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Whitefish Dunes State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 657 Google reviews · Running trail in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Whitefish Dunes State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
State park offering hiking trails, a beach, camping, and picnic and barbecue areas.
What runners say about Whitefish Dunes State Park
“This beach is beautiful, clean, family and wheelchair friendly.”
“Lovely little state park with beautiful views of lake Michigan, picnic areas, hiking trails, and a nice beach area.”
“The beach on Lake Michigan was beautiful and the waves crashing on the shore so peaceful.”
“There is a dog swim area but you have to walk about a mile down the beach.”
Heavily underrated state park. I would argue that this is as good as Lake Michigan looks, with the water being basically glass on a good day. Definitely more of a summer park with a long beach and more sandy trails, but can be hiked pretty much year round.
One of our favorite beaches to relax, swim w our pup, & enjoy the water. Bugs can be bad in July so be prepared especially if you are on the hiking trails! Since the beach has been evolving over the past years you don't really know what to expect every year.
This LONG stretch of shore has plenty of beach space, hiking trails and recreation areas. It’s a long walk from the Eastern side entrance to Old Baldy, the biggest dune in the park. We made it halfway but had to go back due to lightning storms.
This state park is gorgeous!!! We love visiting here. The beach is big and spacious. You do have to walk a ways to get to the dog beach but it is a great place to go. The last time we visited this state park, it was very calm and serene. It can get busy though on warm weather days, particularly in the summer.
Trail conditions & character
“Lovely little state park with beautiful views of lake Michigan, picnic areas, hiking trails, and a nice beach area.”
“You do have to walk a ways to get to the dog beach but it is a great place to go.”
“They have a small outdoor changing rooms, bathrooms, and foot cleaning station.”
“The beach on Lake Michigan was beautiful and the waves crashing on the shore so peaceful.”
“Still it was fun to walk along the shore since there is a “boardwalk” to make the transversal a bit easier.”
Plan your run at Whitefish Dunes State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitednr.wi.gov
- Phone+1 920-823-2400
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Sturgeon Bay
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Door County Adventure Center at Whitefish Dunes State Park
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