Disconnect from the daily grind, relax in tranquil surroundings, and experience the area’s casual vibe with a family trip to Port Washington! Whether it’s walking alongside the lake or grabbing a sweet treat, the town is calling your name!
Port Washington, located in Ozaukee County, offers visitors a scenic view of Lake Michigan’s picturesque western shore and promises endless opportunities to shop, eat and explore. Just driving along the bluffs, you’ll see people setting up hammocks in the trees to enjoy nature’s view. Bring along your packable hammock to join them!
The area also celebrates a rich maritime and fishing heritage since 1835, and the waterway has a lovely blue-hued oasis. Check out this delightful town for fresh eats, fun, and lots of history!
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One of the most iconic structures in the area is the Port Washington Breakwater Light. The light, which sits upon the lighthouse, was built in 1889. Then an art deco style tower standing 78 feet above the harbor line was constructed in 1935. Families can walk the 2, 500-foot concrete pathway out to the edge and scan the harbor for sailboats on the horizon. If you bring along your gear, you can also fish along the breakwaters. It is a popular spot to catch lake trout and Chinook salmon.
Growing up, I have very fond memories of walking the breakwater with my parents. At the very end of the long walk, I remember peering over the edge and curiously gazing at the pretty colored water below. My dad would jokingly say an alligator lived there, and of course, my five-year-old self was intrigued by the tale. While there are no alligators, the breakwater does make for a great walk in the fresh air!
Those looking to delve into Port Washington’s history can visit a historic Victorian-era home, owned by the late Judge Leopold Eghart and his wife, Anna. Eghart purchased the home in 1881 and raised his family of six children there. The beautifully restored house has self-guided tours through the parlor, dining room, bedroom, hall, and kitchen. All rooms are uniquely furnished with antiques from local families for an authentic feel.
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Let the kids burn off energy at the Possibility Playground, a free, universally accessible playground for children of all ages and abilities! The playground, located in Upper Lake Park, is the size of a football field and has a soft, rubber surface that allows for safer play. A new addition was added this year and included an outdoor theater and upgraded play area. There are also restrooms nearby, drinking fountains, and plenty of space to sprawl out for snacks and games.
The playground is also home to a giant pirate ship structure, creatively adorned with elements representing Lake Michigan. Of course, it also has its very own lighthouse lookout with slides!
No summer bucket list is complete without exploring a lighthouse! This light tower was rebuilt in 1860 and faces the bluff with a lantern room resting atop the modified schoolhouse design and the lighthouse keepers living area. Tour this giant beauty and visit the vintage lantern room where you’ll find a replica 4th order Fresnel lens.
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Downtown features a fantastic variety of eateries. Many have patio seating and views of the lake. Check out these two delicious stops while visiting!
With all the goodies here, this is the closest to Candyland you’ll get! Located mid-downtown, this adorable bricked shop is hard to miss with its outdoor cow-shaped benches! The shop has a heaping selection of hand-crafted artisan truffles, bars, barks, chocolate-dipped pretzels, sea salt caramels, ice cream, malts, and more!
Stepping in, you’ll be quickly offered a sample of their unique ice cream flavors. Featured scoops routinely change, but have included delectable offerings like lime sorbet, cotton candy, pear ginger, rootbeer, and pistachio. There are many chocolate-inspired goodies like Port Washington shaped fish as well as a bookcase filled with chocolate-themed children’s books!
Parks & Recreation
Even the pickiest eaters will love Tello’s! The family-owned Mexican-Greek cafe offers a variety of dishes for all meals, breakfast to dinner. Along with a spacious dining experience, hungry guests can dine on excellent dishes like tiramisu pancakes, caramel apple crepes, seafood-stuffed tilapia, enchiladas, gyros, and beyond! Meals are available for carryout or dine-in. If you decide to stay, you’ll eat amongst history as the restaurant is a restored Victorian hotel!
