These amazing things to do near Forestville in Door County, Wisconsin will make your Door County vacation unforgettable.
If you are in the Forestville area, also make sure to check out some of the best restaurants near Forestville to fuel up for your adventures!
Cherry Picking
Door County is known as “Cherryland USA.” Take part in this All-American activity, usually sometime from mid-June through early August. Cherry picking is one of the most popular things to do in Door County.
Check out our ultimate guide to Door County cherry picking to learn more!
Forestville Mill Pond
The Forestville Mill Pond is a shallow pond just northwest of the Village of Forestville. It is formed by a dam across the Ahnapee River. The waters are calm and therefore suitable for paddlers of every skill level, and fishermen will enjoy fishing for perch, bass, and pike.
Forestville Dam County Park
The Forestville Dam Park gives access to the Forestville Mill Pond. It has a small boat launch, an accessible fishing dock, benches to observe the pond or the Ahnapee River, a playground, restrooms, and a picnic pavilion.
The Forestville Dam County Park is just one of the many Door County parks, preserves, and access points that often get overlooked. Our post on all of Door County’s parks, preserves, and access points will help you make the most of Door County’s natural beauty.
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
If you’re in the Forestville area around one of their service times, St. Peter’s is worth a stop. They have gorgeous stained glass, beautiful woodwork, and the preacher has no match in Door County.
Address: 316 W Main St, Forestville, WI 54213
Phone: 920-856-6420
Website
Map
Ahnapee Trail
A 48-mile trail connecting Sturgeon Bay, Maplewood, Forestville, Algoma, Kewaunee, Luxemburg, and Casco. This trail is on an old railroad bed and is therefore quite level, and has an even, easily traveled surface. ATV and UTVS are prohibited, but foot travel, horses, and bicycles are permitted. Snowmobiles are permitted on this trail in the winter, and dog sleds even occasionally make use of it. Many access points are available. Click here for a map.
The Ahnapee Trail can be accessed in Forestville at the Forestville Dam County Park and at its intersection with County Road J.
The section of the Ahnapee Trail heading south from County Road J toward Algoma is an excellent place for watching wildlife, as it is far from main roads and runs close to the river here.
Horseback Riding
The Ahnapee Trail is popular for horseback riding. And, businesses in Forestville are glad to cater to riders. The bars even have hitching posts out back! This is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Forestville, Door County, Wisconsin.
Snowmobiling
During appropriate snow conditions, the Ahnapee Trail opens up for snowmobiling. Forestville is a popular stop, as the businesses welcome snowmobilers to gas up, warm up, and eat up.
Paddling
Whether on the Forestville Mill Pond or on the Ahnapee River, Forestville is a popular place for paddlers.
Hunting
The Forestville Mill Pond sees some waterfowl hunters in the Fall. And, in the November gun deer hunt, hunters descend upon Forestville from all over the state.
Biking
Forestville is a great place to bike. If you are a road biker, the roads are well-maintained and infrequently travelled. Motorists are typically respectful.
If your tires are a little fatter, the Ahnapee Trail opens up all kinds of biking possibilities. And, in the winter, fat tire bikers sometimes will bike the snowy trail, as well.
Hiking
The Ahnapee Trail is a great place to take a hike, as is the Legacy Preserve at Clay Banks.
Fireman’s Picnic
Usually held in late July, the Forestville Fireman’s Picnic is a major fundraiser for the Southern Door Fire Department. Live music, food, kids’ activities, a car show, and a parade are all part of the festivities. Check their Facebook page to stay up to date about future picnics.
Ahnapee River
Flowing out of the Forestville Dam, the Ahnapee River travels through the Village of Forestville southeast to the City of Algoma, and in Algoma flows into Lake Michigan.
Every mid-September through early-October, the Ahnapee River becomes an extremely popular fishing spot for Lake Michigan salmon swimming upstream to spawn. Every Spring, fishermen catch steelhead trout here, and the annual run of sucker fish is also a popular time to catch fish.
Paddlers sometimes put in at the County Road J bridge and will paddle all the way down to Algoma.
The Ahnapee River is also a great place to birdwatch. Various fish hawks, rare waterfowl, kingfishers, and pelicans can often be seen on the Ahnapee River.
Legacy Preserve at Clay Banks
Amazing views and access to Lake Michigan are highlights of this 91-acre nature preserve. Hiking the 1 mile-looped trail takes you over a bluff, down ancient banks of Lake Michigan from previous eons, through a cedar swamp, and to a pebble beach where you’ll want to spend some time lingering. This is one of Hello Door County’s favorite places to take a walk.
Make sure to check out our comprehensive post on the Legacy Preserve at Clay Banks for more information.
Address: 1188 S Lake Michigan Dr, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Webpage
Map
Legion Memorial Park
A small park in the heart of Forestville, the Legion Memorial Park has a playground, basketball court, and baseball diamond. Several nights a week in the summer, this is the location of softball and baseball league games.
Crescent Beach
Just seven miles south of Forestville is the City of Algoma, which boasts a large, well-kept public beach right in downtown. Known for cool breezes and waters, Crescent Beach is especially popular on the hottest days of summer when people from all over the region descend upon it.
Check out our comprehensive article on beaches in the area to find the perfect beach for your party’s shoreline outing!
Camping
Several public and private campgrounds lie around Forestville. Check out our ultimate guide to camping in Door County to learn more about camping opportunities around Sturgeon Bay.
Country Ovens / Cherry De-Lite
Country Ovens is the business name, but they’re better known by their Cherry De-Lite product line.
This establishment offers a line of cherry products including cherry juice, chocolate covered cherries, dried cherries, cherry salsa, and more. They’re glad to inform you about all the health benefits of cherries, including their anti-inflammatory qualities – good for athletes.
Given how long some of the old cherry farmers in Door County live, we believe them.
Address: 229 E Main St, Forestville, WI 54213
Phone: 800-544-1003
Website
Map
Algoma Lighthouse
7 miles southeast in Algoma, the Algoma pierhead lighthouse guides Lake Michigan mariners into the safety of the harbor. It’s not open for tours, but you can get pretty close by walking out on the pier breakwaters.
Hen House
Formerly called Clark’s, the ownership has recently changed hands, and it’s now called Hen House. This is a family-friendly bar. If you’ve ever been to Wisconsin, you know what we mean. Hen House offers a Friday night fish fry that will be easy on the pocketbook and satisfying to the belly.
Besides fish fry, Hen House offers both pub fare and also American comfort food. Especially beloved is their Sunday morning brunch buffet offering breakfast foods, fried chicken, beef tips, and fried shrimp.
We love the Hen House’s good prices and low-key atmosphere.
Address: 131 W Main St, Forestville, WI 54213
Phone: 920-856-6950
Map
Bullpen
Bullpen is a popular sports bar. For the love of all things good and right, don’t order an IPA here. Get a Miller Lite like everybody else.
Bullpen has the best burgers in the county, with fresh beef and delicious rolls.
Make sure to bring cash. Bullpen does not accept credit cards.
Address: 213 W Main St, Forestville, WI 54213
Phone: 920-856-6199
Map
