The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans may be the first places that come to mind when craving some seaside fun, but they’re not the only options. Thanks to the Great Lakes that border the state, we’ve got several ocean-esque beaches in Wisconsin that are totally worth a day trip. So forget spending your money and your time traveling to the east or west coasts, and instead, check out one of the best beaches in Wisconsin that’ll make you swear you’re at the ocean.

1. Schoolhouse Beach
1824 Washington Harbor Road, Washington, WI 54246, USA
Vivian Yao/Google
Craving a beach day sans sand? Well, then this beach is perfect for you since, instead of sand, it’s filled with limestone pebbles. Deemed a geologic marvel, the pebbles that fill Schoolhouse Beach have been polished smooth by the active waters of Lake Michigan. And while you’re free to examine these polished pebbles, taking them is prohibited, so make sure to leave them at the beach where they belong.

Learn more about one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States in this charming video:
2. North Beach
100 Kewaunee St, Racine, WI 53402, USA
Baraka Farrington/Google
No list of Great Lakes beaches in Wisconsin is complete without mentioning North Beach. Located on Lake Michigan, this beach was named one of the 51 Great American Beaches by USA Today – and it’s definitely deserving of the recognition. In addition to 2,500 feet of shoreline, the family-friendly beach boasts a concession stand, live music, and a playground.

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3. Big Bay Beach at Town Park
2305 Big Bay Rd, La Pointe, WI 54850, USA
Jake S/TripAdvisor
Accessing this Lake Superior beach requires taking a ferry to Madeline Island. But the effort is sure to be worth it since it’s been dubbed the best beach in northern Wisconsin. With a two-mile stretch of sand, beachgoers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.
4. Kohler-Andrae State Park
1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan, WI 53081, USA
Jennifer M/TripAdvisor
Kohler-Andrae State Park has all sorts of perks. In addition to miles of beautiful beachfront, the park is home to the biggest sand dune complex on the Wisconsin portion of the Lake Michigan coastline. Unique wetlands, which are home to an array of rare plants, are also part of the park’s stunning landscape.
5. Point Beach State Forest
9400 County Rd O, Two Rivers, WI 54241, USA
Reggiejames/TripAdvisor
Point Beach State Forest is another Lake Michigan gem; this family-friendly beach features several hundred yards of sandy beachfront, providing ample room for some fun in the sun. Walking trails, picnic areas, and a concession stand are a few other amenities visitors can enjoy. The Rawley Point Recreation Trail is also nearby. A great biking trail, the 6-mile path leads straight to the Rawley Point Lighthouse, making for the perfect nautical adventure.

Get a stunning birds-eye view of this incredible beach in Wisconsin in this incredible drone footage:

So, did you know about the Great Lakes beaches in Wisconsin mentioned above? Ever visited? Know of another must-visit Great Lakes beach? Tell us in the comments section.

Of course, these aren’t the only great swimming spots in Wisconsin.

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More to Explore

Best Beaches in Wisconsin

Beth C. | March 30, 2021

What are the most beautiful Wisconsin lakes?

It's hard to imagine the Wisconsin landscape without its beautiful array of lakes. Ranging in size and scope, these beautiful water features are what make the Badger State so remarkably beautiful. If you agree, then there are countless lakes that belong on your radar. Some of these destinations include:

  • Lake Mendota in Dane County
  • Lake Pepin in Pepin County
  • Devil's Lake in Sauk County
  • Lake Winnebago, Green Lake, and Wazee Lake in Jackson County
  • Lake Onalaska in La Crosse County, Lake Koshkonong in Jefferson County
  • Lake Waubesa in Dane County, and Shawano Lake.

One could easily devote an entire lifetime to exploring all that these beautiful Wisconsin lakes have to offer!

 

What are the best swimming spots in Wisconsin?

No matter your age, there's something about discovering a hidden swimming hole that will make you feel like a kid again. Fortunately, we've done the work to locate some of the very best swimming spots in Wisconsin. So pack your bathing suit and towel and prepare to be enchanted when you visit any of the following spots:

  • Dells of the Eau Claire Park in Aniwa
  • Soo Lake in Newbold
  • Minooka Park in Waukesha
  • Turtle Creek in Beloit
  • Amnicon Falls in South Range
  • Redgranite Quarry in Redgranite

 

Where can I go in Wisconsin that only the locals know about?

Wisconsin is a vast state, and there are quite literally thousands of hidden gems to uncover. If you're looking to experience the state as the locals do, there are a few places that you simply must experience. Some of these destinations include:

  • The Abbey Resort
  • Period Garden Park
  • The LaCross Trolley
  • Wisconsin's Lost State Park
  • Manitowoc

Have you visited any of these hidden gem destinations in Wisconsin?

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