This Hidden Swimming Beach With A Scenic Trail In Wisconsin Is A Stellar Summer Adventure

Some of the best beaches in Wisconsin are a little off the beaten path – these are places where, on some days, you might have the sand all to yourself. In far northern Wisconsin, there’s a little slice of paradise called Nichols Beach. It’s located right off one of the best bike trails in the Northwoods, so if you don’t mind carrying your beach towel and sunscreen, you can enjoy a summer ride you won’t forget. Here’s what you need to know about Nichols Beach, one of the best sand beaches in Wisconsin.

You’ll find Nichols Beach way up north, in an area that’s blanketed by Wisconsin’s largest state-managed forest – the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest.

This vast wild area covers about a quarter million acres. It’s a gorgeous region filled with scores of glacial lakes – so many, in fact, that some are not even named.

One lake that’s tucked away in the forest, yet easy to reach, is Nichols Lake. It’s an easy drive from Boulder Junction, but you may not want to take the car.

The lake is located on the Heart of Vilas Trail, a gorgeous paved bike and pedestrian trail that runs from St. Germain to Mercer. The trail runs over 50 miles, and it’s an official National Recreation Trail. Some people travel hours just to ride this trail.

A short ride off the trail will take you to Nichols Beach – you’ll pass an area where you can air up your tires or service your bike. At the beach, once you park your bike, you’ll be treated to a gorgeous view of a wild Northwoods lake.

The little lakeside park doesn’t have a ton of amenities, but that’s part of the charm. It’s a place where kids can play and have fun in the soft sand and enjoy water that, on some days, seems impossibly clear.

I’ve stopped at this lake a few times and it never disappoints. Learn more about Nichols Beach on the state Department of Natural Resources website. Be sure to get all your beach and bike supplies at REI. Get outside - Wisconsin has an abundance of amazing natural areas.