Segway Adventure Fun in Northern Door

By Laurel Ciohon

If you're looking for a fun adventure in northern Door County, look no further than Off-Road Segway Adventures! Previously owned by Steve Seaquist, Off-Road Segway Adventures was acquired by Rick, Julie and Josh Rogers in 2018. After going back and forth for several years, the family decided to go all in and move to Door County, specifically Ellison Bay, from Iowa, to take over the Segway business. The enthusiasm and passion Rick has while giving his Segway tours makes it evident that he made the right decision.

Having never ridden Segways before, the staff at Door Guide Publishing were excited to go on an exciting summer adventure. After making the beautiful, scenic drive to Rowleys Bay (north of Ellison Bay, on Lake Michigan, near the tip of Door County), the crew of eager passengers, Ann, Katie and Laurel, met Rick on a particularly hot Friday morning in early August.

Rick greeted the women, provided them with helmets, water and bug spray, then quickly got down to business teaching them how to ride and steer a Segway. After several minutes of test runs, the women and Rick felt confident they were ready to make their way to the off-road trails behind Rowleys Bay Resort.

Through the woods they glided. The trails started off wide and smooth, but eventually got narrower and bumpier, which was no problem for the big tires of the Segways. They sailed easily over inclines, rocks and roots while gaining speed as their driving confidence grew. A nice feature that Segways provide (which is assuring for beginners) is that if you fall, you just let go of the Segway and it stops itself. Laurel found herself in this predicament after hitting a particularity high bump on the narrow path. She just let go and jumped off with no issues, laughed it off, and happily climbed back on to catch up to the others. Rick made sure to help her out as she readjusted back on her Segway.

After several miles, the group made it to Sand Bay Beach, otherwise known as the "Reach the Beach" tour. At the beach you're able to use the restrooms, stop for water, and snap some photos with Lake Michigan behind you. Although riding a Segway not necessarily a strenuous workout, it definitely takes energy, so the quick pit stop at Sand Bay is a nice half-way point.

Making their way back towards Rowleys Bay Resort, Rick explains in detail the trail history, including some of the trails he carved out of the woods himself. Between his newer trails and the pre-existing walking trails, this Segway adventure through nature (which includes not only woodland, but marsh and sand dunes!) was incredibly beautiful and peaceful.

You can experience your own Segway adventure in Door County! Groups are encouraged, with up to 12 Segways available. Give Rick a call to set up a tour. You can also email or visit their website for more information. Off-Road Segway Adventures are available May thru October. In addition to Rowleys Bay, tours are offered at Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek, as well a Twilight Tours in Sister Bay.

920.421.4111, doorsegwayadventures.com

"And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul." John Muir