30 Best Things to do in Sheboygan!

Sheboygan in Wisconsin, is a hidden gem located on the western shore of Lake Michigan. Known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene, Sheboygan offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or someone looking to unwind by the lake, Sheboygan has everything. In this guide, we’ll showcase the best things to do in Sheboygan during your visit to Wisconsin.

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1. Must-See Attractions

Sheboygan Waterfront

The Sheboygan Waterfront is a lively area along Lake Michigan, offering a mix of outdoor activities. Know n as the “Malibu of the Midwest,” Sheboygan is famous for its freshwater surfing, bringing surfers from different places to ride the waves. The waterfront has beaches, parks, and marinas, making it a great spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. Deland Park and General King Park are popular places to relax by the water, while Kohler-Andrae State Park offers trails and sand dunes for exploring. The area has restaurants and coffee shops, making it easy to grab a meal while enjoying the waterfront.

John Michael Kohler Arts Center

Founded in 1967, John Michael Kohler Arts Center has grown into a well-known place for contemporary and self-taught art. The center features eight galleries, two performance spaces, a café, and a museum shop, making it a great spot for visitors to explore different forms of art. One of its standout programs is Arts/Industry, which allows artists to work in Kohler Co.’s factory studios, creating pieces using industrial materials. The center also hosts community arts projects, artist residencies, dance performances, film screenings and live music concerts, offering a variety of experiences for visitors.

Sheboygan County Museum

The Sheboygan County Museum focuses on collecting, preserving and educating visitors about Sheboygan County’s past through permanent exhibits, temporary displays and special events held throughout the year. Its collection includes over 30,000 objects, covering history from 10,000 B.C.E. to the present, offering a deep look into the area’s development. Visitors can explore exhibits on industries, early settlers and cultural heritage, with interactive displays that bring history to life. The museum hosts curriculum-aligned school programs, making it a valuable educational resource for families.

Sheboygan County Fair

The Sheboygan County Fair is a five days event held during Labor Day weekend, combining agriculture, entertainment and local traditions. Established in 1852, the fair has grown to attract 175,000 visitors annually, with activities ranging from livestock exhibits and craft competitions to bull riding, demolition derbies and tractor pulls. The fair feature carnival rides, live music and grandstand events, while Mr. Ed’s Magical Midways hosts a variety of rides, with wrist band pricing. Exhibits showcase cattle, woodworking, knitting and crafts, with contests for Junior Class and Open Class participants.

Sheboygan River Trail

The Sheboygan River Trail is a great place offering hiking, biking and water access along the Sheboygan River. The trail connects different parts of the city, making it easy for visitors to explore nature while staying close to attractions. The Sheboygan River Water Trail is designed for canoeing and kayaking, with access points along the river for paddlers to start their journey. The trail is part of a larger effort to improve recreational use and conservation, helping people appreciate the natural beauty of the river. The North Side Beach Trail and Shoreland 400 Trail provide easy routes with scenic views.

2. Outdoor Adventures

Fishing Charters

Fishing charters in Sheboygan, offer a great way to experience Lake Michigan. Sea Dog Sportfishing Charters is a well-known option, offering trips on 34 foot boats with modern fishing equipment. Another choice is Dumper Dan’s Charter Fishing, whichh as a large fleet and specializes in trout and salmon fishing. Charters like Sheboygan Charter Fishing include all necessary fishing gear, and some offer boat tours for those who want to enjoy the lake without fishing. Guided trips provide options for half-day and full-day excursions, reservations are recommended, especially during peak fishing season.

Boating Tours

Boating tours offer a great way to explore Lake Michigan and Sheboygan River, with options for sailing and sightseeing. Sheboygan Yacht Club provides sailing and boating instruction, offering experiences for all skill levels, including adaptive sailing and power boating classes. Harbor Centre Marina specializes in Lake Michigan fishing trips, giving visitors a chance to catch trout and salmon while enjoying the water. For those looking for a mix of fishing and sightseeing, Sea Dog Sportfishing Charters provides boat tours and fishing trips, using modern 34 foot boats equipped for deep-water fishing.

Hiking and Nature Trails

Sheboygan has several great hiking and nature trails that offer peaceful outdoor experiences. Old Plank Road Trail is a well-maintained path that runs along Highway 23, providing a scenic route for walkers and bikers. Sheboygan Peace Park features gardens honoring the city’s sister cities, with plants representing Germany, Japan, and Sheboygan. Ellwood H. May Environmental Park, also known as Maywood, has wooded trails, open fields, and educational programs, making it a great spot for nature lovers.

