Kohler-Andrae State Park: Your Complete Guide

Just 52 miles north of Milwaukee lies one of Wisconsin's most family-friendly natural treasures: Kohler-Andrae State Park, where majestic sand dunes meet more than two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. This 988-acre park offers families an extraordinarily diverse outdoor experience combining beaches, dunes, wetlands, forests and prairies in one accessible location.

Combined with Sheboygan's exceptional family attractions including Bookworm Gardens, the free John Michael Kohler Arts Center and Blue Harbor Resort and its indoor waterpark, this area delivers an easy day trip or weekend escape for Milwaukee-area families year-round.

If you want to turn the park into a longer getaway, our complete family guide to Sheboygan covers even more attractions, restaurants and places to explore. You can also compare Kohler-Andrae with other destinations in our guide to Wisconsin's best state parks.

Kohler-Andrae’s Lake Michigan beach

Located at 1020 Beach Park Lane, Sheboygan, WI 53081, Kohler-Andrae State Park is an easy drive north from Milwaukee via I-43. What makes this park exceptional for families is its remarkable ecological diversity—where else can your kids explore sand dunes, splash in Lake Michigan, hike through pine forests and spot wildlife in marshlands all in a single visit?

The park encompasses two adjacent units managed as one: Terry Andrae State Park, established in 1927, and John Michael Kohler State Park, established in 1966. The protected Kohler Park Dunes State Natural Area within the park protects one of the last natural stretches of Lake Michigan shoreline in this part of Wisconsin.

The park is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m..

A Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission pass is required. Current daily admission is $13 for vehicles with Wisconsin plates and $16 for vehicles with out-of-state plates. A 12-month pass costs $28 for Wisconsin-plated vehicles and $50 for out-of-state vehicles. Wisconsin residents age 65 and older pay $13 for a 12-month pass or $3 for a daily pass.

If you plan to hit several parks this year, the 12-month pass can quickly pay for itself.

Seven trails serve every ability level

The park's official hiking trail system offers something for almost every family member, from young children looking for a short nature walk to teens who want a more adventurous hike.

The famous Dunes Cordwalk is the signature experience. The two-mile route runs parallel to Lake Michigan, with a half-mile northern section and 1.5-mile southern section. Wooden cordwalk planks lead through active and stabilized sand dunes, interdunal wetlands and white pine forest. The DNR rates the hike moderate to difficult, so sturdy footwear is a much better choice than flip-flops.

For families with strollers or young children, the Woodland Dunes Trail is an excellent choice. A quarter-mile portion has a finely crushed limestone surface suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, while the full trail extends for one mile.

The Fishing Pond Trail is another easy option, stretching 0.3 miles around the fishing pond on a flat crushed-limestone surface with plenty of benches.

The Black River Marsh Boardwalk provides a quarter-mile accessible route through wetlands where kids can look for waterfowl and marsh plants.

The half-mile Creeping Juniper Nature Trail begins and ends at Sanderling Nature Center and travels through gently rolling dunes. Interpretive signs explain dune plants, animals and geology. Because the ecosystem is fragile, visitors need to remain on the cordwalk.

For older kids and teens, the 2.5-mile Black River Trail explores open fields and forest and is also open to mountain bikes and horses. The half-mile Marsh Trail connects the marsh boardwalk with the accessible cabin and Woodland Dunes Trail.

The beach rivals ocean destinations

Kohler-Andrae's long stretch of golden sand is one of those places that can make you forget you are in Wisconsin. With dune-backed shoreline and blue Lake Michigan stretching to the horizon, it can feel more like an ocean beach than a Midwest state park.

There are separate areas for families and pets. The main swimming areas are south of Sanderling Nature Center, while the beach north of the nature center is designated for visitors with dogs.

There are no lifeguards on duty, so families need to supervise children closely and pay attention to waves, currents and changing Lake Michigan conditions.

Before swimming, check the Wisconsin Beach Health database for current water-quality information and any swimming advisories. Kohler-Andrae's beaches are among the Sheboygan County beaches routinely monitored during the summer.

One especially helpful feature for families with mobility needs: the park has two beach wheelchairs available at no charge through the park.

Summer weekends can get busy, so arriving earlier in the morning is usually your best bet. And because the shoreline faces east, this is one of the better places in southeast Wisconsin to catch a Lake Michigan sunrise.

Sanderling Nature Center brings dune ecology to life

The Sanderling Nature Center sits among the dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and makes a great indoor break between hiking and beach time.

Inside, families can explore exhibits about local wildlife, use interactive kiosks, watch the eight-minute “Welcome to Kohler-Andrae” movie and browse a collection of children's picture books.

One of the best features is the rooftop observation deck, where visitors can watch Lake Michigan boats and migrating waterfowl.

The nature center is open daily May through September, generally 12:30–4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. During the off-season, it opens on selected Saturdays, so check before making a special trip.

Children can also participate in the Wisconsin Explorer Program by picking up an activity booklet and completing nature-focused challenges around the park.

If your kids enjoy this kind of stop, our guide to nature centers in Greater Milwaukee and southeast Wisconsin has plenty of other ideas.

