ELLISON BAY KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddling Past the Fleetwing: Kayak, Pictographs and a Bluff‑Top Charcuterie on Door Bluff
A four‑hour guided kayak tour from Garrett Bay Boat Launch that visits the Schooner Fleetwing shipwreck, Native American pictographs and the highest bluff in Door County, finishing with a small charcuterie picnic.
Paddling Past the Fleetwing: Kayak, Pictographs and a Bluff‑Top Charcuterie on Door Bluff.
This half‑day outing follows the shoreline of Door Bluff County Park from Garrett Bay, combining calm paddling with shoreline archaeology, exposed dolomite bluffs and a short bluff hike to a cliff‑top viewpoint. Expect guided instruction, close study of the Schooner Fleetwing wreck and Native American pictographs, and a bluff‑top charcuterie that punctuates the tour.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Schooner Fleetwing up close
The guided route intentionally visits the Schooner Fleetwing shipwreck along the Door Bluff shoreline, offering a maritime focal point for storytelling and photography.
Bluff views and a picnic at Door County's high point
Paddlers view the county's highest bluff from the water, then land and hike a short distance to the bluff top where the guide lays out a small charcuterie featuring local items.
Native American pictographs on the cliffs
The tour includes a guided search for and interpretation of Native American pictographs on the cliffs, adding a cultural and archaeological dimension to the paddle.
What the day feels like
How the half‑day unfolds
Meet at Garrett Bay for a short instructional session and equipment checkout, then launch to visit the Fleetwing wreck before working along the Door Bluff cliffs to view pictographs and shoreline panoramas. After a water‑level look at the county's highest bluff, the group hauls kayaks ashore, hikes to the viewpoint and enjoys a small charcuterie before returning to the launch.
THE WRECK
Schooner Fleetwing up close
The guided route intentionally visits the Schooner Fleetwing shipwreck along the Door Bluff shoreline, offering a maritime focal point for storytelling and photography.
THE CLIFFS
Bluff views and a picnic at Door County's high point
Paddlers view the county's highest bluff from the water, then land and hike a short distance to the bluff top where the guide lays out a small charcuterie featuring local items.
THE CULTURE
Native American pictographs on the cliffs
The tour includes a guided search for and interpretation of Native American pictographs on the cliffs, adding a cultural and archaeological dimension to the paddle.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and why.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The activity is a four‑hour experience; the itinerary allocates roughly 2–2.5 hours on the water, plus about a half‑hour for the hike and a half‑hour for the picnic, with approximately 30 minutes for setup and instruction (group‑size dependent).
Meet at the Garrett Bay Boat Launch in Ellison Bay for check‑in and instruction before launching.
A small charcuterie picnic is provided at the bluff top featuring local items such as Door County goat chevre, dried Door County cherries, pickled items and crackers.
This tour fills quickly—book early. If a kayak tour is cancelled due to weather, the operator can reschedule participants onto an e‑bike & hike adventure the same day.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No prior experience is required; a brief instructional session is provided and guides are Red Cross‑trained.
Where do we meet for the tour?
The group meets at the Garrett Bay Boat Launch in Ellison Bay for check‑in and launch.
How long is the tour and how much time is spent on the water?
The tour is four hours total with approximately 2–2.5 hours on the water; the rest covers setup, a short hike and a picnic.
What happens if the weather cancels the kayak tour?
If the kayak tour is cancelled due to weather, the operator can reschedule you to an e‑bike & hike adventure the same day.
Is food provided on the tour?
Yes — the guide sets up a small charcuterie picnic at the bluff top featuring local items including Door County goat chevre, dried Door County cherries, pickled items and crackers.
Does this tour sell out?
Yes—signup early as this tour fills up quickly.