Local Inspiration: Toft Point
It's Earth Week and we're sharing something new on the KEEPER blog: local inspiration.
At KEEPER not only do we hope to inspire you towards more mindful purchasing when it comes to fashion and lifestyle but we also seek to inspire a connection back to nature. And there's no shortage of inspiration here in Door County.
Today we're sharing Annas favorite hiking spot: Toft Point State Natural Area.
Photo Courtesy of Anna Cline
Toft Point is located in Baileys Harbor WI along Door County's Lake Michigan Coast
About Toft:
In the late 1800s, the Toft family protected over 300 acres of old-growth forest, now known as Toft’s Point. Emma Toft, who grew up exploring this land, developed a deep respect for nature and its importance to the planet’s health.
Known fondly as “Miss Emma,” she spent her life defending Toft’s Point from developers who wanted to harvest its resources or build a luxury resort. Thanks to her efforts, the forest remains much as it was a thousand years ago!
In 1967, the Toft estate sold the land to the Wisconsin Nature Conservancy, which later transferred it to the University of Wisconsin System. Today, UW-Green Bay manages and maintains the area, while also using it for student research.
On the site, visitors can find a historic circular kiln—the best preserved of its kind in the state—and remnants of a summer resort that operated from 1920 to the early 1970s. Maintained by the Friends of Toft Point, these include four cottages, an ice house, a barn, and a boathouse. Near the remains of the former summer kitchen stands a flagpole and a meadow with a plaque and trail honoring Roy Lukes, a well-known naturalist and close friend of Emma Toft.
Information via: uwgb.com, Friends of Toft Point, womeninwisconsin.org
Photo Courtesy of Anna Cline
Why we love it:
A hike at Toft Point offers a truly breathtaking and immersive experience in nature. As you venture into this pristine area, you are immediately struck by the sense of untouched beauty—free from the marks of development and human interference. Towering trees, native wildflowers, and diverse plant life create a rich tapestry of biodiversity that makes every step along the trail feel special. The air is fresh and filled with the subtle sounds of birds and rustling leaves, offering a peaceful escape from the noise of everyday life. As the path leads you toward the shoreline, the sight of Lake Michigan’s calm, shimmering waters brings a sense of serenity that’s hard to find elsewhere. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply seeking solitude, Toft Point is a quiet, sacred haven where the natural world speaks for itself.
Photo Courtesy of Anna Cline
Plan your visit:
Planning on visiting Toft Point? Prepare for about a 1 mile hike through wooded areas, meadows and along a rocky shoreline. Parking is limited so if you're in a large group please consider carpooling. Did we miss anything? Let us know! contact KEEPER at info@keeperdoorco.com