HOW TO FIND THE BEST KAYAKING
IN DOOR COUNTY
by Kayak Guide Justin
Door County, Wisconsin is a playground for kayakers. The area is full of beautiful waterways and stunning views that can easily be explored by kayak. From Sturgeon Bay to Washington Island, here are 5 of the best places to go kayaking in Door County according to a professional guide, naturalist and Door County local!
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1. Explore the northern shores of Newport State Park
Sandy beaches, rocky headlands, fossils, ferry crossing, island views and some great spots for a picnic
You'll find this gem of a kayak tour starting on a soft sand beach in Newport State Park on Lake Michigan. From Europe Bay, you can paddle north along the northern tip of the peninsula to watch the ferrys cross at Deaths Door to the islands or paddle south and explore the quiet side Newport State Park all the way to the Mink River estuary. Heading south, there are small gravel shoals like Spider Island and Gravel Island where all the birds go to escape human interference. There you can see white gulls, cormorants, herons, eagles, pelicans hiding out from humans. Luckily, due to the shallow limestone shoals you won't encounter any motorboats in Newport State Park making for serene and relaxing time on the water.
For kayakers with real training, gear and preparation this is a kayak launch that you can take to get to Plum, Detroit or Washington Island. If you are new to the area I highly recommend finding a professional guide that knows the area well to help you cross the notorious stretch of water called "Deaths Door" that connects Green Bay to Lake Michigan.
I highly recommend bringing food with you and packing a small cooler, camp stove for coffee and drinks for hanging out after tour on the beach. There are many great opportunities for a nice picinc along the water. Reserve a campsite and bring firewood for a true adventure. Take your time and relax with this spot, it's a gem. Newport State Park is really special for the locals so give a hoot and pick up any garbage left behind by others and build up that good karma!
PARKING: Free parking, cars & trucks, small parking lot. For trailers on busy days, get there early.
LAUNCH: Anywhere on sand beach is fine. Click here for directions.
CONDITIONS: Beginner to Advanced. Lake Michigan is no joke and wind can shift rapidly at this northeastern Door County location, watch for shallow rocky limestone outcroppings called headlands, heading north watch for current at the eastern Door approach.
Do not kayak this spot when Southeasterly or Northeasterly wind gusts above 18mph.
ROUTE: From Europe bay beach you can go north to the ferry boat crossing of Death's Door or head out to pilot island 2 miles offshore or head south and traverse the entire Newport State Park coastline where you'll see deer drinking water and eagles battling over half eaten salmon on shore. For a longer day paddle continue all the way to Rowleys Bay and the Mink River Estuary.
FOOD: Bring food + water, no ammenities nearby. Lots of picnic tables, public grills and space to hang out.
BONUS: Still got some pep leftover after tour? Take a beautiful stroll through the cedar forests along the water, head north on the Hotz Trail and maybe you'll find a hidden inalnd lake. Also, camping is available at Newport State Park, highly recommended.
2. Paddle a Legendary Stretch of Water & the Tallest Bluff
This is truly one of the best locations in Door County to paddle with scenic views, geology, history and adventure
This is a killer spot to paddle...literally. Rich in history and beauty, this narrow strait of water that connects Lake Michigan to Green Bay and runs between the mainland and Islands is called Porte des Mortes or 'Death's Door'. The name 'Doorway of Death' was given by the Ojibwe Tribes due to the treacherous conditions and battles fought and the water spirit Mishipeshu. The French Explorers wrote that name down on their maps and so yes, this is the body of water that Door County got its name from.
There are a few route options to choose from at this launch: (1) the standard paddle out and around to Door Bluff for an easy paddle with beautiful views and keep going if you have endurance all the way to Ellison Bluff. Take a break at the base of Ellison Bluff as no one will bother you since you can only get there via boat. Ellison Bluff has some cool geology to check out on south face. (2) head east towrds Gils Rock, stop for smoked fish at Charlie's and then keep paddling east to the Northport ferry crossing and watch the big boats. Or follow the big boats across to Plum Island or Washington Island.
