Wisconsin Harbor Towns Spotlight-Algoma

A Promising New Territory and Two Name Changes

Joseph McCormick was recorded as the first white settler to discover the area where present-day Algoma, Wisconsin sits in 1834, but it wasn’t until 1851 that the first settlers came from Manitowoc to begin their new settlement by erecting a more permanent shanty. Their new settlement was located on the high ground on the south side of the then-named Wolf River. They would name their new settlement Wolf in early 1852.

 As the settlement grew and changed, so did its name. The Wolf township became the town of Ahnapee in 1859. The word Ahnepee comes from the Indian word An-Ne-Pe which means “land of the gray wolf”.

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This is the second time I have sung the praises of Algoma, Wisconsin

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In those early days, the only way to get supplies to the settlers was either by boat on the river and Lake Michigan or by foot, so life was not easy for those first residents of the new town. The arrival of the Ahnepee and Western Railway in 1892 changed that and with it came great growth to the area. Factories sprung up and commercial fishing became vital to the young city. Once again the city changed its name in 1897 to its permanent name of Algoma.

Commercial fishing grew, even more, making Algoma’s fleet the largest at the time on Lake Michigan. Today Algoma is still known for its fishing. Sportfishing is a big reason why tourists visit Algoma every year, as well as it being a great stop on the way to Door County.

Algoma is located about 130 miles north of Milwaukee right along Lake Michigan. While small in size, as most of the cities in the Wisconsin Harbor Towns fold are, Algoma has many of the things travelers look for for a weekend getaway, fantastic beach and boardwalk, a historic walk through downtown, great places to eat and drink, and plenty of activities. Let’s take a look at all the things Algoma has to offer.

Things To Do

This is a list of tried and true things to do and see in Algoma.

Take The Historic Walking Tour

I always recommend that in order to get a feel for a destination, you need to dig into its history. Even if you aren’t a history buff, learning about the past of a city, even if it is just a general lesson, can help you get acquainted with its story. 

Algoma has a fabulous self-guided walking tour that is a must-do. You can download a brochure and take it at your own pace. The historical walk consists of 24 historical buildings around the city as well as 11 murals known as the “Walldog Wave Project” named after a group of international artists known as Walldogs headed by local Walldog, Dave Petri.  

Charter Fishing

Algoma was built around its fishing industry so it’s no surprise that there are a number of sportfishing charter companies available. Each one listed has a website where you can find all the information you need to book a fabulous day out on the water. 

• Bay Lake Charters 
• Fishing Magician Charters
• Gail Force Sportfishing
• Haasch Guide Service
• Hakuna Matata Charters
• Kinn’s Sport Fishing

Visiting Von Stiehl Winery

The oldest registered winery in Wisconsin, Von Stiehl Winery has been making wine since 1967. The tasting room and retail space is located in the historic former Ahnapee Brewery built in 1868 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are available and you can enjoy a glass sitting on the back terrace overlooking the picturesque Pierhead Lighthouse. 

Have A Two Stall At The Ahnapee Brewery Taproom

There was something about the charm of enjoying a cool crafted beer in a two-stall garage that resonated with beer drinkers from all around because Ahnapee Brewery has grown out of its original location, a two stall garage just two doors down from Von Stiehl Winery to a new and much larger location a couple of blocks away. Modeled after the original Ahnapee Brewery, which produced beer from 1868 until 1886 in the current Von Stiehl Winery location, Ahnapee Brewery has been crafting beer since 2013. In 2020 all brewery production relocated to a new much larger facility in Suamico.

Pro Tip: Ahnapee Brewery crafts seasonal and experimental brews, but my favorite is still the classic Two Stall. The Two Stall is a chocolate milk stout and is named after the original two-stall garage in the original location. 

Pierhead Lighthouse

Pierhead Lighthouse is most likely the most photographed structure in Algoma. The red of the lighthouse is striking with the backdrop of the blue water of Lake Michigan. You are able to walk out on the pier but are not able to go inside the lighthouse. The original lighthouse, a white wooden structure, was built in 1893 but was replaced by a red lighthouse in 1908. In 1932 a complete rebuild of North Pier was completed and the current steel tower lighthouse was moved from Muskego, Michigan, and put in its permanent place at the end of the pier. The lighthouse has been automated since 1974.

