Need a relaxing Great Lakes getaway or lakeside weekend escape? Head to Sheboygan! Located along the western shore of Lake Michigan, Sheboygan combines waterfront beauty, rich maritime history, and Midwestern charm. Whether you’re a surfer, foodie, or festival-goer, this Wisconsin gem offers year-round fun with small-town ease.

Sheboygan, WI Highlights:

  • Stroll the Sheboygan Riverwalk: Enjoy marina views, riverside dining, and public art along this scenic waterfront path.
  • Play and unwind at Kohler-Andrae State Park: Explore sand dunes, hike forest trails, or relax on sandy beaches.
  • Visit the John Michael Kohler Arts Center: Discover contemporary art and whimsical exhibits in a dynamic downtown gallery.
  • Surf or sunbathe at North Beach: Watch freshwater surfers or lounge along Lake Michigan’s shoreline.
  • Explore Bookworm Gardens: A storybook-themed botanical garden perfect for families and book lovers alike.

Best Time to Visit Sheboygan, WI

The best time to visit Sheboygan is from late spring through early fall (May to September). Enjoy warm weather, lake breezes, outdoor festivals, and beach days. Fall foliage and harvest events offer a cozy seasonal bonus.

How to Get to Sheboygan, WI

  • If you are traveling by car: Sheboygan is conveniently located off I-43, about 1 hour north of Milwaukee and 2.5 hours north of Chicago.
  • By Air: The nearest major airport is Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE), followed by a scenic drive up the coast.
  • By Bus: Intercity buses connect Sheboygan to Green Bay, Milwaukee, and other Wisconsin hubs.

Where to Stay in Sheboygan, WI

  • Blue Harbor Resort – Family-friendly lakefront resort with indoor waterpark, spa, and sweeping views of Lake Michigan.
  • The Rochester Inn – Elegant historic hotel offering boutique charm and easy downtown access.
  • Holiday Inn Express Sheboygan – Modern, convenient lodging near shops and Kohler attractions.

Best Things to Do in Sheboygan, WI

Kohler-Andrae State Park


Walk sandy beaches and explore peaceful dunes on a relaxing weekend trip.

Kohler-Andrae State Park

© Craig A Walker/stock.adobe.com

Located a few miles south of Sheboygan, the Kohler-Andrae State Park is made up of two state parks, namely the Terry Andrae State Park and the Michael Kohler State Park, which are managed together as one. The park is home to beautiful natural landscapes and offers an array of activities, including camping, hiking, mountain biking, boating, fishing, sailing, kayaking, swimming, and relaxing on the beach. A Nature Center is open seasonally from May through October and offers a wealth of information on the area, and there are several cross-country skiing and beach trails.

Kohler-Andrae State Park, 1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan, WI 53081, Phone: 920-451-4080

Bookworm Gardens


Stroll through storybook scenes and enjoy magical sights with the kids.

Bookworm Gardens

© Bookworm Gardens

Bookworm Gardens is a whimsical botanical garden inspired by popular children's books that offers a fun, educational way to spend the day with the kids. The gardens are open seasonally between May and October and feature over 70 different gardens, each of which is inspired by a children’s book and have all sorts of fun and educational activities. Designed for children of all ages, the gardens are trash-free and a picnic-friendly zone and offer an array of field trips, camp programs, and family festivals throughout the year.

Bookworm Gardens, 1415 Campus Dr, Sheboygan, WI 53081, Phone: 920-287-7895

John Michael Kohler Arts Center


Admire contemporary art and discover unusual installations on an exciting visit.

John Michael Kohler Arts Center

© John Michael Kohler Arts Center

The John Michael Kohler Arts Center is a community art museum in downtown Sheboygan that promotes all spheres of art and the performing arts. Based in the historic John Michael Kohler House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 100,000 square foot center features ten galleries showcasing an art collection of works produced by artists-in-residence, a performance center and theater, studio-classrooms, and meeting spaces. The center offers a variety of programs, including art exhibits, music and dance performances, classes, workshops, lectures and symposiums, demonstrations and festivals. The center also has an on-site retail shop called ARTspace, an activity space known as The ARTery, and a café named ARTcafe.

John Michael Kohler Arts Center, 608 New York Ave, Sheboygan, WI 53081, Phone: 920-458-6144

Recommended Activities for Families

Above and Beyond Children's Museum


Play, learn, and explore interactive exhibits on a fun family outing.

Above and Beyond Children's Museum

© Above and Beyond Children's Museum

The Above and Beyond Children's Museum (ABCM) is an interactive children's museum in downtown Sheboygan that features three floors of hands-on exhibits that encourage children to explore, discover, and learn through play. Spanning 10,000 square feet, the museum has an array of educational presentations, including a 1900's schoolhouse, a naval vessel called the USS Efroymson, a life-size Giant Pin Screen, a wind tunnel, and a Sky Crawl. Above & Beyond Children’s Museum also offers a variety of educational programs, classes, and workshops for children of all ages.

Above and Beyond Children's Museum, 902 N 8th St #4005, Sheboygan, WI 53081, Phone: 920-458-4263

Acuity Flagpole


Look up at the world’s tallest flagpole and snap a quick photo stop.

Acuity Flagpole

© tanarch/stock.adobe.com

The Acuity Flagpole is a 400-foot high flagpole flying a 9,800-square-foot US flag weighing 340 pounds based at the Acuity Insurance headquarters between Milwaukee and Green Bay on Lake Michigan. Visible from a considerable distance, the flagpole is nearly 100 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty and is the world's largest free-flying American flag with each stripe measuring over five feet high and each star almost three feet across. At the base of the flagpole is a Veterans Memorial featuring the names of Sheboygan County residents killed in active duty.

