Now known as the Hjertehjem Shop, Roger Eatough also built this original building, the south part, in 1885. The foundation of chipped stone is no longer visible. The original part was used as a drug store, furniture store, a mortuary, and the post . . . — — Map (db m89936) HM
Nathan Nichols (the north building) was formerly two buildings, now connected, that were built by Roger Eatough (owner of the Globe Hotel). The little house in the rear was built as a residence and was built in 1890. The building to the north was . . . — — Map (db m89938) HM
This anchor was removed from the wreck site of the Frank O'Connor. The anchor is from a barge used during salvage operations in the 1920s and 1930s. Since the anchor was not actually off the sunken ship, it was placed on display here. . . . — — Map (db m230096) HM
The Baileys Harbor Rangelights were built in 1869 by the U.S. Lighthouse Service. The Upper Range Light, located 950 feet inland has a white light 17 feet higher than the red light in the Lower Rangelight. Ships that stayed vertically aligned with . . . — — Map (db m248532) HM
The Baileys Harbor rangelights were built in 1869 by the U.S. Lighthouse Service. The upper range light located 950 feet inland has a white light 17 feet higher than the red light in the lower rangelight. Ships that stayed vertically aligned with . . . — — Map (db m248546) HM
1848 Captain Justice Bailey discovers Baileys Harbor
1849 Baileys Harbor builds the first pier in Door County
1851 Baileys Harbor established as county seat
1935 Michael W. McArdle dies in Chicago leaving funds to be used for a new . . . — — Map (db m288571) HM
On the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan, Baileys Harbor was the first established village on the Door Peninsula. In 1848, Captain Justice Bailey was seeking refuge from a ferocious storm and came ashore in the sheltered harbor. Discovering abundant . . . — — Map (db m74480) HM
A boathouse and pier once stood near this location. Sometime after 1945, the structure was razed and the piers removed.
The launch that was stored in the boathouse was used to go to Baileys Harbor for supplies and to work the Baileys Harbor . . . — — Map (db m230095) HM
This cabin was built about 1854 as the home of William and Mary Jane Marshall. It originally stood near Fish Creek on property which now is part of Peninsula State Park. Mrs. Marshall was a daughter of Increase Claflin, who is noted for being the . . . — — Map (db m248567) HM
In 1848, Captain Justice Bailey was sailing his ship southward on Lake Michigan when a storm caused him and his crew to seek refuge in a nearby bay. When he stepped foot onto the sand to explore this bay, he realized he could profit from harvesting . . . — — Map (db m248531) HM
Mid 1800s Carrington Home built by Miles Carrington.
1863 Thomas Toft arrives in Baileys Harbor, WI
1868 Massive fire in Baileys Harbor, Carrington built a two-family home for housing . . . — — Map (db m288580) HM
Baileys Harbor is a refuge for people and nature.
In 1848, Captain Justice Bailey discovered this safe harbor as he sought shelter from a Lake Michigan storm. His employer, Alanson Sweet, sent crews of men to carve a town out of the wilderness. . . . — — Map (db m229959) HM
The Belgian immigrants who settled in this region, beginning in the 1850s, built many churches and roadside chapels, reflecting the value of their Catholic faith. Brussels and its surrounding communities form the largest Belgian settlement in North . . . — — Map (db m175533) HM
During the fire of October 8, 1871, this well site was used by seven persons as a place of refuge. The last man to the well found the wood curb on fire. After tearing off the curb he entered the well and pulled a wet blanket over the opening. Five . . . — — Map (db m39008) HM
Type: wooden bulk carrier
Built: 1892 as City of Naples,
James Davidson, West Bay City, Mich.
Sank: Oct. 2, 1919
Length: 301' Beam 42.5'
Cargoes: grain, coal, and iron ore
Propulsion: triple-expansion steam engine; propeller . . . — — Map (db m89957) HM
Blessed with good farmland and a deep water port, Egg Harbor has thrived since its beginning in 1861. In the early years, Egg Harbor served fishermen, farmers, and lumbermen. It was the first community in Door County to hard surface its road. . . . — — Map (db m130495) HM
The 45th parallel (45 Degrees North Latitude) runs through this wayside. This is the midpoint between the equator and North Pole. But because the Earth is slightly flattened at the poles, the distance from the 45th parallel to the North Pole is . . . — — Map (db m26713) HM
"Margaret Kinney was paid $149 for teaching here during the 1869 school year. The first school was built out of log construction on one acre of private land owned by Thomas Carmody Sr. and wife Margaret. In 1879, the Carmody's . . . — — Map (db m230834) HM
The land surrounding you was once owned by John Ellison. Johan Eliason, later known as John Ellison, was a Danish immigrant who founded this community in 1865. He purchased 8,000 acres of land including a mile of shoreline, and advertised in . . . — — Map (db m130477) HM
Near this spot in 1881, a Scandinavian immigrant named Hans Johnson built a large wooden pier. Soon afterward, Johnson and business partner Peter Knudson built a general store, a post office, and a lumber mill. For the next 40 years, these . . . — — Map (db m238630) HM
Lycopods are prehistoric plants of this forest. Their origin reveals the rich history of the land.
