ELLISON BAY KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddling Past Time: Kayaking to the Fleetwing and the Pictographs of Door Bluff
A three-hour guided kayak along the Door Bluff County Park shore that visits the Schooner Fleetwing shipwreck and Native American pictographs—useful for planning logistics, what you’ll see, and who this trip suits.
Paddling Past Time: Kayaking to the Fleetwing and the Pictographs of Door Bluff.
Adventure brief
Paddling Past Time: Kayaking to the Fleetwing and the Pictographs of Door Bluff
This guided kayak tour threads the shoreline of Door Bluff County Park out of Ellison Bay, pairing raw Great Lakes cliffs with maritime wreckage and ancient rock art. It’s one of Door County Kayak’s most picturesque outings—approachable for newcomers yet varied enough to satisfy paddlers who want a concentrated stretch of shoreline, shipwreck, and pictograph viewing in a single outing.
Embark on a captivating kayak adventure with Door County Kayak's Door Bluff Shipwreck Tour in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin. This guided trip offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the rugged shoreline, famous for its historic shipwrecks and striking sandstone formations. As you paddle along the clear waters, you'll get up close to the remnants of bygone shipping days, learning their stories from experienced guides who share fascinating local history. The tour provides a perfect blend of adventure and education, making it ideal for families, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The scenery is truly stunning, with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, towering bluffs, and hidden coves. Whether you're a seasoned kayaker or a beginner, the calm conditions and gentle currents make this a safe and enjoyable outing. Gear up for a memorable experience that combines natural beauty with a touch of Wisconsin maritime history, all while enjoying the tranquility of Lake Michigan's shimmering waters.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic & Key Stops
The outing progresses from launch to shipwreck to pictograph cliffs and a final bluff viewpoint before returning to the launch.
Garrett Bay Boat Launch (Meet & Instruction)
Rendezvous point for check-in, gear orientation and the introductory lesson before launching.
Schooner Fleetwing Shipwreck
A guided visit from the water to view the remains of the Fleetwing and hear context from your guide.
Door Bluff Cliffs & Pictographs
Search the cliff face for Native American pictographs while the guide narrates their significance and location.
Highest Bluff View from the Water
A designated photo stop to take in the highest bluff in Door County as seen from the shoreline.
Return to Garrett Bay Launch
Paddle back along the same sheltered shore to complete the trip and return gear.
Total tour time is about three hours (roughly two hours on the water) with about a half-hour of setup and instruction; group-size–dependent adjustments to launch and on-water time are typical.
What the day feels like
What the Half-Day Feels Like
You meet at Garrett Bay, receive a brief instructional setup, and launch into a shore-hugging route that first visits the Schooner Fleetwing. From there the group works along the cliffs to locate pictographs, hears a guide’s account of the drawings, then continues to photo vantage points—ending with a paddle back to the launch. The program mixes instruction, interpretive stops, and open-water paddling into a compact three-hour outing.
THE HISTORY
Schooner Fleetwing Shipwreck
A central visual and narrative anchor of the tour is the Schooner Fleetwing wreck, visited from the water and framed by the steep shoreline of Door Bluff County Park.
THE CULTURE
Native American Pictographs on the Cliffs
Guides search the cliffs for Native American pictographs and share a narrative about the drawings while the group views them from sea level.
THE VIEW
Washington Island, Gills Rock, and Door Bluff Vistas
The route offers repeated vantage points of Washington Island, views into Gills Rock fishing village and a water-level look at Door County’s highest bluff—photo stops are built into the itinerary.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip best suits—grounded in the operator’s stated participation requirements.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The trip summary does not list specific personal gear in detail; confirm recommended clothing, footwear, and any personal equipment with Door County Kayak when you book.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Door Bluff Shipwreck Tour?
The tour runs about three hours total, with approximately two hours on the water and roughly 30 minutes allocated for setup and instruction (group-size dependent).
Where do we meet for the trip?
Meet at the Garrett Bay Boat Ramp, 1310 Garrett Bay Rd, Ellison Bay, WI 54210.
Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No prior experience is necessary; Red Cross–trained instruction is provided as part of the outing.
What will we see on the tour?
The itinerary includes the Schooner Fleetwing shipwreck, views of Washington Island and Gills Rock, Native American pictographs on the cliffs, and a water-level perspective of Door County’s highest bluff.
How much does the tour cost?
Standard per-person rate is $69; private tours start at $250.
How soon should I book?
The operator notes this tour fills up quickly, so signing up early is recommended.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-10T12:43:01.070Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.