Small Town, Big Day
Just a 40-minute drive from Green Bay, along the shore of Lake Michigan at the southern end of the Door Peninsula, Algoma is a charming destination with a perfect balance of small-town vibes and opportunities for adventure. Between the beach, local shops, scenic trails, world-class fishing, and thriving arts scene, it's the kind of place that's easy to explore in a day and even easier to fall in love with.
Start with the Lake
No visit to Algoma is complete without spending some time along the waterfront. Crescent Beach & Boardwalk is one of the region's most beloved shorelines, offering a wide sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, sand-castle building, and beach volleyball. The half-mile, handicap-accessible boardwalk makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the views, and if you keep an eye on the trees nearby, you may even spot a nesting bald eagle! If the lake is calm, make your way out to the bright red Pierhead Lighthouse at the end of the breakwater for some incredible views and the perfect backdrop for a vacay photo. Learn more about Crescent Beach here.
Art Around Town
Though small, Algoma has built one of the most vibrant and thriving arts communities in northeast Wisconsin.
A great place to begin is the self-guided mural tour, which features over 20 colorful murals painted throughout downtown. It's an easy way to explore the city while learning a little about its history and getting some great photo ops along the way. Once you've finished the mural hunt, head into one of Algoma's many galleries, studios, and artisan shops.
And if you're visiting on the first Friday of the month, you're in for a treat. During the popular First Friday Art series, galleries stay open late for exhibition openings, artist meet-and-greets, demonstrations, workshops, live music, and plenty of opportunities to chat with local creatives. You might even leave with a new tattoo from Shipwreck Tattoo, where you’ll find First Friday flash tattoo deals.
Find the Perfect Souvenir
Algoma’s local businesses offer plenty of souvenir and gift options that you won’t find anywhere else. Pick up handcrafted soaps at The Honeycomb, browse the shelves at Yardstick Books or Algoma Book Corner Used Book Store, pop into Amber’s Attic to search for vintage treasures, or explore BellaLuna's Apothecary & Boutique for crystals, jewelry, candles, and other unique gifts. Check out more local shopping options here.
Get Out on the Water
Lake Michigan isn't the only place to enjoy the water in Algoma. The peaceful Ahnapee River winds nearly fifteen miles through wetlands before meeting the lake, creating calm waters that are ideal for beginner kayakers and wildlife lovers. If paddling sounds like fun but you'd rather try something with a little more flair, Bayshore Outfitters rents swan-shaped paddleboats from downtown near the Second Street Bridge.
Prefer to let someone else do the navigating? Algoma is widely known as one of the top sport fishing ports on the Great Lakes. Charter captains head out year-round in search of King Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout, and more, making this a bucket-list destination for anglers. Learn more about fishing in Algoma here.
Stretch Your Legs
If you've spent the morning eating cheese curds and taking in local art, a little fresh air is probably in order. The 50-mile Ahnapee State Trail follows a former railroad corridor through beautiful countryside and offers a wide, easy-to-travel path for walking, biking, horseback riding, and running. Several places in and around Algoma offer guided horseback riding, and in the winter months snowmobilers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers take to the trail.
Portions of both the Ahnapee Trail and Crescent Beach & Boardwalk are also part of Wisconsin's famed Ice Age National Scenic Trail, making Algoma a fun stop for hikers looking to check another segment off their list. Birdwatchers will also appreciate that the area is part of the Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail.
Grab a Great Meal
You’ll never have trouble finding a great meal in Algoma! Enjoy Millie’s Pub and Grub, where every visitor is welcomed like a local. With a menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pizza, appetizers, homemade soup, and more, Millie’s Pub and Grub is a must-visit destination while you're in town.
If you're craving barbecue, stop by Cadillac Jax. For fresh seafood, head to Son of Skaliwags, affectionately known as "the original five-star dive bar."
Looking for something lighter? Algoma is also home to plenty of bakeries and cafes, including a gluten-free bakery and juicery, Blue Yorkie Juicery, making it easy to satisfy just about every appetite.
Raise a Glass
(📸 Corey Wilson)
Folks in Algoma have been making beverages worth celebrating for generations. Von Stiehl Winery, Wisconsin's oldest licensed winery, has been welcoming guests since 1967. Visitors can tour its beautiful underground wine cellars, learn about the winemaking process, and sample a variety of locally crafted wines. Just down the road, Ahnapee Brewery serves up locally brewed beer with a patio overlooking Lake Michigan. Before heading home, don’t forget to stop into UnBound Spirits, where you'll find handcrafted bourbons, Irish whiskey, and vodka.
Enjoy Live Music
Throughout the summer, Heritage Park hosts the beloved Concerts in the Park series on Thursday evenings against a beautiful Lake Michigan backdrop. Bring your chairs and blankets (and some locally made treats) and enjoy a wide variety of family-friendly music from June to mid-August.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, check out live music at many of the local restaurants, including Von Stiehl Winery and Smashed on the Rocks Saloon (where you’ll find their world record-holding Bloody Mary).
Time Your Visit for Something Special
If your calendar is flexible, consider planning your trip around one of Algoma’s signature events.
Shanty Days, held each August, celebrates the city's connection to Lake Michigan with three days of live music, a parade, arts and crafts vendors, fishing contests, volleyball, a car show, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
New in 2026, visitors can also watch the arrival of the Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis expedition cruise ships as they anchor offshore. It's a unique sight on Lake Michigan, and a fun excuse to spend an afternoon browsing downtown shops, enjoying lunch, or relaxing at Crescent Beach while the tenders ferry passengers to shore. Learn more about cruise ship days here.