Discover landscapes of the past. Imagine forests of the future.
Paleozoic Era
Silurian
Lycopods Take Root on Land . . . — — Map (db m238655) HM
The Clearing is a not-for-profit school for adults, offering classes in the arts, humanities and natural sciences. It was founded by Jens Jensen, renowned landscape architect and conservationist. Born in Denmark in 1860, Jensen immigrated to the . . . — — Map (db m165535) HM
In 1917, Ferdinand Hotz of Chicago purchased 1,015 acres of land which later became Newport State Park. He thought this was the finest place on earth, and in 1919 he began building an estate that would include the log cabin, carriage house, and . . . — — Map (db m74505) HM
"There is a certain irony to the fact that Wisconsin's only formally designated Wilderness Park was once a bustling village."
Robert J.W Erwin
Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine
In memory of the Memmbers of
Trinity Lutheran Church
1885-1988
whose faithfulness laid the foundation for
Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church — — Map (db m254315) HM
In Memory of the Members of
Zion Lutheran Church
1879-1988
Whose Faithfulness Laid the Foundation for
Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church — — Map (db m254307) HM
This view has inspired people for more than a century.
From this vantage point, you can see Ellison Bay nestled into the wooded bluffs of the Niagara Escarpment, the waters of Green Bay, and Washington Island in the distance. A Door . . . — — Map (db m254230) HM
Gust Klenke's Garage serviced locals and tourists using this Bead Breaker and Tire Changer to replace rubber tires on wheels.
Donor: Lee Telfer — — Map (db m254215) HM
Donors: Jeanette and Myrtle Fitzgerald
This corn crib was already old when it was given to the Fitzgeralds for their farm on Blackberry Rd. in the 1950s. For many years it held corn cobs, which were fed to livestock.
Later, Fitzgerald . . . — — Map (db m254212) HM
The Door Peninsula is an ecological treasure with more shoreline and rare plants and animals than any other county in Wisconsin.
Ancient rivers and glaciers carved valleys through the soft limestone peninsula creating rich and varied . . . — — Map (db m254231) HM
Donor: Annette Wickman and her family in memory of her cousin Gordon Nelson
Built by Harry Voight, this building was Gordon Nelson's first business adventure in the early 1940s. Later he became the owner and operator of Nelson's Shopping Center . . . — — Map (db m254248) HM
Scandinavian immigrants often told their children stories of giant, mischievous beings connected to nature - mountains, forests and caves.
Do not climb on them because they sometimes ate naughty children in tales from Norway, Sweden and . . . — — Map (db m254227) HM
The limestone bluffs you see along Green Bay are part of the same formation that Niagara Falls plunges over in New York. The Niagara Escarpment arches for a thousand miles around the Great Lakes. Lower layers of soft, erodible shale are . . . — — Map (db m130478) HM
Donor: Leonard Peterson
This outhouse was located behind one of the old cottages at Wagon Trail Resort (now Rowley's Bay Resort). It dates back to the early 1900s.
A two-holer, it still has the original seats. — — Map (db m254214) HM
Donor: Virginia Hanson
The platform swing, which dates back to the early 1900s, originally sat in the side yard of Ruckert's Store/Pioneer Store in Ellison Bay. Carol Newman, owner of the Pioneer Store, passed it on to Russell Hanson about 1995. . . . — — Map (db m254213) HM
This bell called students to class at the Rowleys Bay School for about 40 years until the school was consolidated with Wildwood School in the fall of 1923. For 37 years the Rowleys Bay Resort tolled the bell at their fish boils (1986-2023). In 2024 . . . — — Map (db m254159) HM
Donors: Bob & Trudy Jischke
This sleigh was pulled by one horse and most likely used to carry small items, such as milk cans, feed or supplies during the winter.
