Peninsula State Park Completes Destination Door County Parks Challenge
April 29, 2025 – Door County, WI. Peninsula State Park is the first Door County state park to complete Destination Door County’s (DDC) State Park Challenge.
Launched in August 2023, DDC used one-time funding to create a state park challenge asking each state park friends group to pledge to use funds for projects that will benefit residents and visitors.
Each of the five state park friends groups were provided $50k initially and asked to raise an additional $50k with DDC matching another $50k, bringing the total impact to $150,000 for each state park.
The Friends of Peninsula State Park (FPSP) used this funding in their park for the first public mountain bike trail system in Door County.
The multi-phase project, constructed by nationally renowned trail builder Rock Solid, includes 7.5 miles of beginner, intermediate, and advanced gravity trails. Designed to provide high-quality riding experiences while preserving the park’s natural landscape, this first phase marks a significant milestone in sustainable outdoor recreation.
“When fully complete, this two-phase project will offer 19 miles of diverse and environmentally responsible trails,” said FPSP board member, Bill Pennoyer. “The full system will cater to all levels of riders, including family-friendly and skills development trails, premier singletrack, and a gravity zone with exciting downhill opportunities.”
Sustainability has remained a central focus throughout the project. FPSP and park staff worked closely with environmental and wildlife experts to ensure sensitive habitats were protected. Trails were designed to minimize erosion and avoid wetlands, and construction was carefully timed to avoid environmentally sensitive periods.
The trail also boasts an accessible option with a trail loop that accommodates adaptive bicycles such as a GRIT chair.
The first phase of the project was completed in November 2024 and the organization is raising funds for phase 2, which is expected to begin construction in summer.
“Outdoor recreation is an economic driver to our area, and this is one way that we could give back to our parks,” said Julie Gilbert, DDC President/CEO. “We congratulate the FPSP group for all of their work on the mountain bike project and everything they do for Peninsula State Park.”
To learn more about the DDC park challenge, projects, and to donate, visit doorcounty.com/donate.
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Media Contact: Amanda Stuck, Community Engagement Manager, 920.818.1132 or amanda@doorcounty.com
