1. The Ridges Sanctuary — Baileys Harbor

Top 5 Scenic Hikes in the Door County Peninsula

A Door County treasure and protected nature preserve, The Ridges Sanctuary offers a peaceful boardwalk trail perfect for families and birdwatchers. The path winds through wetlands and cedar forests, leading to the Range Lights, two historic lighthouses still aligned for ships navigating Lake Michigan.

Insider Tip #1 — Make sure to stop by the Cook-Albert Nature Center, where you can learn about the area’s rare orchids, migratory birds, and fragile dune ecosystems.

Insider Tip #2 — Learn the art of observation, with some light birding 🙂 Purchase a bird field guide prior to your visit, to really dive into the area’s natural surroundings! This can be a really special way to bring your senses into the present. Birds of Wisconsin Field Guide

📍 Trail type: Easy

↔️ Distance: 1–2 miles

🌿 Best for: Families, nature lovers, photographers

2. Peninsula State Park — Fish Creek

Top 5 Scenic Hikes in the Door County Peninsula

Arguably the crown jewel of Door County parks, Peninsula State Park really has something for everyone — beaches, bike trails, and spellbinding cliffside hikes.

Don’t miss the Eagle Trail, a rugged 2–3 mile loop that brings you down to the shoreline, where you’re framed by bluffs on one side and Green Bay waters on the other. For a bird’s-eye view, climb the Eagle Tower, a wheelchair-accessible lookout rebuilt in 2021.

Insider Tip #1 — A scenic drive on the Skyline Road is a must! This cinematic route is shared by cyclists and cars, and winds along forested ridges with postcard-worthy overlooks.

Insider Tip #2 — Start and end the day with the sun! Most visitors head straight for Eagle Tower — but locals love catching the sunset at Nicolet Bay Beach or biking the Sunset Trail loop for the park’s best golden-hour views. If you’re an early riser, hike Eagle Trail at dawn for quiet bluffs and light breaking over Green Bay.

📍 Trail type: Moderate

🍁 Best for: Views, photography, fall colors

3. Newport State Park — Ellison Bay

Top 5 Scenic Hikes in the Door County Peninsula

For travelers seeking a true hidden gem, Newport State Park is Door County’s quiet northern escape — and Wisconsin’s only certified Dark Sky Park, making it perfect for stargazing after your hike.

The Europe Bay and Hotz Trail Loop offers a serene 3-mile journey through dense forests and along the Lake Michigan shoreline. You’ll find sandy beaches, dramatic rock formations, and peaceful picnic spots far from the crowds.

Insider Tip #1: Hike the Hotz Trail Loop around golden hour (about an hour before sunset). The light through the pines near Europe Bay is absolutely magical, and you’ll often have the entire shoreline to yourself — no crowds, just waves and wind.

Insider Tip #2: Stay after dark! Newport is Wisconsin’s only Dark Sky Park — bring a blanket and a thermos, then head to Lot 3 or the beach access at Europe Bay Trailhead for the best stargazing. On clear nights, you can even catch the Milky Way stretching over Lake Michigan.

📍 Trail type: Moderate

🔭 Best for: Solitude, nature photography, dark sky stargazing

4. Potawatomi State Park — Sturgeon Bay

Top 5 Scenic Hikes in the Door County Peninsula

Located at the southern gateway to Door County, Potawatomi State Park marks the eastern trailhead of Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail — one of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the U.S.

The park’s Ice Age Trail segment winds along forested ridges with stunning overlooks of Sturgeon Bay and Green Bay waters. You can also bike the park’s paved roads to reach multiple scenic viewpoints, much like Peninsula State Park’s Skyline Drive.

Insider Tip #1: Walk (or bike) the Tower Trail Loop near sunset for breathtaking views over Sturgeon Bay. The western exposure gives you glowing light over the bluffs, and it’s one of the most peaceful golden-hour spots in the county. If you’re lucky, you might spot pelicans or eagles fishing below.

Insider Tip #2: The old observation tower site (currently closed for restoration) still has a quiet overlook nearby that most visitors skip — just follow the Ice Age Trail spur past the Tower Trail junction. It’s a great spot to sit with a thermos of coffee and watch sailboats drift into the bay.

📍 Trail type: Moderate

🪶 Best for: Biking, families, sunset views

5. Björklunden — Baileys Harbor

Top 5 Scenic Hikes in Door County

This one’s a true local secret. Owned by Lawrence University and open to the public, Björklunden offers peaceful trails with dramatic lake views, towering bluffs, and deep cedar forests.

The North Trail passes a windmill, rustic campus cabins, and the Door Shakespeare outdoor theater, whose stage wraps around an ancient tree — an unexpected gem hidden in the woods.

It’s often compared to Cave Point County Park, but without the crowds. For a perfect day, stop at Björklunden on your way south, then continue to Whitefish Dunes State Park and Cave Point for more adventure.

Insider Tip #1: Start your walk early in the morning — before 9 AM the trails are often completely empty except for the sound of waves and gulls. Follow the North Trail toward the bluffs to catch soft light filtering through the trees and reflections off the lake. It feels like you’ve stumbled into your own private nature preserve.

Insider Tip #2: Make time to visit the Boynton Chapel, tucked into the woods on the property. This tiny hand-carved Norwegian-style chapel was built in the 1930s and features detailed woodwork and painted murals — it’s a true Door County secret most visitors miss. Check with Lawrence University for public tour times in summer.

📍 Trail type: Easy–Moderate

🕊️ Best for: Hidden gems, shoreline views, quiet mornings

Don’t Forget to Pack:

• Binoculars – for spotting eagles, pelicans, and migrating warblers
• Bird guidebook – like Birds of Wisconsin by Stan Tekiela
• Camera or phone with extra battery – golden-hour light is stunning along the bluffs
• Reusable water bottle – most parks have refill stations
• Hat or sunglasses – coastal hikes can get bright and breezy
• Bug spray – especially in shaded trails and near the water in summer
• Light jacket or layers – Door County’s lake breeze cools off quickly, even in summer
• Comfortable shoes or hiking sandals – many trails have rocky terrain
• Snack/Picnic – grab something local from Fish Creek or Baileys Harbor before you head in

Enjoy your time in Door County’s stunning natural surroundings!