Winter Waterfront Adventures and Experiences

Jan 9, 2026

Winter Waterfront Adventures and Experiences

 

 

Winter in Door County Wisconsin offers many exciting waterfront adventures and experiences including ice fishing, winter lighthouse photography, freighter watching, snowshoeing and skiing, as well as historic waterfront walks.

Ice Fishing Hotspots

Door County is the top ice fishing center around the Bay of Green Bay, especially Sturgeon Bay, Little Sturgeon Bay, and areas near Dyckesville, known for yellow perch, whitefish, and walleye. Protected harbors like those in Fish Creek and Ephraim offer early ice opportunities, while deeper Green Bay areas and the Lake Michigan shoreline (Baileys Harbor) provide chances for trout and salmon as the season progresses. Always prioritize safety and local conditions.

Key Fishing Spots:

  • Sturgeon Bay & Little Sturgeon Bay: Great for early ice, especially near the shipping channel and Sawyer Harbor, for perch, walleye, and whitefish.
  • Bay of Green Bay (Lower Bay): Famous for jumbo yellow perch and whitefish, with access points near Dyckesville.
  • Egg Harbor & Fish Creek: Protected harbors are good for relaxed fishing with potential for panfish and other various species as ice forms.
  • Baileys Harbor (Lake Michigan Side): Offers deeper water opportunities for trout and salmon, though access can be more challenging with ice.

Targeting Species:

  • Yellow Perch & Whitefish: Abundant in Green Bay waters, often targeted with light tackle and cameras.
  • Walleye: Found in Green Bay, with late-ice action often excellent.
  • Northern Pike: Active throughout the bays, especially in weedy areas.
  • Trout & Salmon: Possible on the Lake Michigan side (Baileys Harbor) for Brown Trout, Lake Trout, and Steelhead.

Tips for Anglers:

  • Check Ice Conditions: Always verify ice thickness and safety before heading out, as conditions change rapidly.
  • Guided Trips: Consider guides for access to remote spots and expert knowledge, especially for non-locals.
  • Fish Early/Late: Early and late in the day often yield the best walleye and perch action.

Winter Lighthouse Photography

Tips for capturing dramatic shots of frozen lighthouses and snowy shores. Here are some striking examples and ideas for winter lighthouse photography.

Tips for Winter Lighthouse Photography

  • Capture Ice Formations: Head to Cave Point for incredible ice caves and frozen waves near lighthouses.
  • Use Soft Light: Snow acts as a giant reflector, so aim for soft light (early/late day, overcast) to avoid harsh shadows.
  • Plan for Conditions: Check local conditions; access to islands like Cana might depend on ice or water levels.
  • Look for Northern Lights: Winter offers chances to capture the Aurora Borealis over Lake Michigan with lighthouses in the foreground.
  • Explore Parks: Utilize nearby state parks like Newport for access to remote coastal views.

Freighter Watching

Watching freighters in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, offers thrilling views of massive Great Lakes vessels navigating the canal, with prime spots including the Old Railroad Bridge (closest to the Michigan Street Bridge), the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Trail, and the public areas around Stone Harbor Resort. Use resources like Marine Traffic or BoatNerd to track arrivals, especially during the popular winter layup season.

Top Viewing Locations

  • Old Railroad Bridge: The best spot for getting up close as ships pass the historic Michigan Street Bridge; offers great views of tugs assisting maneuvers.
  • Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Trail: Scenic trails along the canal ridge provide elevated views as ships enter the bay and shipyard.
  • Stone Harbor Resort: A public walkway offers close-up, waterfront views of ships passing the bridge.
  • Door County Maritime Museum: Another excellent spot to see ships entering the channel.

How to Track Ships:

When to Go:

  • Winter Layup Season: Late fall through early spring (ending around February/March) when large freighters come to Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding for repairs, create exciting activity.
  • Anytime: Ships use the canal year-round, so check trackers for scheduled arrivals.

Tips for Your Visit:

  • Be Early: Arrive before estimated times; ship movements can vary.
  • Look for Tugs: Watch for tugboats assisting the large vessels through narrow channels.

