Peninsula State Park

The Peninsula State Park has a lot to offer Door County communities and visitors alike. With 470 campsites throughout the park, campers have plenty of sites to choose from when making reservations. Some sites can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. Other sites may not. Primitive and electric-only sites are available.

Besides camping, visitors can enjoy an 18-hole golf course, a sandy beach, hiking and biking trails, a lighthouse, and the Northern Sky Theater. During the summer, the whole family can enjoy the musical comedies presented at the theater.

On August 13, 2024, our first stop in the park was the Weborg Marsh and Point. The marsh comprises a sedge meadow, or low-lying area composed of grass-like plants and saturated soil. Here, one might see sand-hill cranes feeding on snails, cattail tubers, and tussock sedge, along with other shorebirds.

I guess my interest in cemeteries means I’m a taphophile. Cemeteries draw me in and urge me to wander around, reading inscriptions and wondering about the lives of the people buried there. So, our next stop was the Blossomberg Cemetery. I find the trinkets people leave for their loved ones interesting. The items often tell me something about the deceased and/or the person who decorated the memorial.

Since an advertisement said the most valuable asset of the state park was the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, we stopped to have a look around. At the end of the Civil War, pioneers began settling in northeastern Wisconsin by boat over the waters of Green Bay. Subsequently, the lighthouse guided the sailors with a range of sixteen miles. To learn about life at the lighthouse during 1883-1918, take the 30-minute tour. The docent tells the story of Captain William Duclon, the second keeper, and his family. On display are pieces of original furniture used by the Duclons.

Next up was the 60-foot-tall observation deck known as Eagle Tower. It stands 253 feet above Green Bay, has a staircase with 100 steps, and an 850-foot tree-canopy walk with a 5% grade or less to reach the top.

Or walk along the 850-foot canopy walk with its 5% grade ramp. The ramp is fully accessible and includes level spots and benches to rest. No matter the method used to reach the top, panoramic views make it worthwhile.

The current tower, built in 2021 at a cost of $3.5 million, is the third tower. The first one, built in 1914, served as a fire lookout and lasted until 1932, when it was dismantled and replaced. Tower number two stood until 2016, when the third tower replaced it.

With our tummies growling, it was time for a bite to eat, so we drove on to Sister Bay.

Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik

While visiting the land settled by Swedes, we wanted to sample the local cuisine. This restaurant is unique in that a group of four or five goats graze on the roof on most summer days that are not rainy, windy, or too hot. We lucked out and arrived just before their handler shuttled them down the stairs.

Seems like a lot of trouble to put the goats up and down the roof each summer day. But then guests wouldn’t be able to say, “I saw goats on a roof.” I guess it’s worth it, because we were all eager to see the goats.

Why goats on a roof? Apparently, Al and a friend of his, Wink, played jokes on each other for their birthdays. In 1973, Wink put goats on the restaurant’s roof as a gag gift for Al. Al took it one step further and arranged for the goats to be a semi-permanent fixture atop the restaurant. They feed on the sod, and live on a farm during the winter.

Next door are a bar and boutique that gave us something to do while waiting for our table. Or head across the street to Sister Bay Beach for a stroll.

Unfortunately, we didn’t meet Al. He died in 2010. But the restaurant is still a family affair, run by his three children. The restaurant with a Swedish décor serves Swedish dishes, of course. We all enjoyed the meals we selected.

The Edith M Becker tall ship sailed by while we waited for our table. The vessel accommodates 22 passengers and sails out of Sister Bay. A captain and crew take passengers on a two-hour charter. Guests can help sail, or sit back and relax on the 56-foot schooner. Sign me up. For the relaxing part, not the helping part. I’ll book a ride on this boat if we make it back to Door County.

On August 14, our last full day before heading home, we spent the morning and early afternoon relaxing, going to the beach, or shopping. We had reservations for a sunset boat tour and a fish boil in Fish Creek later that day.

Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tour

Our vessel, the Quo Vadis, was originally built as a military transport by Marinette Marine. When it had served its military purpose, the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay purchased it. They used it to transport passengers to the Chambers Island retreat house. When the retreat house closed in 2014, it was demolished, and the island residents purchased the property to maintain its quiet, secluded aesthetic.

The Sunset Boat Tour began operations in 2011. The new owner, a captain for five years with the original company, purchased the company in 2019. Passengers may bring food and drinks on board, including alcohol.

During the tour, the narrator regaled us with stories about local people and the various houses and other buildings perched on the bluffs above the lake. The speed of the boat and the buffeting waves made it too difficult to take photos. The only one that came out decent was the one of Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. Although I remember little from the narration, I would still recommend the tour, but I’m always eager to go for a boat ride. Other people may not be as comfortable.

Door County Fish Boil – Pelletier’s Restaurant & Fish Boil

Visitors will find that downtown Fish Creek is the place to go for a fish boil. Dinner includes baby red potatoes, coleslaw, bread, a drink, and cherry pie for dessert. Add $3.00 for à la mode. And don’t forget to tip the server.

Call ahead for reservations and serving times. Arrive 45 to 60 minutes early to buy meal tickets and enjoy the “Boil Overs.” The fish boil cooking process is out back. Pelletier’s also serves breakfast and lunch.

Egg Harbor Sunset Shots

I couldn’t leave Egg Harbor without more sunset photos, especially when the sky produced such a colorful display on our last night.

One thing I never got used to is calling the body of water a “lake” because instead of the opposite shore, all I saw was more water on the horizon. I kept thinking I was looking at the Pacific Ocean.

And as the sun slid below the horizon, so did our time in Egg Harbor and Door County. This vacation goes down in the books as one of the best vacations ever. Too bad our son, Kevin, and his partner could not have joined us.

Next up: We take a tour of American Family Field, the Milwaukee Brewers baseball stadium.

Safe Travels