Looking for Wisconsin beaches to visit? You’re in luck! There are lots of well-known beaches in Wisconsin, where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. Don’t want to deal with hordes of beach-goers? No problem; simply pay a visit to one of the amazing lesser-known or even hidden beaches in Wisconsin. Secluded and often free of crowds, a visit to any one of the below beaches will make you feel as if you’ve discovered your own secret paradise. You'll want to plan to visit each and every one of these secluded beaches soon!
1. Bear Beach - Maple
Located within a state natural area that bears the same name, Bear Beach features several far-reaching stretches of undeveloped beach along the shoreline of Lake Superior. Make sure to check the tide schedule before your visit because at high tide, most of the beach will be engulfed with water.
2. Big Bay Sand Spit - La Pointe
Big Bay Sand Spit can be found at Big Bay State Park, which is on Madeline Island. Designated a state natural area in 1980, Big Bay Sand Spit features 34 acres of both wet sand beach and dry sand beach. It's one of the loveliest hidden beaches in the state.
3. Julian Bay Beach - Stockton Island
Situated on Stockton Island, reaching Julian Bay Beach in Wisconsin requires a 16-mile ferry ride; however, the effort is completely worth it since it’s probably one of the most stunning beaches you’ll ever see. The 1.5-mile beach isn’t only beautiful, but it’s also incredibly unique since the sand barks. Yep, you read that right. When dry, the sand has a distinctive audible quality.
Check out this video by Discover Wisconsin:
4. Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve - Grafton
Accessing this beach, which is situated at the bottom of Lion’s Den Gorge in Wisconsin, requires a bit of a hike. The two-mile round-trip trek will take you through wetlands and woodlands before traversing a wooden staircase that leads down the gorge and straight to a beach, which offers roughly one mile of Lake Michigan shoreline. If you're looking for small beaches in Wisconsin, this one is perfect.
5. Point Beach State Forest - Two Rivers
At the sprawling 2,903-acre Point Beach State Forest in Wisconsin, you’ll find about six miles of undeveloped beach on Lake Michigan – but that’s not all. There are also hiking trails and the Rawley Point Lighthouse.
6. Juneau County Castle Rock Park - Mauston
A true small-town gem, this 160-acre park boasts lots of perks, including a 16,000-acre lake and beach. In addition to swimming, the lake is perfect for boating, water skiing, fishing, and canoeing. Park-goers will also have access to a playground and campsites with fire rings and picnic tables.
7. Ripley Park - Cambridge
Located on the shores of Lake Ripley, this small town park is the perfect place to enjoy a day at the beach. And while the park is just 18 acres, it’s brimming with amenities that are sure to keep the whole family entertained. Aside from the sandy beach, the grounds include two tennis courts, a basketball court, a playground, volleyball courts, a disc golf course, and much more.
Check out this drone footage by Russell D. Nelson:
Now that you know where to go, all you need is your towel and some sun protection! So, did you know about these hidden beaches in Wisconsin? Ever visited any of them? Do you know of any other hidden or private beaches in Wisconsin? Whatever it is, tell us in the comments!
Need an escape and have been looking for more secret beaches in Wisconsin? You've got to check out Sheboygan Quarry in Wisconsin, a little-known beach that’s sure to become a favorite warm-weather destination.
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