The Potawatomi State Park Observation tower on March 21, 2025. The tower is set to reopen for the first time since 2017 after structural and safety repairs. PC: Fox 11 Online
STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — It’s long been a staple of Door County’s Potawatomi State Park, anchoring memories for families for decades: the Potawatomi State Park Observation Tower.
“For my entire memory, I can remember coming with family and friends from the time I was really young. Many, many stairs…” says Jenny Friedle, a member of the Friends of Potawatomi State Park.
“My siblings and I used to have a race to see who could get there the fastest, every time we camp on Memorial Day weekend we went up there,” says Traci Bournoville, another member of the Friends of Potawatomie State Park. “We counted the stairs, I can’t remember how many there were now but I know we did! It’s always been a special place to us and it, you can’t find a better view.”
But when the tower closed for the winter season in 2017, no one knew that it would remain closed until 2025, over 7 years.
The then 86-year-old wooden tower was decaying.
“After looking at those initial inspections, it was discovered that the decay was much worse than we had originally anticipated, so we had to keep the tower closed and do a further structural investigation of the tower,” says Terry Bay, the Director of Facilities and Lands for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
In Governor Evers’ last capital budget, he included an emergency order to stabilize the tower at a cost of $500,000. Later, another $500,000 was approved to complete the restoration and safety upgrades.
Bay says tearing the tower down or replacing it were both very unpopular ideas.
“We attempted to make this iconic, historic tower, keep it in that appearance,” Bay says about the repairs to the tower. “We did everything we could to do that.”
But, a tower built in 1931 doesn’t meet the same safety standards as today, so Bay says there are noticeable safety changes.
“You’ll see things added where there’s not as big of gaps in the railing system, the handrails have all been replaced and improved, stair treads have been replaced or flattened,” he adds. “So hopefully they see and realize we tried to keep that image of the tower that everyone in that region knows, however when they go to the tower they see a safe tower.”
Although the grand re-opening doesn’t have an exact opening day yet, these avid parkgoers share what they’re most excited for when the day comes.
“It’s the first climb. Enjoying every step, enjoying every platform view along the way to the top,” says Friedle. “It’s just spectacular.”
“I’m excited that people can come here and view the views that I’ve viewed for my whole life,” Bournoville adds. “Potawatomi is just a gem that people don’t know about and the tower is definitely one of our greatest assets so I’m really glad it’s back and people are going to be able to go. and that view is fantastic.”
While the tower is now structurally sound and safe for visitors, it’s still not accessible for those of all abilities.
The DNR hopes to add an accessible viewing point in the coming years. The cost of that project is included in the Governor’s proposed capital budget this year and is just waiting for legislative approval.
The DNR expects the tower to open in mid to late April, depending on the weather.
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