Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Potawatomi State Park on the shore of Sturgeon Bay in southern Door County, has 1,200 acres of gently rolling upland terrain bordered by steep slopes and rugged limestone cliffs. The park is named in honor of the tribe that inhabited Green Bay’s shores and islands when Europeans first settled the area. The tribe called themselves Bo-De-Wad-Me which means "keeper of the fire."
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Potawatomi State Park?
It depends on what you came for. Camping is best in June–September, fall color in October, boating & paddling in June–September and ice fishing in January–February.
What can you do at Potawatomi State Park in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, fishing, ice fishing, mountain & fat biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and nature centers. Spring (March–May): hiking, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, hunting and nature centers. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, nature centers and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, hunting, nature centers and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Potawatomi State Park?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Potawatomi State Park needs a Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker, daily or annual (from $13 a day with Wisconsin plates). Our Pass page has every price and which one to buy.
Can you camp at Potawatomi State Park in winter?
Camping here is seasonal, generally May–October. The DNR's pages for this property don't list winter camping.
What state parks and trails are near Potawatomi State Park?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Whitefish Dunes State Park (13 mi), Peninsula State Park (21 mi) and Copper Culture State Park (23 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Accessible cabins
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Ice fishing
- Mountain & fat biking
- Nature centers
- Picnics & shelters
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · May · June · July · August · September · October · November
Visiting
- Admission: A vehicle admission sticker is required.
- Hours: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
- Address: 3740 Cty Hwy PD Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
- Phone: 920-746-2890
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
- Accessible cabin
- Accessible fishing pier
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Whitefish Dunes State Park (13 mi)
- Peninsula State Park (21 mi)
- Copper Culture State Park (23 mi)
- Ahnapee State Trail (25 mi)
- Oconto River State Trail (27 mi)
Closures and alerts for Potawatomi State Park: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.