The crystal blue water of Lake Michigan and Limestone rock formations worn away from centuries of angry waves crashing against them is what draws over 400,000 visitors to Cave Point County Park in Door County, Wisconsin each year.
Cave Point County Park, one of 19 county parks located in the Door Peninsula was established after three families (George and Mabel Hanson, Mike and Louis Lyons, and John and Florence Reynolds) donated this beautiful 18.6 acres of land along with 900 feet of shoreline in 1943 and 1945. After much discussion and debate as to whether to make the site a state park or a war memorial, it was decided to simply honor its geological formation and make it a county park. Cave Point County Park is the only county park that today is located within a state park. Cave Point is connected to Whitefish Dunes State Park.
Located at 5360 Schauer Rd, Sturgeon Bay in the town of Sevastopol, Cave Point County Park is located on the less touristy side of Door County. That and the fact that it is a county park, makes Cave Point an overlooked gem to the 2 million visitors that descend upon Door County each year.
Yet you can take a drive to visit the park on any given day in summer and it can be crowded.
Helpful hint: Visiting Cave Point County Park at any time throughout the year is special, but avoid the crowds and check it out in Winter!
Cave Point offers up something for every explorer.
Let’s look at 10 reasons for visiting Cave Point County Park
It’s Free! – That’s right! Parking is free and there is no entrance fee. Nearby Whitefish Dunes State Park requires a state park sticker. This makes Cave Point a wonderful budget-friendly place to visit!
Pack a picnic lunch – Pack a picnic lunch, (there are no nearby places for food) or take advantage of the available grills, and you have an inexpensive way to spend a day. There are picnic tables on-site and you will even have access to the first solar-powered restroom in the county park system. The parking lot to the picnic area is very near, so no need to have to drag a cooler very far.
Delightful views of Lake Michigan – It’s hard not to get a more breathtaking view of the majestic waters of the largest of the Great Lakes. As you look out over the lake, imagine all the big vessels that have traveled through. I live near Lake Michigan and am still in awe of the vastness of it.
The Limestone rock formations – Let’s face it, without the natural beauty of the Dolomite/Limestone rocky cliffs and caves, Cave Point County Park would just be another park along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Thousands of years of the waves crashing against the limestone has created this stunning example of nature’s artwork. In summer you can find the adventurous jumping from the cliffs into the water below. Keep a very close eye on the children as those cliffs do not have a guard rail, plus especially evident in winter, you need to watch your step at all times as the edges can be ice-covered and slippery.
The rocky beach – If you are looking for a sandy shoreline, head on over to Whitefish Dunes State Park. Cave Point’s shoreline is rocky. You can swim here, but please use caution. Lake Michigan’s waters can change fast depending on the weather. Always use caution when navigating the rocky shoreline because those rocks can get mighty slippery.
Heaven for the photography buff – Even an amateur Instagramer cannot take a bad picture at Cave Point. At any given day year-round, you will most likely see someone with heavy-duty camera equipment and a tripod set up near the cliffs. This is a premier spot to take awesome selfies. I dare you to stand near the shoreline and NOT take at least one photo! As you’ll see here, winter is probably the best time to take photos. The waves can reach 30 feet high in this spot coating the limestone with ice! It’s an amazing sight to see and with the crystal clear blue-green water and a sunny blue sky, it’s another example of nature’s artwork.
Crystal clear water – Are we in Jamaica? As I mentioned above, the clarity of this section of Lake Michigan is stunning. It’s hard to describe the color that you see looking into the water below. This is one of the reasons Cave Point is such a favorite of kayakers and scuba divers. The only way you can explore those caves and coves is by being in the water. Kayakers can launch a mile from Cave Point at Schauer Park. It will cost you a $5 fee. If you are looking for a Door County kayak tour of Cave Point Door County Kayak Tours have a 2-hour tour available. Given how unpredictable the waters can be, I would rather do a tour with the experts than go on my own. Tours are open to ages 4 and up. 2021 cost is $59 for weekdays and $69 for weekends. They just made a 4 hour extended Cave Point tour available. Check their website for details.
Great spot for family events – Looking for a picturesque spot for a family get together or even a small wedding? There is a wedding gazebo within the park. What a perfect setting for those prized wedding photos. The only word of caution is to keep an eye on the kiddos!
A hiking trail – The meditation trail located opposite the picnic area across the parking lot by the restrooms is a half-mile flat trail that connects to the Whitefish Dunes State Park series of trails. There is also a trail along the shoreline, but always use caution as it can be slippery and contain tree roots.
Watching the waves crash along the shoreline – There are some of those adventurous souls out there that love watching a good storm. If you are into that, Cave Point has a great vantage point. Like I mentioned before, the stormy waters of Lake Michigan can get pretty angry with waves up to 30 feet high. I’m much more comfortable with the sound of little crashing waves! Nonetheless, Cave Point County Park is a perfect place to chill and watch those waves (at a safe distance of course)
Does that list give you enough reasons to add Cave Point County Park to your list of places in Door County to visit? I hope so, because you really shouldn’t miss it. I have been to the park several times and just recently in the winter. It’s absolutely amazing!
Popular questions asked about Cave Point County Park.
Is Cave Point good for kids?
Absolutely! There’s fun to be had for all family members at Cave Point. Just be sure and keep a close eye on the young ones!
Can you swim at Cave Point County Park?
Yes, you can. There are spots along the rocky shoreline where you can take a dip. Just please be sure your remember that the rip currents can be strong, so always use caution.
Is there camping available?
Not at Cave Point or Whitefish Dunes State Park. There are two beautiful state parks with campgrounds in Door County. Potawatomi State Park, and Peninsula State Park.
Do I have to walk a long way from the parking lot to the park?
No, It is just a short walk from parking to the picnic area and the shoreline and limestone cliffs.
Is parking free?
Yes, parking and entry into the park is free. Nearby Whitefish Dunes State Park is accessible with a vehicle sticker.
Don’t forget about this beautiful natural spot on the other side of Door County! It’s off the beaten path, but so worth it!
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