State Parks & Forests

Peninsula State Park

Water Recreation at Peninsula State Park

Peninsula State Park is surrounded by water on three sides. Shoreline extends for seven miles, offering landscapes from 180-foot bluffs to cobblestone and natural sand beaches.

Shoreline Scenery at Sven's Bluff

Nearly 7 miles of Lake Michigan's Green Bay shoreline wrap around forests, meadows and wetlands.
DNR Photo

Swimming

Nicolet Bay beach
Nicolet Bay's natural sand beach.
DNR Photo

Nicolet Bay's natural sand beach provides scenic swimming and sunbathing. No lifeguards are provided. Beach hours are 6 a.m. - 11p.m. daily. A bathhouse with showers is provided. The water tends to be the warmest in early July through late August. Pets are not allowed on the beach or in adjacent picnic areas.

Boating

Launch ramps are located at Nicolet and Tennison Bays. Tennison Bay has a shallow draft where only small water craft may be launched. With low water conditions, Tennison Bay launch is inaccessible for the launching of trailered watercraft.

Nicolet boat launch
Sunrise at the Nicolet Bay boat launch.
DNR Photo

Sailboats at Nicolet Bay
Sailboats moored at Nicolet Bay.
DNR Photo

Sailboats and other non-motorized watercraft may be rented in season from a concessionaire near Nicolet Bay Beach. Overnight, offshore anchoring is allowed at Horseshoe Island and in Nicolet Bay, outside of the designated swimming area and boat launch. Tie-up to ramp piers is prohibited except for launching and take-out. Long term vehicle and trailer parking is available at the amphitheater lot.

Horseshoe Island

This is the only island owned and maintained by Peninsula Park. Visitors can stop at the island to hike or picnic; however, no fires or overnight camping are allowed. Horseshoe Island can only be reached by personal water craft, so BYOB. (Bring Your Own Boat). To learn more about Horseshoe Island visit Peninsula's Specialties

Fishing

Fishing at Weborg Pier
Fishing at Weborg Pier.
DNR Photo

Weborg pier is a hotspot for shore fishing action on Green Bay during spring, summer and fall. Brown trout are often caught through the spring and fall. During the summer shallower water warms and provides habitat for smallmouth and rock bass. Perch populations are currently low in Green Bay waters but both yellow and white have been hooked at Weborg. Nicolet Bay also harbors moderate fishing opportunities along the cobblestone shoreline. Anglers 16 years or older must have a valid Wisconsin fishing license. A Wisconsin Great Lakes Trout stamp is required for trout fishing. Fishing licenses and Great Lakes stamps can be purchased online or at local sporting goods stores. Fishing poles are available for free loan at the Nature Center.

Last Revised: Monday April 14 2008