Indian Mounds Park is a unique site with ancient burial mounds, providing a historical and natural experience. For those looking for more hiking options, Cordwalk-Boardwalk Trail in Kohler-Andrae State Park is a popular choice, featuring boardwalks, dunes, and lake views. Maywood Park and Evergreen Park Trails offer 4.3 miles of hiking, with a mix of forest and open spaces. North Side Beach Trail runs along the Sheboygan River, connecting to Vollrath Park, making it a great route for walking and biking.

Kayaking and Canoeing

Kayaking and canoeing offer a great way to explore the Sheboygan River and Lake Michigan, with several access points and rental options available. Kayak Sheboygan provides rentals for those looking to paddle along the lake, offering a chance to experience the area known as the “Malibu of the Midwest”. The Sheboygan River Water Trail is designed for canoeing and kayaking, with an interactive map to help paddlers plan their trips and find safe access points. For those looking for a launch site, the Kiwanis Kayak Dock and Esslingen Park/Canoe Launch, which provides an easy access for paddlers.

Camping Sites

Camping in Sheboygan, offers a mix of lakefront views, wooded sites, and peaceful surroundings, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Zigs Golf Haven is a pet-friendly private RV campground near Whistling Straits Golf Course, offering a quiet retreat for travelers. Mauthe Lake Campground provides lake access, fishing, and hiking trails, making it a good choice for those who enjoy water activities. Many campgrounds provide fire pits, picnic tables, and basic amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Harrington Beach State Park features wooded campsites, picnic areas, and a sandy beach, ideal for a relaxing getaway. High Cliff State Park, located near Lake Winnebago, offers hiking trails, rock formations, and scenic views, attracting visitors year-round. Several sites allow seasonal and extended camping, with reservations recommended during peak months. Visitors can explore nearby trails, fishing spots, and nature reserves, adding variety to their trip.

3. Iconic Landmarks

Sheboygan Breakwater Lighthouse

Built in 1915, Sheboygan Breakwater Lighthouse is a historic landmark that has guided boats along Lake Michigan for over a century. It stands 55 feet tall and is located on the north breakwall, and it was originally placed on the north pier but was later moved to the breakwater to improve navigation safety. The lighthouse has undergone several changes, including the removal of its lantern room and Fresnel lens in the 1950s, replacing them with modern lighting equipment. Visitors can see the lighthouse from the shore or walking along the concrete breakwater gives visitors a stunning look.

James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden

The James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden features concrete sculptures created by James Tellen, an artist who started sculpting in 1940s. The site was originally the Tellen family’s summer cabin, where he transformed the wooded surroundings into an artistic landscape. His sculptures depict Native Americans, frontiersmen and religious figures, arranged in the woodland path. Tellen’s work was inspired by Catholic imagery, leading him to create life-size and miniature sculptures that reflect themes of spirituality. Visitors can wander around the sculptures and learn about Tellen’s artistic vision.

Waelderhaus

The Waelderhaus is a unique structure built in the Austrian Bregenzerwald architectural style, standing as a tribute to the Kohler family’s heritage. The building was completed in 1931 and designed by Kaspar Albrecht, an Austrian sculptor and architect. The name Waelderhaus meaning “house in the woods”, suitable for its location on a wooded areas overlooking the Sheboygan River. The building was created as a headquarters for the Kohler Women’s Club, a meeting space for Girl Scouts. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing stained glass, wood carvings and traditional Austrian craftsmanship.

Bookworm Gardens

The Bookworm Gardens is inspired by children’s literature, creating a fascinating space where books and nature come together. Visitors can explore themed areas featuring books like The Magic School Bus, Peter Rabbit and Winnie-the-Pooh, with gardens and play spaces that bring these stories to life. Families can enjoy hands-on activities, including digging for dinosaur bones, exploring fairy tale cottages, and walking through colorful flower gardens. Bookworm Gardens hosts summer camps, workshops and special events, providing opportunities for visitors to engage with nature and storytelling.

4. Family-Friendly Activities

Above & Beyond Children’s Museum

Since 1999, Above & Beyond Children’s Museum offering hands-on exhibits that encourage learning through play. Visitors can explore areas focused on science, arts and culture, making it a great place for children to discover new interests. One of the highlights is the Purple Octopus Playground, suitable for all ages of visitors for playing in outdoors. Inside, kids can engage with exhibits like STEAM in Nature section, which includes a treehouse, wind tunnel and interactive peg board. It features a fire truck, construction zone, farmer’s market and a ship, giving kids a chance to explore different themes.

