Gills Rock Wisconsin
Gills Rock lies at the tip of the Door County peninsula. But Door County doesn’t stop here. Gills Rock is the jumping off point for Washington Island. This is the area that early explorers named “Deaths Door” due to the many shipwrecks that occurred near the tip of the Door.
This area is a favorite spot for nature lovers. The lush forestry and rugged beauty of the Lake Michigan Shoreline should not be missed.
Even today commercial fishing plays a big part in the local economy. Sport fishing and scuba diving are popular in Gill’s Rock. If you enjoy the changing of fall leaves Gills Rock is a must see area.
On your visit to Door County make sure you make the drive to Gill’s Rock.
Gills Rock Lodging For a truly unique Bed and Breakfast experience try the…
Harbor House Inn Bed and Breakfast 12666 Highway 42 Gills Rock, WI 54210 ( 920) 854-5196 Open year-round, pets allowed
The Harbor House Inn is one of Door County’s truly unique lodging experiences. Originally built in 1904 the Harbor House played host to Door County visitors arriving by sailing schooner. While the Inn is self-billed as a “bed and breakfast” we feel it is more accurately described as a north woods retreat.
Set on a sprawling two acres Harbor House offers visitors a variety of lodging choices to suit everyone’s needs. You can choose between Victorian Rooms, Cottages, Scandinavian Suites, the Lighthouse Suite. The scenery is great and relaxing. The sauna and whirlpool were unexpected treats for a Bed and Breakfast.
Ready for one of the most impressive stays in the Mid-West…?
On The Rocks Cliffside Lodge 849 Wisconsin Bay Road Gills Rock, WI 54210 (888) 840-4162
Spectacular is the only way to describe On the Rocks Cliffside Lodge. This A-frame lodge is over 3,400 square feet of luxury that can accommodate 18 guests. The 3 levels feature 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, a sunken living room, a kitchen, and much more. The lodge' s view of Green Bay and Washington Island is incomparable.
A stay at the Lodge is an experience in fine living amidst incredible natural beauty. For groups of adults looking for the ultimate get away gathering we can think of no place better than On The Rocks Cliffside Lodge. We would note however that you should expect to compensate the Lodge well for this type of experience.
Gills Rock Activities Gills Rock, even laid back by Door County standards, offers visitors some great activities. Nature lovers make sure to drive the area during the changing of the fall leaves. The winding roads of Northern Door County showcase some of the best leaf viewing in the state of Wisconsin.
For some learning fun stop in at…
Door County Maritime Museum at Gills Rock Which opens for the 2006 on May 27th.
The centerpiece of the museum is the fishing tug Hope built in 1930 by Sturgeon Bay Boat Works that you would now recognize as Palmer Johnson. Visitors can board the boat and view its last fishing trip in 1992. The Museum also has exhibits dedicated to shipwrecks and lifesaving.
If your idea of fun is a day on or in the water be sure to visit…
The Shoreline Village 12747 Hwy 42 Gills Rock, Wi 920-854-2606
Located at the “tip of the Door” Shoreline Village provides everything you need for a day on or in the water.
Charter fish aboard "The Mariner," which is docked at the Shoreline Resort. Fish with a well-seasoned and experienced Captain. A day aboard the Mariner will put you in a position to catch a Trophy Class Salmon or Trout. As with all good charters equipment and tackle are provided. The Mariner is a good looking and clean charter boat, it may not seem important now but is a real bonus that the boat has an enclosed Head.
For scuba divers the charter dive boat from the Shoreline is the way to go. Charter a dive shipwrecks dive here in the waters and Islands of Door County or in and among the Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and it’s Islands. The wrecks are at depths varying from 20' to 110'. So there is a dive perfect for every skill level. The boat is well appointed, full dive platform, boarding ladder, and tank racks. The fact that the boat was originally a US Navy PBR just adds to the coolness factor. All divers must have certification card and their own equipment. The Shoreline dive shop, also known as Dinosaur Divers, offers equipment, clothing, books, and even some technical diving equipment. Of course you can fill your tanks there.
For a more laid-back water adventure just grab one of the many sightseeing charters. The tours hit the best scenic spots of Door County, and some of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Stand by for some incredible sights on these charters.
When you need a bite in Gills Rock stop in at…
Where to Eat The Shoreline Restaurant 12747 Hwy 42 Gills Rock, WI 920-854-2950 Open Daily May through October
The Shoreline Restaurant offers numerous seafood specialties, nightly specials, and homemade deserts. Extending lighter fare lunch menus into the evening hours is a nice touch. Serving lunch and dinner from 11:00 am to 9:00 PM, May through October
A little Gills Rock History
Originally known as "Hedgehog Harbor," a name given it by Washington Island fisherman, Amos Lovejoy. A family of hedgehogs literally sent his boat to the bottom of the Bay after chewing holes in the hull. "Hedgehog Harbor" was renamed Gills Rock in 1870 in honor of lumber man Elias Gill.
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