Some come to Sheboygan for the excellent restaurants, brats, and beer culture, others come for family offerings- Bookworm Gardens, Blue Harbor Resort, and Above and Beyond Children’s Museum. There’s the thriving Sheboygan art scene that’s often overlooked. Then there’s the beach goer. Those that spend the day with friends playing beach volleyball in summer, or the surfers who hang ten in the cold months. However you like to spend your beach time, the shores of one of the beautiful great lakes, Lake Michigan, in Sheboygan are there for you. There are three Sheboygan beaches to choose from, all lining the shores of Lake Michigan, and each with its own personality.
A special thank you to Visit Sheboygan for the continuous partnership. All opinions in this article are strictly my own.
King Park (South Beach)
King Park is the quieter and of the three Sheboygan beaches. Located on the south end of Sheboygan, King Park is the main access point for the stretch of beach referred to as South Beach. It’s a great place to go to just enjoy the waves and to avoid the crowds. This mile long stretch of Lake Michigan Shoreline is perfect to take a walk and listen to the waves. In fact, you can walk from Blue Harbor down to King Beach if weather permits. South Beach is also a popular spot to watch the kite surfers. There is a large pavilion with picnic tables located in the park that is available for rent and a playground.
The pavilion is located at 1615 South 7th Street
King Park is located along 7th street between Broadway Avenue and Clara Avenue.
Deland Park (North Beach)
If you’re looking for the most populated stretch of the Sheboygan beaches, then Deland Park is the spot. That doesn’t mean that you can’t find your own little slice of beach to spread your beach blanket on. There’s plenty of room along what the locals call North Beach. For years I didn’t even realize there was a South Beach in Sheboygan. There’s a beach playground for the kids, volleyball courts for the teens and young adults, a bath house for rinsing that sand off, and plenty of parking on the street and the marina parking lot.
Of all the Sheboygan beaches to try your hand at fresh water surfing, North Beach is the one to do it at. After all Sheboygan is penned the “Malibu of the Midwest” for a reason. Surfers from all over come here during the prime surfing months of October thru April to catch the fiercest waves Lake Michigan has to offer. Why you ask? That’s because this area of shoreline juts out into Lake Michigan making it susceptible to winds from all directions. The winter months are the best time to surf because the cold Wisconsin air meets the warmer water temperature of Lake Michigan causing it to be a “perfect storm” of ideal surfing conditions. Maybe you’d like to take lessons or rent a board. EOS Surf Shop can help you out. If you are just a spectator like me, it’s fun to go to North Beach and watch the surfers ride those winter waves.
Need a break from the beach? You can take a walk out to the lighthouse along the breakwater, walk through the remains of the Lottie Cooper, an actual Lake Michigan shipwreck, or stretch out under a shade tree or picnic area for a little afternoon snooze.
Deland Park can be accessed along Broughton Drive north of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Kohler- Andrae State Park
Kohler-Andrae State Park is the most beautiful of the Sheboygan beaches in my opinion. I may be biased since this is where my daughter Megan and son-in-law Justin got married in July 2021. Since you also have access to one of the best Wisconsin State Parks, there are picnic facilities scattered close to the beach. It’s one of my favorite places to spend the whole day.
In summer the park is buzzing with activity, with the sandy beaches being the major draw. I’d swear if you wouldn’t know you were in Wisconsin, you’d think you were in the Caribbean. The water is a beautiful shade of azure on a sunny day and on a foggy day, the mist hangs over the sand dunes like a cloak and dagger. Walk along the beach and you’ll find an occasional family with young children splashing in the cold water. Farther along you’ll find an elderly couple gazing out into the surf. Just off the beach where Lake Michigan meets the sand you’ll find walking trails in among the dunes that will make you work up a sweat. You also have easy access to the Sanderling Nature Center near parking Lot 3.
Let’s not forget the dogs. You will find at Parking Lot 2 access to the Pet Beach Area. My rescue dog Vivi loves coming here and playing in the water.
I like to come here in winter when the waves are angry and the beach is deserted to escape and get a winter dose of nature.
Spend some time exploring Sheboygan beaches
These three Sheboygan beaches are here for everyone to enjoy. Whether you enjoy playing in the sand, looking for beach glass, spending an afternoon reading a book, or watching the surfers take on the cold Lake Michigan waves, each of these beaches has its own advantages. Spring, summer, fall, or winter is a great time to spend at the beach!
Which is you favorite of the Sheboygan beaches? I’d love to know and why. Comment on this post. As always, please share this post. Thanks for reading!
Questions? Comments? Share then with me!