Searching for quiet coves, sunset views, and Door County charm? Head to Ellison Bay! Nestled on the northern tip of the Door Peninsula, Ellison Bay is a serene destination known for natural beauty, art studios, and hidden shoreline gems. Whether you’re hiking cliffs, exploring local galleries, or enjoying fish boils, it’s a perfect peaceful getaway.
Ellison Bay, WI Highlights:
- Visit Newport State Park: Wisconsin’s only designated wilderness park and an International Dark Sky site, ideal for hiking, camping, and stargazing.
- Explore Ellison Bluff County Park: Scenic overlook with breathtaking views of the Niagara Escarpment and Green Bay below.
- Stroll the Ellison Bay Arts community: Discover fine art galleries, pottery studios, and locally crafted goods along rustic backroads.
- Enjoy a Door County fish boil: Traditional Scandinavian cooking experience featuring whitefish, potatoes, and storytelling.
- Take in sunset views at the marina: Relax by the docks and enjoy colorful evening skies over the water.
Best Time to Visit Ellison Bay, WI
The best time to visit Ellison Bay is from May through October. Summer offers perfect weather for hiking, boating, and art festivals, while fall brings brilliant foliage and fewer crowds. Winter is quiet and scenic, best for snowshoeing and solitude.
How to Get to Ellison Bay, WI
- If you are traveling by car: Ellison Bay is located on Highway 42, about 1.5 hours north of Green Bay and 4.5 hours from Milwaukee or Chicago.
- By Bus: Limited public transport; most visitors arrive by car. Shared shuttle services available seasonally from Sturgeon Bay or Egg Harbor.
- By Plane: Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) is the nearest major airport with rental cars available.
Where to Stay in Ellison Bay, WI
- The Shoreline Resort – Cozy suites with sunset views and an onsite restaurant overlooking the bay.
- Rowleys Bay Resort – Rustic lodging with a lakeside location, fish boils, and access to kayaking and trails.
- Hillside Inn of Door County – A charming B&B offering peaceful rooms and local hospitality (in nearby Ephraim).
Best Things to Do in Ellison Bay, WI
⮕ Go hiking in Ellison Bluff State Natural Area
For those adventure seekers who are more at home outside than inside, Ellison Bluff State Natural Area is the place to go in Ellison Bay. Featuring free-face and sheer cliffs that tower more than 200 feet above the bay shore, at least two species of rare plants, 26 species of snails, 12 different kinds of beautiful and majestic trees, fossils of all kinds, and at least five species of bird, the Natural State Area can be viewed from an easily-accessible observation deck near the parking lot or from hiking trails not made for the faint of foot. The Bluff and NSA are part of the Niagara Escarpment, which began forming more than 425 million years ago.
Address: Ellison Bluff Rd, Ellison Bay, WI 54210, Phone: 608-266-2621
⮕ Enjoy stargazing in Newport State Park
Another must-experience destination in Ellison Bay is Newport State Park. Part of the Door Peninsula, Newport State Park offers hiking, backpack camping, cycling, cross-country skiing in winter, and much more for both the outdoor enthusiast and the weekend warrior. In 2017, the International Dark-Sky Association named Newport State Park a Dark-Sky Preserve to ward off light pollution in the area, so the nights at the park are just as breath-taking as the days. The park is open year-round, and camping reservations, which are highly encouraged, can be made up to 11 months in advance.
Address: 475 County Rd NP, Ellison Bay, Wi 54210, Phone: 920-854-2500
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Taste great ciders at Island Orchard Cider
The Tasting Room + Cider Pub at Island Orchard Cider on Washington Island are open daily for guests and tourists. Owners Bob and Yannique Purman proudly hand craft their Normany-style ciders in house and explain that the dry, crisp taste separates their ciders from those crafted in European style or commercially produced in America. Island Orchard Cider offers tours of the entire facility and a wealth of information about the history of ciders in America, which is much longer than most people realize, as well as the creation process. The Purmans use all locally-grown, organic ingredients to produce their gluten-free ciders, which they offer by the bottle or in larger quantities for catered events and celebrations.
