New Eagle Tower at Peninsula State Park opens to public May 19

FISH CREEK, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the iconic Eagle Tower at Peninsula State Park is set to open to the public on Wednesday, May 19.

According to a news release, the public can now access the legendary landmark both up the tower stairs and through a fully accessible canopy walk. The new tower, located on top of Eagle Bluff, is 60 feet high with the top observation deck sitting 253 feet above the Bay of Green Bay. There are 100 steps to climb to get to the top of the tower, or visitors can enjoy an 850 foot fully-accessible canopy walk to the top. The tower offers panoramic views of the park, surrounding islands, the Upper Michigan shoreline and local communities.

The first Eagle Tower was built in 1914 and stood in place for 18 years before being deconstructed and fully rebuilt in 1932 (second Eagle Tower). The 1932 version of Eagle Tower was closed in 2015 due to structural safety concerns, and carefully deconstructed in 2016.

The opening of the new tower is a much-anticipated milestone. With millions of people visiting the old Eagle Towers, the new one is anticipated to be just as celebrated. Visitors climbed the tower on annual family visits, got engaged at the top or used it for daily exercise – everyone has their own unique memory.

“We look forward to the new Eagle Tower being a unique and iconic destination for visitors and for the countless memories being made by those who come to enjoy it,” said Diane Brusoe, DNR Deputy Division Administrator for the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Division.

Funding for the $3.5 million Eagle Tower was made possible by partnerships with local state legislators, the DNR and the Friends of Peninsula State Park, which donated $750,000 to the project.

Access to Eagle Tower is free; however a park admission pass is required. Parking is available near the tower site, and there is access from various property hiking and biking trails.