It came from Gills Rock and dates back to the early 1900's. — — Map (db m254153) HM
The Door Peninsula is a dynamic landscape formed by
water and limestone.
The Niagara Escarpment, a high limestone ridge along Green Bay, tilts at a 6-degree angle toward Lake Michigan where it disappears under water. This limestone is . . . — — Map (db m254228) HM
Dedicated in 2017, the Veterans Memorial / Circle of Honor was designed by the Liberty Grove Historical Society to pay tribute to those who have served in the military. The goal of the adjacent Heritage Walkway is to remember the families and . . . — — Map (db m254244) HM WM
"We all travel the Milky Way
together, trees and men."
John Muir
Inspiration and Wonder Now a Rare Experience
The natural night sky, our common and universal heritage, is rapidly becoming unknown to the . . . — — Map (db m265606) HM
This ForestA valuable resource, a way of life
Long ago this forest was the workplace. The air rang with the music of the ax and the crosscut saw.
Sugar MapleAcer saccharum
Maple . . . — — Map (db m289027) HM
In a modern world that is accompanied by ever-increasing levels of nighttime illumination, a truly dark sky at night is now rare and unique," Michelle A. Hefty, Park Manager
'Half the Park Is After Dark'
You are . . . — — Map (db m265605) HM
Aslag Anderson, Norwegian born mill-wright, built this store and dock in 1858.
The dock served as the transportation center for this area from the sailing days through the steamship era in the 1920's.
On Anderson's death in 1892, two of . . . — — Map (db m57690) HM
Near
this spot
a Moravian
Congregation,
Reverend
A.M. Iverson, Pastor
landed May, 1853,
forming the first
permanent colony
in Door County
———
Erected 1923 — — Map (db m15714) HM
More than one million people visit Peninsula State Park every year but most days Eagle Terrace is quiet. Congratulate yourself for discovering a place less traveled!
Eagle Terrace links events that span centuries. Was this jagged promontory a . . . — — Map (db m75111) HM
"One by one," Assemblyman Tom Reynolds told the Wisconsin Legislature, "all the places of scenic beauty and historical interest are passing away. Before it is too late, it is well to pause and consider whether it is not befitting that some of . . . — — Map (db m79015) HM
The Scotch pine is easy to identify. Look for bright orange bark and needles in bundles of two.
The Scotch pine is the most widely distributed pine in the world. It grows naturally from Scotland to Siberia but not in Wisconsin! Decades ago, . . . — — Map (db m253805) HM
The year is 1938. You've just climbed to the top of Peninsula's ski jump. Your skis are fashioned of maple and your bindings made with straps from an old horse harness and the inner tubes of a tire. You lean forward and gravity takes over at 50 mph . . . — — Map (db m229964) HM
Sailing vessels used two channels when navigating this part of Green Bay. The first was the western passage on the far side of Chambers Island. The second lies before you: the treacherous passage between the shore and the Strawberry Islands.
. . . — — Map (db m75285) HM
Adventure, Little Strawberry, Jack and Pirate with Chambers Island on the horizon.
What if the 1909 Wisconsin Legislature had not identified this land as most worthy of preservation? This spectacular view, like others . . . — — Map (db m229961) HM
Northern white cedar trees cling to the rocky rim of 38-acre Horseshoe Island. A tangle of birch and balsam fir, with pale blossoms of climbing fumitory, grow on the island, too. Long ago, people lived on Horseshoe Island.
Indian people, . . . — — Map (db m74416) HM
Welcome to Peninsula State Park, a diverse and dramatic place. Two features dominate this landscape: rock and water.
At Peninsula, rocky bluffs ascend over 150 feet. They are part of the Niagara Escarpment, a 650-mile geologic formation. This . . . — — Map (db m79261) HM
People have been coming here for generations to live, fish, play, and gaze out over the water. Explore history as you enjoy and take care of this remarkable place.
Spotter's Guide
We name the places that we care about.
Over time, names can . . . — — Map (db m232563) HM
Peninsula State Park protects the largest contiguous tract of Niagara Escarpment in Wisconsin.
This limestone ridge was formed by the deposit of ocean animals, plants, and mud on the floor of an ancient sea. Today, rare plants flourish in the . . . — — Map (db m230277) HM
What was summer like in Door County in the early 1900s? If you were a local girl, you might clean rooms at a family hotel or help with farm chores. Perhaps you would tend to younger siblings. If old enough, you might even work at Camp Meenahga.
