Just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Door County is a place that’s quiet and serene. Europe Lake is a destination for people seeking the quieter site of this tourist hub; it’s incredibly clear, and on some days, so calm and still, there’s hardly a ripple across its waters. Sounds intriguing? Read on to learn more about this special Wisconsin lake.

You’ll find Europe Lake in far Northern Door County, near the unincorporated community of Gills Rock. It’s the most northeastern lake in the state of Wisconsin.
Google / Dylan Fletcher
The lake is believed to have once been part of Lake Michigan – a drop in lake levels made what was once a bay, a lake. Today, just a narrow stripped of sandy, wooded land separates it from the lake.
Google / Steve S
The main access point is a small landing at the end of Europe Lake Road. You can get a view of the lake here, relax on the pier, or launch a boat, canoe, or kayak.
Google / Steve S.

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While there are some homes and cottages on Europe Lake, it is partially surrounded by Newport State Park, so another option for exploring this area is a scenic woodland hike. You can park in a lot on Europe Bay Road and take the Hotz Trail, located north to the lake. There are even a couple of lakeside campsites along the trail if you wish to stay!
Google / Dylan Fletcher
Europe Lake is not a large lake. It covers just 297 acres and it’s considered a shallow lowland marsh, similar to Door County's Kangaroo Lake.
Google / Dylan Fletcher
Just 10 feet deep, you’ll be able to see the lake bottom – there’s no farm runoff or urban pollution clouding these waters. Just enjoy the view from shore, dip a paddle, or enjoy a refreshing swim!
Google / Steve S

Europe Lake is a perfect place for some quiet reflection – one of Door County’s best known writers, Norbert Blei, lived by its shore and penned many well known works here before his death in 2013. Learn more about Europe Lake, and see a lake map, on the state DNR website. If you’re hungry after leaving Europe Lake, head to this longtime shop for some of the best smoked fish in the Midwest.

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Europe Lake, Liberty Grove, WI 54210, USA