As a Lakeland  University alumni, I understand that it can be difficult to stay entertained on a campus that is “in the middle of a corn field!” After starting my career in tourism, I learned about so many things to do in Sheboygan that I would have loved to know about when I started as a freshman.

Below is a list of a few things I like to do in Sheboygan, but you can discover so much more by checking out our Things To Do or Events for upcoming festivals. My hope is that I can help students in the area feel more comfortable about exploring Sheboygan while making more memories with friends!   

Free is the Key!

Sheboygan Light House

Sheboygan’s North Pier became one of my favorite places to escape to when I wanted to get off campus. Not only is it right by Deland Park, where you can sprawl out in the sand or play volleyball, but you can walk out to the Lighthouse. It is not a terribly far walk and on your stroll you might see boats coming in and out of the marina, or hear the crashing of the waves.

Making Spirits Bright

This drive-through light show will help you celebrate the holidays from the warmth of your vehicle. Experience a festive light show choreographed to holiday music through a 1.1-mile route through Evergreen Park. Visit once or as many times as you want! Admission is free but they gladly accept canned goods as donations.

Parnell Tower or Broughton Marsh Tower

The Sheboygan area is fortunate enough to have two observation towers where you can see for miles! Experience Broughton Sheboygan Marsh Park wildlife, landscape and recreational opportunities, such as rowboat/canoe rentals, fishing, golfing, and a full menu restaurant. Or, hike the 3.5-mile trail that also overlaps part of the Ice Age National Trail at Parnell Tower.

Midsummer Festival of the Arts

On the 3rd weekend in July, you can walk around as artists show their paintings, photographs, furniture, jewelry, wood carvings, ceramics, glass, leather goods, sculptures, textiles, toys, and more. Food vendors will offer a wide range of fare, from Sheboygan County’s famous bratwurst to ethnic cuisines and ice cream. The lawn on the west side of 7th Street at New York Avenue will be the place to enjoy terrific music by nationally acclaimed bands and inspiring local musicians.

John Michael Kohler Art Center

The Art Center’s displays are FREE and open to the public! Take some time to explore all the exhibits but don’t forget to look inside all of the washrooms. Each one is uniquely styled and have been nationally recognized.

Kohler Andrae State Park

The great thing about Kohler-Andrae is that it can be enjoyed all year round. The sand dunes fill the spacious beach and are perfect for relaxing, reading a book, or going for a swim. But, the fun does not stop on the beach. Hike the wooded trails, walk the boardwalk through the marsh or wander through the small white pine forest. In the winter the park also allows cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The only cost is a parking pass or you can park on the side of the road and walk in.

Levitt AMP Concert

Throughout the summer at City Green (Corner of New York Ave & 7th Street Sheboygan) you can attend free concerts on Thursday nights. It is the perfect time to relax and hear two bands play each Thursday, the opening act starts at 6:00pm with the main act to follow. Although the concerts are free, bring a few dollars for the food trucks that line up the street across from the Arts Center.

Just Above Free

South Pier Parlor Ice Cream and Mini Golf

If you are on South Pier, going to the ice cream parlor is a must! They have a huge list of “sweet” choices, with a wide variety of ice cream flavors, fudge, and classic malts. Not only is the ice cream reasonably priced and delicious it is right on the river and within walking distance of two mini golf courses; Harbor Pointe Miniature Golf is an outside course, and Blue Harbor Resort has an indoor glow in the dark course.

 

Sheboygan Quarry Beach Park

Renting from the Quarry is very reasonable when it comes to prices. Other than the entrance fee, other rentals are as low a $6. That’s crazy cheap!! Take a group of friends and explore the aquatic park, or paddle around the area in a kayak or standing on a paddle board. Although it is a smaller area to paddle around than on Lake Michigan, the walls of the Quarry give it a beauty of its own, and you can always count on calm waters.

Sheboygan A’s Baseball

Throughout the summer you can head to Wildwood Park and watch a game. Single-game tickets to all Sheboygan A’s home games can be purchased the day of the home game and cost as little as $4.

Sheboygan County Fair

Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to get off campus and relive childhood memories at the fair. Hop on some rides, walk through the barns and see the animals, or dig your face into your favorite fair foods!

Blue Line Ice Center

Get off the couch and take a day with your friends and go ice skating! Blue Line Ice Center is affordable for anyone; ice skate rentals are $3 and the admissions fee is $5. Public Skating starts on Tuesday, Sept. 4th. Find the public skating schedule here.

Blue Harbor Water Park

Not a guest at Blue Harbor Resort? Not a problem! You don’t have to stay at Blue Harbor Resort to enjoy the fabulous Breaker Bay indoor water park. Daily passes are available to the general public. With specials during the week, you could pay as little as $10 for a full day pass. Click here for Water Park Hours and Prices.

Food Trucks

Over time the food truck scene has gained popularity in Sheboygan. The trucks gather on different occasions throughout the city.  One night that has really started to take off that everyone seems to love is Food Truck Mondays. This event takes place at Vollrath Park and between the hours of 4 to 8 p.m, May through October (weather permitting).

Night Life that is More than Alright

Penn Ave. Pub

It’s time to get your karaoke on!! This nice old building downtown is extremely popular on Thursday nights. Everyone comes out to show their singing skills! Order all of your favorite pub classics and munch away at Penn Ave Pub in Sheboygan. Don’t forget to look for drink specials too!

Hops Haven

Hops Haven is a fairly large space with a great selection of bar games like pool, darts, skeeball, shuffle board, etc. Come and enjoy Happy Hour Tuesday through Saturday, 3pm – 6pm with drink specials and 2 “fer” 1. Their menu highlights Fleck’s Grill, proudly serving Miesfeld’s meat and other delicious sandwhich.

NZ’s Bar and Grill

As you drive down Michigan Avenue in Sheboygan, you’ll notice all the pubs and bars along the way. N Z’s Bar & Grill stands out for their food specials. Monday through Friday there are some that might attract the attention on college students: Mondays-25 cent wings, Tuesdays-$2 burgers, domestic beers and rail drinks, Wednesdays from 5 to 10 p.m. build your own pasta, Thursdays-barbecued ribs in full and half racks, and Friday’s special is breaded or beer-battered perch, haddock and shrimp, and perch or haddock sandwiches.

 

3 Sheeps Brewing Company

3 Sheeps Brewing Company is a local brewery, with a new tap room, that is perfect for groups. Not only can you bring your own food but there is plenty of open space and seating for chillin’, playing some arcade games, and outdoor areas to throw down on some bocce ball. There is definitely something for everyone here! There are a large number of brews to sample and you can build your own flights.  Always a great visit!

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Or if you are looking for another outlet from the locals point of view look at What’s Happening Sheboygan

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