If you’re looking for incredible outdoor opportunities, Sheboygan, Wisconsin has you covered. Home to Lake Michigan, the Sheboygan River, and miles of greenspace in between, Sheboygan has a plethora of options for every outdoor enthusiast. Whether it’s your first visit to Sheboygan or your fiftieth, here are 6 outdoor spots that should definitely be on your itinerary.
6 Can’t-Miss Outdoor Spaces in Sheboygan:
Deland Park
Head to Deland Park to take advantage of Sheboygan’s beautiful beach scene. Home to North Beach, you’ll find the area a popular year-round spot for Wisconsin’s surfers. Sheboygan is known as the “Malibu of the Midwest” afterall!
During the summer months, beachgoers fill the sandy shores with their towels, umbrellas and chairs to enjoy the reprieve from the hot sun that breezy Lake Michigan offers.
There’s also so much more to do at Deland Park beyond the beach. There are two playgrounds for the kiddos, volleyball courts, and grills. Bathrooms with showers are also available for use.
And while you’re here, make sure to check out the Lottie Cooper which was a Great Lakes schooner that capsized off Sheboygan, and take your photo with the “Malibu of the Midwest” sign.
Sheboygan Riverwalk
The well-designed riverwalk is the perfect way to enjoy Sheboygan’s stretch of the 81-mile Sheboygan River. I recommend parking near Blue Harbor Resort where you can walk out to South Pier or enjoy the shops and restaurants along the South Pier boardwalk.
A popular spot for morning walkers and joggers, the boardwalk provides a paved path with awesome views of the river. You’ll often see seagulls and other birds dancing around in the water. I love stopping at Eb Flo Coffeehouse for a smoothie or croffle (a yummy mix between a croissant and waffle) and finding an outdoor seat along the water.
Those with a sweet tooth will love South Pier Parlor, famous for its delicious ice cream treats. The Parlor also offers outdoor seating along the river, or you can walk with your treat.
Kohler-Andrae State Park
At Kohler-Andrae State Park, visitors experience a truly unique blend of Wisconsin ecosystems consisting of beaches, sand dunes, marshes, towering pine trees, and more. In my opinion, Kohler-Andrae is one of the most surprising parks in the WI State Park system.
My favorite trail to hike is the Dunes Cordwalk trail which takes hikers through the dunes while paralleling Lake Michigan. The views are mesmerizing and you won’t believe you’re in Wisconsin.
If you’re not up for a hike, head to the Sanderling Nature Center to learn more about the area and check out the rooftop observation tower. You can see a vast stretch of park land including miles of Lake Michigan, the dunes, and wooded portions of the park.
Maywood
For a beautiful and peaceful hike, visit Maywood, a 135-acre environmental park. The area is free to explore and offers numerous hiking opportunities, from river and wetland trails to prairie and hillside trails.
Once you arrive, you’ll park in a lot in front of the Ecology Center. If the center is open, you can check out animal mounts, several duck decoy displays, artwork by local artists, and visit the gift shop.
From the Ecology Center, head out to the trails where you’ll be greeted by beautiful ponds and foliage, and the occasional bird chip. Most of the trails are less than half a mile in length, so you can complete a short segment or combine multiple trails for a longer hike.
My favorite part about hiking at Maywood is that you forget that you’re in a city - it’s so quiet and relaxing.
James Tellen Sculpture Garden
One of the more unique outdoor spaces in Sheboygan is the James Tellen Sculpture Garden which features lifelike concrete sculptures in a small wooded area surrounded by the backyards of private residences. The garden contains over 30 historic, religious, and mythic creatures.
Today the John Michael Kohler Arts Center maintains and manages the sculpture set, which is always available for the public to view at no charge.
The sculptures are located right off of the small parking area, but I highly recommend you continue on the paths beyond the garden and enjoy a tranquil stroll. Birds love the area, making their presence known with their song, and you may even see a deer or two enjoying this quiet location.
Bookworm Gardens
An area favorite for all ages, especially the children and the young-at-heart, Bookworm Gardens features interactive garden exhibits themed around over 80 popular children’s books. The gardens are meticulously designed featuring a wide variety of Wisconsin plants, shrubs, and trees, all while incorporating kid-friendly features.
As you meander along the path, you’ll encounter favorites - both classics and newer reads - like Winnie the Pooh and his friends in the 100-acre woods, The Magic School Bus where kids can explore the magic bus itself, and the barn where the famous spider from Charlotte’s Web lives.