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FInd the pictographs on eastern/backside of Door Bluff, a fallen cedar, only one, points directly to it if you look above. Check out trilobite burrows in the 400 million bluff that was once a tropical sea floor and is now limestone created from the remnants of dead sea coral. Tie up your kayaks at the base of Door Bluff and hike up for a spectaclur view of the water and even see all the way across to upper peninsula Michigan!​​
PARKING: $5 launch fee, free parking, park trailers on wood chips, NO parking on launch but 15min loading in/out is ok.
LAUNCH: Garrett bay kayak launch. Click here for directions. Rocky limestone beach, slippery rocks, algae. Can be challenging with northerly wind above 17mph. No motorized boats allowed.
CONDITIONS: Beginner to advanced. Lake Michigan is no joke and wind can shift rapidly at this northeastern Door County location, watch for things to pick up with wind and current after heading out of Garret bay, watch out for northerly wind gusts, if they get over 18mph strong waves will build quickly, I've had to recue people at this location before.
ROUTE: Choose bluff route, follow shoreline to the west Or head east to Northport. From Garret Bay launch start the tour by checking out a shipwreck called the Fleetwing. To find, paddle out to the flagpole at the first house on east side of launch about 30 feet from shoreline in about 6 feet of water. Charge those batteries and bring a camera, it's a beautiful tour.
FOOD: pack or bring food + water with you. Stop at Pioneer Store in Ellison Bay before paddling and get your coffee fix at Brew Cafe. There are a few options for coffee shops in Ellison Bay.
BONUS: Still got some pep leftover after tour? Take a beautiful stroll to the top of Door Bluff to look at the water you just traversed from 200ft above for a grand perspective and on a clear day you can see all the coastline of upper peninsula Michigan in the distance.
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3. Don't Forget About Ellison Bluff
Easily one of Door County's finest bluffs and best spots for a peaceful time on the water
Ellison Bluff is easily one of Door County's finest bluffs. Sea kayaking here offers an unforgettable way to connect with Door County's natural beauty. As you paddle along, you’ll be met with towering limestone cliffs, formed over hundreds of millions of years, rising dramatically above the shimmering blue water. These rugged cliffs are part of the Niagara Escarpment, a geological formation that stretches all the way to Niagara Falls, and they hold stories of ancient seas and glacial movements. Watching how the sunlight dances off the textured rocks, casting soft shadows over the water, is a mesmerizing experience in itself.
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Beyond its geological wonder, Ellison Bluff has a unique sense of history and peace. The bluffs and the surrounding forested shoreline feel timeless, offering a serene atmosphere that seems worlds away from everyday life. Locals have long treasured this spot, and you might even catch sight of wildlife along the quiet shoreline. Paddling in the calm waters below these cliffs, with only the sound of your paddle and occasional bird calls, is truly soothing. It’s the perfect setting for those who want to soak in Door County’s beauty from a quiet and calming perspective.
PARKING: Free parking, space for trailers, usually crowded with tourists during nice days during peak season so early morning or late day is best to arrive
LAUNCH: Ellison bay community park. Click here for directions. Anywhere on the beach, on the right side of pier if empty, if crowds are swimming launch from left side of pier, wheelies reccomended for medium-long distance boat carry.
CONDITIONS: Beginner to Intermediate. Green Bay is the body of water, this spot is generally very safe unless northerly or westerly push hard. I've never seen any danger zones worth mentioning although watch for clapotis wave bounce off of bluff on windy days.
ROUTE: For tour, head south to Ellison Bluff and from there to Porcupine or Sister Bay. Hangout along base of Ellison Bluff, relax. Head to Porcupine beach to get picked up or set out for a long distance paddle to Sister Bay, about 2 hrs for a strong paddler. Another option, head north to Door Bluff, about an 1.5 hours to get to Garrett Bay if necessary. Whatever the case, this is best as a slow ride.
FOOD: Pack food, plan ahead! Have fun with it, bring a camp stove for a snack on the water or save it for the cookout at the park you are already parked at. Leave the boats on shore and crack a beer. Get awesome coffee at Brew Cafe or grub at Blue Bear for breakfast & lunch.
BONUS: Beautiful park to have a cookout after kayaking! Stop at Ellison Bay Pioneer Store for all your grilling needs and have some fun, you are in Door County!​
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4. Explore Door County's most popular State Park
Many beautiful views of bluffs, islands, ancient sea caves with plenty places to land on shore for breaks
Sea kayaking in Peninsula State Park is an unforgettable way to experience Door County’s natural beauty up close, with incredible stops along the way. One of the first highlights is Horseshoe Island, a small but captivating island that feels like a hidden gem. It's great for a quick paddle stop where you can enjoy a short hike, explore the rocky shoreline, or simply take in the views of the surrounding waters. You’ll feel like you’ve discovered your own little world just minutes away from the park’s shore.
