We just found a new addition to our favorite top five places to stay. It’s in Door County (notice the correct spelling this time) north of Sturgeon Bay.
This little peninsular was argued to be part of Michigan and Wisconsin for many years and can still animate a discussion between Michigonians and Cheese-heads. There is also some arguing about the UP since it actually is contiguous to Wisconsin but whoever gets to claim it, gets a really beautiful part of the country with lots to see and do.
We arrived around noon and set off on our adventure starting with lunch. We were told the best view and atmosphere was at Fred & Fuzzy’s on the opposite coast in Sister Bay, so off we went to find a well hidden spot with bay front dining on the lawn overlooking the bay.
Fred & Fuzzy’s Restaurant on Lake Michigan at Sister Bay, WI
View of Lake Michigan from Fred & Fuzzy’s Restaurant
The sun was shining with a mild breeze and balmy temperatures in the mid to high 70’s and it was perfect. What a great way to wind down after the two hour drive from our last stop. We had a detour through Sturgeon Bay because of a closed bridge and I always get nervous that those detours will not be able to accommodate our big rig. Silly me.
After lunch we drove into Sister Bay proper and that is one hustling place. The new beach was having a festival of sorts to celebrate it’s grand opening but I was a little surprised to see what they were celebrating.
Beach at Sister Bay, WI
In Two Rivers we decided to buy an annual pass for the Wisconsin State Parks since there are so many in this area and this is where it will pay for itself. The first stop was Peninsula State Park and the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse built in 1868 just after the Civil War.
Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in Penisula State Park near Sister Bay, WI
The second lighthouse keeper moved there in 1878 with his wife and 7 sons and the family did all the work for over thirty years. In fact, the youngest son was still alive when the decision was made to refurbish the house and property and he contacted family members and was able to get items back that were in the home as part of the restoration. He was also instrumental in helping to arrange the furniture exactly as it was when he was a child.
The lighthouse is one of the shortest we have seen because it sits on a 35 foot high bluff and only needed to reach a height of 48 feet for visibility to Chambers Island. The geology in this area is also pretty interesting. It seems there is a mountain ridge that runs from Niagara Falls through to Lake Superior and is much harder than most of the shale and sand stone that wears away in other places. This caused Strawberry Island which looks like 4 small islands in a row but is actually one island with very steep valleys underwater. And this island sits right in the middle of a shipping lane creating the need for this lighthouse.
One top of the strawberry island
One more stop before we call it a day and that is back on the lakeside and south to the Cave Point County Park inside the Whitefish Dunes State Park. Oh so worth the trip!!!!
Waves crashing into cliffs at Cave Point State Park
Cliffs of rock with caves carved out by years of the waters of Lake Michigan and since the wind was blowing east to west, the view was spectacular. Unfortunately, you don’t get the benefit of hearing the thunderous roar as the water crashes against the rock, but it something to experience for sure. What always surprises me is the number of teens in bathing suits walking around when its maybe 70 degrees and wind chill below that, getting into cold water like this. OK so I’m old and wimpy!
Before we called it a day, we wanted to see the Whitefish Dunes beach that people raced to in the summer.
Waters at White Fish Dunes State Park
Well, now I know why people drive to Florida to go to the beach.
By the way, that wise crack comment (in yesterday’s blog) about my height comes from my son-in-law in Texas and there will be retaliation!
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