Door County July 2025 | FindPenguins

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Trip start
July 21, 2025
Door County July 2025 Traveler
Loaded up, hitched up, ready to go.
July 20 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 68 °F
Got the boat pretty much all loaded up today. Rosanne and I will head out tomorrow mid morning for Peninsula State Park, where we'll "boaterhome" for the first night. Plans are to stay in the campground tomorrow night, and next Monday night as well, to get camper discounts to see the plays at Northern Sky Theater, in the park. The week in between, we'll launch at Fish Creek, and spend that time on the water.Read more
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Door County July 2025 Traveler
Peninsula State Park
July 21 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
Monday, July 21. Left home just a bit after 10am and had a nice drive up to Door County. There was some construction along Hwy 41, but the Apple Maps app took us around most of it. The EAA Air Adventure at Wittman Field in Oshkosh is happening this week, so the field was filled with cars and campers. I’m sure farther in out of our sight were many airplanes. Approaching Hwy 41, as we were coming up Hwy 26, we saw a couple blimps. Couldn’t make out any lettering or color on them as they were a little too far away. However, as we got closer to Oshkosh, we did see several Goodyear blimps, so it may have very well been those. Saw a few different airplanes in the pattern as well. At one point going by Wittman Field, we were just about directly underneath one of the Goodyear blimps. Rosanne caught a nice view of one of the blimps “tethered” in a video. Arrived at Peninsula State Park, Tennison Bay campsite #243 and backed into our site. Got everything set up, had supper, and then started a campfire to make smores! The reason we are staying here in the campground this evening, was to get the camper’s discount for the Northern Sky Theater play. This evening was No Bones About It. As usual for their shows, it was pretty good!Read more
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Door County July 2025 Traveler
Nicolet Bay
July 22 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
Left our campsite around 9:30, and headed into town (Fish Creek) and then to the Town Dock boat launch. I had already pretty much set the boat up at the campsite with loading the kayaks and getting my lines ready, so just had to take off the tie down straps and put the bilge plug in. Launched the boat and then moved it over to the other side of the Town Dock pier. Rosanne stayed with it while I took the truck and trailer over to the parking lot. Fish Creek has a large public RV and trailer parking lot a few blocks away from the town dock. There is a $10 fee for the boat launch, but then the parking lot is free for up to 7 days. Longer than that requires an annual pass from the town, although they don’t seem to enforce that rule if you only go over a few days. I walked back to the boat, and then after inflating the kayaks, we just cruised over to the other side of the mooring field to make lunch and access the internet. (Good access from the City of Fish Creek right there. There was no internet access and very little cell service with Verizon at Tennison Bay campground. Pretty weak signal here in Nicolet Bay as well.) Then we pulled anchor and came around Eagle Bluff to Nicolet Bay. On the way over passed a small tug boat pushing two barges with a couple of large backhoes on them. Also saw a few Pelicans. And enjoyed the view of Eagle Bluff Lighthouse! Then enjoyed the rest of the afternoon “on the hook”, and kayaked around the bay some. (With the kayaks inflated, I either tow them behind the boat, or have a rack I made that stores them on the boat’s roof.) This is a pretty busy bay with the Peninsula State Park Nicolet Bay beach and campground, and with all the kayakers and water enthusiasts. Many of the kayakers will kayak across the channel to Horseshoe Island and back, a distance of less than a mile. We’ll stay anchored here tonight along the south shore, as winds are suppose to be out of the south.Read more
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Door County July 2025 Traveler
Nicolet Bay, Day Two
July 23 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F
With thunderstorms and wind in the forecast, we decided to just stay put anchored here in Nicolet Bay. Besides, most the marinas around here get upwards of $3/foot for transient slippage, and even at that price, some add a 30’ minimum. The Fish Creek Town Dock comes in at the lowest, $2.17/foot. Anchoring is free! And here in Nicolet Bay we are pretty well protected from any winds other than from the NE. The day forecast for thunderstorms was pretty much a bust. We did have a rain shower go through early afternoon that lasted about 90 minutes. Then the sun came out for a little while before more clouds obscured it. The winds did stay brisk out of the south, so out on the lake would have been pretty lumpy. We kayaked around the bay, but stayed along the shore as it was almost flat calm. I did kayak across the bay to the boat ramp this morning to take some garbage over, and it was a little bit choppy in the northern half on the kayak. Otherwise spent the day just relaxing on the boat, and watching campers on personal or rental kayaks, twin pontoon bicycles, or standup paddleboards. This evening we did have a line of thunderstorms pass over, and a few more forecasted for later tonight. Probably watch a video on my iPad this evening.Read more
