Sheboygan was always a place I knew of by name but had never explored. Driving south on Highway 43, I knew I was passing Sheboygan when I spotted the giant American flag flying high above its surroundings. I now know that the ACUITY flagpole is the tallest symbol of freedom in the world. It remains the landmark I look for every time I drive that highway. After years of passing by the highway exit, I finally had the opportunity to visit Sheboygan for the first time.
I stayed at the lovely Blue Harbor Resort and fell asleep to the sound of crashing waves on Lake Michigan. I remember waking up the following day so peacefully and at ease, after one of the best nights of sleep I’d had in months. I spent two days wandering downtown, taking pictures of the beach at Kohler Andrae State Park, and marveling at art. Here is what you should know about Sheboygan:
Art in Sheboygan
Sheboygan is one of the best cities I’ve visited in Wisconsin in terms of accessible art. They have everything from street art installations to museums and galleries. The John Michael Kohler Arts Center is a nationally acclaimed visual and performing arts center that is free to visit. It has an interactive space that encourages collaborative community art projects. The John Micheal Kohler Arts Preserve was unlike anything I’d ever seen. It’s an incredible art collection in an astounding facility designed to protect and preserve artwork. The extensiveness of displays is nothing short of impressive, storing lifetime collections of internationally recognized and prominent artists from the Midwest.
While there are impressive galleries and facilities in Sheboygan, that’s not the only reason Sheboygan is a must-visit destination for the arts. The community itself has a passion for art. WordHaven BookHouse, the local bookstore, displays original artworks for purchase. Paradigm Coffee and Music, a local coffee shop, hosts performers and open mic nights. Bookworm Gardens brings fairytales to life with magical displays of story scenes surrounded by beautiful blossoms. You are missing out if you’re an art enthusiast and haven’t spent a weekend in Sheboygan.
A Foodies Paradise
Whether you’re looking for the perfect dive bar, a sweet little treat, or to experience the charm of a Wisconsin Supper Club, Sheboygan has it. Sheboygan might already be on a foodie’s bucket list as the Bratwurst Capital of the World. Sheboygan has held the title since 1953 for its local specialty sausage manufacturers, the specific way the bratwurst should be consumed (on a Sheboygan hard roll), and the community’s German heritage.
Rupp’s Downtown is one place you don’t want to miss with its classic supper club charm, multi-course dinner with a salad bar, and 13 ice cream drinks to choose from. Inside, you’ll find a spectacular bar handcrafted and original from 1939. If you don’t get an ice cream drink at the supper club, you’ll want to head to South Pier Parlor and enter the 1930s-themed ice cream parlor. After grabbing a scoop of creamy ice cream in a homemade waffle cone, you can stroll along the pier while you enjoy your sweet treat.
Beachy Sheboygan
If you’re not already sold on a visit to Sheboygan with the inspirational art or delicious bites this harbor town offers, you’ll be booking your trip after you hear about what it has for beach lovers. There is a reason Sheboygan has embraced the term ‘Malibu of the Midwest™': it’s the freshwater surf capital of the world, home to Kohler Andrae State Park, and has beautiful sand beaches to visit.
For lake views, you’ll want to check out the harbor and the lighthouse and stop at Deland Park to check out the remains of Lottie Cooper, an 1894 shipwreck removed from the water. Along with the stunning beachy scenery in Sheboygan, there are many water activities to experience. Sailing, diving, boating, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and surfing can all be enjoyed in Sheboygan.
After I visited Sheboygan, I couldn’t believe this beautiful, vibrant community existed, and I knew nothing about it. Sheboygan is now one of my favorite places in Wisconsin, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Photo Credit: Sarah Conery
