On the edge of Hogwarts lies a dark and foreboding forest: the Forbidden Forest, in fact. Filled with mystery, magic, and dangerous creatures, this place wasn’t always known as the Dark Forest; rather, it started out as a small wooded area cared for by a herd of centaurs… not unlike this magical forest in Wisconsin. Curious to learn more? Come along with us as we explore the Door Peninsula in Wisconsin and learn why it is so mysterious – and charming!

The Door Peninsula separates the southern part of Green Bay from Lake Michigan. It is a picturesque coastal area with charming towns and scenic beauty.
Capt. Tiger Hall/Google Local
At the very base of the peninsula, you will find New Franken, a charming Wisconsin small town that is technically part of Brown County. It is where our adventures begin.
There you will find a dark and mysterious forest inside Bay Shore Park. (Okay, it isn't that dark and mysterious, but it can be quite magical!)
Megan Kennedy/Google Local
But you will find it to be one of the best parks in Wisconsin.
The 2.5-mile out-and-back Bayshore Park Trail is an enchanting path through the woods filled with interesting rock formations, scenic views, and stone steps protruding from the earth.
Mark Warburton/Google Local
Peeking through the dense underbrush and forest trees you'll catch glimpses of the Green Bay on the west side of the peninsula.

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Each and every bend reveals another cliff wall or hidden nook where dangerous creatures might be lying in wait to pounce.
Becca Peterson/Google Local
Again, not really, but you will most likely see plenty of beautiful Wisconsin wildlife like gray squirrels, songbirds, white-tailed deer, and maybe even a fox or raccoon if the evening light catches you outside before you make it back to safety.
Ken Lund/Flickr
As you pass between two cliff faces carved into the earth itself, you will descend a set of enchanted steps that lead to your doom! (Ahem, sorry got caught up in the moment again...)
Dangerous caves filled with creatures of unknown origin can be found around any bend, will you dare to explore them?
Ken Lund/Flickr
No really, there are some pretty cool Wisconsin caves. Dangerous creatures? Well, Garter snakes can be pretty stinky, but usually not too dangerous.
You just never know if you will stumble upon the Forest Vault. One of five fabled cursed vaults in Bay Shore Park. Umm, or was that Hogwarts?
Kelsey Snethen/Google Local
Either way, beware of the sleeping curse on your explorations of this magical forest in the deep dark peninsula of Door County, Wisconsin.

Have you spent any time in Door County? Would you explore a deep, dark forest in Wisconsin? What are some of your favorite hidden gems in Wisconsin? Tell us about your adventures in the comments section below.

If you’d like to see even more of the magic and wonders this beautiful area contains, visit the Cape Cod of the Midwest right here in Wisconsin.

If you’d like to explore other hikes in and around the area, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

If you’re still in the mood for more Badger State adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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More to Explore

More Wisconsin Adventures

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | November 23, 2023

Where can we find wineries in Wisconsin?

  • Cold Country Vines and Wines in Kewaunee features spectacular wines in a beautiful setting plus live music events.
  • The Clover Meadow Winery in Shell Lake is set amidst one of the state's oldest forests.
  • Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery and Orchard in Chippewa Falls sits right in the middle of a beautiful apple orchard.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other amazing wineries in Wisconsin.

Where can we find the best restaurants in Wisconsin?

  • The Immigrant in Kohler has been rated as a AAA Four Diamond Award winning fine dining restaurant.
  • Café Hollander Hilldale in Madison serves delicious European-style food in a unique setting.
  • The Robin's Nest Café in Hayward is known for their amazing breakfast fare.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other delicious restaurants in Wisconsin.

Where can we go for a weekend getaway in Wisconsin?

  • Ripon was once named one of the "Coolest Small Towns in America" and is chock full of history.
  • Stoughton is brimming with its original Norwegian roots which you can experience in the community's restaurants, museum, galleries, and shops.
  • Sparta is known as the "Bicycling Capital of America," features several nationally known bike trails, and has one that was the first rails-to-trails bicycle route in the country.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other charming places to go for a weekend getaway in Wisconsin.

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Bay Shore Park, 5637 Sturgeon Bay Rd, New Franken, WI 54229, USA