Guided Hike

Discover the Hidden Waters of Washington Island

Saturday, August 15, 2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Join us for a guided hike at Little Lake Nature Preserve and explore Washington Island’s only inland lake, often compared to an unspoiled Walden Pond. This easy walk highlights the lake’s glacial origins, its rich shoreline habitats, and the wildlife it supports, from migratory birds and bald eagles to amphibians like the blue-spotted salamander. Along the way, learn about the area’s deep human history, including its role as a Native American settlement dating back more than 3,000 years.

Program Leader

Dan Jaeger, Joe Kopec & Brian Forest

Little Lake Nature Preserve

About This Preserve

Little Lake Nature Preserve

This 42-acre preserve encompasses the northern half of Little Lake — Washington Island's only inland lake, created when glacial waters receded and sealed off a bay with a cobblestone ridge. Over 5,000 feet of shoreline, spring-fed waters, and a landscape steeped in Native American history.

42 acres1.25 mi of trailsTown of Washington

Terrain

EasyNatural surface

What You'll See

ForestlakeWetlandspringsspringsnative-american-history

Facilities

🅿️ Parking
Explore full preserve details

Our Business Partners

The Door County Land Trust sincerely thanks the following businesses for their support. Please thank them for helping protect Door County's exceptional lands and waters when you patronize their businesses.

Platinum Sponsors

$5,000+

Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant & ButikDave's Tree ServicesDoor County Ice Cream Factory & Sandwich ShoppeRBC Wealth Management - David HarrisBrian Frisque Surveys Inc

Gold Sponsors

$2,500 – $4,999

Blacksmith Inn on the ShoreGodfrey & KahnMain Street Market - Egg HarborWaterfront RestaurantWhite Gull Inn

Silver Sponsors

$1,000 – $2,499

Alibi MarinaBlue Dolphin HouseDoor BornDoor County Prairie CompanyThe Harding Group L.L.C.Pinkert Law Firm LLPWashington Island Lion's Club

Bronze Sponsors

$350 – $999

Become a Business Member

Join fellow local businesses in supporting land conservation. Business members receive recognition, networking opportunities, and the satisfaction of protecting the places that make Door County special.

Learn About Business Membership