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Door County July 2025 Traveler
Rock and Washington Islands
July 23 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 70 °F
We closed out last night with a full rainbow to the east and a pretty sunset to the west. This morning we had a brief shower go over, with a little heavier rain that scooted around to the north of us. We were eating breakfast at that time, and after breakfast, with little wind and calm water, we chased the rains towards the northeast. Water remained fairly flat through Death’s Door (Porte Des Morts Passage), all the way to Rock Island. Saw several fishing boats out trolling for Salmon in the usual places, around the bluffs. We went around the northern corner of Rock to view Pottowatomie Lighthouse, the first lighthouse in Wisconsin. Then stopped at the Rock Island State Park Boathouse. Beautiful rock architecture with interesting history. I’ve taken our boat inside the boat house to overnight once before, but learned it’s not a good idea, due to batcrap. Met the two new rangers, who were very interested in the C-Dory boats. Spent a few minutes sharing information about our boat, and then enjoyed looking through the boathouse again and taking some photos. The island is a great place to hike, and we have walked around the island before, out to the lighthouse, including touring the inside of it. After enjoying the boathouse, we headed across the short passage to Jackson Harbor on Washington Island. Just entered the harbor to take some pictures and then came back out and headed around the north side of Washington Island, over to Detroit Harbor, and into Shipyard Island Marina. For anyone that has purchased the Permatrim or items on line from SIM Yamaha, this is the place you got your stuff from. Andy Jr. is the owner, and many know him for his knowledge and customer service. Which I made use of. Going into Rock Island dock, I was going to use my kicker, but it would not start. In speaking with Andy, he suspects a CDI unit. Basically this provides the spark for the spark plugs. I was concerned at first that maybe my Fell MOB system was not working. (A better kill switch, that requires a FOB that shuts the motors down if you fall overboard or go more than 50’ away from the boat. Great safety device for someone that does a lot of solo boating…) Andy lent me their control box, which allowed me to take my MOB system out of the picture to see if that was the issue. Motor still wouldn’t start, so hopefully a new CDI will fix it. He didn’t have one in stock, but will order one and ship it out to me. The marina has a loaner car it lets patrons use, so Rosanne and I went into town to buy some tools I needed from the Mercantile, and then a favorite ice cream place here. (Of course. Lol.) We’re in the marina here tonight.Read more
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Door County July 2025 Traveler
Ephraim
July 25 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F
Another nice day with little wind. But very hazy/smoky from the fires in Canada. The water was a little more choppy today, due to the weekend boat traffic. Departed Shipyard Island Marina this morning, and ran on plane across Death’s Door. Rosanne wanted to stop at Gills Rock in Hedgehog Harbor to shop at a couple of cute shops. So she called the Shoreline Resort to see if they would allow us to stop at their private marina for 15-20 minutes, which they allowed. After stopping, we ran mostly at a slow speed, although I did run fast for a short distance to make up for the stop. I was shooting to arrive in Ephraim around noon. In Ephraim we stopped at Anderson Dock for a short bit to check out the art barn. The barn is covered with graffiti, and inside has some nice art displays, mostly paintings. They had one interesting Community Mosaic Project going on, which involved a wall of small 6”x6” tiles painted/decorated by various artists. Rosanne met one of the artists who also had three nieces that submitted tiles. The artist pointed out the four tiles to Rosanne. We left the Anderson dock then and docked in front of the Old Post Office Restaurant, where we had made reservations for their 5pm fish boil. The rest of the afternoon we visited the information center, chatting with the employee about the area, had ice cream at Wilsons, and just relaxed. I also walked over to the Firehouse Dock to see if they might have courtesy slips this Sunday. We learned from the information center employee that the Moravian Church service on Sunday is at 10:30, and it is their long time pastor’s last Sunday before retirement, followed by a party. We’ve always wondered about attending service there, and learned it predated the Lutheran Church. However, we may not be able to find anywhere to dock as there is not a lot of open dockage here in Ephraim, so I’ll keep my fingers crossed I can find an opening Sunday morning. Rosanne did some more reading, and I went for a quick jaunt on my kayak. Seating for the fish boil was at 4:30, and we enjoyed the information that the boil master, “Torch” shared with us while cooking our supper. Afterwards, we slow cruised over to Fish Creek Bay, passing by Eagle Bluff and noticing the fairly new tower that was installed and opened four years ago. We are anchored in Fish Creek Bay this evening, close to Peninsula State Park Weborg Point.Read more
