Algoma Boardwalk 2026 04

After a couple weeks of rain and high water last week was in the 70s. Because of this we were hoping the weekend would continue to be beautiful and it was. But the first few hours in Algoma were cloudy.

Key Features

• Lake Michigan Vistas – The primary draw is the unobstructed, panoramic view of Lake Michigan. The boardwalk runs parallel to the shoreline, providing a front-row seat to the changing moods of the Great Lake, from glass-like calm to crashing waves.
• Crescent Beach Connectivity – The boardwalk serves as the main walkway for Crescent Beach, a half-mile stretch of sandy shoreline known for being well-maintained and family-friendly. It allows for easy movement between the sand and the paved path.
• Iconic Red Lighthouse View – The path offers one of the best vantage points for photographing the Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse. This striking red tower, located at the end of the north pier, is a historic landmark and a favorite subject for photographers.
• Accessibility and Surface – The boardwalk features a smooth, level surface made of durable composite materials. It is designed to be fully accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and those with limited mobility, making it an inclusive spot for all visitors.
• Birdwatching Opportunities – Due to its position along the lake, the area is a popular spot for birding. Depending on the season, you can spot various gulls, terns, waterfowl, and migratory songbirds that frequent the shoreline and nearby parks.
• Proximity to Downtown – The boardwalk is just a short walk from Algoma’s historic downtown district. This makes it easy to transition from a lakeside stroll to visiting local wineries, art galleries, and small boutiques.
• Fishing Access – The boardwalk provides easy access to the north pier and the Ahnapee River mouth. This area is highly regarded by anglers looking for salmon and trout, particularly during the seasonal runs.
• The “Friendship Table” – A unique feature along the path is the Friendship Table, a massive, custom-built wooden picnic table designed to seat dozens of people at once. It emphasizes the community-focused spirit of the town.
• Recreation and Exercise – The path is part of a larger network of walking and biking trails. It connects seamlessly to the Ahnapee State Trail, a 48-mile trail that stretches toward Sturgeon Bay, making it a great starting point for longer treks.
• Seasonal Events – The boardwalk often serves as a backdrop for community gatherings, most notably Shanty Days. During these events, the area becomes a hub of activity with food, music, and celebrations centered around the maritime heritage of the region.

Review

My wife and I wanted to hike somewhere special since the weather seemed to finally be warm. The Algoma boardwalk was recently featured on a local morning news cast. So we set our sights for the boardwalk.

Algoma is about an hour and fifteen minutes drive from our home. A short drive east and a little bit north of Green Bay. And even though it is technically on the peninsula of Door County it is in Kewaunee County.

We parked in the lot near the parks and rec center. Right near the Algoma Harbor break water. The first thing I saw when we got out is birds on the break water.

At first they looked like Seagulls but with my telephoto lens on my camera I could see their little black hats. About a dozen terns where hanging out on the breakwater. Taking a quick photo I hoped they would still be there later.

First though we wanted to walk down the boardwalk. Walking to the edge of the beach we passed a singular changing hut.

The boardwalk consisted of around a half mile of recycled plastic boards running along the edge of the beach. Stylistic street lamps lined the boardwalk as we walked south from the rec center.

The boardwalk seemed a little narrow as only two people could walk next to each other. If someone else passed from the other direction a couple would need to drop back to single file or someone would have to step down onto the beach.

A few of the stairways led down from the road running parallel to the beach on the hill. These stairways ended with widened Octagons with benches for seating.

As we reached the end of the boardwalk it travelled under cedar trees. Then the boardwalk became a blacktop path leading up to the Algoma Visitors Center. We stopped inside for a bathroom break and to purchase a sticker.

After circling the two story visitor center above and below we decided to continue south along the beach. We met a few people walking the beach and picking up interesting stones.

Eventually we got to a stairway leading up from the beach to the Algoma Fire and Rescue Monument. We climbed the stairs and took a moment to visit the monument.

We found another stairway down to the beach. This trail led underneath the cedar trees that line sections of the beach.

Once we got to the beach we walked down to the waters edge and followed it back north to the breakwater. Mergansers and Cormorants could be seen floating in the waters just off shore. Seagulls squawking at each other on the shore few around us as we walked.

Eventually we reached the breakwater. We decided to walk out the breakwater to see if we could get some pictures of the Terns and a few photos of the light house. Which we were successful in both endevours and even caught a few more pictures of Mergansers and Cormorants.

We walked back to shore and started to walk the Algoma Harbor Walk. A short walk past the marina and crossing the road to the harbor walk. The harbor walk led us up the river, past the Von Stiehl Winery and ended at 2nd St.

At this point we were at the end of the Algoma Boardwalk and Harbor trails. But I knew of a trail head near where we were. Leading us up to Navarino Street we headed to Sixth St. We turned right and walked a block to the Ahnapee Trail head.

The Ahnapee Trail and the Algoma trails are all considered part of the Ice Age Trail. So visiting the trail head was a set up for a future hike. We returned to the downtown area and walked through to see what we could find.

An eclectic collection of tourist traps that wanted to compete with Door County sites like Egg harbor and Fish Creek. The only places I was interested in were Unbound Spirits and the Von Stiehl Winery.

First though we decided to get some food. As we passed the Off The Hook bar at the end of the Harbor Trail the first time we could smell something good. So when we started to look for some food we decided to stop at the bar.

After a great lunch we decided to stop off at the Von Stiehl Winery for some wine and whiskey. We finished our day by stopping at Christmas Tree Point and taking a few more pictures of the light house.

After a patchwork hike we ended up hiking 3 and a half miles. We visited a growing tourist community and enjoyed our hike. If you’re looking for a Door County like destination but want to avoid the crowds, visiting Algoma is a great option.

I opted not to stop at the Unbound Spirits Distillery. However I may want to stop in the future.

Thank you again for reading. I hope the new content will draw more visitors.