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The Sturgeon Bay Segment is a 13.8-mile trail segment beginning outside Sturgeon Bay on the Ahnapee State bike trail. It follows the bike trail into Sturgeon Bay where the trail tracks along sidewalks to the harbor at Sturgeon Bay. It then turns off to northwest and follows along the shoreline into Potawatomi State Park. Eventually, the trail climbs the Niagara Escarpment and ends at a marker installed below the observation tower.
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| New Eastern Trailhead of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail |
Potawatomi State Park is quiet compared to the other main attractions in Door County. It is often bypassed for the more famous Peninsula State Park, or even Whitefish Dunes State Park. Those who have found Potawatomi have found a treasure. Its cedar lined shores and birch and hardwood forest are as magical as might be found at Peninsula. Potawatomi can also boast of featuring a National Scenic Trail.
On the back side of the bluff at Potawatomi you'll find an old ski hill with an overlook featuring expansive views of Green Bay. This overlook is where the Ice Age Trail used to begin. The old hand painted terminus sign remains. Now, a blue blazed trail begins here and leads a short distance to the observation tower.
A new marker for the IAT terminus has been placed at the foot of the observation tower. You'll be compelled to climb the tower before beginning your trek on the Ice Age Trail. The yellow blazes of the IAT begin acrosS the parking lot from the observation tower.
The trail cuts a straight line through fern floored hardwood forests and casually descends at a rate that is nearly imperceptible. A monumental staircase leads down the escarpment. After crossing the park road the IAT threads alongside the shoreline through dense cedar forests towards the City of Sturgeon Bay. This section of the trail is more difficult due to the lacework of roots and rocks. My legs were thoroughly sore after hiking the Sturgeon Bay segment and its many miles of severely uneven trail surface. But, there is little elevation change to mention.
The trail continues at lake level and features many offshoots where you can get down to the shore to skip stones on the bay or watch the ships passing through the channel. The massive ships and shipbuilding yards across the bay add a touch of majesty to the City of Sturgeon Bay as you approach it along the trail.
The town center itself could be a movie set for any maritime themed film. Tug boats are moored to wood pilings. Seagulls squawk as they circle overhead. The air is misty and cool in all seasons. The sound of the lake waves lapping at the stone shores can be heard from anywhere in town. Foghorns keep a distant mournful cadence - seeming to slow down time itself.
On the other end of Sturgeon Bay the IAT continues along the Ahnapee State Trail - a straight and wide bike trail paved with crushed stone. This leg of the trail continues until it meets the trail head for the next segment: The Forestville Segment.
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| View of Sturgeon Bay from the Potawatomi State Park Observation Tower |
Ice Age National Scenic Trail Sturgeon Bay Segment
COUNTYDOOR COUNTY
COMMUNITIES
STURGEON BAY, MAPLEWOOD
TOTAL MILES
13.8-MILE POINT-TO-POINT
DIFFICULTY
MODERATE
LOWEST ELEVATION
570 AMSL
HIGHEST ELEVATION
800 AMSL
TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN
1710 FT
TOTAL ELEVATION LOST
-1740 FT
CAMPING
Potawatomi State Park
POINTS OF INTEREST
Sturgeon Bay, Eastern Terminus of the Ice Age Trail, Potawatomi State Park, Ahnapee State Trail, Potawatomi State Park Observation Tower
NEXT IAT SEGMENT WESTBOUND
FORESTVILLE SEGMENT
Directions and Trail Map
Address for your GPS: 3662 N Duluth Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
| coordinates: 44.874488, -87.431911 |
| From Milwaukee | 2.5 Hours |
| From Madison | 3 Hours |
| From Green Bay | 45 Minutes |
| From Wausau | 2 Hours |
| From Minneapolis | 5 Hours |
| From Chicago | 4 Hours |
Photos
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| Ice Age Trail Sturgeon Bay Segment at Potawatomi State Park |
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| Ice Age Trail Sturgeon Bay Segment at Potawatomi State Park |
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| Ice Age Trail Sturgeon Bay Segment at Potawatomi State Park |
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| Ice Age Trail Sturgeon Bay Segment at Potawatomi State Park |
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| Ice Age Trail Sturgeon Bay Segment at Potawatomi State Park |
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| Ice Age Trail Sturgeon Bay Segment at Potawatomi State Park |
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| Ice Age Trail Sturgeon Bay Segment at Potawatomi State Park |
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| Ice Age Trail Sturgeon Bay Segment at Potawatomi State Park |
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| Ice Age Trail Sturgeon Bay Segment at Potawatomi State Park |
Links
Ice Age National Trail AllianceIce Age National Trail - National Parks Service
Potawatomi State Park