Ellison Bluff State Natural Area

Ellison Bluff State Natural Area

Ellison Bluff State Natural Area
4.5
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  • AndrewFromMadison
    Madison, Wisconsin3,292 contributions
    Great view
    Everyone comes here just to take in a view from the observation platform hanging over the lake. We were no different. That's pretty much is the extent of the park. Both Door County Park, and State Natural Area, the former is mostly about the observation platform, while the latter comprises the wild part of the park - not much in the way of trails though, just wild park.
    Visited August 2019
    Written April 7, 2020
  • RICART75
    Peru, Indiana2,036 contributions
    Somewhat hidden gem.....
    We fortunately came upon this somewhat hidden gem, while exploring Door County. Being that it was the last week of March; there was little foliage, but also little crowding. There are beautiful views of the Lake; and a few trees bisecting the road, adds to the charm of this natural refuge. Whether one enjoys slowly driving, hiking and/or just sightseeing; it's definitely worth the effort to seek out this area.
    Visited March 2021
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 27, 2021
  • GnMe
    Menomonie, Wisconsin308 contributions
    It's A View
    Take a short detour from the road, hike down the trail and stairs a ways, and look out over the bluff. That's about it, unless you're wanting to take more time to hike. It's a great spot to look out over the lake... would probably be great sunsets from here. We were a little early for colored leaves, but they would be pretty as well.
    Visited September 2020
    Written October 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
148 reviews
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Very good
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Average
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Poor
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Terrible
2

Sammy C
3 contributions
Aug 2021
The hiking trail is easy and not terribly long - great for families with little kids. We went around 9:30-10:30am on a Tuesday. The whole place itself is not crowded. We only had to wait a minute for our turn on the walkout and there was no one waiting after us. We didn't encounter anybody on the trail with us.
Written August 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

daphne68
Evanston, IL14 contributions
Jul 2022
I loved this picture-perfect short trail (about 1.2 miles) through the woods. It's fairly level with a gravel path. We took our dog, and she loved it, too. The overlook of Lake Michigan is stunning. We will be back!
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LittlePaint
Urbandale, IA691 contributions
Sep 2020 • Solo
Definitely worth the few minutes it takes to drive the couple of miles to this overlook.

Very short walk to see the view of the escarpment.

Some of the path is dirt with roots and rocks, but easily navigable. Total walking distance is maybe a block down and back up.

And it's a pretty drive to get there.
Written September 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

christine102262
La Crosse, WI1,583 contributions
Sep 2020
Beautiful views of the Green Bay with short walks on stairs and ramps. This is especially good for people who don't want to take long hikes to see some fantastic view points with bluffs and water. Gravel road to get there, so beware convertibles, motorcycles and classic cars. But it is a very scenic drive through the forest, especially in the fall.
Written October 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

EJJourney
Orland Park, IL599 contributions
Oct 2016
Follow signs on Highway 42 for Ellison Bay County Park, beautiful tree lined drive in the fall, and paved parking is available with rustic restrooms (not port a potty) available. Unbelievable scenic views. You can enjoy them from the parking lot level or climb down 50 or so stairs and end up out on a vista point that is even better. Not crowded. There are also trails to hike that are at least medium level of difficulty. Hiking boots would be good if you are hiking the trails. Free, no fees of any kind.This would be a great spot to aim for for spectacular sunset views if you enjoy that or want photographs of that.
Written October 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bobito776
Kankakee, IL9 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
TL;DR : The most treacherous and enjoyable hike in Door County is near a small scenic overlook.

This park is very pretty, as the bay is far below you. Many would say that the view is enough, but i enjoy a little bit of hiking.
Just to the left of the scenic overlook you can hike along the cliffs while grabbing into trees. This hike is very difficult and dangerous, as a wrong step could kill you. I would not recommend this to those new to Door County and families with young children.

Written July 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

tymetraveler222
Bay City, MI6,815 contributions
We found this gem of a county park just driving along the highway (there is a sign at Porcupine Rd.), south of Ellison Bay, about 2 miles. Located in the middle of Door County, on Green Bay. It is a dirt road that takes you to the park, and there is a tunnel of trees along this road, so I bet the autumn color show would be awesome to behold! There are hiking trails here and a small picnic area. It was exceptionally clean, the tables in excellent condition, garbage cans (!), benches, rocks, tall, beautiful shade trees, and what a view of Green Bay. There is a small set of stairs to use to get better views, and a bench to contemplate that view. It was very quiet there, and only had 3 other people the entire time we spent here. The grass is well kept-cut, weed free, green and full. Parking was easy, but it is a small lot. Bathrooms. Great place for a picnic, walk, or to sit and read a bit. This was our favorite park in the whole of Door County.
Written July 12, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sinaigirl
Ohio834 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
Five older family members visited Ellison Bluff ....what a beautiful view. The steps are easily .maneuvered so that all of us easily traversed the steps. We liked the view so much that we returned in the evening to see the sunset there...it was magnificent. Others too showed up to see the sunset too, so that it actually got a little crowded. But, given a choice, we would go again to see the sunset there.
Written September 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Outnabout53
McFarland, WI41 contributions
Jun 2013 • Friends
Standing on the bluff overlooking the bay is worth many good photos! Not far off the highway and well worth the visit.
Written June 21, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Momof4Boys1965
Naples, FL43 contributions
May 2013 • Friends
This is a great little spot for a picnic and a gorgeous view of the water, on top of Ellison Bluff. Excellent vantage for a sunset!!
Written June 3, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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