Kewaunee County: Trails, Water, and History

In Kewaunee County, experiences range from forests and wetlands to trails, maritime attractions, and historic destinations. The C.D. “Buzz” Besadny Fish and Wildlife Area showcases the natural side of the county across 2,632 acres: the area consists mostly of forest, wetlands, a warm-water stream, a cold-water stream, and grassland. Those who enjoy spending time outdoors will also find several trails in the county, with varying lengths and settings.

Trails Through Nature and Parkland

The Ahnapee State Trail covers about 34 miles in Kewaunee County and connects Kewaunee, Luxemburg, Casco, Algoma, and Sturgeon Bay. In spring, summer, and fall, the trail is open for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. In winter, it is used for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The focus changes over the course of the year: the warmer seasons offer three ways to use the trail, while winter features two other activities.

The Bruemmer Park trail system offers trails with different lengths and settings. The Zoo Loop is about half a mile long and circles the zoo area. The River Trail is almost 1.25 miles long and runs mostly parallel to the Kewaunee River; Bruemmer Park & Zoo is nearby. The 1.35-mile Quarry Trail passes through older quarry areas. Blahnik Heritage Park also offers hiking and biking on the Ahnapee/Ice Age Trail.

At the C.D. “Buzz” Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility, visitors can hike the River Trail and the Ice Age Trail. In the C.D. “Buzz” Besadny Fish and Wildlife Area, the public viewing window is open at all times from March through December; hours and conditions may change. The viewing window and hiking trails offer different ways to experience nature.

Marina and Access to Lake Michigan

Kewaunee Marina is a full-service marina in a deep-water harbor with direct access from Lake Michigan. Breakwaters and nearby Hathaway Landing protect the harbor. Mooring options include seasonal and daily rates. The marina also has a campground with 36 sites offering electrical and water hookups. These details paint a distinct picture of the maritime offerings: the harbor and moorings sit alongside a campground, while the trails and natural areas offer other ways to experience the county.

Historic Vessels, Lighthouse, and Museum

The “Major Wilbur Fr. Browder/Tug Ludington” was added to both the National Register of Historic Places and the Wisconsin State Register of Historic Places on March 28, 2002. As of July 13, 2026, the Tug Ludington is open for public tours, subject to tour availability. Check tour availability before your visit.

The Kewaunee County Historical Society Jail Museum features historic rooms, jail cells, and a variety of historical artifacts. The Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse is listed on the historic registers of the United States and the State of Wisconsin. Volunteers occasionally open the lighthouse throughout the year; dates vary. So check the tours and events page in advance. Dana Farm offers another historical connection: it is the childhood home of Ransom Asa Moore, who is described as one of the founding fathers of Wisconsin 4-H.

Winter Activities in the County

Winter Park has a ski and snowboard hill with five runs as well as a beginner hill. Its tubing hill has five runs, each about 450 feet long, with a vertical drop of 70 feet. This distinguishes the offerings by activity and the specified measurements: downhill skiing and snowboarding are available alongside tubing, while the Ahnapee State Trail is used for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter. Together with the trail’s seasonal opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, the county offers a variety of options for planning a trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Algoma, Kewaunee, Kenosha County, Washington, Pierce, Portage County, Chippewa County, Waukesha.

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