the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, a structure originally erected in the late 1800s. The lighthouse has since been turned into a museum, and tours are available from May to October, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The park is open until 11 p.m. During my trip up to Door County, I noticed the local tradition of people gathering along the beaches to watch the sunset. I saw people in Egg Harbor, Ephraim and Sister Bay stop and watch the sun’s decent. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse offered the perfect view of the sun going down the evening I was there.

Peninsula State Park offers visitors a multitude of activities and gorgeous views. It should be at the top of everyone’s list of Wisconsin parks to visit.

RP Outdoors is an occasional column appearing in the Royal Purple.