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Door County July 2025 Traveler
Fish Creek Harbor
July 26 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F
Today was a pretty lazy day. We pretty much hung on the anchor here in Fish Creek Harbor most the day. This morning we did take our kayaks around the harbor, over to the Town Dock and boat launch. Total ride of a mile and a quarter. Saw a house that is apparently being moved, as it was on a trailer. Stella Maris Parish Catholic Church had Mass this afternoon at 4pm. In preparation, rather than walking the .6 miles in the heat to church, I decided to go unhitch the pickup from the boat trailer, and then bring the truck over to park it closer to the Town Dock. (It’s ok to park regular cars and trucks in town, but not with trailers or large RVs.) Thought process that we’d also likely drive to Ephraim tomorrow for the Ephraim Moravian Church service. After lunch, I took my kayak back over to the boat launch, and then walked over to the public RV lot to get the pickup. I did find parking fairly close to the Town Dock. Plans were to get courtesy dockage at the Town Dock for C-Traveler this afternoon, and then drive over to the Catholic Church for Mass. That didn’t pan out so well, as there was no room on the Town Dock. I dropped Rosanne off at the boat ramp so she could go to Mass without me. In the mean time I waited for dock space, hoping one would open in time for me to walk over and join Rosanne. Space finally did open, but it was already 4:30, so too late for me to go join Rosanne. After she came back from church, we found another parking spot fairly close to the Town Dock. :-) Then brought C-Traveler back over to our same anchor spot, near Peninsula State Park and Weborg Point. I’m hoping we have better luck tomorrow morning getting a spot on the Town Dock. If not, I’ll call two marinas in Ephraim to see if there is any chance that something opens there, and take the boat over.
After supper, I went for another kayak ride, and then got in the water and cleaned the boat hull. We’re anchored in 4 foot of water, and water temp here is around 70.Read more
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Door County July 2025 Traveler
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Ephraim Moravian Church
July 26 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
God is good! First a little background. Every time I go through Ephraim, I’ve always wondered what the Moravian Church service would be like. I had no idea who the Moravians were, and never bothered to search the internet to find out. Then the other day while we were in Ephraim for a fish boil, in speaking with the gal at the information center, I learned that the Moravian Church is the oldest Protestant denomination. Its service is very similar to the Lutherans. Just so happened that today was their minister’s retirement. There would be special music and a party afterwards. Since Rosanne and I have thought about attending the Moravian Church sometime, I figured this would be a great time to check it out. So, I was excited to get to the Fish Creek Town Dock when the office opened this morning at 9am, and found plenty of room on the reservable wall. So I wouldn’t have to mess around with the courtesy end of the dock first and then worry about moving after two hours to our reserved spot. I was thinking church service was at 10:30am, but then learned this morning as we were eating breakfast, that there would be special music at 9:45a. We got C-Traveler tied up at the dock, and drove over to Ephraim in time for the special music. The music was beautiful, and the service meaningful. The church was packed full with folks standing. It was very apparent that their retiring minister was loved and the church praised God. The minister delivered a good sermon on the Ebenezer Stone, or the stone of help. Many times she used the phrase, “thus far God has helped”, and gave many examples of this throughout her career here, and at her previous charge. Ending with, thus far God has helped, so wouldn’t he continue to help in the future. Following the church service, was a delicious meal/gathering on the grass outside the church. Along with more enjoyable music. There was a brass band from Milwaukee that played both in church during the service, and outside during the party. The service can be seen on their youtube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BilOSafpn9c
After leaving church, we drove north to shop some at Seaquist Orchards, only to find it was closed on Sundays… So we returned back to Fish Creek, parked the truck near the Town Dock, walked around town a bit, and then went back to C-Traveler. Rosanne spent time reading and resting, while I kayaked almost 2 miles around the harbor. This evening I deflated the kayaks, and loaded them back in the truck. Tomorrow we’ll load the boat back on the trailer and head over to Peninsula State Park.Read more
The Moravians in America started right here and they worked with the native Americans, among others, and Tschoop one of the last of the Mohicans and also Chief Tatamy, are buried in Bethlehem and Tatamy PA just up the road 4-5 miles. the Moravians went everywhere. [Don Tyson]
7/29/25Reply
TravelerInteresting!