Nestled in the cozy corner along the beautiful marina is the Harborside. The hotel offers comfortable and affordable family-friendly accommodations with a luxe view. Its 93 rooms include a mini-refrigerator, microwave, Keurig coffee maker, USB alarm clocks, and cordless charging stations. Most importantly, their beds facilitate a magically restful night’s sleep after a busy day!
This newly-renovated property is within walking distance of the many downtown storefronts and offers free parking for guests. The hotel features an on-site restaurant, The Beacon, and a convenient market in the lobby with refreshments, ice cream, and late-night nibbles. Beyond its clean and decorative layout, the real gem is the unforgettable crisp waters of its indoor pool and hot tub. Paneled throughout with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, you can catch a breathtaking sunset as the sun reflects on the adjacent marina waters.
Coastal Path: Langesund
From exploring the bustling downtown to racing siblings on the slides at the park, Port Washington is a great vacation destination for families. It encourages active exploration and gives families the chance to spend time together, treasuring history while slowing down to enjoy the little moments.
Jennifer is a wife, mom of two and avid traveler who is on a mission to discover her next big adventure. Raised in the Fox Cities, she enjoys writing and exploring new places, especially with her husband, daughter and son in tow. She seeks to find inspiration among all the little things in life and insists there is no better way to stir up creativity than with a loud thunderstorm and giant glass of chocolate milk. When gifted free time, she enjoys being with her family, crocheting, watching documentaries and camping.Ready for some outdoor adventures of a lifetime? Welcome to Calumet County , where there is fun for everyone from land, and water, to caves! Choose your path for your adventurous stay in the area and check out the many trail systems or line up your clubs or frisbees on their golf and disc golf courses designed to challenge the best of the best. Take a deep dive into the many water fun zones and areas scattered throughout the county, and be sure to explore the hidden hotspots of 4 different caves! Let’s check it all out!
Calumet County offers miles and miles of fun on their trail systems! If you’re looking to adventure by foot, hike Brillion Nature Center Trails and explore 6.5 miles of picturesque views. These trails curve through forests, marshes, prairie fields, and alongside pristine ponds. Keep your eyes peeled to see the amazing wildlife in their natural habitats from land, water, and air!
Going Your Way Travel
Journey across Calumet County to Fox River State Trail and traverse through about 26 miles of trails! Located in the heart of the county, there are 5 miles of vast limestone that are awe-inspiring. You can travel these trails by foot, bike or horseback! And in the wintertime, you can even travel on your very own snowmobile.
For four miles of fun, be sure to visit Friendship State Trail ! Like other trails in Calumet County, you can travel by many modes of transportation including hiking, biking, horseback, and snowmobiling in the winter months. They will guide you through the woodlands of the county, fantastic farmlands, and the dazzling city of Brillion. Make a loop and connect back to the Fox River State Trail.
Last but not least, scout 16 miles through the wonderful wilderness of High Cliff State Park Trails ! These trails will take you on a tour directly along the Niagara Escarpment. Trails vary in intensity and length so there is a path for all adventurers. Each trail connects together so you can hit them all or just explore a segment of your choosing! Soak up the view from the cliffs or climb up high in the 40-foot observation tower where you can see Appleton, Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, and Kaukauna.
St. Andrews Commons
Grab your clubs and have some fun on the green in Calumet County ! Check out the local Braun’s Deer Run Golf Course . This course offers 9 holes to suit players of all skill levels if you’re going for some fun or going to win.
Looking for other gorgeous golf courses? Hickory Hills Country Club is just the place for you with 18 fun-packed holes to play! Practice before you hit the links at their driving range. The location is especially ideal for those who enjoy the early tee times. Or, join the fun at the High Cliff Golf Course for a historic 18-hole course. High Cliff Golf Course was designed in 1868 by Homer Fieldhouse and runs along the gorgeous Niagara Escarpment. This truly is one of Wisconsin’s best-kept secrets and a course any golf fanatic will enjoy!
If you’re a fan of disc golf and playing the sport, Calumet County has some great courses that
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