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Whitefish Dunes State Park

4.3 (25 reviews)

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The beach
Ann L.

We came for a visit mid-September 2021, and am putting in an update for that visit, but please also see my previous review! The beach access point 1 is closed, and I mean, really closed....as in the stairs are gone right now...but, the good news is that access points 2 and 3 are open. We walked the trail to access point 3 then wandered the beach for awhile and then went back up access point 2. It was a gorgeous day, and a delight to be on the beach! We always see wildlife here and even on the beach saw a tiny turtle either headed to or from the water; since we weren't sure, we just let it be rather than "helping". We didn't do our usual hike here since we had less time than typical, but I look forward to coming back to hike here again too! The picnic area is large and nice as well. It's quite shaded which is great on a hot day, but if it's chilly definitely bring a jacket if you're picnicking here.

Alyssa M.

There is a beach and multiple trails to experience. We hiked parts of the green and yellow trails! They are all fairly short trail distances which could fit to anyone's comfort level. They were some pretty spots throughout and a sand dune to check out.

Aurore L.

One of the Top 20 beaches in the country. You don't need to know much more. But still.... It's a State Park, so you'll have to pay an entrance fee; don't let it discourage you: the place is really beautiful. And you can use the sticker all day long: kill two birds in one stone (um, that's just a figure of speech - leave these seagulls alone please) and get into Peninsula State Park afterwards. Long, pristine sand beach with a swimming area. Open (partially) to dogs. Hiking trails.

Arthur M.

Wisconsin has some of the most beautiful state parks I have ever visited, and Whitefish Dunes ranks high on the list. The beach has soft sand, the aquarmarine water is cold and refreshing. The isolation of the Door peninsula means that even on a Sunday in July, there were not a lot of people there. My girlfriend brought an inflatable raft with an anchor and spent hours in the water. Even mid-summer, the polar vortex is still having an effect: I did not want to submerge my junk in the ice cold lake and I so I happily read and napped on shore. I love Wisconsin: a yearlong pass to the WI state parks has been a great investment.

Beach

Such a nice place, very peaceful and beautiful, the water is cold!! Highly Recommend! Nice vacation before it starts getting cold

Iain S.

I paid the $38 for all Wisconsin State Parks annually. I wasn't able to walk on the Whitefish Dunes, because water levels are very high. I took pictures from the Nature Center's deck that oversees the dunes. I took some photos of the anchor. Lake Michigan is beautiful. Cave Point County Park is a better park, because I wasn't able to walk on the dunes this time! This park also has a dog park, but you have to walk 1.5 miles to see it.

Along the lake

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4 years ago

Stinky dead fish like the coast. Most disappointing of the local parks. Dunes are as expected. Would skip this one.

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16 years ago

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10 years ago

Lake levels are up do the beach is tiny! Beautiful summer day and a wonderful place to park yourself for sun and fun!

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16 years ago

great place to hike and the beach is very nice

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14 years ago

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Potawatomi State Park - It's as cool to climb as it looks

Potawatomi State Park

4.3(27 reviews)
11.4 mi

Five stars, and this is based on a one day visit, of approximately 3 hours!…read more We were heading home from our stay at Peninsula State Park, and stopped in to check it out, since I had never been here before. What a lovely park! We picnicked down by the boat launch, which looks out over Sturgeon Bay and Sawyer Harbor. Our view actually consisted of two islands and the homes thereon. There is a shelter, of sorts, very near the boat ramp, and we learned that it is actually a place to process your catch....there are metal tables there to do what you need to do. After eating, we drove through the park to take in the sights and get a feel for it. We headed up to the tower, and as of our visit, it is still closed. We continued to the Old Ski Hill Overlook and got out to take some photos. We drove through more forest and ended up at the Nature Center and Park Store. Here you can rent bikes, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. You can also pick up a souvenir or two, or some snacks. We made a pit stop at the toilets (flushable and with nice showers) before heading out and on our way home. This park is located within a decent distance of Sturgeon Bay, but is also remote enough that you won't get the sounds of the city disturbing you at night. It is an easy drive up the peninsula from this location, and day trips are definitely doable. The only downside, as others have mentioned, is that there is no beach at this park. If that is a deal breaker, there are 4 more state parks in Door County to choose from. I don't know if we will ever camp here, but I can definitely say that I am not opposed to another visit! 49/2022

Pretty large state park. We got a $16 day pass and drove around. We attempted to do a hike through…read moreone of the forested trails but there were just so many mosquitoes that we had to abort. Even the mosquito repellent couldn't keep them away and I got bit through my clothes. We got a great view on top of the tower. And then ventured towards the dock where apparently sometimes you can catch the fisherman come back with their catches.

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Potawatomi State Park
Potawatomi State Park - Now for the trek downward

Now for the trek downward

Potawatomi State Park - View from the old ski hill

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View from the old ski hill

Polar Bear Plunge - Waiting to plunge into freezing water.

Polar Bear Plunge

5.0(2 reviews)
10.1 mi

Not sure how to rate this as I have never done a polar plunge before. The event is well organized…read more They have had 34 years to get it right. The beach is crowded with crazy people waiting to jump into frigid Lake Michigan on New Year's day. First comes the count down, then hundreds of brave souls bolt for the water only to come charging back out grabbing towels and jackets trying not to freeze stiff. My experience was a little different from most. Like everyone else, I charged in. The frigid water felt like needles piercing my skin. I got about knee deep and dove in. It was a real shock. This was the unusual thing that most don't experience. When I came up I nearly passed out. I was so dizzy I did a double dip as I fell over into the water again. I made it back to shore and quickly dried off and adorned a jacket. I can truely say this was a once in a lifetime experience.

Well what can I say? This is a new year's day tradition here in Northeast Wisconsin. This event is…read moreso popular it draws hundreds of people. Not only locals, but people from different states and countries! I did not participate, but I was a spectator and watched my husband plunge into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan. It is a well organized event, there are t-shirts, sweatshirts and other souvenirs for sale that benefit the local volunteer fire department. It is a great event to watch, but I can honestly say I would never participate.

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Polar Bear Plunge - Polar plunge staging area.

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Polar plunge staging area.

Whitefish Dunes State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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