Founded in 1851, the city of Algoma has held on to its tradition of small town friendliness. Strolling along the historic downtown streets, visitors are greeted by cheerful Algoma store owners. Rich with a variety of quaint shops, finding that perfect gift for someone or even yourself is easy in Algoma.
Along the way, visitors can stop in at the von Stiehl Winery. Founded by Dr. Charles Stiehl, von Stiehl Winery is Wisconsin’s oldest winery. Housed in an 1850s building that was originally the Ahnapee Brewery, von Stiehl Winery has become respected in its pursuit of making some of the best wines from robust Merlots to sweet Late Harvest Rieslings.
Once an abandoned railway line, the picturesque Ahnapee Trail takes hikers, bikers and snowmobilers on a winding journey, following the Ahnapee River. Perfect for a relaxing day with friends and family, the trail passes scenic landscapes of farmland, marshes and beautiful woods and even crosses an old-fashioned railway bridge.
Originally settled by the Potowatomi Indian Tribe more than 600 years ago, the friendly city of Kewaunee is rich with cultural heritage, natural beauty and a comfortable small-town environment that is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
With a variety of natural beauty, the Kewaunee area calls to visitors to get out and seize the day. Lake Michigan’s wide sandy beaches offer the perfect setting for a sunny summer stroll. Catch a glimpse of wildlife on the Marshlands Walk along the Kewaunee River or peer into the world of fish traveling upstream to spawn at the DNR’s Anadromous Fish Facility.
After convening with nature, visitors can take a step back in time and explore the rich history of Kewaunee while catching a glimpse of the beautiful 19th and 20th century architecture during a walking tour of the Marquette Historic District, tracing the development of the charming town at the Kewaunee County Historical Society Historical Museum and experience life behind bars at the museum’s historical jail.
Kewaunee’s proud maritime heritage is embodied in the glorious life of the Tug Ludington. Constructed specifically for the war effort of World War II, it participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy, towing ammunition barges across the English Channel. Since then it has hauled more than 1 million tons of cargo and was instrumental in the construction of many harbors on the Great Lakes. Now, visitors can climb aboard and get an inside look at this majestic workhorse of harbors everywhere.
With the twitch of a line, the leisurely life in Kewaunee and Algoma can switch to an afternoon of excitement aboard one of the many fishing charters. Brown trout, chinook and coho salmon, and powerful steelhead challenge anglers of all skill levels, and are sure to provide a number of fish tales for years to come.