Peninsula State Park
2009 - Centennial Celebration

• Signature Events
• Centennial Memorabilia
• More Information

Centennial Events a Smashing Success

100 Years of Memories... Only the Beginning: On June 7, Peninsula State Park celebrated 100 years with a formal dedication that included a flag raising, the unveiling of a new centennial commemorative painting, a pictorial postmark and great music by the Newtonburg Brass Band. Visitors enjoyed 290 root beer floats and three full sheet cakes.

100 Mile Club: At least 357 people earned their Peninsula centennial hiking medallion by logging 100 miles of land-based recreation in Peninsula and Door County! Congratulations! The centennial medallions are out-of-stock so the 100 Mile Club is officially closed to new members. Thanks, all for participating. See the membership roster at Friends of Peninsula State Park [exit DNR].

A Century of Inspiration for Door County Artists. About 125 art lovers attended the opening of this exhibit, which was in place from September through mid-October. Thank you Hardy Gallery of Ephraim (920) 854-9688 for supporting Peninsula's Centennial.

Anderson Museum: Peninsula State Park History Exhibit. June - October. A hundred patrons supported opening night of this historical visit, which was open June - October. Thank you Ephraim Foundation (920) 854-9688 for supporting Peninsula's Centennial.

American Folklore Theatre Sunsets and S'mores: Just over 6,000 people saw the show, including 1,800 campers. The Friends of Peninsula State Park secured $10,000 to produce the show. Thanks to AFT actors and technicians for creating a supporting Peninsula's Centennial.

Campground Host Jamboree: Peninsula hosted the annual State Park Volunteer Jamboree. Over 150 were in attendance for the two-day event.

Centennial Forest: Volunteers and the Gibralter Ecology Club planted 100 trees for 100 years. By fall of 2009, about 70 percent were still alive, not bad considering the trees were left to fend for themselves. Thank you DNR Foresters for assisting with this project.

Centennial Geocache (So Many Memories): DISABLED until spring 2010. An estimated 500 people navigated through the park, finding all four stages of this 3-mile, centennial geocache. Geocachers followed all rules as listed here [exit DNR]. They also provided their own GPS. This trail is closed from November through Spring to all foot traffic.

Edgewood Orchard: Over 300 people attended the opening reception of Edgewood Orchard first 2009 show, featuring Peninsula State Park, Thank you Edgewood Orchard for supporting the centennial.

Marciniak Trading Lodge: Volunteer Gary Marciniak offered programs related to Wisconsin's fur trade era for five days. An estimated 750 people enjoyed visiting with Gary and seeing his Plains Indian style tee pee. Thanks, Gary.

Talking Tombstones: Over 250 people attended this living history event. Thanks to the volunteers who portrayed Julia Duclon, Dr. Sneeberger, Vida Weborg, Vladimir Rousseff and others.

Woodwind Maritime Sculpture at Tennison Bay: This incredible collaboration between Peninsula State Park and the Peninsula School of Arts (Fish Creek) was among the park's most provocative centennial events. Artist Dan Engleke installed 22 solar-powered structures in Tennison Bay. The exhibit was in place for about two weeks. Thanks to the Engelkes.

Spooktacular Hike: About 1,500 attended this annual event. Thanks to all, including Northern Door Girl Scouts, who made it a spooky success.

Peninsula Publications and Centennial Memorabilia

Peninsula's year-long party was completely self supporting. Thanks to all who supported special events with money, time and talent. Select centennial merchandise[exit DNR] (including patches, art prints, and pint glasses) are still in stock, with proceeds going for 2010 nature center improvements. Projects under discussion include a shelter building at Nicolet Beach, contracting for invasive species work, and sponsoring a special event for campers. Friends of Peninsula State Park facilitate the merchandise program.

This commemorate centennial poster, signed and numbered, retails for $25 with all proceeds benefiting park education.
Painting by Dave Hackett

In 2009, the sale of centennial merchandise included 1,050 pins, 500 DVDs, 1,000 magnets, 500 buttons, 1,500 readers, 1,100 art prints and 100 postal stamps. Over 1,100 pint glasses were also sold. Capital Brewery of Madison, Wisconsin created this item. In addition to benefiting from retail sales, Capital Brewery recently donated an additional $1,400 back to Friends of Peninsula State Park.

More Information

"One hundred years of memories" in Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine
Legislative Resolution [exit DNR] recognizing the Peninsula State Park Centennial.
Friends of Peninsula State Park [exit DNR]

If you would like to receive emailings about centennial plans and activities, or if you would like to volunteer for upcoming centennial events, please contact Naturalist Kathleen Harris, (920) 854-5976.