Quarry Beach Adventure Park and Water Sports

The Quarry Beach Adventure Park and Water Sports is a fun outdoor destination offering swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and an inflatable aqua park. It features floating obstacles, slides and climbing structures, making it a great spot for families and groups looking for adventure. The beach area offers a relaxing space for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards in the park, allowing them to explore the pleasant waters within the quarry. Safety rules require all participants in the deep-water aqua park to wear Coast Guard-approved life vests anytime.

Sheboygan Lakers Ice Center

The Sheboygan Lakers Ice Center is home to Sheboygan Lakers Hockey, Sheboygan Adult Hockey and Sheboygan Lakers Figure Skating. The facility hosts public skating sessions, hockey tournaments, skating lessons, and private events, making it a popular spot for skaters of all levels. The center also offers stickhandling sessions for hockey players looking to improve their skills. Figure skating lessons are available for those looking to refine their techniques or begin learning the sport. Group rentals are offered for parties and events, making it an ideal destination for team-building or celebrations.

Blue Harbor Resort

The Blue Harbor Resort is a lakeside getaway offering a mix of family fun and scenic views along Lake Michigan. The Breaker Bay Waterpark is a 54,000 square-foot indoor water park, featuring thrilling slides, a lazy river and The Riptide, the only double surf simulator in eastern Wisconsin. Guests can choose from suites and villas, with options for lake views, fireplaces and private balconies. Visitors can enjoy spa services, outdoor patios, and beach access, making it a great spot for relaxation and adventure. It hosts corporate meetings, weddings and events, with ballrooms available for large gatherings.

Golfing Courses

Sheboygan is home to several golf courses that offer a mix of public and private options, with scenic views and well-designed layouts. Blackwolf Run Golf Course features 36 holes of championship golf, designed by Pete Dye, along with a 10-hole par-3 course and a 2 acres putting course for players of all levels. Founded in 1905, Pine Hills Country Club is the only private country club, offering a 18-hole course with a challenging layout.

Town & Country Golf Course provides 27 holes, a practice facility, a golf store, and a pub and dining area, making it a great spot for both casual and serious golfers. Riverdale Country Club Golf Course offers a bar and restaurant, adding to the experience for visitors looking for a relaxed round of golf. Harbor Pointe Miniature Golf is a nautical-themed 18-hole mini golf course, perfect for families and beginners. Sheboygan has a mix of traditional courses, practice facilities and unique golf experiences, making it a great destination for golfers of all skill levels.

5. Natural Attractions

Elkhart Lake

Covering 292 acres, Elkhart Lake is a spring-fed lake known for its clear waters and scenic surroundings. The lake’s depth reaches up to 119 feet, making it a perfect for anglers to catch fish, boating and swimming. The Village of Elkhart Lake, located on the shores, blends history and natural beauty, making it a popular getaway. The area was first inhabited by the Potawatomi Indians, who named it Me-shay-way-odeh-ni-bis, meaning Great Elk Heart Lake, because of its shape. In 1950s, the village became known for road racing, later moving to Road America, a dedicated race track located nearby.

Sheboygan River

The Sheboygan River flows into Lake Michigan, stretching 81 miles through Fond du Lac, Sheboygan, Calumet, and Manitowoc counties. The river got its name from the historical Chippewa language, meaning “hollow bone” or “noise underground”. It begins in Fond du Lac County, moving northeast before turning southeast toward Sheboygan. Along the way, it passes through St. Cloud, Sheboygan Falls and Kohler, gathering water from Mullet River and Onion River. Visitors can explore the river from Rotary Riverfront Park or walk along the Sheboygan River Trail, which connects to many local parks.

North Beach

Located in Deland Park, North Beach is a quiet spot along Lake Michigan, offering a mix of soft sand, clear water and open space for visitors to enjoy. The beach is a great place for swimming, sunbathing and paddleboarding, with rental options available. Visitors can walk along the shoreline, take in the lake views, or bring a picnic to enjoy the surroundings. The Sheboygan Breakwater Lighthouse is visible from the beach, adding a scenic backdrop. Deland Park, which surrounds North Beach, features walking paths, picnic areas and a marina, making it easy for visitors to explore beyond the beach.

Deland Park

The Deland Park is a lakeside spot along Lake Michigan, which offers playgrounds, volleyball courts, picnic areas and a marina. The beach has a Mobi-mat, making it accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. Visitors can relax on the soft sand, swim, or take a walk along the Lakefront Trail, which connects to North Point. The Sheboygan Breakwater Lighthouse is visible from the beach, providing a scenic backdrop. The park includes a boat launch and fish cleaning station, making it easy for boaters and anglers. Families can also enjoy kayaking and picnicking, with many rental options available nearby.