. . . — — Map (db m79006) HM
Once this land flourished under the waves of a warm, shallow sea. Then it lay frozen under the weight of thick, glacial ice. After millions of years, it emerged as a gem to be treasured.
1 Bathed with Warm Waves Around 420 million years ago, . . . — — Map (db m232588) HM
Peninsula's eight-mile shoreline is ever changing. Some years, a soggy cobblestone coast cradles sparse populations of unusual flowers. When water is high, crayfish thrive in crevices of the rocky coast, providing food for abundant smallmouth . . . — — Map (db m75181) HM
The Alexander Noble House was built in 1875 on land purchased from Asa Thorp, the founder of the Village of Fish Creek. This Greek Revival Style-influenced residence is the Village's oldest existing dwelling still in its original location. Born in . . . — — Map (db m105232) HM
1960, after years of neglect, the
United States Coast Guard and
Peninsula State Park granted the
Door County Historical Society
permission to restore the Eagle Bluff
Light Station and provide access for
visitors. Following an . . . — — Map (db m232811) HM
The Thorp Family was very influential in the early growth of Door County. Asa Thorp, a New York cooper by trade, permanently settled in Fish Creek in the mid 1850s. Asa established an early pier, a warehouse, and a sawmill to supply residents and . . . — — Map (db m95719) HM
The Thorp Family was very influential in the early growth of Door County. Asa Thorp, a New York Cooper by trade, permanently settled in Fish Creek in the mid 1859s. Asa established an early pier, a warehouse, and a sawmill to supply residents and . . . — — Map (db m258737) HM
One hundred years ago, the Fish Creek dock was a bustling portal to a summer vacationland.
Arriving tourists, decked out in elegant clothes, waved cheerfully as steamers delivered them from the summer heat of Chicago and Milwaukee. Many . . . — — Map (db m230274) HM
Before a tower ever stood here, people came to this spot for a commanding view of Green Bay. The first humans to look over this cliff arrived shortly after the glaciers retreated. Imagine what those early people thought when they walked up to this . . . — — Map (db m307373) HM
When spring burst forth, voyageurs paddled from Montreal, Canada to trade at outposts on the Great Lakes. After the long, white northern winter, they welcomed the green of spring found upon reaching Green Bay. Voyagers identified places by natural . . . — — Map (db m75179) HM
Strong wood makes ironwood a first choice for ax and shovel handles. Lumberjacks and farmers favored this tree for pike poles and wagon axles, too. Note the tree's doubly toothed leaves and somewhat shaggy bark. Several ironwoods, able to live under . . . — — Map (db m238466) HM
In spring, balsam poplar's long sticky buds emit a sweet, slightly medicinal smell. Menominee Indians boiled the buds in animal fat to create an ointment that relieved congestion. Settlers used the ointment, too, and called it Balm of Gilead. . . . — — Map (db m253932) HM
In memory of
Albert E. Doolittle
A man of unusual talent whose foresight, determination, and untiring devotion made the development of this park possible.
Peninsula State Parks' roads, hiking trails, campgrounds, lookouts, Eagle Tower . . . — — Map (db m235980) HM
What lies on the forest floor? Strong winds blew down trees. The white barked birch trees toppled after living about sixty years. That is an average life span for birches.
Birch trees are pioneers. They are among the first to grow in an area . . . — — Map (db m307372) HM
In memory and recognition of Chris Holicek for her dedication and contributions to Peninsula State Park. Serving as the president of Friends of Peninsula State Park from 2009-2025, Chris passionately spearheaded many improvements and advocated for . . . — — Map (db m307449) HM
Ah-choo! Menominee Indians made a tea of the hemlock's inner bark to treat colds. Today, hikers enjoy the dark evergreen for its beauty. Examine its short, flat needles. Do you see two white stripes underneath?
Hemlock is an indicator species, . . . — — Map (db m238468) HM
A tree fell years ago, creating the hummock in front of you. Over time, the huge trunk rotted and turned into rich soil. Today the cradle mound is a good place to start life. How many tree seedlings are growing on this forest nursery?
As . . . — — Map (db m253938) HM
Nearby, red pines stand in perfect rows. Planted about 1924, they comprise one of over two dozen tree plantations at Peninsula. Do you see cut stumps? Foresters thinned the plantation in 1978 to create sunny gaps for emerging hardwoods.
