Tour Door County: Ellison Bay & Gills Rock

 

Ellison Bay and Gills Rock lie north of the tension line.  Both are historic and peaceful villages on the northern tip of the peninsula.

 If you are seeking the serenity of miles of forests or a local art gallery, this is the place for you. Ellison Bay is the artistic mecca in Door County. It is home to many art galleries, studios and workshops.  The Clearing is a great learning center that has been open for 65 years, offering classes in many different mediums.

 Newport State Park is located between Ellison Bay and Gills Rock. With over 2,700 acres of wilderness, it is an outdoors enthusiast’s dream! 38 miles of trails, 11 miles of shoreline and 13 campsites, there is no limit to the fun.  It is the only formally designated wilderness park. There are activities to do year round!Take in a traditional fish boil while you’re visiting. The Viking Grill specializes in the famous whitefish boil and will be happy to serve you some of the best fish you’ve ever tasted.Gills Rock is a historic fishing village located at the top of the county.   Door County Maritime Museum has a branch open in the summer to display their heritage.  Fishing has been a major influence in Door County’s history and Gills Rock lies at the epicenter of it all. It is mere miles from Death’s Door, the infamous passage linking the bay of Green Bay and Lake Michigan.

 

Hundreds of boats have been claimed and Gills Rock has been the safe haven for passing ships.  This makes it a popular destination for scuba divers. The shipwrecks are preserved in the cold waters of the lake. One such shipwreck is located just south of Gills Rock harbor in Garret Bay. The Fleetwing lies in very shallow water and is visible from the shore. It was based in Chicago and was hauling lumber from Menominee to Chicago in 1867 when it ran aground in Garret Bay. The wreck is scattered over 540 ft and a perfect kayak or snorkel adventure.

Northport, located at the mouth of Death’s Door, offers a ferry service across to Washington Island. This provides a great day trip from Ellison Bay or Gills Rock. The stretch of highway between Gills Rock and Northport is a real sight to see. The road zigzags through a forest of hardwoods that in the fall show every color in the spectrum. Late fall is the best time to see this amazing beauty.

There are very few businesses in this little town but they have a rich history as well. Charlie’s Smokehouse ships local fish across the globe and provides the office for the Island Clipper which runs trips to Washington Island complete with a narration by local Captain Charles Voight. 

Looking for a place to stay to be near all these amazing activities? The Parkside Inn is centrally located in Ellison Bay right across the street from the public beach. This serene hotel is a great way to escape from the chaos of everyday life.