Camping at Kohler-Andrae

Kohler-Andrae is one of the best options in southeast Wisconsin for combining a state-park camping trip with a Lake Michigan beach vacation.

The Kohler-Andrae campground has 137 family campsites, including 52 with electric hookups. Each site includes a campfire ring and picnic table, and the campground remains open year-round.

During the warm-weather camping season, the campground has showers, flush toilets and laundry facilities. There are no individual water or sewer hookups, but the park has a dump station and freshwater fill station.

Summer weekends can fill well ahead of time, so make reservations as soon as your plans are firm. Wisconsin State Park reservations can generally be made up to 11 months in advance.

The park also has two group campsites with a combined capacity of 50 people.

For guests with disabilities, Kohler-Andrae has a large accessible cabin with electricity, heating and air conditioning, a kitchen, accessible bathroom with roll-in shower, adjustable hospital beds, patient lift, screened porch and accessible outdoor fire ring.

If camping is becoming a bigger part of your family's travel plans, see our complete guide to family camping in Wisconsin and our guide to Wisconsin's best waterfront campsites.

Every season offers a different family experience

Summer

Summer delivers peak beach season along with hiking, nature-center programs and family camping. This is also the busiest time of year, so earlier arrivals are smart on sunny weekends.

Fall

Fall may be the park's most underrated season. Cooler temperatures make the dune trails more comfortable, fall colors brighten the wooded portions of the park and migrating birds move along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

The Sanderling Nature Center remains open daily through September and has limited off-season hours afterward.

Winter

Kohler-Andrae transforms into an entirely different park after snowfall.

The park's winter recreation system includes a two-mile groomed cross-country ski trail with flat to gentle slopes that passes through the picnic area, southern campground and Woodland Dunes area.

A separate one-mile marked snowshoe trail begins near the amphitheater. Snowshoeing is also available along the 2.5-mile Black River Trail and in other portions of the park.

Winter beach walks can be spectacular, but stay well away from unstable shoreline ice and never assume Lake Michigan ice is safe to walk on.

Spring

Spring brings migrating birds, emerging dune plants and comfortable hiking temperatures before the busy summer season begins.

It is also a great time to experience the Cordwalk without peak-season crowds.

Wildlife encounters happen naturally

White-tailed deer are among the most common larger animals visitors encounter. The Black River marsh also provides habitat for muskrats, waterfowl and other wetland wildlife.

The Lake Michigan shoreline is an important migration corridor, making spring and fall especially interesting for families who enjoy bird watching. Hawks, ducks, cranes, shorebirds and other migrating species can all move through the area.

The protected dune system contains creeping juniper, beach grasses and other plants specially adapted to this difficult environment.

Stay on designated paths and cordwalks whenever possible. Dune vegetation can be extremely fragile, and repeated foot traffic can damage areas that take years to recover.

Practical tips make family visits smoother

Families bringing a dog should review both our guide to dog-friendly hiking in Wisconsin and the park's official pet rules before visiting.

Dogs must remain on a physical leash no longer than eight feet. Pets are permitted at campsites, along park roads, on the Black River Trail, Black River Marsh Boardwalk, Marsh Trail, designated portions of the Cordwalk, Fishing Pond Trail and the beach north of Sanderling Nature Center.

Dogs are not allowed on the beach south of the nature center, in playgrounds or buildings, or on designated nature trails.

For strollers, start with the accessible portion of Woodland Dunes Trail, Fishing Pond Trail or Black River Marsh Boardwalk.

Families with toddlers may want to combine a short walk with the playground, beach sand play and a stop at Sanderling Nature Center. School-age kids can tackle longer portions of the Cordwalk, try fishing or complete Wisconsin Explorer activities.

Pack sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, towels, a change of clothes and sturdy footwear. There are no restaurants inside the park, so bring picnic supplies or plan to head into Sheboygan afterward.

More family things to do in Sheboygan

Kohler-Andrae is only part of what makes this stretch of Lake Michigan such a good family getaway.

Our complete Things to Do in Sheboygan With Kids guide can help you turn a few hours at the state park into a full weekend.

Bookworm Gardens transforms children's literature into living landscapes

Bookworm Gardens at 1415 Campus Drive brings children's books to life through more than 80 story-inspired garden spaces.

Kids can climb aboard the Magic School Bus, explore scenes inspired by classic children's books and discover laminated books tucked throughout the gardens.

Bookworm Gardens is open May 1 through October 31. During June, July and August, it is generally open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. During May, September and October, hours are generally Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For 2026, general admission is $13 for adults and $11 for youth ages 3–17, with children age 2 and younger free. Sheboygan County residents also qualify for special admission arrangements.

Most families should plan around two hours.

John Michael Kohler Arts Center offers free creative exploration

The John Michael Kohler Arts Center at 608 New York Avenue is one of the best free family stops in Sheboygan.

Admission and parking are free, and families can explore contemporary art exhibitions, artist-designed washrooms and hands-on art experiences.

The Social STUDIO offers creative activities tied to exhibitions, making this much more approachable for children than the stereotypical “don't touch anything” museum.

