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?
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, Wisconsin, a 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
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.
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 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.
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!
Ken Lund/Flickr 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 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? Tell us about your wizarding adventures with a comment. 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.
Capt. Tiger Hall/Google Local
At the very base of the peninsula, you will find New Franken, Wisconsin, a town that is technically part of Brown County. It is where our adventures begin.
Megan Kennedy/Google Local
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.
Becca Peterson/Google Local
Again, not really, but you will most likely see plenty of 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
Ahem, sorry got caught up in the moment again…
No really, there are some pretty cool caves. Dangerous creatures? Well, Garter snakes can be pretty stinky, but usually not too dangerous.
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.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Bay Shore Park, 5637 Sturgeon Bay Rd, New Franken, WI 54229, USA
