Walloon Belgian Tour
BROWN/DOOR/KEWAUNEE COUNTIES

The largest rural settlement of Belgians in America is located in Wisconsin's lower Door County. In 1854, groups of Walloon (a lingo off the French Long) speaking Belgian immigrants began arriving to this beautifully forested lake shore region. They were the first to fell the great cedar forests of the Door County peninsula and build large animal and threshing barns, log houses and split cedar fencing. Large six-pointed stars on red and white painted dairy and threshing barns are a hallmark of this area.

The communities of Namur, Brussels, Lincoln and Rosiere act as entry points for the Belgian Tour. Visitors view over 100 ethnic buildings included in Wisconsin's first rural National Historic District. In 1990 this area was designated a National Historic Landmark.

In 1871, a tornado of fire jumped the waters of Green Bay, burning the areas farms and forests. Nearly 100 Belgians died, hundreds were left homeless and many log and frame buildings were destroyed. Since then, wooden homes were often covered with reddish orange brick and metal roofing.

Small frame roadside chapels demonstrate the Catholic beliefs and traditional practices of the Belgian people. Chapels are named after important saints or religious events and elaborate stone and mortar cemetery grottos are found near the churches.

Village tavern keepers celebrate traditional festivals with music, dancing, food and beer. Kermiss (church mass) is held by each village on alternating weekends from the end of August to mid-October. Belgian pie, chicken Booyah (a thick vegetable stock), Jute (boiled cabbage) and Tripes (pork sausage) are popular foods during these special events.

Stop in for more information concerning ethnic food, festivals, historical tours, self guided, cassette tours and group coach tours.

Green Bay Visitor and Convention Bureau. 1-800-236-3976.

Algoma Visitor Center. Stop for a free guidebook to the area on ethnic food, festivals, historical tours and things to do. 1226 Lake St. (Hwy. 42), Algoma, WI 54201. 1-800-498-4888 or (920) 487-2041.

Visitor's Guide to Festivals

Accommodations Inn at Cedar Crossing. Scofield House. White Lace Inn. Scenic Shore Inn. Quiet accommodations overlooking beautiful Lake Michigan. Cable TV/HBO, phones, charter fishing arranged, restaurant adjacent. Also available-luxury Lake Michigan condos. 2221 Lake Street, Algoma, WI 54201. Phone (920) 487-3214. Attractions Von Stiehl Winery. Guided 30 min. tours, free wine sampling, Gift Haus & Fudge Fantasies. 115 Navarino Street, Algoma, WI 54201. 1-800-955- 5208. Food & Beverage Chaudoir Dock. (On the Bay) Belgian community settlement Chaudoir family. Stop at Chaudoir Dock for Belgian Treat. 1525 Cty. N, Brussels, WI 54204. (920) 825-1400.

Penguin City Restaurant. Full menu featuring homemade pizza, Belgiam pie, Belgian chicken Booyah. 604 4th Street Hwy. 42, Algoma, WI 54201. (414) 487-9917. Sun.-Thurs. 11-11; Fri. & Sat. 11-midnight. Joe & Nancy's at Rosiere. Reasonable prices, food and spirits Tues. through Sun., 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Ask Joe to speak Walloon Belgian for you. 9638 Cty. X. (414) 837-2198. Hudson Restaurant. Lunch & dinner specials. Fish & steaks served daily overlooking historic fishing harbor. 205 Navarino, Algoma, WI 54201. (920) 487-5493. Wautlet's Bakery. Featuring Belgian pie (10 choices) Bu-Ta (poppyseed & prune filled), Czech Kolaches (10 varieties) German strudel, breads (6 brands). Fresh bakery daily. 412 Steele St., Algoma, WI 54201. (920) 487-3829. Open 4:00 am to 5:30 pm daily. Shopping Sugar Mountain Farm Market. Homegrown fruits and vegetables, bakery, jams, honey, maple syrup, wild rice, specialty foods, wine, cheese, gifts, antiques, candy, Belgian foods and gifts. Open May to November. 9-6 every day. (920) 825-7084.