Ellison Bluff State Natural Area
Ellison Bluff State Natural Area
Ellison Bluff State Natural Area
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
150 reviews
Excellent
101
Very good
35
Average
9
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Lisa H
Madison, WI56 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Great gem in upper Door County. This had been on my list for a while to visit when we come to Door County. There is a nice 1.2 mile trail to walk through the woods (circular trail) that is easy to walk with many birds to be seen. The lookout is close to the parking area with a short set of stairs. This would absolutely be an amazing place to come towards the end of the day with a picnic dinner and bottle of wine to watch the sunset. My husband and I will certainly plan to be back on a clear evening.
Written August 26, 2024
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.
RICART75
Peru, IN2,468 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
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.
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.
Written July 27, 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.
AndrewFromMadison
Madison, WI5,905 contributions
Aug 2019
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.
Written April 8, 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.
GnMe
Menomonie, WI290 contributions
Sep 2020
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.
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.
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
Evergreen, CO15 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, IA751 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.
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, WI1,461 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, IL553 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.
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.
Have graded the road yet for tourist season?
Written June 9, 2019
I really don't know. It was really a rough ride when we were there recently and I have to believe they'll grade it. Even as rough as it was, the view from the bluff is so serene and spectacular it's worth the bumps - just go slow.
Written June 10, 2019
Can you (would you) hike the bluff during deer hunting season?
Written November 23, 2017
Same answer; check their website. If you do go, wear bright orange just to be on the safe side.
Written November 24, 2017
ddhassett
Madison, Wisconsin
Are dogs allowed in Ellison Bluff State Natural Area?
Written August 12, 2017
We don't have a dog, but I do remember others with their dogs.
Written August 13, 2017
Lake Michigan is on the EAST side of Door County. Ellison bay Bluff is on the WEST. The view is of Green Bay not lake Michigan...duh?
Written March 7, 2016
It's All Lake Michigan. I would think someone from Wisconsin would KNOW that.
Written March 8, 2016
Does it has so many steps for view point???
Written October 23, 2015
To get to the best (highest) viewing area there are steps and the terrain is a little rough. However, the view from the lower, more even ground is beautiful.
Written October 25, 2015
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