Paired . . . — — Map (db m238469) HM
In September when other forest trees begin to drop leaves, witch hazel magically springs to life. Bright yellow flowers bloom along bare branches and seed pods develop. When mature, the pods burst open and throw two shiny black seeds several feet. . . . — — Map (db m238467) HM
The red oak is a relative newcomer. It expanded its range from the south following the retreat of the great ice sheet 13,000 years ago.
This majestic tree began life about 1890. Like other red oaks, it bears inch-long, flat-topped acorns. Wild . . . — — Map (db m253936) HM
Meadows along Sentinel Trail hint of past lives. Many Scandinavian settlers farmed and logged the land that became Peninsula State Park in 1909. An 1899 map shows this spot belonging to the Neilsons. Can you imagine a log house and barn?
As you . . . — — Map (db m253921) HM
Thousands of hikers wore away the little soil that once covered this part of Sentinel Trail, revealing dolostone. Dolostone is a type of limestone formed 420 million years ago when shallow, saltwater seas covered Wisconsin.
Dolostone cracks . . . — — Map (db m253807) HM
Navigating the Door Peninsula is challenging! Hidden shoals, tiny islands, strong winds, dense fog, and perilous currents contributed to scores of shipwrecks and stranded ships, especially in the mid to late 1800s. Can you spot the nearby hazards? . . . — — Map (db m236010) HM
Gently rub a needled branch of the balsam fir and enjoy the spicy smell of the northwoods. Flat, one-inch needles grow singly on the branches. In fall, cones cling upright like a spiky candelabra. Red squirrels help create colonies of balsam firs by . . . — — Map (db m253944) HM
The home of Ole Larsen, first farmer in Door County, stood here. In 1850 he came to Eagle Island where he supplied the Buffalo Steamer with wood on its weekly run to Green Bay. Three years later the timber was consumed and he moved his log house to . . . — — Map (db m306939) HM
This tree began life at least seventy years ago when the land looked different. Settlers cut down the original forest for farmland and lumber. This aspen grew in the open, sunny area. Its early years were tough. A storm or perhaps a hungry deer . . . — — Map (db m253941) HM
Trees stand watch along Sentinel Trail. Beech and hemlock, maple and basswood rise along the rocky edge of Eagle Bluff. These trees are sentries - guardians - of the northern forest. They are hardy members of a unique community.
The community . . . — — Map (db m253803) HM
Rudder from the “City of Glasgow” Sunk in Lily Bay, Oct. 6, 1917 Raised by Century Divers, Aug. 29, 1971 and donated to the Door County Maritime Museum. — — Map (db m130499) HM
Howard and Emery Weborg had been fishermen all their lives. Howard began fishing with his father Alfred in 1917. Soon Emery joined them fishing on their father's boat, the Golden Girl. At age 64, Alfred suffered an angina attack and . . . — — Map (db m130497) HM
Type: Wooden schooner, two-masted
Built: 1860, Robert Chambers, Harsen's Island, Mich.
Sank: September 23, 1869
Length: 73' Beam 20'
Cargo: Stone
Depth of Wreckage: 110'
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
. . . — — Map (db m74312) HM
Jay Olson recovered this fisherman's anchor from the waters off Jacksonport. Collapsible anchors were commonly used on fish tugs because they were easily stowed on the small boats. Early anchors were forged as one piece. This anchor's arms and . . . — — Map (db m151587) HM
In 1873 Royal Erskine purchased a boarding house by the lake from Mr. Logan. He moved it across the road and combined it with two other vacated buildings to make one large building, painted it red, and called it the Eureka House. Royal sold the . . . — — Map (db m151588) HM
The 45th parallel (45 Degrees North Latitude) runs through a point one half mile south of this wayside (intersection of Hwy. 57 and Logerquist Road). This is the geographical midpoint between the equator and North Pole. But, because the earth is . . . — — Map (db m26671) HM
Also known as “The Little White Church by the Lake,” the Jacksonport United Methodist Church was completed in 1892. Its simple design is attributed to George Bagnall Sr., one of the original builders. Alex Halstead, Harry Wilson Sr. and . . . — — Map (db m12114) HM
French trader Mιdard Chouart des Groseilliers spent the winter of 165455 in Jacksonport, at the time a Potawatomi/Ottawa village known as Mechigan that was home to more than 3,000. Upon his return to Quebec, Groseilliers reported on the abundance . . . — — Map (db m147221) HM
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