Newport State Park, a Wisconsin State Park

NEWPORT STATE PARK

NEWPORT STATE PARK
475 County Road NP
Ellison Bay, Wisconsin 54210

(lat:45.235 lon:-86.9919)

Phone: 920-854-2500
Reservations: 920-854-2500

Email:

Nature of the Area

Newport, northeast of Ellison Bay, is Wisconsin's only formally designated wilderness park. With 2,373 acres and 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline it offers quiet alternatives to bustling Door County.

There are evergreen and hardwood forests, wetlands, and upland meadows. The park has an interpretive center and naturalist program.

Newport offers 38.3 miles of trails, all of them open for hiking. Of these, 16.8 miles also are open to off-road bicycles. In the winter, 26.3 miles of trails are available for cross-country skiing, including, 12.5 miles groomed and tracked for classical skiing and 2 miles groomed for skate skiing, and 4.5 miles are open for snowshoeing.

Newport has 16 backpack campsites, 13 of which can be reserved. The park also offers winter backpack camping.

Passes

A Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker is required on all motor vehicles stopping in state parks, forests and recreation areas, please visit the VEHICLE ADMISSION STICKERS web page.

FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW

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Swimming

Newport State Park, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, offers a serene swimming experience. The park features an undeveloped sandy beach where visitors can enjoy swimming in the clear waters. There are no lifeguards on duty; therefore, swimmers should exercise caution and swim at their own risk. Swimming conditions vary with weather changes so it's advisable to check forecasts before planning your visit for water activities.

Please note that amenities such as showers or concessions stands may not be available directly at the beach area within Newport State Park since it is designated as a wilderness state park emphasizing minimal development and facilities to preserve its natural condition.

Fishing

Anglers can enjoy shore and kayak fishing in the park's Lake Michigan waters. Common catches include salmon, trout, and smallmouth bass.

Location

Newport State Park is

Nearby Parks

Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuge

Mud Lake State Wildlife Area

Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Rock Island State Park Ferry

Peninsula State Park

Rock Island State Park

Picnicking

Newport State Park offers serene picnicking spots with tables and grills amidst its forested landscape along Lake Michigan's shore.

Birding

Located on the Door Peninsula, it offers diverse habitats for birdwatching: forests, meadows, and Lake Michigan shoreline. Over 200 species have been recorded; notable ones include warblers during migration seasons. The park is designated as an Important Bird Area by Audubon Society due to its ecological significance. Trails like Lynd Point Loop provide excellent opportunities to spot birds in their natural environment. Visitors may see raptors such as bald eagles and broad-winged hawks soaring above.

Birders can also enjoy spotting waterfowl along the rocky shores or in secluded coves of Europe Bay.
Spring and fall migrations are particularly exciting times with a variety of songbirds passing through.
Year-round residents include woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, owls - great for winter birding excursions.
Rare sightings might feature less common migrants like Connecticut Warbler or Red-shouldered Hawk depending on seasonality.

Guided walks led by experienced birders offer insights into local avian life throughout different seasons at this destination.
Checklists available from visitor centers help track sightings while exploring multiple trails that crisscross distinct ecosystems within the area's boundaries.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews