Peninsula Park White Cedar Forest is one of two SNA’s found within Peninsula State Park, one of Wisconsin’s most popular state parks.  The easiest access is via Shore Road, where several parking areas are located.  Then take the Sunset Trail into the site.

This was the first stop on my first excursion to Door County, known as Door County I in my photographic database, with my brother.  We camped at Peninsula for a portion of the trip.  The campsites here are very close together with little privacy.  The trails are great, however, and there is an observation tower for great views, though last I heard it was closed for repairs.  The park is large, it is popular, and it is beautiful.  There is even a golf course if you are into that sort of thing.

Despite its name, Peninsula Park White Cedar Forest is more than a white cedar forest.  A small open marsh, a calcareous meadow, cliff, conifer swamp, and upland forest are also found here.  The trail takes you alongside the meadow and through the cedar forest.  Along the trail are several populations of the dwarf lake iris, a threatened species in Wisconsin and the United States.  Other notable species observed included Indian paintbrush and Fringed Milkwort.  My first visit mainly involved areas on the trail.  On my return trip, I ventured into the meadow deeper than I had before.  I would like to return yet again and explore the cliff, swamp, and upland forest in greater detail.  Be sure to reserve your campsite early if wanting to stay in the park; it fills up fast!

Forest

Eastern White Cedar

Forest

Dwarf Lake Iris

Dwarf Lake Iris

Meadow

Meadow

More of my photos (and full-res) from Peninsula Park White Cedar Forest can be viewed here.

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