Address: Island Orchard Cider, 12040 Garrett Bay Rd, Ellison Bay, WI 54210, Phone: 920-854-3344
⮕ Take a guided tour at The Clearing
Jens Jensen, a Danish immigrant and renowned landscape architect, founded The Clearing Folk School in 1935 at the ripe old age of 75. Jensen’s strong belief in the importance of connecting with nature, expressing one’s creativity, and thoughtful reflection contributed to his development of the school in the beginning and continue to influence the programming today. The school offers classes of varying lengths, from one day to one week, in a large variety of topics and in the traditional folk style with a “unique combination of learning, history, tradition, social interaction and quiet reflection.” The Clearing also offers guided tours and hiking for those who want to commune without creating.
Address: 12171 Garrett Bay Road, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Phone: 920-854-4088
Where to Eat in Ellison Bay, WI
- The Shoreline Restaurant – Lakeside dining with fresh whitefish, cocktails, and one of the best sunset views in the county.
- Wickman House – Upscale yet approachable cuisine using local ingredients in a historic home with craft cocktails.
- Brew Coffeehouse – Cozy café offering espresso drinks, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches in the heart of town.
If you are interested in local events:
- Ellison Bay Arts and Crafts Show (July) – Juried artists and craftspeople gather for a festive summer showcase.
- Pearson’s Fish Boil Events (Summer–Fall) – Traditional outdoor boils with local storytelling and music.
- Dark Sky Night Hikes (Various Dates) – Explore Newport State Park’s night skies with guided astronomy programs.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Ellison Bay, Wisconsin:
- Sister Bay (10–15 min) – Bustling harbor town with restaurants, boat tours, and the iconic goats-on-the-roof at Al Johnson’s.
- Ephraim (20 min) – Quaint village with charming waterfront, art galleries, and cherry pie shops.
- Gills Rock (5–10 min) – Northern tip of Door County, offering shipwreck dives, a maritime museum, and ferry to Washington Island.
- Washington Island (30 min via ferry) – Explore lavender farms, limestone beaches, and Scandinavian heritage on this island getaway.
- Peninsula State Park (25–30 min) – Iconic state park with hiking, Eagle Bluff lighthouse, and beach access.
- Baileys Harbor (30 min) – Visit Cana Island Lighthouse, nature preserves, and unique dining along Lake Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Why is Ellison Bay a hidden treasure in Wisconsin?
- Ellison Bay sits on the edge of Lake Michigan and experiences a lively tourist season between May and October, offering a perfect mix of nature, history, and dining.
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What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Ellison Bay?
- The incredible landscape of Ellison Bay provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, sightseeing, and much more for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
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What historical and cultural significance does Ellison Bay have?
- History and tradition run deep in Ellison Bay, adding a sense of mystery and excitement. The town sits on the Door Peninsula, named after the nearby waterway, Death’s Door.
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How far is Ellison Bay from Milwaukee?
- Ellison Bay is approximately 3 hours from Milwaukee (191.4 miles via I-43 N and WI-57 N).
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What are the best places to eat in Ellison Bay?
- Visitors can enjoy dining at top-rated restaurants, including Blue Bear Ellison Bay, Hügel Haus, La Cocina Catering LLC, and The Vault.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers.
Hillside Waterfront Hotel – A charming stay with scenic lake views.
Explore Newport State Park – Enjoy hiking trails and serene nature.
Summer (June-August) – Peak season with warm weather and outdoor activities.
The Shoreline Resort – A relaxing waterfront retreat.
Visit Ellison Bluff State Natural Area – Stunning cliffside views over Green Bay.
Fall (September-November) – Beautiful autumn foliage and fewer crowds.
Harbor Light Inn – A cozy, picturesque inn perfect for a fall getaway.
Drive the Door County Coastal Byway – Experience vibrant fall colors along the coast.
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