CAD rendering of the Porte des Morts Staircase. Compliments of Mike Kahr, PE | Death's Door Marine & Baudhuin, Inc.
Porte des Morts Park, (fr. Death's Door) is located on the far north shore of Door County, cleverly hidden at the end of Kenosha Road between Gills Rock and Northport. Before travelers even arrive, they are treated to a drive down the last length of Hwy 42 that ominously weaves back and forth like a snake. This windy picturesque road to Death's Door is the popular subject among both amateur and professional photographers.
The Road to Death's Door
Mystery writer, Brian Freeman writes about Porte des Morts Park in his 2011 mystery novel, "The Bone House". In this murder mystery, after a Door County teenage girl is murdered in Florida, the rest of the plot unfolds in and around Door County. And, one of the scenes takes places at Porte des Morts Park.
This Liberty Grove town park sits on a bluff and overlooks the Porte des Morts Passage. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writer, Carole E. Barrowman describes it well. "The dangerous strait between Washington Island and the north point of Door County is strewn with shipwrecks and believed to be haunted by the souls of lost sailors and over confident swimmers. French Settlers to the area names it "Porte des Morts", or "Death's Door."
The freighter Wilfred Sykes passes through the
Porte des Morts Passage.
Porte des Morts Park is owned and maintained by the Town of Liberty Grove. With ample parking, a picnic table, grill, a beautiful view of the water and minimal enhancements. However, there is no safe way to get to the shore, some 30 feet below.
Our objective is to raise money and assist in the construction of a staircase at the park from the top of the bluff to the shore below.
A staircase to the shore will benefit all park visitors by providing the public with greater shore access. As well as enjoying the park, every visitor can further their experience with the opportunity to hike the shore, swim, kayak, stand-up paddle, snorkel, scuba dive and see even more of Door County's beauty.
We are determined to raise enough money to pay for surveying, architectural plans, building materials, use of heavy equipment and labor to build. Tentatively we are planning to raise enough money so we may break ground in the Spring of 2013 or earlier.
By making a gift to the Porte des Morts Staircase Project, you're support will become an integral part of a real tangible asset and will benefit everyone that looks to enjoy Door County.
A 'Pass Through' fund with the Door County Community Foundation oversees all money contributed to our project until the planning and building begins.
Currently we have raised $1,610.
Our goal is $40,000.
The view of the water and Washington Island at Porte des Morts Park See a map here
Once constructed, no longer will visitors have to perilously navigate the bluff to the shore. Rendered in 'yellow' in the photo above, the staircase will be designed and built into the bluff to gently blend with the landscape and surrounding natural environment.
For scuba divers, this is a great shore dive. Once on the beach, it's easy to get in the water and get deep quickly.
Scuba divers discover shipwreck debris
at a depth of 75 ft.
There's abundant marine life and shipwreck debris to be found. In the summer of 2010, divers found two large ship anchors sitting side by side at a depth of 75 ft.
A staircase will provide safe access to the beach and water. And prevent erosion of the delicate landscape. It makes the park more user friendly to all visitors and Door County residents. Everyone benefits.
We are asking for any financial contribution you can afford for this project that, when finished, will enhance the many wonderful facets that make Door County such a wonderful place to visit.
Please make your check out to:
PDM Staircase Project and send it to: PDM Staircase Project
c/o Neptune's Dive Club
P.O. Box 10893
Green Bay, WI 54307-0893.
Contact John Touscany with any ideas or questions about the Project. Thank you for your time and generous contribution.
Neptune's Dive Club
Fox Valley Scuba Club
Door County Community Foundation
Town of Liberty Grove
Aqua Center of Green Bay
Dive Instructor, Everette Strahl
Golik Electric, Green Bay
Nutrition Services, Pulaski, WI
Dennis Mullen Photography
John Touscany Photography
Brian Freeman, Mystery Writer
Washington Island Ferry
Jim Robinson | Shoreline Charters
Deep Six Dive Club
Badger State Dive Club
Rob Jerome
Mary Alice Johnson
Bernard & Jeraldene Bloom
Kim & Russ Brungraber
William & Karen Bell
Mark Stoeger
