What’s Happening

​ 

​On August 20, 2026 Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced the Town of Gibraltar was awarded a $4.7 million dollar grant written by Door County Trails. The grant supports completion of a regional multi-use trail system connecting downtown Fish Creek with the Village of Ephraim.

 

The project will create an important connection through Peninsula State Park, linking downtown Fish Creek and the Gibraltar School complex to the Village of Ephraim. It will provide residents, students, visitors, and employees with an expanded network of trails connecting communities, parks, businesses, and recreational destinations throughout the area. The planned trail will be multi-use, providing recreational opportunities including walking, running, and bicycling. The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant was awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). The project supports the goals of the CMAQ program by providing an alternative to automobile travel and helping reduce vehicle trips and associated air pollution.

​​​

Gibraltar leaders noted  Door County Trails  was instrumental in assisting the Town of Gibraltar throughout the grant process. “Their knowledge, experience, advocacy, and support were valuable in helping the Town develop the project and pursue CMAQ funding. The Town recognizes and appreciates the group’s commitment to improving trail connectivity throughout Door County,” according to Travis Thyssen, Town of Gibraltar Administrator.

​​​​​

Who's Involved

​ 

This project progressed collaboratively with:​

• Door County Trails

• Town of Gibraltar

• Village of Ephraim

• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

• The Friends of Peninsula State Park

• The Wisconsin Department of Transportation

​ ​​

Why It Matters

​ 

Connecting Door County’s communities via a pedestrian and bicycle trail system reduces the reliance on cars and emissions, and offers a safe mode of transportation for students, residents, and employees.  

​ ​

Where Things Stand

​ 

Door County Trails is assisting Friends of Peninsula State Park and the Town of Gibraltar in securing additional grant dollars to complete the project. Friends of Peninsula State Park is the nonprofit dedicated to preserving and enhancing Peninsula State Park. The organization is now working with the Town of Gibraltar, the Village of Ephraim, and Door County Trails, on creating a safe and sustainable route connecting the communities. It is anticipated the route location will be finalized in the Spring of 2027.