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Rowleys Bay, Wisconsin

Explore Stunning Natural Beauty in Rowleys Bay

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Aerial view of an island and kayakers

Ecological Wonder on the Peninsula's North End

Rowleys Bay, a community within the town Liberty Grove, sits on the edge of the Mink River Estuary, one of Wisconsin’s most diverse and important wildlife habitats. This makes Rowleys Bay a phenomenal location for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and birding, which may be why Fodor’s named it one of the "500 places to see before they disappear" in 2009.

You’ll find miles of trails, few distractions, and no crowds in this northern lakeside hamlet named for Peter Rowley who settled here in 1835, nearly 150 years after French missionaries first visited in the late 1600s.

People outside of Rowley's Bay restaurant with a fire going.

Rowleys Bay Restaurants

Rowleys Bay Resort is famous for its fish boil, where the story is a big part of the show. You can also enjoy a cozy pub, a modern bakery, and great pastries from Grandma’s Swedish Bakery.

Aerial view of Rowleys Bay

Rowleys Bay Lodging

In addition to quiet vacation home options, you’ll find a campground, cabins, and Rowleys Bay Resort, located at the mouth of the Mink River Estuary.

A man ziplining

Things to Do in Rowleys Bay

Rowleys Bay is an ideal place to base your ecological adventure. Take a kayak or canoe up the Mink River and watch for birds, rare plants, and other wildlife. Hike miles of trails, find a perch to write or read in absolute solitude, or join the crowds for an authentic Door County fish boil.

Deeper Dive: Rowleys Bay

The Door County Fishing Guide

The Door County Fishing Guide

Fishing is a hugely popular sport in Door County. Here’s what you need to know before getting out onto the water and enjoying a day casting lines and communing with nature.
A chickadee standing on a tree branch.

Birding & Bird Watching

More than 300 species have been spotted along the peninsula, in town, and outlying islands. Learn why Door County, Wisconsin is a great spot for bird lovers and why DC is one of the best places in the Midwest for bird watching.
Stargazing: 300 Billion Reasons to Visit

Stargazing: 300 Billion Reasons to Visit

Newport State Park is one of the best places to go stargazing in Wisconsin, thanks to its famously dark and light pollution-free skies. But it's not the only place to explore the skies.
Family Time Sustainability Bucket List

Family Time Sustainability Bucket List

We’ve compiled a list of 25 fun-filled, family-friendly activities perfect for teaching kids about the beauty of the great outdoors.

4 Must-Dos in Rowleys Bay

Three people kayaking

1. Paddle

The Mink River Estuary is one of the most important fresh-water estuaries in the world and a beautiful place to paddle when the bugs aren’t out.

A chickadee in the palm of a hand.

2. Put your eyes to the sky

The rich habitat of the bay and surrounding woodlands draws hosts of migrating birds.

Someone ziplining

3. Get up in the trees

Ziplines are a thrilling way to get a new perspective on the woods or a town, and the views can't be beat.

An aerial view of a group of kayaks

4. Get on the water

Whether you’re boating or fishing, there’s nothing quite like seeing Door County from the water.

A person silhouetted by the sunset over the lake

5. Hit up Newport State Park

Wisconsin's only wilderness state park is located minutes from Rowleys Bay and offers a world of remote hiking trails, hike-in campsites, and stunning lake and shoreline views.

Discover Door County

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Leave No Trace 7 Principles

Learn the ins, outs, and importance of protecting and caring for our wild, natural lands and how you can help preserve them.

Video Galleries

Check out our video series to get a first-hand, experiential feel of what it’s like to be in this incredible place.