Great Wisconsin Beaches

 Photos and copy, all rights reserved 2016
Water, water, everywhere... but really, who ever thinks of Wisconsin as a great beach destination? Very few is my guess.  Northeastern Wisconsin, which is anchored by Green Bay, is surrounded by water so Lake Michigan's beautiful beaches are all around us. Clean, soft sand stretches along our shores in many waterfront cities.  While summers here can be hot, don't let that fool you.  Lake Michigan serves as natural air conditioning with water temperatures remain in the mid-sixties on average all summer long.  Let me preface that Wisconsin has too many beaches to name so this reference covers only some of the beaches. With more than 250 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan in JUST one county, tiny waterfront communities are a rich resource for the state of Wisconsin.

Ironically, Green Bay does NOT have a public beach (yet).  The Bay Beach waterfront at the mouth of the Fox River on Green Bay is in the planning stages of restoring an actual beach to Bay Beach Amusement Park. 100 years ago the park prominantly featured a large beach and changing house that provided summer fun for all. With water quality deteriorating from unchecked papermill waste, the beach was covered over and visitors stopped swimming in the waters. Over the decade or two, water health has been restored, magnificent wildlife has returned, and the beach is coming back! In the meantime, there are plenty of boat launch and kayak launches in the Green Bay and surrounding area that gives water enthusiasts access to the Fox River and Green Bay.  Waterfront restaurants are blooming along the water's edge as well for visitors to enjoy the water.

About 25 minutes south of Green Bay is Neshotah Beach, Two Rivers.  Though it seems to be a very well hidden secret, I "discovered" it myself a few years ago.  This specific beach is the closest to Green Bay and it truly has a Daytona Beach feel to it without the commercialism.  Expansive, groomed, clean sand stretches on and on along the shore. Beach showers and refreshment facilities are close at hand, permanent volleyball nets are mounted, windsurfers, jetskiers, and sailboats zigzag across the horizon --- ah! the relaxing mode of a perfect beach.  This is my favorite Wisconsin beach so far, but there are others which also offer excellent water fun.

Though Wisconsin beach season is short, running June through September, crowds do gather at Neshotah Beach  every weekend. Even on days when the Lake temperatures make air temperatures impractical for swimming, walkers take in the shoreline for the serenity and natural beauty.  I admit that restaurants, retail shops, and vendors should pay attention to all the beach traffic and cater to them (but they do not), but perhaps that directly contributes to the unspoiled beauty of this beach that makes it a low key, hidden, great secret to those who haven't been there before. 

Another great beach far to the north, in a peaceful, serene setting is our own Newport Beach.  Of course, the waters of Wisconsin are always cold maxing out at a brisk 68 degrees in the heat of summer, but this is a beach with a great view.  With dramatic rock formations and a forested backdrop, privacy here seems to be the theme of the day. In summer it is a popular spot for State Park visitors to hike through the woods yet still be along the water. In fall the sparse crowds fade away and those who come feel as though they are the only people left on earth.  This beach is located in the northern tip of Door County, which is in Wisconsin's peninsula. An absolutely beautiful place where nature's palate and canvas are in perfect harmony.  I would estimate that the drive to reach the beach is approximately 90 miles north of Green Bay, about a two hour drive.  Research has shown that Native American Indians called this region home for generations. Under the waterline are caves with ancient pictures recorded from the tribes that lived here.  Over the centuries the water level has steadily risen in the Great Lakes and now the caves are only viewed by scientists.

Moving south, again, is the very popular beach of Sheboygan. There are two events that occur here putting this huge beach on the map.  The first is Freshwater Regatta Racing.  Sail Sheboygan is a designated US Sailing Center, one of only four in the US, the only Center with fresh water sailing. The second is the largest fresh water surfing convention in the world which is held here annually on Labor Day weekend called the Dairyland Classic.  The winds change at this time of year and push the large waves to shore, so surfers from all over the US convene here to compete for Freshwater titles.  It is such a fun event! 

The picture to the rileft is only a fraction of the beautiful Sheboygan Beach. The red-tiled roof shown is the Blue Harbor Resort and Spa which is a popular destination all year round for those who love the waterfront in any season. This area is particularly popular for those from Chicago. There is a beautiful section of pristine, white condos that are primarily owned as summer homes from those who are 3 hours south.

Cave Point

Whitefish Bay Dunes, Door County - Cave Point is another gem. Rocky cliffs with ancient caves under the waterline give the ebb of tide noticeable drama. It is said that ancient drawings are on these cave walls indicating how much the water has risen over 1,000 years.  The water is pristine clear here. The area is very popular as a beach, but is also known for scuba diving and kayaking.  The clearness of the water makes for optimum viewing of shipwrecks and lake-life as well as spectacular underwater rock formations.  The cold waters make for short dives, but well-worth the effort. Those same cold waters preserve and protect the historic shipwrecks so divers feel as though they are stepping back in time. Dramatic dives are popular here.


Bailey's Harbor is known for it's beautiful Cana Lighthouse. While the long and winding road seems to have no end, the result takes you to the lighthouse well outside of the city of Baily's Harbor.  Due to all the extreme budget cuts at the  state level, visitors now need to pay to visit the museum (which used to be free) located in the former lightkeeper's living quarters. Entrance admission is $6.00. Climbing the lighthouse tower is an additional $4.00.  Cana Lighthouse is among the best preserved lighthouses in Northern Wisconsin built in the 1800's. 


Milwaukee's waterfront in the city is a source of a gathering place. A large harbor is a source for sailboats and windsurfers to launch. A wonderful airshow is featured along the lakefront annually and airplane buffs fill the beaches and line banks of the bluffs overlooking the water to take in this two-day show.

Geano Beach - this is one of the better beaches from which to view the Bay.  A river which empties into the bay of Green Bay is the docking area and marina for many boats. This location also provides quick and easy access to Long Tail, which is a beach on an island known for a cumulation of boats dropping anchor for the day to enjoy the water.  Geono Beach has nice restaurant and bar on site with fuel facilities.  Ironically, it does not have a good beach area for swimmers, though, as there is little sand.  Condos are being developed on the parcel which area attracting owners from as far south as Chicago.

Ephraim - Door County is a tiny little waterfront city in the Peninsula. Known for fudge shops, candy stores, art studios, and fish boils, this picture-perfect get-away has a fantastic small beach.  Completely serene, this bay has been the inspiration for artists' paintings for generations.

Port Washington is another, charming city just north of Milwaukee.  Beginning as a fishing village, this port is picture perfect.  Though this beach area is most frequented by boaters and fisherman, there is a swimming area divided by floats to keep swimmer safe. The beach is mostly rocky in this port.



Schoolhouse Beach, Washington Island is one of the most interesting beaches.  The beach is in a protected inlet cove with a very deep harbor.  Years of waves caused what is referred to as a rounded-stone beach. Instead of sand visitors walk over a beach covered with worn, flat stones ranging in size and color.  Since this beach is on Washington Island and is in the Northern part of 
Wisconsin, beach days are limited here as even the summer temperatures are often cool.  It is common for beach-goers to stack stones creating temporary sculptures. While it is tempting to take stones home from this memorable beach, steep fines and laws protecting the natural wonder deter keepsakes from leaving.