Snowshoeing and Skiing

Door County, WI, offers fantastic winter fun with numerous spots for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, especially at its State Parks (Peninsula, Newport, Whitefish Dunes, and Potawatomi). Other areas to investigate include land trusts and trails like the Ahnapee State Trail, with rentals available at local outfitters like Bay Shore Outfitters and Ecology Sports, and Crossroads at Big Creek. Popular locations include Peninsula State Park (16 miles of groomed ski trails) and Newport State Park (Dark Sky Park with snowshoe trails).

Top Spots for Snowshoeing & Skiing

Rentals & Tips

  • Rentals: Available at Bay Shore Outfitters, Ecology Sports, The Ridges Sanctuary, Nor Door Sport & Cyclery, and Door County YMCA.
  • Etiquette: Snowshoers should yield to skiers and stay off groomed ski tracks.
  • What to Bring: Carry water, as options on trails are limited.

Wisconsin Snow Report

 

Historic Waterfront Walks

Door County offers beautiful winter waterfront walks and hikes. Historic downtown Sturgeon Bay and Ephraim provide accessible walks past frozen docks (Anderson Dock) and local shops.

Historic Town Walks:

  • Sturgeon Bay: Walk the downtown waterfront, see the Maritime Museum, and explore local shops.
  • Ephraim: Stroll past the iconic, often graffiti-covered, Anderson Dock for classic Door County scenery.

Winter Waterfront Trails & Areas:

  • The Ridges Sanctuary (Baileys Harbor): The Hidden Brook Boardwalk is often cleared for accessible winter strolling.
  • Cave Point County Park (Sturgeon Bay): Known for dramatic ice formations on the lake in winter.
  • Potawatomi State Park (Sturgeon Bay): Explore segments of the Ice Age Trail for classic winter hikes.

Tips for Winter Walks:

  • Footwear: Good boots, plus microspikes or crampons for icy spots.
  • Gear: Snowshoes are great for deeper snow; check park websites for conditions.
  • Safety: Trails can be remote; let someone know where you’re going.

 

Enjoy the quiet beauty of Door County’s frozen shoreline!

As the winter comes to an end, consider your own waterfront adventure and experiences with piers, docks, and accessories from Pier and Waterfront Solutions LLC. Contact us today at 920-493-4404 for a free consultation and unlock the full potential of your waterfront property.

 

Winterizing Piers in Wisconsin

Dec 16, 2025

Winterizing piers and waterfront property require specific preparation to protect against severe cold, heavy ice formation, and fluctuating water levels. The fundamental methods involve removing or securing movable structures and implementing ice management systems for permanent installations. General maintenance and evaluation of damage sustained to piers during the boating season should also be addressed prior winter.

Ice Shove

We understand that it may be inconvenient to work around the stored pier. There may be brown grass spots under the footpads in Spring. However, nature recovers quickly. That is not true for your pier.

General Preparation

Dock Inspection and Repairs: Before winter, thoroughly inspect all components (pilings, decking, hardware, electrical) for existing damage. Schedule repairs to prevent further damage from snow and ice melt.

Pier & Waterfront Solutions service crews have the ability to make repairs on all brands of docks and boat lifts.

Remove Accessories: Disassemble and store all removable items on dry land. This includes ladders, ramps, benches, boat lifts (if possible), storage bins, and furniture.

Utilities: Disconnect and blow out any water lines to prevent freezing and bursting. Remove power sources to non-weatherproof outlets and turn off breakers. Inspect cords and junction boxes for damage.

Pier and Dock Specific Measures

The winterizing approach depends heavily on whether you have a permanent pier, a three-season pier, or a floating dock system.

Permanent Piers

Accommodate Water Levels: Lake and river water levels can fluctuate. Ensure that the fixed structure is designed to handle potential changes. Reduced water levels might leave supports exposed or strained. High water can lead to excessive ice buildup.

Ice Management: Fixed pilings are highly vulnerable to “ice-jacking.” Pier ice-jacking refers to the upward force exerted by freezing ice on dock pilings or other piers when water levels fluctuate, causing them to be lifted out of their foundations. This phenomenon is caused by rising and falling water levels, and it can lead to significant damage to docks and other structures. The best way to prevent this is to maintain an ice-free zone around the structure. Installing a dock de-icer or bubbler system is recommended to keep water moving around pilings and the structure, preventing solid ice formation in critical areas.

Monitor Ice and Snow Load: Fixed docks bear the full weight of ice and snow accumulation. Regularly remove excessive ice and snow to prevent structural overload.