Enjoy Crescent Beach and the Boardwalk

Beachgoers are in luck when they visit Algoma. Sink your naked toes into the soft squishy sand at Crescent Beach. If you need to cool off, the invigorating water of Lake Michigan beckons. Play some beach volleyball, launch your kayak, or catch a fabulous sunrise right on the beach. You can change into your swimsuit at the beach in the new changing station.

When you’re done enjoying the beach, you can take a stroll on the half-mile boardwalk made out of recycled plastic. The boardwalk stretches from the Algoma Visitors Center to the Algoma Marina and is handicapped accessible.  

Hike Ahnapee State Trail

The Ahnapee State Trail, which is a part of the 1200 miles Ice Age Trail,  stretches nearly 50 miles between Kewaunee, Casco, Algoma, And Sturgeon Bay. The trail was once a railroad track, so its relatively flat, wide, gravel surface is popular among hikers, bikers, and horse trail riders. In winter it is primarily used as a snowmobile trail but is also used by cross country skiers and snowshoers. 

Kayaking and Canoeing

The Ahnapee River is a great place to both kayak and canoe. The calm water makes it the perfect spot for beginners. There is a kayak launch at Olson Park along Highway 42. If you are feeling more adventurous, drop in at Forestville County Park Dam and paddle the eight miles along the river into Algoma. You can also launch at Crescent Beach. You can rent kayaks at Olson Park and Timber Trails Campground. 

Visit Renards Cheese Store

Renards Cheese has been a family-run cheese producer since 1961. Its Algoma location is a popular stop for locals and visitors alike. Tours of the factory are available for large size groups only at this time, but individuals can stock up on their award-winning cheeses as well as products unique to Door County in the retail store. 

Popular Festivals and Annual Events

Summer brings a buzz of activity to downtown Algoma with an abundance of festivals and recurring events. Along with the Sunday Farmers Market here are some popular events. 

Algoma Concerts In The Park

Beginning the end of June and running through August, this weekly concert series features local and regional musicians at Heritage Park every Thursday. The concerts begin at 7:00. Bring your chairs and blankets as well as food and beverages. A cash bar serving Von Stiehl wine and Ahnapee beer is available also. 

First Friday: Art In Algoma

On the first Friday of each month business owners in the historic downtown area open up their doors for an evening of art exhibits and pop-up shops. Enjoy eats from local food trucks and sip wine as you view art.

Shanty Days

Shanty Days is a three-day festival that occurs every August. This themed festival offers three days of fun for everyone including music, a 5K run, food, vendors, and much more. 

Soar On The Shore

Soar On The Shore is an annual kite festival. You can bring your own kite or just sit back and watch the fun on Crescent Beach. The backdrop of the blue waters of Lake Michigan makes this annual one-day event the perfect photo opportunity. 

Places to eat in Algoma

Algoma has lots of dining options. I won’t list them all here, as I like to keep the list to a few favorites. The fun in exploring a destination is to discover places on your own. Plus dining options are ever-changing. You can add your favorites to this list. 

Skaliwags has garnered the attention of foodies everywhere and with good reason. Chef Chris has become somewhat of a culinary celebrity. His Algoma location is an unassuming “dive bar” located downtown. Watching your meal being prepared from right behind the bar is a fun treat!

Red’s Pub and Grill is a great stop for classic Wisconsin fare. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, a Friday night fish fry, and Saturday prime rib special. Don’t forget to order the cheese curds!

North Water Bakery and Deli has a breakfast and lunch menu, but if you are craving to satisfy your sweet tooth, you’ve come to the right place. 

Where to stay in Algoma

Campgrounds

Ahnapee Shores Camping Resort

Captain K’s Marina and Campground

Big Lake Campground

Timber Trail Campground

Hotels, Motels, and Bed and Breakfast

Hotel Stebbins

Algoma Beach Motel

Anchors Away Algoma Bar & Motel

At The Water’s Edge B&B

Harbor Inn

Cherry Tree House

Scenic Shore Inn

Algoma Wisconsin may be one of the smaller Wisconsin Harbor Towns, but it sure is big on things to do.

In the coming weeks, I will be spotlighting Wisconsin Harbor Towns which will eventually go into a book. I’m excited to take on this new project.