Kohler-Andrae State Park: Your Complete Family 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 over two miles of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline. This 988-acre park—designated a "Wonder of Wisconsin"—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' literary wonderland, the free John Michael Kohler Arts Center, and Blue Harbor Resort's indoor waterpark, this area delivers the perfect day trip or weekend escape for Milwaukee-area families year-round.

Kohler-Andrae’s Lake Michigan beach

Located at 1020 Beach Park Lane, Sheboygan, WI 53081, Kohler-Andrae State Park is an easy 50-minute drive from Milwaukee via I-43 North. 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 1927) and John Michael Kohler State Park (1966). The protected Kohler Dunes State Natural Area within the park harbors threatened plant species and represents one of the last natural preserves along this Lake Michigan shoreline. The park remains open year-round from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Vehicle admission fees for 2025 are $13 daily for Wisconsin residents ($16 for non-residents), while annual passes cost $28 for residents ($38 non-residents). Senior Wisconsin residents 65+ pay just $13 annually. Purchase passes online at yourpassnow.com/ParkPass/wi or at the park entrance. Pro tip: failing to pay before entering incurs a $5 additional fee.

Eight trails serve every ability level

The park's trail system offers something for every family member, from infants in carriers to teenagers seeking adventure. The famous Dunes Cordwalk is the signature experience—a two-mile trail built with wooden planks strung on steel cables that wind through rolling sand dunes with nearly constant Lake Michigan views. Unlike typical boardwalks, cordwalk boards can shift slightly underfoot, so sturdy shoes are essential (skip the flip-flops). The trail takes 1-1.5 hours and earns 4.7 stars from over 1,100 AllTrails reviews.

For families with strollers or young children, three trails offer fully accessible surfaces. The Woodland Dunes Trail features a 0.25-mile crushed limestone loop perfect for strollers and first-time walkers. The Fishing Pond Trail stretches 0.3 miles with flat terrain and numerous benches for resting. The Black River Marsh Boardwalk provides a quarter-mile accessible route through wetlands ideal for spotting muskrats and waterfowl.

The half-mile Creeping Juniper Nature Trail works beautifully for children ages 3-8, featuring interpretive signs about the rare ground-hugging juniper plants and other dune ecology—though strollers won't make it and pets aren't permitted. For older kids and teens, the 2.5-mile Black River Trail allows bicycles and horses along its natural surface, while the 1.3-mile Ancient Shores Hiking Trail teaches geological history through the landscape.

The beach rivals ocean destinations

The park's 2.5 miles of golden sand beach consistently surprises families expecting typical Great Lakes swimming. With dune-backed shores and that famous Lake Michigan light, visitors often describe the scene as "oceanside." Two beach areas serve different needs: the main swimming beach near the nature center and a designated dog beach north of Sanderling Nature Center where leashed pets can join the fun.

Critical safety information: there are no lifeguards on duty. Families must supervise children constantly and watch for strong currents, undertows, and wind conditions. Lake Michigan's water temperature rarely warms above 65-70°F even in summer. Beach water quality is tested May through September—check Wisconsin Beach Health online before your visit.

Beach amenities include restrooms in nearby picnic areas, changing facilities, and a remarkable accessibility feature: two beach wheelchairs available for free checkout from the park office. Summer weekends fill parking lots before 11 AM, so arrive early or after 4 PM. The east-facing beach offers spectacular sunrise viewing for early-bird families.

Sanderling Nature Center brings dune ecology

This interpretive center at 900 Sanderling Lane provides the perfect educational complement to outdoor exploration. Inside, families find interactive exhibits about park ecology, an 8-minute welcome film, additional nature documentaries, and a picture book collection perfect for reading together. The rooftop observation deck offers views of Lake Michigan vessels and migrating waterfowl.

Current hours run May through September: Monday-Friday 12:30-4:30 PM, Saturday-Sunday 10:30 AM-4:30 PM. Admission is included with your vehicle pass. The center displays the 87-foot keel from the schooner "Challenge," which sank in 1852—a fascinating piece of maritime history kids can see up close.

The Wisconsin Explorer Program transforms family visits into achievement-driven adventures. Pick up a booklet at the center, complete half the hands-on activities, and children earn an official patch and certificate. Additional programs running May through October include bird watching sessions with Master Naturalists and campfire cooking classes teaching pie iron techniques. The gift shop, operated by Friends of Kohler-Andrae State Park, stocks field guides, park clothing, and nature-themed items.

Camping

The park's 137 family campsites (52 with electric hookups) fill quickly, so reserve 9-11 months ahead for summer weekends through wisconsin.goingtocamp.com or by calling 1-888-947-2757. Each site includes a fire ring, picnic table, and paved parking pad accommodating RVs up to 50-60 feet.