Sheboygan Indian Mound Park

Covering 15 acres, Sheboygan Indian Mound Park is a historic site that preserves 18 Native American burial mounds, dating back to 500-750 A.D. The mounds belong to the Kletzien Mound Group, which originally had 33 conical and effigy mounds, shaped like deer and panthers . Some mounds were lost, but efforts in the 1960s helped protect the remaining ones. Visitors can walk along marked trails to see the mounds and learn about their history through educational signs. The Open Mound displays artifacts and replica skeletal material, helping visitors to understand the significance of the region.

6. Day Trips & Excursions

Kohler-Andrae State Park

From Sheboygan, a day trip to Kohler-Andrae State Park takes about 30 minutes drive, covering 988 acres and is a great place for a day trip. Start your trip at the Sanderling Nature Center, which has interactive exhibits about the park’s history and wildlife. The Cordwalk Trail is a popular route, guiding visitors through the dunes on a wooden boardwalk to protect the fragile landscape. The park has 2 miles of sandy beach, making it a great spot for swimming and picnicking. The Creeping Juniper Nature Trail is an easy 0.5 mile loop path, perfect for families to walk through the dunes and forest.

Manitowoc

Planning a day trip to Manitowoc takes around 30 minutes drive from Sheboygan, is a great way to explore Lake Michigan’s shoreline. Visitors can start at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, which features exhibits on Great Lakes shipwrecks, submarines, and naval history. One of the standout feature is USS Cobia, a World War II submarine, offering guided tours for visitors. Next, visiting Rahr-West Art Museum provides a mix of historic architecture and fine art, located within Victorian mansion. The museum showcases local, regional and international artists, making it a fantastic place for art lovers.

Lake Winnebago

From Sheboygan, a day trip to Lake Winnebago takes about an hour drive and offers outdoor activities and local attractions. This lake is the Wisconsin’s largest inland lake and the park is home to Native American effigy mounds. Waverly Beach, on the western shore, is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and lakeside dining, with a tiki bar that adds to the relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can explore Heritage Orchard, a lakeside farm known for its fresh apples and seasonal produce. The trip can continue with a visit to Dockside Tavern in Oshkosh, a riverside restaurant offering local food and lake views.

Grand Rapids, MI

Start a day trip from Sheboygan and drive around 5 hours to reach Grand Rapids in Michigan. Visitors can start from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a 158 acres botanical garden displaying both indoor and outdoor exhibits. The Grand Rapids Public Museum, nearby Grand River, showcases local history, science exhibits, and a working carousel. For outdoor activities, Millennium Park offers trails, picnic areas, and a large lake, making it a great spot for a break. Visitors can explore Heritage Hill, a historic neighborhood with Victorian-era homes, or take a walk along the Grand River waterfront.

How to Reach Sheboygan

The closest major airport to Sheboygan is Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE), located about 60 miles south of the city, offering connections to various U.S. destinations. Travelers arriving by air can rent a car, take a shuttle service, or use rideshare options, reaching Sheboygan in about an hour. For those traveling by car, Sheboygan is accessible via Interstate 43, making the drive from Chicago, Madison, or Green Bay straightforward and scenic. Highway 23 provides access from the west, linking Sheboygan to Fond du Lac and other inland cities.

If public transport is preferred, several bus services, including Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway, offer routes from nearby cities. Another option is Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) in Green Bay, located about 70 miles north, with rental cars and transportation services available. Visitors can also take the Lake Express Ferry from Milwaukee to Muskegon, Michigan, and then drive to Sheboygan from there. Once in the city, local transport includes taxis, rideshare services, and Sheboygan Transit buses, making it easy to get around.

Local Transportation

Sheboygan has several transport options for getting around the city. Shoreline Metro is the public bus service, providing routes across Sheboygan, Sheboygan Falls and Kohler. The buses run Monday through Saturday, making it a reliable way to travel within the area. For those looking for private transportation, Primary Transportation provides local taxi services. Discovery Coach specializes in charter buses, often used for group travel, sporting events, and weddings.

Visitors can also use rideshare services which operate in Sheboygan. Kohler Transport, Inc. offers private transport services, mainly for corporate and business travel. Indian Trails provides long-distance bus routes, connecting Sheboygan to Milwaukee, Chicago and other cities. For those who prefer biking, Sheboygan has bike-friendly roads and trails, making cycling a good option for short trips. Parking is available throughout the city, with public lots and street parking near downtown and popular attractions.

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FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

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