DOOR COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — With the snip of the scissors a new Door County landmark is officially open for business.
The Eagle Tower has been open since May 19, but Friday’s ceremony gave state officials the chance to celebrate at Peninsula State Park along with the public.
High atop the 60-foot tall tower, Josiah Campion and his family are taking in the sights.
“It’s a gorgeous view. So amazing up here. You can see the bays from up here, and everything,” said Josiah Campion, Montello.
“It’s an incredibly iconic structure. One of the most iconic structures in all of the state park system in Wisconsin,” said Missy VanLanduyt, DNR Recreation Partnership Section Chief.
The old tower was deemed unsafe, and was taken down in 2016. VanLanduyt says the New Eagle Tower is billed as the tallest fully-accessible wooden structure in the country.
“We want everyone, regardless of your abilities to be able to be outdoors, experiencing recreation, engaged in views like this,” she said.
An 850-foot long boardwalk winds through the woods, and crosses the road before eventually connecting to the platform.
“This is one of a kind, and it’s a must-see. And to get views of the bay and the islands, of the peninsula, and the park,” said Missy VanLanduyt.
Friends of Peninsula State Park President Chris Holicek says taking the gentle hike up the boardwalk, is the way to go.
“Lots of people said we’re so glad that it’s back, because it’s been six years, and it was an icon, and people are thrilled to be able to view it, and view the water, and get the total experience, It’s back,” said Chris Holicek, Friends of Peninsula State Park President.
Josiah Campion agrees.
“Was it worth the climb? Oh definitely, for sure. We’d do it again in a heartbeat,” he said.
The DNR says the $3.5 million project is a partnership between local state legislators, the DNR, and the Friends of Peninsula State Park, which donated $750,000 to the effort.
