Wisconsin Bay Park

Ellison Bay’s dining scene features standout options near the beach. Blue Bear Ellison Bay serves breakfast-to-dinner fare with vegan options and a cozy fireplace, praised for its cocktails and quick service. For pub classics, Mink River Basin offers hearty meals, local brews, and a dog-friendly patio. Della Porta delivers Italian-inspired dishes like handmade pasta and lemon olive oil cake in a women-owned setting.

Just south in Sister Bay, Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant charms visitors with its sod roof grazed by goats and Swedish pancakes. Closer to the beach, Shoreline Restaurant provides waterfront dining with gluten-free options and creative cocktails, though hours may vary seasonally.

Accommodations near the beach include The Shoreline Resort, offering straightforward rooms and condos with water views and boat rentals. Family-friendly Bayview Resort and Harbor features lodge-style stays, a marina, and event spaces amidst serene surroundings.

While boutique hotels are limited in Ellison Bay proper, nearby Sister Bay (10 minutes south) expands options. For extended stays, Newport State Park’s backcountry campsites appeal to wilderness enthusiasts, though they require hiking gear and reservations.

The park provides picnic tables, BBQs, restrooms, and a playground. A non-motorized boat launch accommodates kayaks and canoes, while the covered gazebo offers shade or rain shelter. Note: No rentals, concessions, or showers are available, so bring supplies.

The Community Center building can be rented for events, adding versatility to gatherings. Grassy areas and tennis courts complement the beach experience, though visitors should pack food, drinks, and sunscreen for a full day.

Swimming dominates in the shallow, sandy waters, while kayaking and canoeing are popular via the boat launch. Hikers can explore nearby Ellison Bluff’s 1.2-mile forest trail or head to Newport State Park for rugged trails and stargazing.

Families enjoy playground games and tennis matches, while photographers capture sunsets over the bay. Nearby arts galleries and seasonal festivals, like plein air painting events, add cultural depth to visits.

Improved, accessible trails and parking are available at nearby Ellison Bluff County Park. The beach park’s amenities include wheelchair-friendly picnic tables, restrooms, and paved pathways to the gazebo.

Though the sandy beach itself lacks ramps, the shallow entry point may accommodate some mobility devices. Accessible parking spots are positioned near key facilities, and most restaurants nearby offer ADA-compliant seating.

Free parking is available onsite, typically with ample space even during peak season. The lot borders the beach, ensuring quick access to amenities. Street parking may supplement the lot during busy weekends.

No fees or permits are required, and the parking area includes accessible spots near the gazebo and restrooms. RVs can park temporarily but lack dedicated hookups.

Ellison Bay’s beaches were shaped by glacial activity, leaving behind unique limestone formations. The area became a haven for artists and writers in the 1970s, including Chicago expat Norb Blei, whose studio attracted creatives.

Newport State Park’s dark skies make it a prime stargazing spot. Local lore includes tales of shipwrecks along the Door Peninsula, though the beach itself remains calm and safe for swimmers.

Ellison Bluff Overlook, just north of the beach, provides dramatic cliff views from the Niagara Escarpment. Newport State Park, Wisconsin’s only wilderness-designated park, offers hiking, biking, and rustic camping 15 minutes northeast.

Local art studios, such as those inspired by writer Norb Blei’s legacy, dot the area. For quirky charm, Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay (15 minutes south) features goats grazing on its sod roof.