7/29/25Reply
love the little brass bands [Don Tyson]
7/29/25Reply
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Door County July 2025 Traveler
Last day in Peninsula State Park
July 28 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F
Back in Tennison Bay Campground, site 477, this afternoon. Left the Town Dock this morning and cruised out past Adventure Island to Chambers Island. Fairly smooth, and had to dodge a few fishing nets. These are marked with floats in the middle, and floats with poles and flags at the ends. At Chambers Island I took some pictures of the light house, and then cruised along the beach. This beach is a busy hangout on weekends, but usually always somebody there on nice days. It’s well protected from southerly winds, so folks also anchor over night. There are several homes on Chambers Island. There is also a couple houses on Adventure Island, along with a Shipwreck up on shore. After that we returned to Fish Creek Harbor and anchored to make lunch and finish prepping C-Traveler to put back on the trailer. Headed over to the second boat launch near the Town Dock, and pulled out. I had forgotten about my cup of soda on the table, which even with a lid spilled onto the seat. Not a good way to end the water portion of our trip… Finished strapping the boat down, and then had to stop at Not Licked Yet Frozen Custard for a treat. Then drove up to Seaquist Orchard Farms to do a little shopping. Returned to Fish Creek and Peninsula State Park to get situated at our campsite. It is quite warm again today, so just a little miserable with the heat. No AC on the boat. We have been running the fans. This evening we watched “Something in the Water” at Northern Sky Theater, here in the park. Another good show here! We’ll head home tomorrow.Read more
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Door County July 2025 Traveler
Back Home
July 29 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F
Last night in Door County, and was kind of warm. V-Berth was 100 degrees when we left for the play, but had cooled off to about 85 when we returned. Fortunately, as the sun went down, the boat cooled down more, so by the time we went to bed, it was around 75. We do have one small fan up there, and that helps! Leaving the campsite this morning, it was a very tight squeeze around a couple corners with the boat in tow. Any tighter and I may have had to back out the way we came in… First stop after leaving the park was at Lautenbach’s Orchard to do some cherry picking. The tart cherries are just about done. They said Thursday will be their last day for you pick cherries. We picked two large buckets full. Rosanne spent most of tonight pitting them and getting ready to make pies or to freeze. Passing through Egg Harbor, Rosanne took a few photos of some Egg art that was on display throughout the town. The next stop was at Wood Orchard Market. Our favorite Door County market. Bought a few items and enjoyed tasting some of their samples. Next stop was at Door Peninsula Winery, as Rosanne wanted to taste a couple of new drinks. She didn’t care for them, so we purchased some Fudge and Cheese, and then headed out. Then passing through Sturgeon Bay, Rosanne took some photos of some sailboat art throughout town. Seems like both these communities, (Egg Harbor and Sturgeon Bay), always have some art theme going on. Back home around 4p. Got stuff unloaded, and then Rosanne went to work on laundry, while I washed C-Traveler and the truck. Actually, I mowed the yard first…. We definitely don’t waste any time getting things back in order when we get home. Looks like my new CDI for the kicker will get delivered tomorrow, so I can get that changed out. Sure hope that is the fix! (If you remember, the kicker wouldn’t start this trip.) I also found a small leak in the bilge where the starboard trim tab hydraulic line comes in through the stern. So I’ll also be working on that in the next couple of days. This ends this trip. ColbyRead more
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Trip end
July 29, 2025