"Founded in the 1930s by landscape architect Jens Jensen, this Door County school helps guests clear their minds by reconnecting with nature and community—activities include forest walks and shoreline viewing, hands-on classes such as yoga, blacksmithing, watercolors and memoir writing, and shared family-style meals that foster social connection." - Teresa Bergen
Teresa Bergen
Teresa Bergen is a Portland, Oregon-based travel writer. She specializes in wellness, outdoors, and vegan and sober travel. Teresa is the author of “Easy Portland Outdoors” and the co-author of “Historic Cemeteries of Portland, Oregon.”
Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
Absolutely beautiful landscaping at The Clearing! Highly recommend stopping in the visitor center, grabbing a map, and giving yourself a self-guided tour. I went in the middle of October and the weather was crisp, the air was fresh, and the scenery was breathtaking. I would love to take a class here in the future!
Philip A.
Google
I've been going to and teaching workshops at The Clearing for a couple years now and the staff is amazing to work with. The instructors really care about their work and are fun to learn from. The hiking trails on the property have amazing views and buildings are kept really well. I definitely suggest it to others.
Kathy S.
Google
We’ve been coming to Door County 40 years and my hike through this beautiful property is one of my new favorite discoveries! Why did I wait so long to revel in the woods among its lovely split log and stone buildings? Our docent—Randy—was a trove of info.
Von C.
Google
Great bookstore with books and gifts for all ages. Trails around the Jensen Center are open and perfect for young kids to experience hiking without getting bored. Trails are clearly marked and easy to walk. Other longer trails are open on weekends as well as the campus.
Stuart U.
Google
Lovely natural setting on the shore of Lake Michigan. This folk school offers a great place for adults to explore their interest in nature, arts and humanities, as they learn, reflect and wonder. In keeping with the goals of founder, Jens Jensen, who loved it as a special place where one could feel kinship with the earth and reassess one's life.
Timothy B.
Google
We had a great tour of the property with Randy our docent. He was very knowledgeable and showed up through the campus and grounds. We loved the tour and look forward to coming back again.
Joan S.
Google
My favorite place to teach. Lovely students with inquiring minds. An excellent setting overlooking Green Bay. Great food. Pleasant and relaxing.
Siena L.
Google
Highly recommend the docent led hikes on the weekends. The Clearing has gorgeous historic Danish-inspired buildings and thousands of stunning old growth cedar trees along the lakeshore.
It’s a beautiful place to hike on your own when it’s open to the public, but you’ll learn a ton about Jens Jensen, Door County history, and the local ecology when taking the docent tour.
Michelle E.
Yelp
Absolutely beautiful landscaping at The Clearing! Highly recommend stopping in the visitor center, grabbing a map, and giving yourself a self-guided tour. I went in the middle of October and the weather was crisp, the air was fresh, and the scenery was breathtaking. I would love to take a class here sometime in the future!
Chrissy S.
Yelp
I have been a clearing participant for two years. I enjoy coming for a week of water color classes. My husband has also spent a week creating metal work in the forge. The food is delightful; the campus is beautiful (and closed to visitors during the week so that participants can enjoy their time there). It is a wonderful retreat experience! This campus is quite a treasure.
Carey L.
Yelp
What can you say about clearing. This was Jens Jensen's school for the soul, place to clear your mind and fill it up with knowledge of nature and how it connects to yourself. Simply magical place that everyone should visit sign up for a class stay for a week be refreshed.
Check the website for free lectures worth the drive.