Forestville, WI

Forestville is a popular destination in Door County, Wisconsin. This page will help you learn more about:

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Forestville Lodging

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Posts about Lodging in Forestville

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Camping in Door County

Your Door County camping experience will be unforgettable with the right information. Here’s your ultimate guide to Door County camping.
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Posts about Dining in Forestville

Check out our posts to learn more about Forestville best restaurants, breweries, supper clubs, bars, and food trucks.

Posts About Forestville Attractions and Things To Do

Check out our posts on things to do in Forestville to learn more about Forestville shopping, attractions, museums, sights, parks, and more.

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Door County Events

Explore the best events in Door County! From art fairs to food festivals, find your perfect outing in our latest blog post.
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4th of July in Door County

Celebrate 4th of July in Door County with parades, fireworks, and family fun. Discover why it’s the best place for Independence Day festivities!
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Ahnapee State Trail

Explore the scenic Ahnapee State Trail: 48 miles of diverse terrain, ideal for hiking, biking, and winter sports in Wisconsin.
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All Posts About Forestville

Whitefish Dunes Beach

Whitefish Dunes Beach

Discover the hidden gem of Whitefish Dunes Beach in Door County, WI! Learn about amenities, safety tips, fees, and more in this guide.
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Door County Events

Explore the best events in Door County! From art fairs to food festivals, find your perfect outing in our latest blog post.
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Grid of images depicting scenes in Door County State Parks, including a woman hiking, a beach and two beach scenes. Superimposed text says: State Parks.

Door County State Parks

Here is everything you need to know about Door County state parks, known as the “crown jewel” of the Wisconsin State Park system.
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Door County Tours

Discover the best of Door County with local tours! Explore scenic views, quaint towns, and create unforgettable memories.
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Clark Lake Beach

Discover Clark Lake Beach in Door County, WI. Blear waters, a sand beach, and good times await you at this fun spot.
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Door County Kayak Tours

Discover the best Door County Kayak Tours for all skill levels. Explore serene waters, stunning wildlife, and historic shipwrecks.
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Jacksonport WI Restaurants

The Village of Jacksonport lies along the shores of Lake Michigan in Door County, Wisconsin. Here are some of Jacksonport’s best restaurants.
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Grid of images depicting an American flag, and fireworks over the water in Door County. Superimposed text says: 4th of July.

4th of July in Door County

Celebrate 4th of July in Door County with parades, fireworks, and family fun. Discover why it’s the best place for Independence Day festivities!
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campsite in Door County at night

Camping in Door County

Your Door County camping experience will be unforgettable with the right information. Here’s your ultimate guide to Door County camping.
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General Information About Forestville

Differentiation

“Forestville” can refer either to the Town of Forestville or the village of Jacksonport. This terminology can be confusing because for many people “town” and “village” refer to roughly the same thing. However, these terms have distinct meanings in Wisconsin state law.

To put it briefly, the Town of Forestville is a large area of Door County, and it is an administrative subunit of the county. The Village of Forestville is a more tightly developed village along the Ahanapee River, south of Sturgeon Bay and north of Algoma.

The following two sections will help you understand the difference between and town and a village a little better.

Towns in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has 1,253 towns. The legal definition of a town in the State of Wisconsin is different than the common definition of town that many people use. Many people think of towns as having an urban or suburban pattern of settlement. However, according to Wisconsin State Law, any land that is not covered by a municipality like a city or a village is part of a town.

Towns in Wisconsin have historically had a rural character. However, this is not always the case. Some towns have experienced much growth and have suburban and even urban settlement patterns.

Town populations can range from 40 residents to over 22,000 residents.

Towns are general-purpose units of local government that perform and provide various kinds of municipal functions and services.

Towns in the State of Wisconsin include Jacksonport, Sevastopol, and Clay Banks.

Forestville, Wisconsin is a small town located in southern Door County. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of the Town of Forestville is 1,063.

Villages in Wisconsin

The State of Wisconsin has many villages. There are two different types of villages: incorporated villages and unincorporated villages.