Current camping fees run approximately $20-25 nightly for non-electric sites (Wisconsin residents) and $35 nightly for electric sites, with non-residents adding $15. A non-refundable $7.95 reservation fee applies. The campground features hot showers and flush toilets (seasonal May-October), laundry facilities, a dump station, freshwater fill station, playground, and amphitheater for ranger programs.

For families seeking indoor comfort, an accessible cabin designed for guests with disabilities offers electricity, heat/AC, kitchen appliances, hospital beds with Hoyer lift, wheel-in shower, and screened porch. Capacity is six people with a four-night annual limit per family. Two group campsites accommodate up to 50 people for larger gatherings.

Winter camping operates with sites 3, 22, 23, 28, 32, and 33 plowed for hardy families. The minimum stay is two nights (three on holiday weekends) from May 15 through October 31.

Every season offers distinct family experiences

Summer (June-August) delivers peak beach season alongside all trails, nature center programs, and the Wisconsin Explorer Program. Sunrise viewing over Lake Michigan creates magical family memories. This busiest season demands early arrival—parking lots reach capacity before late morning on weekends.

Fall (September-November) may be the ideal family season with peak bird migration (over 150 species pass through), stunning foliage on wooded trails, significantly smaller crowds, and comfortable hiking temperatures. The nature center remains open through October.

Winter (December-February) transforms the park into a peaceful wonderland. The 2-mile groomed cross-country ski trail winds through the picnic area, southern campground, and connects to Woodland Dunes—rated easy to gentle slopes and perfect for families. The 1-mile marked snowshoe trail begins at the amphitheater, with the 2.5-mile Black River Trail also available. Winter beach walks offer solitude and opportunities for wildlife tracking in fresh snow.

Spring (March-May) brings bird migration viewing, emerging wildflowers on dunes, and special events like torch-lit trail walks. Crowds remain low while the nature center reopens in May.

Wildlife encounters happen naturally

White-tailed deer appear most frequently, while red foxes patrol the dunes and thirteen-lined ground squirrels entertain picnickers. The Black River marsh supports muskrats (watch for their distinctive domed homes) along with raccoons and occasionally coyotes.

The Lake Michigan shoreline serves as a critical migration corridor bringing 150+ documented bird species through the park. Spring and fall migrations offer the best viewing for diving ducks, hawks, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, American white pelicans, and the park's namesake sanderling shorebirds. The Kohler Dunes State Natural Area protects creeping juniper (the nature trail's namesake), unique beach grasses, and threatened plant species that define this remarkable ecosystem.

Important: The park is a wildlife refuge where all plant life is protected (except edible fruits and nuts). Stay on designated trails—trampling dune vegetation causes damage requiring years to recover.

Practical tips make family visits smoother

Pet policies permit leashed dogs (8-foot maximum) in the campground, on park roads, and on specific trails including Black River Trail, Marsh Boardwalk, Fishing Pond Trail, and designated Cordwalk sections. The beach north of Sanderling Nature Center welcomes dogs. Pets are prohibited from Creeping Juniper Nature Trail, picnic areas, shelters, buildings, playgrounds, the main beach, and ski trails. Clean up pet waste immediately and dispose in trash—never bury waste in sand.

Stroller-friendly areas include Woodland Dunes Trail (0.25-mile paved loop), Fishing Pond Trail, Black River Marsh Boardwalk, and paved parking areas near beach viewpoints. For toddlers, the playground near the picnic area, supervised beach sand play, and nature center picture books provide age-appropriate entertainment. School-age children thrive with the Wisconsin Explorer Program, beach swimming, fishing at the pond, and shorter trail hikes.

Essential packing list: sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, towels, change of clothes, and sturdy footwear for cordwalk trails. No restaurants operate within the park, so bring picnic supplies or plan to eat in nearby Sheboygan. The indoor shelter near campsite 13 features glass windows overlooking Lake Michigan and can be reserved for gatherings up to 100 people.

Sheboygan's family attractions

Bookworm Gardens transforms children's literature into living landscapes

This unique botanical garden at 1415 Campus Drive creates magic by bringing beloved children's books to life across more than 80 themed garden spaces. Children climb aboard the Magic School Bus, cross the Billy Goats Gruff bridge (with troll!), explore the Three Bears' cottage, dig for dinosaur bones, and discover books hidden in nooks throughout gardens featuring Wisconsin authors Kevin Henkes, Lois Ehlert, and Laura Ingalls Wilder.

The gardens operate seasonally May 1 through October 31 with varying hours: June-August sees the longest schedule (Tuesday-Sunday 9 AM-5 PM, closed Mondays), while May and September-October hours are Wednesday-Friday 10 AM-4 PM, Saturday-Sunday 9 AM-5 PM. Admission runs $12 for adults and $10 for youth ages 3-17, with children 2 and under free. Sheboygan County residents receive free admission with advance booking (or $3 at the door).

