Peninsula State Park Shuts Down Observation Tower Due To Safety Concerns

A 75-foot-tall wooden observation tower at Peninsula State Park in Door County has been shut down out of safety concerns after it was found to have signs of decay.

The attraction is called “Eagle Tower” because of the panoramic views it offers of Eagle Harbor, Green Bay and parts of Door County.

Kelli Bruns, the park superintendent, said park staff inspect the Great Depression-era tower twice a year. The park recently called in an independent firm to do a detailed review, which included taking core samples from the wooden pillars. She said the results ended up with it being shut down.

“We have to remember the tower was put in in 1932. So it is an old structure and we do constantly do maintenance to (it). We’ve replaced over the years a variety of different structures, members, staircases, rails, deck areas. So it’s been continually been maintained over the years,” said Bruns.

Bruns said that once a more specific written review is completed, she’ll have a better idea of when the tower can re-open.