A growing number of residents and visitors are taking part in Door County Rocks, a community-driven activity designed to spread kindness and creativity across the peninsula.

Participants paint colorful designs on small rocks, often featuring symbols of love, inspirational messages, or amateur Picassos, then hide them in public places for others to discover. The idea is to simply brighten someone’s day and encourage exploration throughout the county.

Those who find a rock can choose to keep it, re-hide it somewhere else in Door County, or even take it back to their own community to continue the tradition. Many participants share photos of their discoveries on the group’s Facebook page, helping connect rock painters and finders.

Rock artists are encouraged to seal their rocks to protect them from the elements and to write “Door County Rocks” on the back so others know where the message originated. However, rocks should not be placed in state parks or sensitive natural areas.

While exploring, amateur Geo-Rembrandts are reminded not to confuse the painted rocks with the historic Native American petroglyphs near Gills Rock, which are culturally significant and unrelated to the modern project.

Door County Rocks continues to grow as a simple way to spread joy, one stone at a time.