Three Season Piers

Three season piers installed by Pier & Waterfront Solutions are removed in the fall and reinstalled in the spring. We recommend that you allow us to place your equipment further up on your property due to the possibility for substantial damage encountered in the spring due to ice shoves.

   Improper storage too close to the water    Proper storage further from the water

Floating Docks

Removal is Best: For floating docks, the safest and most effective method is often to completely remove the sections from the water and store them on dry land. This eliminates the risk of ice damage altogether.

If Left In: If removal is not feasible, floating piers need to be disconnected from shore and allowed to move in the ice. They must be securely anchored with extra slack in the lines to accommodate shifting water levels and ice movement. Monitor the dock during winter, especially after severe weather events or rapid temperature changes, as fluctuating water levels and ice pressure can quickly cause damage.

Bubblers use an air compressor to create a curtain of bubbles and are more energy-efficient and effective in shallow water.

Propeller deicers use a submerged propeller to draw warmer water up to the surface, which is more effective in deeper water.

Boat Lifts and Equipment

Raise and Disconnect: Raise the boat lift cradle completely out of the water.

Lubricate and Secure: Lubricate all moving parts with marine-safe grease. Remove the power source and secure all lines.

Boat lifts have many of the same requirements as piers depending, if they are permanent or seasonal.  Bubblers and deicers do the same thing but are very different products that can be used for piers and piles or lifts.

Consult with Pier & Waterfront Solutions for service and specific advice for winterizing your Pier and waterfront.

Extreme Weather Preparation: Prepare Your Dock

Extreme Weather Preparation: Prepare Your Dock

Jun 5, 2025

If you live or work near the water, you know how unpredictable the weather can be. One day it’s calm and sunny, then suddenly, a storm rolls in. When that happens, your dock can take a big hit if it’s not ready. Extreme weather preparation isn’t just about playing it safe. It’s about protecting your dock, your boats, and everything else that depends on it. Whether you’re a homeowner, marina manager, or business owner, getting your dock ready ahead of time can save you stress, time, and money.

Why Extreme Weather Preparation Matters

Docks are tough, but they are still exposed to the elements. Heavy winds, rising water, and rough waves can cause serious damage, especially if your dock isn’t built to handle those conditions.

Here’s what can happen when a big storm hits a dock that isn’t prepared:

  • Decking can break or come loose
  • Hardware can snap
  • Docks can drift or flip
  • Pilings can weaken
  • You could lose boats, gear, and equipment

Taking steps now can help avoid big problems later.

How to Prepare Your Dock for Bad Weather

When it comes to extreme weather, your dock should be near the top of the list of preparations. Getting ready before a storm hits can prevent costly damage. The good news is, preparing your dock doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little time and the right steps, you can help make sure your dock stays safe and secure even during the roughest conditions.

Take these steps:

  1. Check Everything Over

The first step is simple: give your dock a close look. Walk along the entire surface and check all the main components. Think of this as a routine check-up. Your dock needs regular inspections.

What to look for on your free-standing dock.

  • Bolts and fasteners: Make sure they’re tight, not rusted, and not missing. Loose or corroded bolts can cause parts of the dock to come apart under pressure from waves or wind.
  • Deck boards: Check for cracks, warping, or signs of rot. Damaged boards are more likely to break in a storm and can be a safety hazard.
  • Anchoring lines or pilings: Your dock needs to stay in place, even if the water gets choppy. Make sure anchor lines are strong and not frayed. Pilings should be secure and not leaning.
  • Make sure all legs are in contact with the lake bed.
  • The deck Height above water is adequate for waves.
  • To avoid damage to water craft, make sure the lift is fully up and not set too high.

What if you find damage?
Don’t wait. Even small problems can turn into major issues during a storm. Replace damaged parts right away. If you’re not sure how serious something is, it’s better to be cautious and talk to a professional dock builder or maintenance expert. Pier & Waterfront Solutions can help you repair or replace damaged docks.

  1. Clear the Area

The next step in extreme weather preparation is to remove anything that could fly away or get tossed around during high winds or heavy rain.

What should be taken off the dock?

