Door County, WI · Great Lakes
Whitefish Dunes State Park
3275 Clark Lake Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
The tallest sand dunes in Wisconsin (Old Baldy tops 93 ft) along the Lake Michigan side of Door County. Long, open beach with serious rip-current risk — the DNR posts flags and a no-swim zone within ~200 yards of the main ramp.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 56°F water
Water
- 56°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
Safety
- NWS alert active — beach hazards statement issued june 3 at 2:34pm cdt until june 5 at 1:00am cdt by nws green bay wi
Best for walking today
Beach Hazards Statement issued June 3 at 2:34PM CDT until June 5 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Green Bay WI
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Dangerous swimming conditions are expected due to high waves and strong rip currents. * WHERE...Beaches along Lake Michigan in Door, Kewaunee and Manitowoc Counties. * WHEN...From Thursday afternoon through late Thursday night. * IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming conditions are expected. Strong currents can pull swimmers into deeper water and high waves can sweep people off piers. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Several beaches that will be most susceptible to the dangerous swimming conditions include... Rock Island State Beach, Baileys Harbor beaches and Whitefish Dunes Beach in Door County. Cresent Beach and City of Kewaunee Beach in Kewaunee County. Point Beach, Neshotah Beach and Red Arrow Beach in Manitowoc County.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 56°F — dangerously cold
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Park lot at the Nature Center; Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission required.
Dogs
Pets prohibited on the main beach April 1 – Nov 1. A pet-friendly beach access is ~0.75 mi from the parking lot. Leash max 8 ft.
Entry Fee
WI vehicle admission: $13 resident / $16 non-resident daily; $28 resident / $50 non-resident 12-month (2026).
Address
3275 Clark Lake Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Amenities
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Whitefish Dunes State Park.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Whitefish Dunes State Park from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
Is Whitefish Dunes State Park dog-friendly?
Pets prohibited on the main beach April 1 – Nov 1. A pet-friendly beach access is ~0.75 mi from the parking lot. Leash max 8 ft.
Is there an entry fee at Whitefish Dunes State Park?
WI vehicle admission: $13 resident / $16 non-resident daily; $28 resident / $50 non-resident 12-month (2026).
Are there lifeguards at Whitefish Dunes State Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Whitefish Dunes State Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Whitefish Dunes State Park?
Amenities at Whitefish Dunes State Park include restrooms, changing rooms, nature center, hiking trails, picnic area, boardwalk dune overlooks.
When is the water warmest at Whitefish Dunes State Park?
Great Lakes water temperatures peak in late July and August at roughly 68-74°F near shore — cool compared to the ocean. Best swimming window is mid-July to late August.
Where is Whitefish Dunes State Park located?
Whitefish Dunes State Park is in Door County, WI, at 3275 Clark Lake Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS