As a Door County local, I am excited to share with you one of my favorite spots in the area, Haines Town Park Beach. Located in Southern Door County on Riley’s Bay, this sandy and shallow beach is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. While it may not have all the amenities of some of the larger beaches, Haines Town Park Beach offers a unique and affordable experience for families and individuals looking to enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing more information about the beach, including tips for beach safety, cost, and frequently asked questions.
Haines Town Park Beach is just one of the many great beaches in Door County. Check out our post detailing all of Door County’s best beaches to find out about more of them!
Haines Town Park Beach: General Description
As a Door County local, I can tell you that Haines Town Park Beach is one of my favorite beaches in the area. Located in Southern Door County on Riley’s Bay, this beach offers visitors a chance to swim and relax in the calm, shallow waters of the bay. Riley’s Bay is an arm of Green Bay, which is an arm of Lake Michigan, making it an ideal spot for swimming and water activities. The sandy bottom of the bay extends far out from the shore, making it perfect for kids who want to wade into the water without worry.
Haines Town Park Beach is a natural and rustic beach that offers a simple, yet peaceful experience. The beach has limited amenities, but that is part of its charm. Visitors to the beach can enjoy a natural and unspoiled environment without the distractions of commercialized attractions or crowded parking lots. While the beach does not have extensive facilities, there are restrooms available for public use. Additionally, visitors can take advantage of the park’s picnic areas and playground for a complete day of outdoor fun.
The shallow waters of the bay and calm currents make Haines Town Park Beach a great beach for families with children. The beach is a popular spot among locals, who appreciate its quiet and relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, the water at Haines Town Park Beach tends to be warmer earlier in the season than at other beaches, thanks to the sheltered location of the bay.
Overall, Haines Town Park Beach offers a peaceful and natural setting for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of Door County’s beaches.
Amenities
While Haines Town Park Beach is a beautiful spot for a day in the sun, it is important to note that the beach offers limited amenities. The park’s amenities include a small parking area, a few picnic tables, and portable toilets for public use. However, despite the limited amenities, the beach remains a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Visitors to Haines Town Park Beach come to enjoy the simple pleasures of a natural, unspoiled beach. The lack of commercialized attractions or extensive facilities adds to the peaceful and laid-back atmosphere of the park. While visitors may need to bring their own food, drinks, and beach gear, the simplicity of the park is part of its charm.
The park’s picnic areas provide a great spot for a family lunch or an afternoon snack. The portable toilets, while not as luxurious as full-service restrooms, are clean and well-maintained. The small parking area is usually sufficient for the number of visitors to the beach, and visitors can always find a spot to lay out their beach towels or set up an umbrella.
Beach Safety
While Haines Town Park Beach is a great place to enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan and the sun, it is important to be aware of potential safety concerns. Visitors to the beach can ensure a safe and enjoyable visit by following a few basic safety rules.
No Lifeguard, so Practice the Buddy System
Haines Town Park Beach does not have a lifeguard on duty, so it is important to practice the buddy system. Swimming with a friend or family member can help ensure that someone is always there to provide assistance if needed.
Sun Safety
Visitors to Haines Town Park Beach should also take precautions against the sun. It is recommended to wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30, reapply every two hours, and wear a hat and sunglasses to protect against harmful UV rays.
Watch for Hypothermia
Even in the summer months, the water at Haines Town Park Beach can be cold. Hypothermia can occur in water temperatures as warm as 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is important to watch for symptoms of hypothermia in yourself and others.
Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, loss of coordination, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If someone shows signs of hypothermia, it is important to get them out of the water and warm them up immediately.
To warm up someone with hypothermia, remove any wet clothing and cover them with dry blankets or clothing. Offer warm, non-alcoholic drinks, and seek medical attention if the symptoms do not improve.
Water Quality Safety
It is also important to be aware of water quality safety when visiting Haines Town Park Beach. Visitors can check the Wisconsin DNR’s water quality beach advisory map for information on water quality at the beach. It is recommended to avoid swimming after a heavy rainfall or in areas where there are visible signs of pollution.
By following these simple safety guidelines, visitors to Haines Town Park Beach can ensure a safe and enjoyable day at the beach.
Cost
Admission to Haines Town Park Beach is free, as is parking. Visitors to the beach can enjoy the beautiful surroundings without having to worry about any admission or parking fees. However, there may be some associated costs to consider.
Food and Beverage: While the beach itself is free to visit, visitors should plan to bring their own food and beverages or purchase them nearby. There are no concessions at Haines Town Park Beach, so visitors should plan accordingly. Fortunately, there are many great restaurants and stores in the nearby town of Sturgeon Bay where visitors can stock up on food and drinks.
Overall, the lack of admission and parking fees make Haines Town Park Beach an affordable and accessible destination for families and individuals alike. With a little bit of planning and preparation, visitors can enjoy a day at the beach without breaking the bank.
General Information for Haines Town Park Beach
Address: 3773 Town Park Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Frequently Asked Questions
No, admission to the beach is free, as is parking.
No. Dogs are not permitted at Haines Town Park Beach.
The water quality at Haines Town Park Beach is regularly monitored by the Wisconsin DNR, and visitors can check the DNR’s water quality beach advisory map for up-to-date information on water safety. Additionally, visitors should practice beach safety by watching for hypothermia, practicing the buddy system, and being aware of sun safety.
Summary: Haines Town Park Beach
- Located in Southern Door County, WI on Riley’s Bay.
- A shallow and sandy beach, popular with locals and good for kids.
- Limited amenities, but free admission and parking.
- Practice beach safety by watching for hypothermia and practicing the buddy system.
- Check the Wisconsin DNR’s water quality beach advisory map.
- Affordable and accessible for families and individuals.
- No concessions, plan to bring food and drinks or purchase them nearby.