  • Chairs, benches, or tables (unless fastened to dock)
  • Dock boxes or storage bins (unless fastened to dock)
  • Coolers, tools, or cleaning supplies
  • Fishing gear, life jackets, or water toys

Even items that seem heavy can be moved by strong winds or waves. Once something is airborne, it becomes a hazard. It could damage your dock, nearby boats, or other people’s property.

What should stay?
Only items that are securely bolted down and weather-resistant should remain. If you’re unsure, it’s better to remove it. If you have valuable items, store them inside where they’ll be safe from wind and water.

  1. Secure Your Floating Dock  

Floating Docks offer advantage during storms. They rise and fall with changing water levels, but they still need to be secured properly to prevent drifting, flipping, or crashing into other structures.

How do you secure a floating dock before a storm?

  • Floats or support systems: Check the flotation system. Look for any signs of wear or damage. If one float fails, it can throw off the balance of the entire dock.
  • Check the anchors: Your dock should have a strong anchoring system, whether it’s chain, cable, or piling-based. Look for signs of wear and rust. Tighten or replace hardware as needed.
  • Inspect the guide poles or slides: These help keep your dock in place while allowing it to move up and down with the water. Make sure they’re not bent or damaged.
  • Allow for movement: Don’t tie your dock too tightly. If the water level rises, the dock needs space to float upward. Too much tension can snap lines or damage the dock.
  • Secure attachments: If you have ramps, gangways, or other attachments, make sure they are reinforced and can flex with the dock’s movement. These connecting points are often where damage starts.

Pier & Waterfront Solutions builds standing and floating products that are built to last. All of our systems are made in the USA and designed to fit your exact needs, whether it’s for a private home, a public marina, or a government project. We believe that a dock should be more than functional. It should be safe, sturdy, and ready for anything.

Click here to explore Pier & Waterfront Solutions. We’re here to help you get your dock ready, rain or shine!

Floating Piers: The Solution for Changing Water Levels

Floating Piers: The Solution for Changing Water Levels

Apr 8, 2025

Floating Pier

If you’re looking for a dock that can handle changing water levels, a floating pier is your best option. These customizable docks are perfect for homeowners, marina operators, and even government projects. They are durable, adaptable, and can be customized for different needs. In this blog, we’ll explain floating piers and how they can benefit you.

What is a Floating Pier?

What is a floating pier? A floating pier is a dock that is supported by buoyant materials such as high-density plastic or foam-filled floats. This design allows the pier to rise and fall with water levels, making it an excellent choice for areas prone to seasonal variations or flooding.

Unlike traditional fixed docks, which are anchored to the ground with posts or pilings, floating piers are not stationary. Their flexibility and adaptability make them an ideal solution for situations where water levels fluctuate, such as lakes, rivers, and coastal areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Floating Piers

  • How do floating piers stay in place?
    Floating piers can be anchored with systems like chains, ropes, or pilings. These anchors keep the pier stable while allowing it to move with the water.
  • Are floating piers safe?
    Yes, floating piers are designed with non-slip surfaces. Safety features like handrails and lighting can also be added. Their ability to move with water levels also minimizes the risk of structural damage.
  • Can floating piers handle rough water?
    Most floating piers are engineered to withstand small waves and currents. They will not work well in rough water conditions.
  • What is the lifespan of a floating pier?
    With proper maintenance, floating piers can last for decades, especially when constructed with high-quality materials.
  • Can floating piers be allowed to freeze in the winter?                                                                                       Yes, but Winter / Spring service is required.
  • Can the freeboard of a floating dock be adjusted?                                                                                             Yes, by adjusting the float size. (“Freeboard” is the distance from the top of a floating dock to the top of the water.)

By understanding what floating piers are and their many applications, you can determine if this adaptable and efficient dock solution is the right fit for your waterfront needs.

Floating Piers Handle Changing Water Levels

Floating piers are designed to adjust with the water. Whether the water rises due to rain, falls during a drought, or fluctuates due to Great Lake level changes, the pier stays level and accessible. This adaptability ensures uninterrupted use and convenience, making it especially important for:

  • Marinas and boat launches, where consistent dock access is essential for boat owners and customers.
  • Residential docks, ensuring ease of use regardless of seasonal changes.
  • Public and commercial waterfront areas, where fluctuating water levels can otherwise disrupt operations.

