Think you have to head to the Atlantic or Pacific to enjoy a beach vacation? Think again! Wisconsin is home to many ocean beaches along the lovely shores of the Great Lakes. These freshwater treats are perfect for families, affordable and closer to home than a conventional ocean vacation.
Here are six of our most impressive beaches where you’ll have no choice but to dip into the water and head to the fresh shores of Wisconsin!
North Beach -Racine
Racine’s sweeping North Beach is located on the Lake Michigan waterfront. This beach has 2,500 feet of shoreline, open to the public for swimming, fishing and picnicking, and has been designated a Blue Wave beach since 2004 (the first U.S. environmental certification for beaches). Beachside Oasis is also part of North Beach under a stand concession, live musicanti-slip Mobi mat for people in wheelchairs, and the Kids’ Cove playground located right next to the beach.
Things to do:
You are in the Kringle capital of America. Kringle, an legitimate Danish oval-shaped pastry, is produced mostly in Racine County. With 32 layers of shortcrust pastry and fillings ranging from fruit to nuts, this is a delicious cake that you can only get here. Come to the Danish O&H bakery and try it out!
Big Bay Beach in City Park – Madeline Island
Travel to the northernmost tip of Wisconsin to visit Madeline Island, the largest of the 22 Apostle Islands. The island’s boardwalk allows you to take a guided walk along Big Bay Beach, so you can enjoy the sound of the waves while taking in the spectacular view of Lake Superior through the towering trees. With two miles of sandy beach, swimming and fishing opportunities, this park is both secluded and free, everything a vacation should be. Those who need it can Also check out the specialized beach cart Down a day at the beach without barriers.
Things to do:
Try stand-up paddling, a popular activity that combines surfing and paddling. Paddleboards, kayaks and kayaks are available at several nearby Madeline Island rentals. Enjoy a beer and a sunset at the casual and eclectic Tom’s Burned Down Cafe. This local bar was once destroyed in a fire and instead of rebuilding it, they covered the building with a tent and now allow customers to leave enduring marks by writing on the walls of the ruins.
Bradford-Milwaukee Beach
This urban beach is the perfect destination for Los Angeles dreamers of all ages who want to experience a Midwestern beach vibe. An lively sports scene (including beach volleyball and sand soccer leagues), a cocktail bar and views of Lake Michigan keep the atmosphere in Bradford lively and refreshing.
Bradford is also one of the most accessible beaches in the country. A state-of-the-art ramp runs from the street down the beach – with access to an outdoor bar – to the lake shore, and beach wheelchairs are free of charge. Pro tip: get to this beach early to take advantage of the free parking nearby and reserve the best spot for the day.
Things to do:
Order tropical cocktails and food at The Dock and cheer on competing beach volleyball leagues (or play a game yourself). Across the street is Lake Park, a tranquil escape from Bradford’s energy. Hike the park’s historic trails to find the North Point Lighthouse, the last Native American burial mound in Milwaukee, and the scenic Lake Park Falls (best viewed after rain).
Schoolhouse Beach – Washington Island
Not a fan of sand in your shoes? Then Schoolhouse Beach on Washington Island is for you. Here, children build stone castles instead of sandcastles, using individual limestone pebbles polished silky by the waves of Lake Michigan. Near the shore, the water deepens quite quickly, making diving, rafting and snorkeling uncomplicated, and swimming is excellent in a designated area. The limestone rocks are lovely, but be sure to leave them there for future visitors to enjoy. The city park and picturesque wooded surroundings are perfect for picnics and barbecues with your favorite people.
Things to do:
The Door County Peninsula is surrounded by numerous historic shipwrecks, including wooden schooners and steamboats that sank in the mid-1800s. The depth of the vessels ranges from as little as 10 feet to 225 feet. Shoreline Boat Tours offers guided cruises to shipwrecks and more.
Kohler-Andrae State Park – Sheboygan
Kohler-Andrae State Park offers majestic sand dunes, miles of golden beach, and the sparkling blue water of Lake Michigan. This beach is home to the largest dune sophisticated along Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan coast, and its unique wetlands provide habitat for many infrequent plants, some of which can only be found on the shores of the Great Lakes. Over 150 species of birds have also been observed in the park, including many species of waterfowl and shorebirds and over 20 species of warblers. The park also has a wheelchair-accessible cabin that accommodates two beach wheelchairs.
Things to do:
Shop and explore downtown Sheboygan. The Field to Fork Café serves breakfast and lunch favorites made with vigorous, natural ingredients from local farmers. Stop by the grocery section and buy lunch ingredients (picnic anyone?). Be sure to take some time and visit the free Art Center. John Michael Kohler. The center has 10 galleries, a theater, studios and more.
Point Beach State Forest – Two Rivers
Point Beach State Forest is a family-friendly beach on Lake Michigan, offering several hundred feet of lovely sandy beach, biking and walking trails, and picnic areas. Discounts are available at the beach house during the summer months. Take your bikes to this beach and ride the Rawley Point Recreation Trail – you can ride six miles to the Rawley Point Lighthouse in Point Beach State Forest, or connect to the Mariners Trail in Two Rivers and ride to Manitowoc.
Things to do:
Visit the Hamilton Wood Types and Printing Museum, the only museum dedicated to the conservation, study, production and printing of wood species. Featuring 1.5 million pieces of wood and over 1,000 pattern styles and sizes, this collection is one of the best in the world. In addition to the wood species, the museum, which is frequently visited by artists, typographers and designers from across the country, is home to an incredible array of advertising cuts from the 1930s to the 1970s.
Discover more of the Great Lakes at these hidden beaches or find a beach near you using our directory!
