
Enjoy a Long Summer Weekend in Algoma, WI
Take advantage of your summer work hours and enjoy a long, relaxing weekend in Algoma, WI
Nestled on the western shore of Lake Michigan at the southern end of the Door Peninsula, Algoma, Wisconsin is the perfect extended weekend destination.
Conveniently located just a short drive from Door County, Green Bay, and the Two Rivers/Manitowoc area, Algoma is the perfect place to call home base.
Your Algoma, WI summer weekend can look something like this…
Arrive on Thursday: Enjoy outdoor music, dinner, and drinks
After you get settled into your lodging, start with a relaxing evening of outdoor music at Algoma Concerts in the Park, which takes place from 6 to 9 PM from late June through early August at Heritage Park, next to the Algoma Marina.
The concert is free. Bring a chair or blanket and your dancing shoes!
For your convenience, food concessions and a selection of wines, beers, and ciders will be available for purchase, so no need to worry about dinner.
Get outdoors on Friday:From fishing to fish fry and everything in between
Rise and shine with an early morning fishing charter. No experience is necessary, the Charter services will teach you what you need to know.
If fishing isn’t your thing, but you still want to get out on the water, drop a kayak or stand-up board in the Ahnapee River or on Lake Michigan.
Enjoy the water from the land if you choose and spend the day on Crescent Beach and Boardwalk. Have a picnic. Play some volleyball or just feel the warm sand between your toes.
Need more action? Hike or bike the Ahnapee State Trail or Ice Age National Trail. Or hit the links for a round of golf.
Every Friday night deserves a Friday fish fry and old-fashioned. Then relax and enjoy live music next to the Ahnapee River at von Stiehl’s Cider by the Fire.
If you are here on the first Friday of the month, check out First Friday Art in Algoma when galleries, studios, and many other shops stay open into the evening for exhibition openings, hands-on art projects, refreshments, and great company.
Know Before You Go
- Bring your kayak or paddle board or rent one at Timbertrail Campground (launch right there) and launch for free on Crescent Beach, Olson Park (N8108 WI-42 – there is a kayak launch here), or The River by Bayshore (87 2nd St.)
- Hang out at The River by Bayshore, a small park along the Ahnapee River.
- Forgot a book? There is a Little Free Library behind the Algoma Youth Club (620 Lake St) or at Timbertrail Campground where you can take a book/leave book.
- Crescent Beach and the Ahnapee State Trail are free to use – no trail or park permit is required. Crescent Beach and portions of downtown Algoma and the Ahnapee State Trail are now officially part of the Ice Age Trail.
- Parking is free at the trailheads and in the city of Algoma.
Saturday: Shopping, Sight-seeing, and Selfies
Take in a leisurely Saturday morning breakfast then get ready to explore the area stores and attractions.
Algoma Shopping: A breath of fresh air from cookie-cutter malls and big box stores
As you spend the day sightseeing and taking in the historic buildings and murals, stop in the many stores and shops where in most cases, you will meet the owner(s)!
You will find everything from apparel to souvenirs, and antiques to home decor, and books to birdseed. Check out the shopping directory so you can plan your day in Algoma.
Looking for a sightseeing tour? You can tour Wisconsin’s oldest licensed winery (von Stiehl – 115 Navarino St.) and Kewaunee County’s only lavender farm (Glen Innish Farm – E5427 2nd Road, Kewaunee, WI)!
The Algoma, WI art scene has grown substantially over the past few years.
Diverse gallery offerings include clay, glass, painting, multi-media, printing, photography, literary arts, drawing, tattoo artists, jewelry, performing arts, sculpture, floral artistry, pottery, ceramics, wood, and more.
Fully experience Algoma’s arts and history and take the free, self-guided Mural and Art Gallery/Studio tour and the Historic Walking Tour. Pick up your tour brochures at the Algoma Visitor Center or download your copies here. And take those selfies!
Know Before You Go
- All but one of the murals are outdoors and all but two are within walking distance of downtown Algoma. A new one was added in June 2024.
- All the murals, galleries, and studios are free to visit. Check each gallery for operating hours.
- Many of the historic buildings house current businesses!
- Parking is free throughout Algoma.
- Most of Algoma’s businesses are independent, small businesses, and you will very likely meet the owner.
- Even most of the brand-name businesses are owned and operated by locals.
Outdoor Music
What could be better than outdoor music along the water on a Saturday afternoon?
von Stiehl Winery and Smashed on the Rocks Saloon offer a variety of music on opposite sides of the Ahnapee River.
Cruise Ship Days
A few Saturdays and Sundays in 2025 you can come to the lakeshore and watch as the Viking Cruise Ships come over the horizon and park offshore as the ship’s guests are ferried back and forth.
- Sunday, June 08, 2025
- Sunday, June 22, 2025
- Saturday, July 5, 2025
- Sunday, August 3, 2025
- Saturday, August 16, 2025
Sunday: Serene sunrises, Sunday brunch, & Songs by the Shore
Complete your weekend by enjoying a serene Lake Michigan sunrise before heading out for a delicious Sunday brunch.
Enjoy more music along the water before taking one last walk along Crescent Beach and reflect on the wonderful memories made while in Algoma.
Special Summer Weekends in Algoma, Wisconsin: Festivals and Fun!
Blessing of the Fleet: Algoma’s rich history as a major fishing port on Lake Michigan comes with an age-old tradition – the Blessing of the Fleet. The ceremony involves a boat parade where the local clergy pray for a safe and bountiful season.
All vessels are welcome to join this annual tradition hosted by Smashed on the Rocks Saloon. There will be music, food and more!
The 2025 Blessing takes place on July 5.
Shanty Day’s, Algoma’s Celebration of the Lake’ happens August 10 – 12, 2025. Three days of music, food, and family fun!
Highlights include a fishing contest, 5k run/walk and kids’ superhero fun run, a car show, a HUGE parade, a craft fair and street fair, beach volleyball, entertainment, food and more.
Soar on the Shore Kite & Beach Festival is a free family-fun event on Saturday, August 16, 2025!
Enjoy the sandy Crescent Beach and Boardwalk and participate in or watch a favorite pastime – kite flying!
Staying in Algoma, WI is so close to just about everything in Northeast Wisconsin!
Algoma is a great place to call home for any Northeast Wisconsin vacation! You can be as quiet and secluded as you wish or in the center of all the action.
Algoma is just 5 miles south of the Door County line and 60 miles from Gills Rock at the tip of the Door Peninsula, 60 miles from Appleton, 60 miles from Manitowoc and the S.S. Badger, and 32 miles from Green Bay.
Getting to Algoma, WI!
Whether you are traveling by land, air, or sea, Algoma, WI is the place to be!
Fly into Green Bay (43 miles) or Appleton (72 miles), and you will have a short drive from the airport to Algoma.
Take a leisurely cruise on the S.S. Badger across Lake Michigan and make the 42-mile scenic drive up the Lake Michigan Shore from Manitowoc.
Driving the whole way?
Milwaukee: 130 miles
Chicago, IL: 215 miles
Minneapolis, MN: 310 miles
Cedar Rapids, IA: 340 – 360 miles