FISH CREEK, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The season for camping is just getting started, and for those looking to head to Door County, some upgrades are ready to go.
At 1.3 million visitors last year, Peninsula State Park is one of Wisconsin’s most popular destinations. And after years of work, some improvements in infrastructure will be open for business this season. 400 of the park’s 460 campsites have a fresh look.
“Everything was kind of aging. Probably everything was done at the same time, 40 years ago. And I know a lot of them haven’t been resurfaced at all. So, they were just getting a little rutted up. A little damaged,” said Eric Hyde, Peninsula State Park Superintendent.
Hyde says there are nearly a dozen new vault restrooms, and a combination shower and restroom at the South Nicolet Bay Campground. Friends of Peninsula State Park President Chris Holicek says the upgrades are important.
“A lot of people are campers that come every year, for like 30-40 years. And I’m sure they’re going to be totally thrilled by all these great improvements,” said Chris Holicek, Friends of Peninsula State Park President.
There are other improvements happening at Peninsula. The newly-constructed Eagle Tower was scheduled to open last Friday, but due to what the Department of Natural Resources calls “unforeseen construction delays,” the site remains closed.
“We just basically got to make sure it’s safe. They were up there, sanding all the railings. With an 850-foot ramp, and a 60-foot tower, there’s a lot of hand rails. So they were sanding about 4,000 linear feet to make sure people aren’t getting slivers, and stuff. And then, just a lot of clean up, and stuff like that,” said Hyde.
Hyde says he expects work to be done soon.
“Hopefully, in a few weeks, or at least a week, or two, we’ll be able to announce the opening date, and this time we’ll make sure we have final approval, and are good to go,” he said.
The work is part of a long-range, multi-year plan, totaling about $15 million.
