Yesterday
The history of this place we now call Peninsula State Park dates back over 11,000 years when nomadic tribes traversed this region. More permanent native settlements can be traced to around 400BC. Artifacts from that time were discovered by Victoria Dirst and her archeological dig team at the Nicolet Bay Beach area in 1994. Through their discoveries they also found that various indigenous people had established small villages in the area. The primary cultures were from the Potawatomi, Menominee and Winnebago nations.
In the 1630’s this area was visited by the French explorer Jean Nicolet. The first permanent white settlers, Increase and Mary Ann Claflin, moved on to the land parcel in 1844 and built their cabin at the place that is now Weborg Point. Many more followed them throughout the 19th century. The Claflin’s along with other early pioneers rest in the 22 foot square Claflin-Thorp cemetery located in the Park.
In 1909 the State of Wisconsin bought the 3,700+ acre parcel for $20 per acre and by 1910 Peninsula State Park was opened as one of Wisconsin’s major attractions.
Today
Discover all that Peninsula State Park has to offer. Wisconsin’s Park for All People is considered Wisconsin’s most complete State Park, offering countless opportunities to experience nature at it’s finest.
Peninsula State Park spans over 3,700 acres and is bordered by 8 miles of bluff lined Green Bay shoreline. The Park features 468 family campsites, three group camps, a summer theater, an 18-hole golf course, sand beach, accessible playground and Nature Center. It also features biking, skiing and hiking trails, a historic lighthouse and a panoramic observation tower that is accessible to all.
For over 114 years, lasting traditions and life long memories have begun in this one special place.
General Park Information
For information about park hours, admission fees, rules, equipment rental, attractions, and history, call the park office at 920-868-3258 or visit the DNR’s Peninsula State Park page. Information about the Nature Center is available at here, White Cedar Nature Center.
For upcoming events happening at the park, please visits the Events page!
See below for links to information about trail conditions and campsite reservations.
Park Maps & Trail Conditions
Wisconsin Camping Reservations
Campsite reservations can be made 11 months in advance and are strongly recommended if you’re planning to visit during the summer and fall seasons. Head to wisconsin.goingtocamp.com for campsite reservations, photos and additional information.
Peninsula Friends Partners
Our Partners are here to make your visit to Peninsula State Park more enjoyable. They provide interesting activities and supplies within the boundaries of the Park. Your patronage of these Partners also help support Park improvements as some of the proceeds from their sales go directly back into the Park.
- Nicolet Beach Concessions – Get Peninsula State Park merchandise, beach rentals, camp store supplies, treats, snack bar items and more. Conveniently located on beautiful Nicolet Bay Beach!
- Nor Door Firewood – Need a supply of wood for your campfire? They have you covered 24/7 with their convenient self-serve wood kiosk located a short distance north of the White Cedar Nature Center.
Other Things to Do at the Park:
- Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Museum – A step back in Maritime history. Guiding guests through the lighthouse and its grounds, knowledgeable docents share the personal stories of the keepers who manned the light from 1868 – 1926.
- Northern Sky Theatre – Enjoy professional musical comedies for the whole family, presented within Peninsula State Park each summer.
- Peninsula State Park Golf Course – The non-profit Peninsula Golf Associates operate the park’s 18-hole golf course. Opening in 1917, the course is considered to be one of the most scenic in Wisconsin. They also offer a beautiful 6 hole, par 3 course for family fun.
- Eagle Bluff Tower – The tower is 60 feet high with the top observation deck sitting 253 feet above Green Bay. There are 100 steps to climb to get to the top of the tower, or visitors can enjoy an 850-foot, fully-accessible canopy walk that will wind above the tree line to the top of the tower. The angle of the accessible ramp never exceeds a five percent slope and visitors can take advantage of level spots and benches to rest along the way.