Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

Ellison Bay
Census-designated place

Looking north at downtown Ellison Bay on WIS 42
Ellison Bay

Location within the state of Wisconsin

Coordinates: 45°15′17″N 87°04′17″W / 45.25472°N 87.07139°WCoordinates: 45°15′17″N 87°04′17″W / 45.25472°N 87.07139°W
Country United States
State Wisconsin
County Door
Founded 1872
Area
  Total 2.662 sq mi (6.89 km2)
  Land 2.662 sq mi (6.89 km2)
  Water 0 sq mi (0 km2)
Population (2010)
  Total 165
  Density 62/sq mi (24/km2)
Time zone Central (CST) (UTC-6)
  Summer (DST) CDT (UTC-5)
Area code(s) 920

Ellison Bay is an unincorporated census-designated place in northern Door County, Wisconsin, United States, within the town of Liberty Grove and is located on Highway 42 along the Green Bay.[1][2] As of the 2010 census, its population is 165.[3] Sur La Baie, one of Wisconsin's largest and most expensive homes, is located nearby.

History

The community was founded in 1872 by John Eliasen, a Danish immigrant.[4] Lumber and fishing were important businesses in the 19th century, replaced by fruit growing in the early 20th century, and today tourism is the main business.

Attractions

Important attractions include The Clearing, a private center for adult education that was originally established by Jens Jensen, a prominent landscape architect. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other attractions include a cooking school, an Asian art gallery, and various pottery studios. Local restaurants in Ellison Bay are the Viking Grill, home to one of Door County's oldest fish boils, and the Wickman House, a restaurant featuring local produce.

Deadly explosion

Explosion remnants
Pioneer store in 2011 after reconstruction

On July 10, 2006, an explosion leveled the 136-year-old Pioneer Store and killed two vacationers. The blast also burned down one cottage and damaged another. It is believed a propane gas leak caused the explosion, which may have resulted from a contractor damaging unmarked underground propane lines. Eight others were transported to local hospitals; five more refused treatment.[5] By the terms of a settlement reached on May 6, 2008, the three children whose parents were killed in the explosion received over $21 million USD.

Education

Gibraltar Area Schools serves the community. Gibraltar Elementary School and Gibraltar Secondary School are the two schools.[6]

Images

Notes

Sources

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ellison Bay, Wisconsin.