Paul's Spot

Newport State Park is a place of solitude, a stretch of untouched wilderness where Lake Michigan meets the rugged shoreline in a symphony of waves and wind. At its far northern reaches lies a hidden alcove, a place I’ve returned to so often it’s simply become known as "Paul’s Spot." And yet, it’s never quite the same twice. One year, the shore is covered in fine sand, warm and soft beneath bare feet; the next, it’s scattered with smooth stones, shifted by the lake’s ever-changing moods. The only constant is change—a reminder that nature always has the final say here.

Newport is Wisconsin’s only designated wilderness state park, a place where trails wind through thick forests of cedar and hemlock, and where silence is broken only by birdsong or the distant crash of waves. Unlike the busier parks to the south, there are no roads cutting through the heart of Newport, no visitor centers bustling with activity. Here, adventure is found in the quiet—hiking the trails, paddling the shoreline, or camping under some of the darkest skies in the Midwest.

The shoreline at Newport is raw and untamed, a striking contrast to the sandy beaches further south. Cliffs of dolomite limestone, sculpted by thousands of years of wind and water, rise along the water’s edge, while gnarled cedar trees cling to the rock with roots twisted like the fingers of time itself. These ancient trees, some centuries old, stand defiant against the elements, embodying the resilience of this place. And tucked among these formations are hidden coves like this one, where the world seems to pause for just a moment.

Some guy once complained that sand is coarse, rough, and gets everywhere. Maybe if he had visited Door County instead of creating intergalactic drama, he would've changed his mind. But hey, not everyone can embrace the high ground.

The beauty of Newport—and of Paul’s Spot—is in its unpredictability. It’s a reminder that nature doesn’t cater to expectations; it simply exists, evolving in ways both subtle and dramatic. It invites you to let go, to experience it as it is, not as you wish it to be. And that’s the magic of this place—you never really step into the same cove twice.

All prints are of museum quality and printed in The USA. Canvas Prints are wrapped around a hardwood frame to prevent long-term wrapping and utilize a 0.75" thick wrap. Metal Prints are glossy, vibrant, and of course are ready to hang.  These prints make a statement and bring Door County home to your wall.