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.

Great day for a beach walk.

NWS alert active · 73°F water

Water

  • 73°F water — swimmable, refreshing

Safety

  • NWS alert active — air quality alert issued july 18 at 9:34am cdt by nws green bay wi
64 /100
good
50 Swim
75 Sunbathe
82 Walk
77 Photo

Best for walking today

Weather alert in effect

Air Quality Alert issued July 18 at 9:34AM CDT by NWS Green Bay WI

Air Temp
75°F
Haze
Wind
Rain
0%
Today
UV Peak
3 Moderate
Peaks 10 AM · burn in ~67m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 11 AM
Tomorrow
—°F
Water Temp
73°F
Swimming weather
Water Quality
Clean
2 MPN/100mL · E. coli
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sunrise
6:19 AM
Sunset
9:30 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 73°F

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

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

restroomschanging roomsnature centerhiking trailspicnic areaboardwalk dune overlooks
Is it safe to swim at Whitefish Dunes State Park today?

Whitefish Dunes State Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

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.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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