Kayak and Hike Peninsula State Park: Paddle to Horseshoe Island & Eagle Bluff
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people with basic aerobic fitness — you should be comfortable paddling for about 1–2 hours and walking short, uneven trails.
Overview
Paddle across Gibraltar Bay, land on Horseshoe Island, and hike the bluffs of Peninsula State Park with a certified Wisconsin Naturalist. This half-day kayak-and-hike tour combines geology, history, and calm Great Lakes paddling with a picnic lunch.
Kayak and Hike Peninsula State Park: Paddle to Horseshoe Island & Eagle Bluff
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The morning air on Gibraltar Bay bites with the clean edge of the Great Lakes. Guides check life jackets and demos paddling strokes while kayaks align like low-slung whales against the water. You push off and the shoreline of Peninsula State Park slides astern — bluffed rock, mixed hardwoods, and a red-brick lighthouse that has kept watch since the 1800s.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Park pass required
Bring a daily Peninsula State Park parking pass — most lots are monitored and you'll need it to meet your guide at the trailhead.
Watch wind and weather
Wind can build quickly on Lake Michigan; check marine forecasts and be prepared for choppy water even on calm mornings.
Use a dry bag
Keep electronics and layers in a waterproof bag — splashes and waves are part of the route, especially when landing on islands.
Footwear for the hike
Wear trail shoes or sturdy sandals with grip for the short hike to Eagle Bluff; the trail includes uneven rock and loose gravel.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bald eagle
- Great blue heron
History
Peninsula State Park preserves sections of shoreline used by Native Americans and later visited by French explorers; the park’s Eagle Bluff area also features lighthouse history from the 1800s.
Conservation
The park encourages Leave No Trace practices; guides focus on protecting fragile shoreline plants and minimizing disturbance to nesting birds and island habitats.
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Adventure Hotspots in Fish Creek
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Spring winds and spray make a waterproof, breathable shell useful for staying warm and dry.
spring specific
Reusable water bottle
Hydration is crucial during paddling and the short hike — there's no potable water on the islands.
summer specific
Dry bag (small)
Protect cameras, keys, and extra layers from splashes while kayaking.
Trail shoes or grippy sandals
Shoes with good traction are helpful for rocky shore landings and the Eagle Bluff trail.
summer specific