A prime viewing spot at Lakeside Part awaits visitors.

About our parks

The Town of Jacksonport takes great pride in its parks, which serve as the heart of the community and showcase the area’s rich natural beauty and heritage.

LAKESIDE PARK

At the center of this network is Lakeside Park, the town’s signature gathering place and scenic window on Lake Michigan. Since its opening in 1939, Lakeside Park has been the site of cherished local traditions and annual celebrations, including Maifest, Cherry Fest, and the Polar Bear Plunge, among many other community events.

Over the decades, Lakeside Park has provided a welcoming setting for family reunions, weddings, picnics, and beach outings, as well as a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors alike. Its lakeshore has long drawn kayakers, swimmers, and nature enthusiasts, contributing to Jacksonport’s enduring reputation as a friendly, vibrant lakeside community.

Beyond Lakeside Park, Jacksonport maintains a range of other parks and recreational destinations that highlight the area’s environmental diversity and cultural significance:

Erskine Rest Area, located across Highway 57 from Lakeside Park, features a restored 1880s root cellar, preserving a tangible piece of Jacksonport’s early history.
Schauer Park serves as a small-boat launch offering a panoramic view of Lake Michigan’s shoreline, making it a favorite spot for boaters and photographers.
Whitefish Dunes State Park, just south of town, includes a mile-long sand beach, visitor center, and extensive hiking trails, drawing visitors from across the region.
Cave Point County Park, adjacent to Whitefish Dunes, is renowned for its limestone cliffs and dramatic wave-carved formations, providing one of Door County’s most photographed landscapes.
Ridges Sanctuary at Logan Creek (5724 Loritz Road) offers 170 acres of trails through wetlands and woodlands, highlighting the town’s commitment to ecological preservation and outdoor recreation.
Meridian Park, a wayside north of town on State Highway 57, marks the 45th parallel, symbolically placing visitors halfway between the Equator and the North Pole.

In recent years, Lakeside Park has also gained historical recognition for its maritime heritage. In 2012, it was designated as a Maritime Archaeological Historical District, honoring and protecting remnants of historic shipping piers and several shipwrecks resting in the shallow waters just offshore. Two years later, in 2014, the Door County Coastal Byways Commission erected a marker at the park, commemorating Jacksonport’s history and its enduring relationship with Lake Michigan.

Together, these parks and landmarks reflect Jacksonport’s dedication to preserving its natural beauty, celebrating its cultural legacy, and fostering a strong sense of community connection through shared outdoor spaces.

Parks Committee

A five-member Parks Committee advises the Town Board on how to manage parks and recreation facilities owned by the township. Duties of the Parks Committee include:

Participating in budget planning
Holding monthly public meetings
Serving as a liaison between residents and public officials
Overseeing activities in town parks
Operating, maintaining and improving the town’s parks
Developing recommendations to the Town Board regarding park policies, rules and procedures

Mission

The mission of the Town of Jacksonport Parks Committee is to preserve, enhance, and promote the recreational and scenic resources of Jacksonport for the enjoyment of current and future residents and visitors.

Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

(C.O.R.P)

The parks committee is currently at work creating a comprehensive outdoor recreation plan that will encompass all parks and outdoor areas in Jacksonport.

Town Benches

The Town of Jacksonport and the Parks Committee is happy to announce we are offering benches. These are great memorials to honor a loved one or a great living tribute for someone special. The town has just one bench left 6' bench for a donation of $1250. The price includes cement, delivery, installation and a small plaque. Click the link below for a sample picture of the bench. Please contact the town clerk if you wish to donate a bench. Town park benches

Meetings

Regular meetings of the Parks Committee are the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall. December meetings are subject to change and special meetings may be held as necessary and with public notice. Please see the township calendar and the agendas, meetings for more information.

Policies, Rules, Rentals

PAVILION RENTALS

To rent one of our newly refurbished Lakeside Park pavilions, please fill out our pavilion rental form and mail or email it to the town clerk. Your reservation is guaranteed once payment is received and your rental is approved. Call 920-823-8136 or email clerk@jacksonportwi.gov for more information.

PARKS RULES
Hours of Operation: The Town of Jacksonport parks are open to the public during hours posted at each park site.

Water/Beach Activities & Swimming: Enjoy water/beach activities & swimming at your own risk. There are no lifeguards at Town of Jacksonport parks.

Glass containers are prohibited on town beaches and in the town parks. No beverages in glass containers may be sold in the park

Park Shelters: Shelters for gatherings and picnics are open to all on a first-come basis unless reserved in advance. Please see above for pavilion rentals

Parking for Large Scale Vehicles/Trailers: no trailer or camper parking allowed at the park. Please park at the designated area in the Jacksonport Town Hall lot at 3365 County Road V.

Camping: Absolutely NO camping in the parks.

Pets: All pets must remain leashed and under the control of their master. Clean up after your pet.

Trash Disposal: Those who use the town parks are responsible for their trash disposal. The dumpsters within town parks are for park-use-associated trash disposal only; it is unlawful for anyone to bring trash to town parks and dispose of that trash within any town dumpster.

Commercial Enterprises: No commercial enterprises (venders, tour operators, equipment renters, advertisers, etc.) will be allowed in parks without Town Board approval.