Acuity Flagpole, 2800 S Taylor Dr, Sheboygan, WI 53081, Phone: 800-242-7666

Sheboygan County Historical Museum


Explore pioneer cabins and discover fall charm in local history displays.

Sheboygan County Historical Museum

© Sheboygan County Historical Museum

Located in Taylor Park, the Sheboygan County Historical Museum is a community museum that was founded to collect, preserve and educate visitors about the history of Sheboygan County. The museum is spread over five historic buildings, including the 1864 Weinhold Family Homestead, the 1867 Bodenstab Cheese Factory, and the 1890's Schuchardt Barn, which features rural agricultural displays. Exhibits at the museum include presentations on maritime history, Native American history, and manufacturing, along with a gallery of regularly changing exhibitions.

Sheboygan County Historical Museum, 3110 Erie Ave, Sheboygan, WI 53081, Phone: 920-458-1103

Attractions for Couples

3 Sheeps Brewing Company


Sip craft brews and enjoy a casual weekend hangout with friends.

3 Sheeps Brewing Company

© 3 Sheeps Brewing Company

3 Sheeps Brewing Company is a locally-owned brewery and Sheboygan's only packaging brewery that has been producing a variety of craft beers and ales, as well as seasonal brews since 2012. The brewery produces up to 20 beers on tap, as well as growler fills and bottled, and canned beer to go, and visitors can sample the beers in the modern taproom, which is family and pet-friendly and offers plenty of entertainment options and a retail shop selling beer-related merchandise and souvenirs. Regular tours of the brewery are also available.

3 Sheeps Brewing Company, 1837 North Ave, Sheboygan, WI 53083, Phone: 920-395-3583

Sheboygan Visual Artists


View local artwork and support affordable creativity in a community gallery.

Sheboygan Visual Artists

© Sheboygan Visual Artists

Sheboygan Visual Artists (SVA) is a network of visual artists, both amateur and professional, and patrons that was established to enrich and encourage the community to take a more profound interest in the visual arts. The network hosts art gatherings that showcase the works of local and international artists in a variety of mediums, including sketching and drawing, watercolor and oil painting, photography and video, fiber art and sculpture, ceramics, glass, and wood. SVA is best known for Final Fridays, a combination of an art show, concert, and networking gatherings held on the last Friday evening of every month that draws hundreds of artists, friends, and visitors.

Sheboygan Visual Artists, 1201 Erie Ave, Sheboygan, WI 53081, Phone: 262-416-1278

Where to Eat in Sheboygan, WI

Harry's Prohibition Bistro


Savor wood-fired pizza and enjoy a romantic speakeasy-style evening.

Harry's Prohibition Bistro

© Andrey/stock.adobe.com

Harry's Prohibition Bistro is a 1920s bistro, pizzeria and wine bar on the Sheboygan riverfront with a beautiful riverfront patio and breathtaking views. The casual eatery serves authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza cooked in a traditional Neapolitan oven, along with other delicious Italian fare, along with a variety of casual wines from Italy and other wine-growing regions, along with craft beers by the bottle, and made-to-order cocktails. Daily specials are available, desserts are decadent, and the enclosed patio has heating for alfresco dining in the winter. Prohibition Bistro is open for dinner, Tuesday through Sunday.

Harry's Prohibition Bistro, 668 S Pier Dr, Sheboygan, WI 53081, Phone: 920-451-9100

More Places to Eat

  • Field to Fork – Farm-to-table café and market serving up fresh, seasonal fare downtown.
  • Il Ritrovo – Artisan Neapolitan pizza made with organic ingredients in a cozy wood-fired setting.
  • Schwarz Fish Market – A local staple for fresh fish, smoked delicacies, and classic Wisconsin fish fries.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Brat Days (August) – Celebrate Sheboygan’s sausage heritage with music, food, and family fun.
  • Riverfront Jazz Festival (September) – Smooth sounds and local eats along the Sheboygan River.
  • JMKAC Midsummer Festival of the Arts (July) – One of the Midwest’s largest outdoor art festivals.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Sheboygan, Wisconsin:

  • Kohler (10–15 min) – Visit The American Club, stroll the Design Center, or golf at Whistling Straits.
  • Elkhart Lake (25–30 min) – Race at Road America, relax at the lake, or dine at lakeside resorts.
  • Plymouth (20–25 min) – Known for murals, cheese shops, and the Plymouth Arts Center.
  • Cedar Grove (20 min) – Explore the countryside, local dairies, and charming small-town vibes.
  • Oostburg (15–20 min) – Visit small bakeries, browse unique local shops, or enjoy peaceful rural drives.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What makes Sheboygan special?
    • Resting on the shores of Lake Michigan and fondly known as ‘The Spirit on the Lake,’ the city of Sheboygan is a charming coastal community.
  • What attractions and activities are available in Sheboygan?
    • It offers an enchanting mix of historical and cultural attractions and outdoor recreational activities.
  • What does Sheboygan have to offer for the whole family?
    • From museums, galleries, and cultural events to festivals, white sandy beaches, pristine golf courses, and the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan, Sheboygan has something for the whole family.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming lakefront scenery. Blue Harbor Resort – A lakeside resort with a water park and spa. Visit the John Michael Kohler Arts Center – Explore unique contemporary art exhibits.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for beach and water activities. Inn on Woodlake – A stylish and comfortable stay near Kohler. Relax at Deland Park and North Beach – Enjoy swimming, picnicking, and lakefront views.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, fall foliage, and great fishing weather. AmericInn by Wyndham Sheboygan – A cozy stay with convenient access to local attractions. Explore Kohler-Andrae State Park – Hike scenic trails and see the beautiful sand dunes along Lake Michigan.

More events and things to do

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