Floating Pier Benefits

A floating pier is the perfect solution for changing water levels. It’s flexible, durable, and can be customized for almost any use. Whether you’re improving your waterfront property, running a marina, or working on a public project, floating piers are a smart, long-term investment.

Plan an EROSION CONTROL Project

Aug 17, 2021

How to Plan an EROSION CONTROL PROJECT

Part 2 of a series discusses FAQ about erosion control – The signs to look for and steps to take. See part one for more information. 

Before beginning any actions to correct erosion, determine why the erosion is occurring. Without understanding the problem, any steps taken may waste time and money and may cause or worsen the situation. 

Decide if the problem is severe enough to warrant correcting. Is the erosion more than in undisturbed reaches?

What are the threats to private property?

Even though there have been numerous studies and publications on this topic, each problem is unique. There are no manuals with generic plans for bank protection projects which are guaranteed to work. 

Although installing a simple erosion control structure yourself may be possible, most techniques have technical standards for size, height, shape, and underlayment. These do not even include the legal requirements of the DNR. 

It is best to consult with a resource professional experienced with various techniques when planning the installation of erosion control structures.   Thanks to Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council for the use of the above information.

PWS handles all the applications, permits, and drawings from the beginning to the end.  PWS does all the work for you. Sit back and relax.  

To start the process:

 Call Dave @ 920-905-4406 or email dave@wisconsinpws.com.

You can also use this convenient form.

 

Does controlling the erosion help my property values?

Shoreline erosion creates issues for property owners, aside from hurting the lake environment. Property value is exceptionally dependent on controlling shoreline erosion. “One of the most apparent impacts, and perhaps that most significant concern to many shoreline property owners, is the loss of valuable waterfront property. Given the high value of shoreline property, a loss of just one foot of shore along a 100-foot lot can represent a loss of more than $9,000 on a cost-per-square-foot basis. 

These thoughts do not take into account potential damage to, or loss of, near-shore buildings and structures,” according to WatershedCouncil.org. 

In recent years, we’ve seen beaches all but disappearing. When property owners try to control shoreline erosion with the wrong methods, they can actually make the problems worse for themselves and their neighbors. That’s why you should leave rip-rap construction up to the professionals at Pier & Waterfront Solutions.

 

Will my landscaping be destroyed?

                                        Enlarged 36′ x 45′ Barge

PWS can access your shoreline by land.  This is the easiest method. 

At the same time, we understand the destruction of some landscaping can be a great loss. 

PWS has a second method – our 36′ x 45′ barge can do all the work from the lake side.  There is no damage to your landscaping.


What can I expect for costs?

The costs vary by what solution is needed. The more complex the solution, the higher the price. A homeowner can expect to spend an estimated $45 – $90* per linear foot on materials. However, if a site is challenging to access, it may cost more. 

*Permit fees, design, and installation fees not included. An estimate from PWS includes ALL costs you will encounter.  No surprises.

 

How will I get to the beach with the rip rap in place?

PWS has faced this question numerous times. We install rock steps when requested to make it easy to access the remaining beach, as shown here.

 

                                            Grouted stairs

In this series of articles, we’ve:

    1. Walked you through some of the leading causes of shoreline erosion:
    2. What’s happening currently with shoreline erosion and the Great Lakes:
    3. How to prevent shoreline erosion, and 
    4. What steps you can take to fix it the right way.

Can’t find the answer to your question? Email Dave @ dave@wisconsinpws.com

 

How does rip-rap work?

Properly installed rip-rap absorbs the energy from the waves as shown in this video.  Watch closely at 40 seconds to see the rip-rap doing it’s work.  By removing the wave energy, the shoreline stays in tact.

The water drops down into the crevices and dissipates in all directions.  See this article for more information.

 

Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?

Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look on the right side, one mile north, at the next corner (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).

 

Is PWS OPEN?

Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open.” We have implemented measures to help ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. PWS continues to work to maintain the trusted service that you have come to expect.

 

PWS implemented these preventive measures:

1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.

2. Site visits will continue. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will follow “social distancing” guidelines.

3. Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.

 

What can YOU do to help us? 

1. Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. This step protects everyone involved.

2. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.” Remain outside at a safe distance.

Thank you for allowing us to work with you.

 YES – PWS is OPEN and waiting for you! 

Please call, message, or email PWS with any questions.

Let’s all stay safe!