Algoma, WI

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The small lakeshore community of Algoma wasn’t always known by that particular name. In fact, Algoma is a relatively new name for the city. Discovered in 1834 by Joseph McCormick of Manitowoc, the first settlement, established in 1851 by Irish and English pioneers was called Wolf River. This was a loose translation from the Indian An-Ne-Pe which meant “land of the great gray wolf” a legendary animal in stories told by local Indians.

Those early settlers had a friendly relationship with their Native American neighbors–the Potawatomi, who passed on the legend through word of mouth storytelling. Visitors to Algoma are amazed by the diversity of the options offered to them. Lodging options include everything from campgrounds to cottages, bed & breakfasts to condos, motels to hotels. Algoma boasts two properties on both the state and national Historic Register of Historic Sites including the von Steihl Winery, Wisconsin’s oldest (offering tasting and tours) and the Art Dettman Fish Shanty, one of the last 1920’s era original fish shanties on Lake Michigan.