The Arts Center is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday until 8 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

You can also visit JMKAC's free Art Preserve at 3636 Lower Falls Road, which is dedicated to artist-built environments.

Above & Beyond Children's Museum delivers three floors of interactive play

Above & Beyond Children's Museum at 902 N. 8th Street is one of Sheboygan's best rainy-day options for younger children.

The museum has three floors of hands-on exhibits focused on imaginative and active play.

Admission is currently $10 for adults and children age 1 and older, $9 for seniors and free for babies under 12 months. Museums for All admission is $3.

Regular hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Wednesdays extended until 7 p.m.

For most families, plan about 90 minutes to two hours.

Blue Harbor Resort brings indoor waterpark fun year-round

Blue Harbor Resort's Breaker Bay Waterpark at 725 Blue Harbor Drive is a 54,000-square-foot indoor waterpark maintained at 84 degrees.

Attractions include a surf simulator, lazy river, tube slides, waterslides, water basketball, hot tub and Toddler Tides area for younger swimmers.

Families do not necessarily have to stay overnight to visit. Sunday waterpark day passes are available for $40 per person when occupancy permits.

Blue Harbor also offers Thursday Community Waterpark Nights for $20 per swimmer, with children age 2 and younger free. Hours vary seasonally, so check before heading over.

Pier Fun Zone Arcade and Lost Temples Mini Golf provide additional indoor entertainment.

Sheboygan's beaches and parks add even more lakefront fun

Deland Park at 715 Broughton Drive is Sheboygan's central lakefront park and includes beach access, playgrounds, volleyball, fishing, picnic areas and waterfront walking.

While you're there, make the short walk to the Lottie Cooper Shipwreck display. Recovered portions of the wooden schooner that sank in 1894 are displayed outdoors near the marina, making this a quick and free piece of maritime history for kids.

On Sheboygan's south side, General King Park provides another Lake Michigan beach, playground, picnic areas, grills and restrooms.

For something completely different, head north to Sheboygan Quarry Beach Adventure Park at 3401 Calumet Drive. The former quarry contains a sandy swimming area and inflatable aqua park. Sessions are offered during the summer, life jackets are included for aqua-park participants and advance reservations are a good idea on busy days.

Family restaurants span bratwursts to Neapolitan pizza

No Sheboygan trip is complete without trying the food that helped make the city famous.

For a classic local experience, The Northwestern House at 1909 Union Avenue serves Sheboygan-style double brats, steak sandwiches, burgers, fish fry and broasted chicken. It's a good place to introduce kids to the Sheboygan tradition of serving brats and burgers on local hard rolls.

For breakfast or lunch, Field to Fork at 511 S. 8th Street combines farm-to-table cooking with an in-house bakery, coffee and fresh ingredients. It is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sheboygan's Family Restaurant at 2704 S. Business Drive is a straightforward, budget-friendly family diner serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Pizza lovers should try Il Ritrovo at 515 S. 8th Street, one of the earliest Vera Pizza Napoletana-certified pizzerias in the United States. Its wood-fired pizzas use fresh mozzarella made from Wisconsin curd.

Parker John's BBQ & Pizza at 705 Riverfront Drive combines smoked barbecue, pizza and a waterfront location along the Sheboygan River.

Families with picky eaters may appreciate the buffet at Pizza Ranch Sheboygan at 3518 Kohler Memorial Drive, where pizza, chicken, sides and desserts make it easy for everyone to find something.

End the day at South Pier Parlor, 434 S. Pier Drive, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor with dozens of hand-dipped flavors, homemade fudge and waterfront atmosphere. (The Sheboygan Chamber of Commerce)

Planning your perfect adventure

For a day trip

Arrive at Kohler-Andrae in the morning, hike the Creeping Juniper Trail or part of the Dunes Cordwalk, spend some time on the beach and stop at Sanderling Nature Center.

Then head into Sheboygan for Bookworm Gardens during its May-through-October season or the John Michael Kohler Arts Center year-round before grabbing pizza, barbecue or a classic Sheboygan brat.

For an overnight escape

Book a campsite at Kohler-Andrae or stay at Blue Harbor Resort.

Spend your first day exploring the state park, then head into Sheboygan for dinner and a waterfront walk. On day two, combine Above & Beyond Children's Museum, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Bookworm Gardens or additional beach time.

For rainy days

Above & Beyond Children's Museum and John Michael Kohler Arts Center are dependable indoor options, while Blue Harbor's Breaker Bay Waterpark can turn bad weather into one of the highlights of the trip.

Seasonal sweet spots

Summer delivers the full beach-and-waterpark experience. Fall brings cooler hiking weather, migration season and smaller crowds. Winter adds cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and a very different side of Lake Michigan. Spring combines migrating birds and quieter trails before the summer rush.

Kohler-Andrae is close enough to Milwaukee for a spontaneous beach day but has enough surrounding attractions to anchor an entire weekend. Between the dunes, trails, Lake Michigan shoreline and surprisingly deep lineup of family activities in nearby Sheboygan, it is one of the easiest Wisconsin destinations to keep returning to.