FISH CREEK, WI (WTAQ) – The new Eagle Tower is officially opening to the public in Peninsula State Park on Wednesday.
“Eagle Tower is quite the iconic structure in Door County,” said Park Superintendent Eric Hyde. “For some people, that’s the main reason they come to this park. There’s not really too many other areas in the state where you get that kind of view…perched that high over, with that vantage point.”
It’s been about five years since people could venture to the highest point in the park to take in the views, and now, anyone who wants to check things out is able to make their way up there.
“As soon as the word that the second one was being closed, there was already a big push by the residents and friends to get a new one up here. From the get-go, there was a big emphasis on making it accessible for everyone,” said . “The elderly, parents with strollers, people with injuries, all that kind of stuff. What’s really exciting just to have it open to everyone [as] one of the only inclusive towers around.”
The observation tower is 850 feet long. It starts at ground level, goes up to the tree canopy, winds through the woods, and eventually, people end up on the on the observation deck.
People walking along the observation deck on the new Eagle Tower. (IMAGE: Courtesy Fox 11 WLUK)
“It’s just a really unique experience, being able to walk through the forest before you get to the tower to see the amazing views of Green Bay itself. That’s going to be the most obvious should change you see right away,” Hyde said. “There might be folks that haven’t been able to go up there for 10-20 years and now have the opportunity to go up there and experience it. It’s just something that a live video feed, like other towers, just doesn’t compare to when you’re up there with the wind blowing on you and being there in person. It’s just something you can’t recreate.”
The first Eagle Tower was built in 1914, but was quickly replaced in 1932. That second structure stood until 2016, when engineers ultimately decided it was unsafe for people to use.
“I don’t think there’s any guarantees or warranty on this tower as far as how long it’ll last, but I think you should usually have a lifetime of 50 [years], and hopefully even longer than that,” Hyde said.
For more information about the tower, head to the Friends of Peninsula State Park website.
