Wisconsin is home to the hidden treasure of Ellison Bay, which sits on the edge of Lake Michigan and has a pretty happening tourist season between May and October. The incredible landscape of Ellison Bay offers hiking, fishing, sight-seeing and more, and when those activities make visitors hungry, local restaurants more than meet the demand. History and tradition also run deep in Ellison Bay, adding airs of mystery and excitement to the city, which sits on the Door Peninsula, named after the waterway nearby, Death’s Door. Whether it is serenity or intrigue you’re seeking, Ellison Bay will not disappoint. Ellison Bay is 3 hours from Milwaukee (191.4 miles via I-43 N and WI-57 N). Dine at Blue Bear Ellison Bay, Hügel Haus, La Cocina Catering LLC and The Vault.
Go hiking in Ellison Bluff State Natural Area
For those adventure seekers who are more at home outside than inside, Ellison Bluff State Natural Area is the place to go in Ellison Bay. Featuring free-face and sheer cliffs that tower more than 200 feet above the bay shore, at least two species of rare plants, 26 species of snails, 12 different kinds of beautiful and majestic trees, fossils of all kinds, and at least five species of bird, the Natural State Area can be viewed from an easily-accessible observation deck near the parking lot or from hiking trails not made for the faint of foot. The Bluff and NSA are part of the Niagara Escarpment, which began forming more than 425 million years ago.
Address: Ellison Bluff Rd, Ellison Bay, WI 54210, Phone: 608-266-2621
Enjoy stargazing in Newport State Park
Another must-experience destination in Ellison Bay is Newport State Park. Part of the Door Peninsula, Newport State Park offers hiking, backpack camping, cycling, cross-country skiing in winter, and much more for both the outdoor enthusiast and the weekend warrior. In 2017, the International Dark-Sky Association named Newport State Park a Dark-Sky Preserve to ward off light pollution in the area, so the nights at the park are just as breath-taking as the days. The park is open year-round, and camping reservations, which are highly encouraged, can be made up to 11 months in advance.
Address: 475 County Rd NP, Ellison Bay, Wi 54210, Phone: 920-854-2500
Taste great ciders at Island Orchard Cider
The Tasting Room + Cider Pub at Island Orchard Cider on Washington Island are open daily for guests and tourists. Owners Bob and Yannique Purman proudly hand craft their Normany-style ciders in house and explain that the dry, crisp taste separates their ciders from those crafted in European style or commercially produced in America. Island Orchard Cider offers tours of the entire facility and a wealth of information about the history of ciders in America, which is much longer than most people realize, as well as the creation process. The Purmans use all locally-grown, organic ingredients to produce their gluten-free ciders, which they offer by the bottle or in larger quantities for catered events and celebrations.
Address: Island Orchard Cider, 12040 Garrett Bay Rd, Ellison Bay, WI 54210, Phone: 920-854-3344
Take a guided tour at The Clearing
Jens Jensen, a Danish immigrant and renowned landscape architect, founded The Clearing Folk School in 1935 at the ripe old age of 75. Jensen’s strong belief in the importance of connecting with nature, expressing one’s creativity, and thoughtful reflection contributed to his development of the school in the beginning and continue to influence the programming today. The school offers classes of varying lengths, from one day to one week, in a large variety of topics and in the traditional folk style with a “unique combination of learning, history, tradition, social interaction and quiet reflection.” The Clearing also offers guided tours and hiking for those who want to commune without creating.
Address: 12171 Garrett Bay Road, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Phone: 920-854-4088