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As you paddle on, the Strawberry Islands and Eagle Bluff are must-sees. The Strawberry Islands are a cluster of tiny islands known for their stunning limestone formations and quiet, peaceful waters, ideal for some relaxed paddling. From there, a trip past Eagle Bluff offers a view of the park's towering limestone bluffs, standing 150 feet above the water—a sight that’s both impressive and humbling. The park’s abundant wildlife and changing shoreline make this a perfect place to connect with nature, whether you're a seasoned local kayaker or simply seeking a bit of adventure for a few hours.
PARKING: Entry fee to Peninsula State Park required. Park at kayak launch.
LAUNCH: Tennison Bay kayak launch. Click here for directions. Anywhere on sand beach is fine.
CONDITIONS: Beginner to Intermediate. Do not kayak this spot when Southwesterly, Westerly or Northerly winds gusts above 18mph. Water level has dropped, many rocky spots, breaking waves on windy days can form quickly. Use caution during motorboat season, lots of reckless jetskis fill the park during July.
ROUTE: From Europe bay beach you can go north to the ferry boat crossing of Death's Door or head out to pilot island 2 miles offshore or head south and traverse the entire Newport State Park coastline where you'll see deer drinking water and eagles battling over half eaten salmon on shore. For a longer day paddle continue all the way to Rowleys Bay and the Mink River Estuary.
FOOD: Bring food + water, no ammenities nearby. Lots of picnic tables, public grills and space to hang out.
BONUS: Still got some pep leftover after tour? Take a beautiful stroll through the cedar forests along the water, head north on the Hotz Trail and maybe you'll find a hidden inalnd lake. Also, camping is available at Newport State Park, hint, hint...
5. Cave Point & Whitefish Dunes Adventure
Quite possibly Door County's most popular kayaking spot these days
This once quiet spot is now the busiest place in the county during the summer. Why? It's beautiful and captures the feeling of Door County. With one cave you can paddle into a few more that are wide and open, this place is a must-see. There's even a spot in the county park that you can take a small cliff jump. During the tourism season this place is gonna be packed to the gills during the day with a ton of recreational kayak tours, keep that in mind for the sea kayaker looking for a peaceful ride. The number of people coming to Door County has exploded in the last decade and so large, factory style, sit-on-top kayak tour companies are now the norm.
I recommend getting there early morning for amazing sunrise, no crowds or tour groups or sunset. But come anytime during off-season spring and fall and it's such a pleasant and fun route to explore. Admire the wave-carved limestone bluffs, small sea caves and cedar forest as you paddle Door County's most Instagrammable spot. The cave formations are exceptionally beautiful during the winter ice season.
HELPFUL TIPS
PARKING: Admission required For Wisconsin State Parks, self pay at kiosk when driving in. Plentiful parking, space for trailers, usually crowded with tourists during peak, long carry to water.
LAUNCH: Whitefish Dunes State Park, anywhere on the beach. Click here for directions.
CONDITIONS: Beginner to Advanced level. I recommend calm water only for beginners, once you are at the point there are no exits to shore until further north towards Shauer launch. Seriously, many people have perished here because they underestimated the dynamic waters. Even though it 'looks doable' the Great Lakes are very powerful and shift quickly in this spot. Whitefish beach has rip currents so that also must be identified by the paddler before launch. When southerly or easterly gets strong I would say Cave Point is one of Door County's most dangerous spots to paddle.
ROUTE: Launch from Whitefish Dunes beach and head north along coastline, that show starts right away, cool rock formations so bring a camera because there will be many awesome photography opportunities along the dramatic shoreline. This spot is truly some of Door County's finest geology display of 400 million year old rock formations.
FOOD: Grub down at Island Fever Restaurant, fun place, great atmoshpere, and they let stinky kayakers like me in, get the double tacos.
BONUS: Still got some pep leftover after tour? Research a GPS reading for location of Australasia shipwreck and have a fun little hunt!