Unincorporated villages are designated for the sake of convenience, but they do not have any formal status under Wisconsin State Law.

On the other hand, incorporated villages have the status of incorporated settlements under Wisconsin State Law. They can have either the president-village board or the village board-village manager structure of local government. Forestville is an incorporated village.

The vast majority of villages in the state of Wisconsin utilize the president-village board structure. Under the president-village board structure of local government, both the president and the village board are elected by the public. Under the village board-village manager structure, the village board is publicly elected, and the village board appoints the village manager.

There are 411 incorporated villages in the State of Wisconsin. These include villages like Sister Bay, Forestville, and Ashwaubenon.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the Village of Forestville has 482 residents. The Village of Forestville is a small settlement in southern Door County, and it is surrounded by the Town of Forestville.

Forestville History

Native History

Before the arrival of Europeans, the area that is now known as Forestville, WI was inhabited by various Native American tribes. The Menominee people, in particular, were known to have lived in the region for thousands of years and had established a vibrant and sustainable way of life.

The Menominee were skilled hunters, fishermen, and farmers, and they utilized the natural resources of the land to support their communities. They were also skilled in the art of crafting objects from natural materials, including baskets, pottery, and wooden tools.

Post-European Settlement

Europeans arrived in the area in the 1600s but did not begin settling the area of Forestville until the mid 1800s.

Historian Hjalmar Holand tells a funny story about the first settlers to what would become the Village of Forestville, in his book History of Door County. He recounts that the settlement of Forestville, WI began with an accident in May 1855 when four Irishmen missed their boat and were approached by a man named “Major” McCormick. He convinced them to visit his new town in Door County, where he promised them excellent opportunities for work and pay. After arriving, they found the town to be less developed than they were led to believe, but they were still drawn to the area by the abundance of timber and decided to stay and work for McCormick. James Keogh, one of the Irishmen, went to Chicago and returned with his wife to settle in Forestville, as did John, Richard, and Matthew Perry. Samuel Perry also briefly lived in Forestville before moving to Ahnapee to become a prominent merchant and manufacturer.

Forestville, WI was settled by Europeans in the mid-19th century, and agriculture quickly became a key part of the local economy. The fertile soil and temperate climate were ideal for growing crops, including the famous cherry orchards that the area is still known for today. Over time, Forestville grew into a thriving community with bustling farms and businesses, making it an important center of commerce in Door County. Despite changes over the years, the area’s rich agricultural history remains an integral part of its identity.

Popular Events

A popular event in Forestville is the annual “Fireman’s Picnic,” a fundraising event for the Southern Door Fire Department. Food, live music, and a parade are highlights of this event.

Geographical Features

Forestville is a small village located in Door County, Wisconsin, United States. Its geographical coordinates are 44.7453° N latitude and 87.4706° W longitude, with an elevation of 627 feet above sea level.

One of the prominent geographical features of Forestville is the Ahnapee State Trail, which is a 48-mile trail that runs through the village. This trail is used for hiking, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing, and offers scenic views of the surrounding forests, fields, and wetlands.

Another notable feature is the Forestville Mill Pond, which is a 15-acre impoundment located in the center of the village. This pond was created by damming up the Ahnapee River and is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming in the summer months.

Forestville is also located near the Black Ash Swamp, which is a large wetland area that covers much of Door County. This swamp is an important ecological habitat for a variety of plant and animal species.

Overall, Forestville’s geography is characterized by its rolling hills, dense forests, and abundant wetlands, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Forestville

What is the population of the Village of Forestville, WI?

As of the 2020 census, the population of the Village of Forestville, Wisconsin was 482.

What are some popular outdoor activities in Forestville?

Fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling are all popular outdoor activities in Forestville. The Ahnapee State Trail and Forestville Dam County Park are also popular attractions.

What is the history of Forestville?

Forestville was founded in 1856 by Major William F. McCormick. The town grew rapidly due to its location on the Ahnapee River, which provided access to Lake Michigan. The town was a center of the lumber industry in the late 19th century, and today it is a small, peaceful community with a rich history.