Peninsula State Park
2009 - Centennial Celebration

One Hundred Years of Memories ... Only the Beginning

Be part of a year-long celebration at Peninsula State Park. Start by scanning this list of centennial signature events, then visit Friends of Peninsula State Park [exit DNR] to for more complete information.

Centennial Signature Events

• 100 Mile Club Peninsula is offering a free centennial souvenir, too, for those willing to log 100 trail miles. Download the Peninsula 100 Club form [PDF 105KB] or ask for it at the park and earn a centennial hiking shield (while supplies last).
• Centennial Geocache Available in 2009.
• Half Marathon May 2. Call (920) 421-1518 for information.
• Edgewood Orchard Galleries Opening Show Saturday, May 2. Public open house/light refreshments. Saturday, May 23, 4 - 7 p.m. Official Reception. Show runs through June 9. Contact Edgewood Orchard Galleries in Fish Creek, (920) 868-3570
• Anderson Museum Peninsula State Park History Exhibit. June - October. Public opening event June 19, 4:30-6:30 p.m., as lead in to Fyr Bal. Contact the Ephraim Foundation, (920) 854-9688.
• Centennial Celebration June 7. This event coincides with Wisconsin State Parks Open House Day, when a vehicle admission sticker is not required. A one-hour ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. A commemorative postmark will be available.
• Peninsula's Official Birthday Tuesday, June 19. This date is based on 1909 legislation that established a system of state parks. Informal program.
• Talking Tombstones Tuesday, August 4, 10 a.m. - noon. Blossomburg Cemetery. Co-sponsored by Friends of Peninsula State Park and the Gibraltar Historical Society.
• American Folklore Theatre Centennial Revue Mid June - August. A new show, "Sunsets and S'Mores," celebrating Peninsula's 100th birthday.
• Light Sculpture at Tennison Bay August. See Peninsula in a different light with art created by Dan Engelke. Sponsored by the Peninsula School of Arts, (920) 868-3455.
• Campground Host Jamboree September. Open to state park volunteers only.
• Spooktacular Hike. 5-7:30 p.m. Park at Nicolet Beach parking lot. Walk a 1-mile candlelit trail meeting friendly animals and silly spooks. Afterwards, enjoy a bonfire. Suggested donation $2/adult and $1/child. Northern Door Girl Scouts are this year's special volunteers. S'more's, Door County apple cider, and light sticks will be available for sale. The event is supported by Friends of Peninsula State Park [exit DNR].

Peninsula's year-long party must be completely self supporting. Show your support for Wisconsin's favorite camping destination by buying a custom centennial button ($1), pin ($6), or cloth patch ($6) at park headquarters or the nature center. Centennial water bottles, canteens and hats are also available. Or, select a field guides, Native American CDs or children's picture book. All proceeds support Peninsula nature education.

Bill Appel is "planting" a new forest in the diorama, transforming this popular exhibit.
DNR Photo

Nature Center Scavenger Hunt

Peninsula's nature program welcomes birthday supplies (hats, streamers, plates, etc. in any amount), plastic eggs, candle tapers (3 inches or longer), leftover craft beads, buttons, glitter, a beaded car seat, water color pencils, bird seed, pie irons for outdoor cooking demonstrations, birthday party supplies, and quality compasses. Thank you for your generosity.

2009 Like to Hike

The 2009 Like to Hike program features the wood violet. Ask for a hiking log when you arrive so you can earn a custom pin ($3 with log/$6 without log). See you on the trail!

Winter Programs

Saturday, December 28—

• Meet the Winter Witch 11 a.m. - noon, Nature Center. Clothed in glistening white, the Winter Wtich will tell secrets of the snowy owl and timber wolf. Her her strange stories from the north. Optional oragami wolf craft follows.
• Fun at Hill 17 About 1 p.m. Weather permitting, the park naturalist will visit Hill 17. See furs, a stuffed owl, and discover what's happening' for Peninsula's 2009 centennial year. Hot cocoa while supplies last. Suggested donation of $1 for cocoa helps fund centennial events.
• Nature Center open 10 a.m. - noon.

Sunday, December 29—

• Bird Brain! Stop Stop by the Nature Center any time from 1 to 4 p.m. The park naturalist will share a 15-minute program featuring facts about favorite Peninsula birds every half hour. Stick around to take a short bird brain quiz (suitable for all ages). Prizes for trying.
• Nature Center open 1-4 p.m.

Monday, December 29—

• Snow Art 11-11:30 a.m. Nature Center. Snow is the palette. Create "watercolor" art inspired by nature. Learn about real artists who once lived in the park, too.
• Roving on Skis Around 1 p.m. The park naturalist will be roving favorite park ski trails, answering questions about Peninsula nature.
• Nature Center open 10 a.m. - noon.

Tuesday, December 30—Peninsula 100 History Talk 1 - 2 p.m. Park Headquarters. Enjoy excerpts from the forthcoming Centennial Reader, a collection of new park histories. Memories of Carl Anderson, Ralf Halverson, John Brann and many others featured. Take a peek at a few photos from the Peninsula archives, too. This program offers a great chance to purchase the new Peninsula Historic Sites guide ($2) and this year's Like to Hike pin, featuring Wisconsin's state flower, the violet.

Friday, January 2—

• Winter Tracks and Signs Nature Center. Learn to identify at least five winter tracks, then take a short walk near the Nature Center to see the real deal. Bring your own snowshoes (optional). Arrowhead Necklaces 1 - 2 p.m. Nature Center. Learn about Chief Kahquados, buried at Peninsula's Memorial Pole, then bead an arrowhead necklace. $1 donation per arrowhead.
• Nature Center open 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Saturday, January 3—Trees in Winter 11 a.m. - noon. Meet at Park Headquarters. Facts and folklore about common park trees. Less than half a mile.

Saturday, February 7—Candlelight Ski. 5:30-8 p.m. Weather permitting.

Call Park Headquarters at 920-868-3258 for current conditions.

For more information, ask Kathleen Harris, (920) 854-5976.