Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Whitefish Dunes State Park protects the fragile dune environment on the eastern Door County Peninsula. At this day-use park, stroll along Lake Michigan or on one of the many trails throughout the huge sand dunes and forest. A nature center features year-round programs, exhibits and displays. The park's reservable picnic shelter overlooks Lake Michigan and is adjacent to the nature center, beach and hiking trails.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Whitefish Dunes State Park?
It depends on what you came for. Fall color is best in October; swimming in July–August; boating & paddling in June–September; and biking in May–June and September–October.
What can you do at Whitefish Dunes State Park in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and nature centers. Spring (March–May): hiking, fishing, biking, hunting and nature centers. Summer (June–August): hiking, swimming, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, nature centers and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, hunting, nature centers and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Whitefish Dunes State Park?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Whitefish Dunes 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.
What state parks and trails are near Whitefish Dunes State Park?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Potawatomi State Park (13 mi), Peninsula State Park (14 mi) and Newport State Park (23 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Nature centers
- Picnics & shelters
- Snowshoeing
- Swimming
- 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 8 p.m. year-round.
- Address: 3275 Clark Lake Rd. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
- Phone: 920-823-2400
Accessibility
- Universal trail: Brachiopod Trail
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Potawatomi State Park (13 mi)
- Peninsula State Park (14 mi)
- Newport State Park (23 mi)
- Ahnapee State Trail (35 mi)
- Copper Culture State Park (35 mi)
Closures and alerts for Whitefish Dunes 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.