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.

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.

Peninsula sponsors a 1-mile candlelight ski the first Saturday in February.

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

Cross-country skiing is one of many things to do in the park in the winter.
DNR Photo

Each skier age 16 and older must have a state trail pass to use any of the Peninsula ski trails.

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.

Snowshoeing and Hiking

Peninsula offers more than 4 miles of snowshoe and hiking trails. Hiking is allowed on the following snowshoe trails in winter. Hiking is not allowed on any ski or snowmobile trails.

White Cedar Nature Trail: .5-mile loop. 30 minutes. Moderate. Park at Nature Center. Traverse a 5,000-year-old shoreline, now forested with ironwood, pine and maple. Watch for green snowshoe signs and flagging halfway along this trail, where the Niagara Snowshoe Trail (new in 2003) intersects. Consider this one hour, 1.5-mile loop difficult, but worth the effort.

Minnehaha Trail: 1 mile each way. 30 minutes. Moderate. Park at Nicolet Bay South Campground area by following directional signs. This trail winds between the Niagara Escarpment and Green Bay. Watch for pileated woodpeckers, migrating waterfowl (during ice-out), and stately hemlock trees.

Sentinel Trail: (portion of) 2-mile loop. 1 hour 15 minutes. Moderate. Park at Eagle Tower. Follow the beginning of Sentinel Trail, then circle back via a rolling (summer mountain bike) trail through a beech-maple woods.

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

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. These passes may be purchased online or at any DNR service center or Park Headquarters. 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
9462 Shore Road
Fish Creek, WI 54212
(920) 868-3258