"This felt like the kind of quiet you earn." That thought came to me walking under a canopy of pines in Newport State Park, where the forest hush feels deeper, the trails longer, and the lake more patient. As Wisconsin’s only wilderness-designated state park, it doesn’t try to entertain you—it invites you to disappear into it. I followed the Rowleys Bay Trail, where sandhill cranes called in the distance and the scent of cedar filled the air. "This isn’t just a hike—it’s a recalibration," I thought, pausing at a rocky overlook where Lake Michigan stretched endlessly into the haze.
Best Things to Do in Ellison Bay, WI
Ellison Bluff County Park
Ellison Bluff County Park gave me that punch-in-the-chest view I didn’t know I was looking for. A short walk led to a wooden platform perched high on a limestone cliff, looking out over Green Bay. The trees opened up suddenly, like a curtain parting, and there it was—deep blue water, layered light, and sky that went on forever. "I didn’t know Wisconsin could feel this dramatic," I thought, gripping the railing with both hands and letting the wind push through my hair.
Go hiking in Ellison Bluff State Natural Area
Right nearby, the Ellison Bluff State Natural Area offered a wilder, less manicured version of the same cliffs. I wandered a narrower trail with mossy rocks and soft ferns brushing my ankles. The trees creaked in the breeze and the cliffs rose up beside me in silent strength. "This feels more like discovering than visiting," I thought, as a red squirrel chattered overhead and darted into the underbrush.
Taste great ciders at Island Orchard Cider
Orchard Cider was a cozy surprise tucked between the trees—rustic wood siding, a chalkboard menu, and the kind of front porch that invites you to stay a while. The smell of crushed apples lingered in the air. I tasted a non-alcoholic cider that was crisp, cool, and just tart enough to wake up my senses. Paired with a warm apple hand pie, it was exactly what the moment asked for. "This tastes like fall, even in summer," I thought, sitting in the shade as bees buzzed lazily nearby.
Take a guided tour at The Clearing
The Clearing Folk School felt more like a secret than a destination. Set deep in the woods, it’s a place where people come to write, paint, carve, or just breathe. I walked the quiet grounds, past hand-built cabins and tucked-away benches. Every trail seemed to offer both shade and a kind of calm. I lingered near the bluff, where someone had left a notebook open to a poem about pine needles and time. "Even silence has layers here," I thought, writing a few lines of my own before tucking the page back into the notebook and walking on.
Ellison Bay At a Glance
- Drive Time from Green Bay, WI: ~2 hours north
- Vibe: Wild, quiet, creative, deeply rooted
- Highlights: Wilderness hiking, dramatic cliffs, handmade cider, reflective escapes
- Best Time to Visit: Late summer to early fall for foliage, trails, and orchard season
- Cost: Budget to moderate; most parks are free or low-fee
- Hours: State and county parks open daily; cideries and folk school vary seasonally
- Address Base: Begin in Ellison Bay and branch into nearby natural areas
Best Time to Visit Ellison Bay, WI
From my experience, May through October is when Ellison Bay truly shines. I usually go in summer if I’m in the mood for art fairs, hiking, or boating. But if you visit in the fall, you’ll see some of the most gorgeous foliage I’ve ever driven through—and it’s quieter, too. If you’re looking for solitude and snowshoeing, winter’s your season. I’ve done it all, and every time has its charm.
How to Get to Ellison Bay, WI
- If you’re driving: I usually drive up Highway 42—it’s about 1.5 hours from Green Bay. If you’re coming from Milwaukee or Chicago, plan for 4 to 5 hours, but it’s a scenic ride and worth every minute.
- By Bus: I’ll be honest—public transport is limited. I’d recommend renting a car. But if you’re already in Door County, you might find a seasonal shuttle from places like Sturgeon Bay or Egg Harbor. I’ve seen them running in summer.
- By Plane: You’ll want to fly into Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB). I’ve picked up rental cars there—it’s the easiest way to get around once you land.
Where to Stay in Ellison Bay, WI
- The Shoreline Resort – I’ve stayed here and watched the sun dip into the bay right from my room. You’ll love the cozy suites and the restaurant is a bonus.
- Rowleys Bay Resort – If you’re into kayaking and want that rustic, lakefront feel, this is where I’d send you. Their fish boils are famous too!
- Hillside Inn of Door County – Technically it’s in Ephraim, but I had to include it. I’ve had such restful nights here—think quiet rooms, warm hosts, and a short drive to Ellison Bay.
Final Thoughts
Ellison Bay doesn’t offer a loud welcome. It’s the kind of place that speaks in whispers—through forest trails, orchard breezes, and notebooks left open in the woods. It’s where the world narrows just enough for you to see more clearly. I came to walk, taste, and look around. I left having done all of that—but more quietly, and with more of myself intact.