I’ll be honest: when I signed up for my first Segway tour at Door County Adventure Center, I was a little nervous.
I had never ridden a Segway before, and the idea of balancing on something with two wheels while traveling around a state park was definitely outside my usual comfort zone. I wasn’t sure how difficult it would be, how quickly I’d learn, or whether I’d feel comfortable navigating the trails.
Luckily, I quickly learned that I had nothing to worry about.
From the training session before the tour to the final stop along the trail, our guides were encouraging, patient, and reassuring. By the time we finished, I went from wondering if I could ride a Segway to wondering why I hadn’t tried one sooner.
Here’s what it’s really like to take a Segway tour at DCAC as a first-time rider.
First Things First: Learning How to Ride a Segway
Before we headed out into Potawatomi State Park, our guides took the time to teach us everything we needed to know.
We started with a safety and training lesson where we learned how to control the Segway, move forward and backward, turn, and stop. We had plenty of time to practice before leaving the training area, which made a huge difference.
As someone who had never ridden one before, I appreciated that there was no pressure to immediately know what I was doing. The guides were there to answer questions, demonstrate how everything worked, and make sure everyone felt comfortable before we started the tour.
And once I got the hang of it, it was surprisingly easy!
Once You Get Moving, It Gets Much Easier
The first few minutes were definitely the part where I felt the most nervous. I was concentrating on every movement and making sure I was controlling the Segway correctly.
But after a little practice, it started to feel natural.
The Segway responds to your movements, so you don’t have to constantly think about every turn or change in direction. Our guides stayed nearby throughout the ride and continued checking in with the group, which helped me feel comfortable as we made our way through the park.
By the time we were really exploring the trails, I was able to relax and enjoy the experience instead of worrying about whether I was going to fall off.
Exploring Potawatomi State Park on a Segway
One of my favorite parts of the tour was getting to see Potawatomi State Park from a completely different perspective.
Instead of walking the trails, we were able to cover more ground while still having plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery. Potawatomi State Park has a diverse landscape, from wooded areas and rocky terrain to beautiful views overlooking Sturgeon Bay.
Our guides made stops along the way so we could take in the views, learn more about the area, and, of course, get some pictures.
It was the perfect combination of adventure and sightseeing.
What If You’re Nervous Like I Was?
If you’ve never been on a Segway before, it’s completely normal to feel a little nervous.
My biggest piece of advice is don’t let being a first-time rider stop you from trying it.
The training session is there specifically to help you learn. You don’t need to show up knowing how to ride a Segway, and you don’t need to be an expert adventurer.
The DCAC guides made me feel safe throughout the entire experience. They were patient when we were learning, gave clear instructions, and were always available if we had a question or needed help.
By the end of the tour, I felt much more confident than I did when we started.
What to Wear
If you’re planning to take a Segway tour, come prepared for spending time outdoors.
We recommend wearing:
- Comfortable athletic clothing
- Closed-toe shoes
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
And don’t forget your camera! There are plenty of scenic spots throughout the tour where you’ll want to stop for a photo.
Which Segway Tour Is Right for You?
The Potawatomi State Park tour was my first Segway experience, but it’s not the only way to explore Door County on a Segway.
DCAC offers several different Segway experiences, including both on-road and off-road tours.
Potawatomi State Park Segway Tour
This approximately 1.5-hour tour starts at the Potawatomi Park Store and takes you through the park while offering scenic views and interesting facts about the area.
Ages: 10+
Weight: 70–265 lbs.
Price: $70 per person
Reservations: Required
Minimum: 4 participants
A Wisconsin State Park pass is also required to enter the park.
Cave Point Segway Tour
Want to explore one of Door County’s most famous natural attractions? The Cave Point tour begins at Clark Lake Beach and takes riders toward Cave Point, where you can experience the area’s stunning scenery from a unique perspective.
Backwood Pines Trail
For those looking for more of an off-road experience, the Backwood Pines Trail takes riders through pine and cedar forests as well as prairie landscapes. This tour is approximately 1.5 hours, including training.
The Rushes Resort Trail
The Rushes Resort offers another off-road Segway experience, taking riders through hardwood forest trails while offering views of the Niagara Escarpment and Kangaroo Lake.
Team Leadership Center
Looking for a shorter adventure? The Team Leadership Center tour takes you along woodchipped paths where you can see DCAC’s Adventure Park and zipline. This tour is approximately one hour, including training.
Why the Guides Make a Difference
After experiencing my first Segway tour, one thing that stood out to me was how much the guides contributed to the experience.
Trying something new can be intimidating, especially when you’re not sure what to expect. Having guides who are knowledgeable, encouraging, and willing to take the time to make sure everyone is comfortable can completely change the experience.
Instead of feeling like I had to figure everything out on my own, I knew I had people there to help me every step of the way.
And that’s exactly what you want when you’re trying a new adventure.
Would I Segway Again?
Absolutely.
Going into the tour, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about riding a Segway. I was nervous about learning something completely new and wasn’t sure how quickly I’d get comfortable.
But by the end, I was having fun, enjoying the scenery, and feeling confident on the Segway.
If you’ve ever looked at a Segway tour and thought, “That looks fun, but I’ve never done that before,” take it from a first-time rider: that’s okay!
You don’t have to be an expert to try something new. With a little instruction, an encouraging guide, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, you might just discover your new favorite Door County adventure.
Authored By: Kierah Hietala
