When the population of Door County runs into the hundreds of thousands, it can be difficult to believe there is peaceful corner left to retreat to. Those quiet places do exist for unwinding and relaxing. Whether you are looking for an activity or adventure, less crowded beach, or a shady spot to read, here are the more laid back locales around the Door.
Newport State Park:
Nestled along the shore of Lake Michigan and well North of the “tension line”, Newport State Park is a rustic gem that often gets overlooked. It features miles of tree shaded hiking and biking trails for all skill levels. Canoeing, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding are great ways to enjoy the lakeshore. Newport State Park boasts coastline on both Lake Michigan and Europe Lake. Camping is rustic and hike/bike or paddle in only. Perfect for those looking to completely disconnect.
Sand Bay Town Park:
Sand Bay features one of the nicest sandy beaches in Northern Door Co. The Park offers tree shaded picnic areas, bathrooms, and swingsets. The sandy beach and bay are shallow and warm for many yards out into Lake Michigan. When Ephraim Beach and Sister Bay Beach are crowded, Sand Bay is often much more accessible!
Door Bluff Headlands County Park:
This out of the way park offers rustic trails and stunning views. For the adventurous, there are trails up the bluff or down to the water, while quiet trails meander through mixed hardwoods. The park is truly a delight for foragers and those seeking natural beauty and solitude.
The Ridges Sanctuary:
This nature preserve gets attention but not so much traffic that one cannot enjoy the solitude of the unique ecosystem. Home to rare plants and insect, it also boasts a breeding program for terrestrial orchids.