Winter Activities at Peninsula State Park

Peninsula doesn't hibernate during winter. For current information please visit DNR current conditions or call (920) 868-3258. Skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking count towards Peninsula's Like to Hike program.

• Camping in Winter
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Equipment Rentals
• Ice Fishing
• Nature Programs
• Sledding and Tubing
• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing and Hiking

Cross-Country Skiing

Classic cross-country Skiing: Peninsula has 16 miles of groomed, mostly double tracked ski trails. Designed to run one way, these trails are color-coded and vary from easy to difficult. Pets, hiking and snowshoeing are not allowed on ski trails. A warming house near Lot 5 on Highland Road is open in winter. Ski trails are groomed and tracked as conditions permit.

Skate skiing: Skaters have access to 6 miles of trails groomed for both classical and skate skiing. Hilly topography makes the skate trails more difficult.

• Each skier age 16 and older must have a state trail pass to use any of the Peninsula ski trails.
• Peninsula sponsors a 1-mile candlelight ski the first Saturday in February.
• See the winter trail map, also available at Park Headquarters.

Ski Trail Descriptions

(Mileage from parking lots)

Parking Lot 1

White Loop (1.5 miles, easy). A bit more difficult than the yellow loop, but still geared for beginners, this trail has several gentle hills. Skiers tour through stands of cedar and spruce and along marshes adjacent to Green Bay.

Black Loop (3 miles, moderate). Skiers of intermediate skill levels will enjoy the varied scenery and topography. There is one very steep uphill climb where the trail separates from the white loop. Skiers should remove their skis for this one. The black loop takes skiers through relatively remote pine forest over gently rolling terrain. Watch out for the steep curving hill on the last half-mile section.

Brown Loop (3.5 miles, moderate). Skiers of intermediate skill level will enjoy this loop. This trail continues with the black loop up the very steep uphill climb where skiers should remove their skis. The brown loop has one challenging downhill stretch where the trail merges with the purple loop.

Purple Loop (5.7 miles, difficult). This is Peninsula’s most challenging ski trail. Hills are abundant throughout the northern section of the loop. Access to views of Green Bay from high atop Sven’s Bluff may be obtained by those ready to take on the challenge.

Parking Lot 3

Skate Skiing (6.5 miles, difficult). Combined sections of the purple, blue, and green loops are groomed for skating and striding.

Parking Lot 5

Yellow Loop (1 mile, easy). This is the easiest loop, geared for the novice skier. Skiers traverse very gentle terrain through hardwood forests and old fields.

Orange Loop (3 miles, moderate). This is Peninsula’s most popular loop. Skiers with some experience will enjoy gliding down several hills.

Red Loop (3.5 miles, difficult). The red loop is for more experienced skiers who like the challenge of hills. Skiing this is basically the entire orange loop plus an additional section that has a steep downhill.

Green Loop (5.6 miles, difficult). This loop is ideal for intermediate level skiers who are looking for a longer tour. Skiers travel through remote areas of the park with a variety of forest types, and across one large field just north of Middle Road. Watch out for some short hills between Highland and Middle Roads.

Blue Loop ( 7 miles, difficult). This trail encompasses all the hills encountered on the red and green loops plus takes skiers through a long section of lesser used trail. Easy access may be made with the purple loop for longer tours.

Snowshoeing and Hiking

Peninsula offers 6 miles of designated snowshoe and hiking trails in the winter.

• These trails traverse some of the most peaceful and remote regions of the park.
• Snowshoe trails are not groomed.
• Snowshoeing and hiking are not allowed on any of the ski or snowmobile trails.
• All snowshoe trails are marked with a green sign with a pink reflective dot.

Snowshoe Trail Descriptions (mileage from trailhead parking lots):

Nature Center: (1.4 mile loop). Difficult. Traverse a 5,000-year-old shoreline, now forested with ironwood, pine and maple. Watch for snowshoe signs and flagging halfway along this trail as you climb a steep section. A tough climb, but very rewarding.

Nicolet Bay: (1 mile each way). Moderate. Park at the Nicolet Bay angler parking lot by following directional signs. This trail winds through a closed campground along Green Bay and then through the woods. Watch for pileated woodpeckers, migrating waterfowl (during ice-out), and stately hemlock trees.

Eagle Tower: (2.8 mile loop). Moderate. Follow the beginning of Sentinel Trail, then circle back via a rolling trail through beech-maple woods. Remember to please stay off of the ski trails.

See the winter trail map, also available at Park Headquarters or the Nature Center.

Ice Fishing

Anglers hook perch, walleye and trout while ice fishing near Peninsula State Park. Ice conditions vary and change rapidly. Exercise extreme caution while ice fishing. Wisconsin fishing licenses are required.

Snowmobiling

Peninsula has 17 miles of scenic snowmobile trails. Snowmobiles are allowed only on marked trails. Maximum speed limit is 25 mph on park property. Snowmobiles must be registered and have registration decals displayed. Any snowmobiles registered outside the state of Wisconsin must have a nonresident snowmobile pass. All snowmobile laws are strictly enforced.

Nature Programs

Peninsula offers a year round nature program. The White Cedar Nature Center is open most Saturdays in winter, with additional hours as staffing permits. Please call (920) 854-5976 for a current schedule.

Winter Camping

In winter, part of Tennison Bay Campground is plowed and open for hardy adventurers. Electrical hookups, pit toilets, and a winter water supply are available, but shower buildings are closed. Register at Park Headquarters before setting up. Stay safe and plan wisely if you camp in winter!

Sledding and Tubing

The number 17 fairway at the park golf course is a favorite sledding spot. The hill is steep! Adults must supervise children at all times. Toboggans are not allowed.

Sledding Hill at Peninsula State Park.
DNR Photo

Equipment Rentals

Peninsula State Park does not rent equipment. The following businesses in northern Door County rent winter equipment:

• Nor Door Sport and Cyclery, (920) 868-2275
• Nelson Shopping Center, (920) 854-5752
• Bay Shore Outdoor Store (920) 854-7598
• You may also contact the Door County Chamber of Commerce [exit DNR] or (920) 743-4456

For more information, ask Peninsula State Park, (920) 868-3258.