Ideal for children ages 2-12, the gardens feature ADA-compliant pathways suitable for strollers. Plan 1-2 hours for exploration. Advance tickets are strongly recommended, and reservations are required for general visits. The gardens close for winter, reopening May 1, 2026.

John Michael Kohler Arts Center offers free creative exploration for all ages

This nationally acclaimed arts center at 608 New York Avenue in downtown Sheboygan provides an exceptional value: admission and parking are always completely free. Winner of the 2023 Governor's Tourism Award, the center offers contemporary art exhibitions, hands-on creative activities, and award-winning artist-designed washrooms that are attractions themselves.

The Social STUDIO drop-in space just inside the front entrance welcomes families during all museum hours with collaborative art-making projects tied to current exhibitions—all materials provided free. Children can request free sketchbooks and pencils for gallery exploration, while overview cards provide kid-friendly exhibition explanations.

Hours run Tuesday-Friday 10 AM-5 PM (Thursday until 8 PM for late-night access), Saturday-Sunday 10 AM-4 PM, closed Monday. The on-site CAFE serves family-friendly food Tuesday-Sunday 10 AM-3 PM. Plan 1.5-3 hours for the main center, plus additional time if visiting the Art Preserve at 3636 Lower Falls Road—the world's first museum dedicated to artist-built environments, opened in 2021.

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

Located at 902 North 8th Street in downtown Sheboygan's historic district, this nonprofit museum fills 10,000 square feet across three floors plus a mezzanine with hands-on learning experiences. The building itself delights kids—a ship bow literally protrudes from one side, a ship stern from another, with a whale mural adding to the whimsy.

Admission costs $10 per person (children 1+ and adults), with seniors at $9 and infants under 12 months free. Museums for All participants pay just $3. Hours run Tuesday-Saturday 9 AM-4 PM, with Wednesday extended hours until 7 PM perfect for after-school visits. Sunday operates 9 AM-3 PM with members-only access 9-11 AM and a Sensory Sensitivity Hour 2-3 PM featuring lower capacity and available headphones and sunglasses.

Top exhibits include the U.S.S. Efroymson Ship with steering wheel and harbor views, the Barnyard gated area for children 4 and under, the beloved Circus exhibit, and the Sky Crawl climbing tunnels on the mezzanine. New 2025 additions include a Veterinary Clinic, Rhythm and Rainbows music exhibit, and Mexican-American Culture Exchange. The outdoor Purple Octopus Playground offers ADA-accessible equipment. Best for ages 1-10, plan 1.5-2 hours for a typical visit.

Blue Harbor Resort brings indoor waterpark excitement year-round

At 725 Blue Harbor Drive on Lake Michigan's shore, Blue Harbor Resort combines lakeside accommodations with Breaker Bay, a 54,000-square-foot indoor waterpark maintained at a constant 84°F. Waterpark features include the Riptide double surf simulator (the only one in eastern Wisconsin), Molly's Moat lazy river, multiple waterslides, a hot tub, water basketball, and Toddler Tides for youngest swimmers.

Day pass access is limited: Sunday passes cost $40 per person when available based on occupancy. Thursday Community Nights (October-May) offer the best deal at $20 per swimmer from 4-8 PM, with children 3 and under free. Towels aren't provided for day guests ($3 rental available). Resort room rates start around $235 nightly.

Summer waterpark hours run daily 9 AM-9 PM. Off-season hours (September-May) vary significantly: closed Monday-Wednesday, Thursday Community Night 4-8 PM, Friday 4-8 PM, Saturday 9 AM-8 PM, Sunday 9 AM-6 PM. Additional on-site attractions include the Pier Fun Zone Arcade and Lost Temples Indoor Mini Golf—solid rainy-day options for visiting families.

Sheboygan's beaches and Deland Park anchor lakefront family fun

Deland Park along Broughton Drive serves as Sheboygan's lakefront hub, featuring North Beach—known as the "Malibu of the Midwest" for its surfing culture. Families find a half-mile sandy beach, two playgrounds, volleyball courts, a bathhouse with showers, foot washing stations, and picnic areas with grills. A Mobi-mat provides beach accessibility, and free parking is available on surrounding streets and the marina lot. No lifeguards patrol, so supervise children constantly.

South Beach/King Park Beach behind Blue Harbor Resort offers additional sandy shoreline with playground, restrooms, and prime kite-surfer viewing. The nearby Lottie Cooper Shipwreck display (free) showcases recovered sections of an 1894 schooner—a quick educational stop kids find fascinating.

For summer aquatic adventure, Sheboygan Quarry Beach Adventure Park at 3401 Calumet Drive operates Memorial Day through Labor Day. The floating inflatable waterpark costs $15 online ($17 walk-in) for 90-minute aqua park sessions including beach access, while beach-only passes run $6-7. Water temperatures are notably warmer than Lake Michigan, and life vests are provided and required. The 18-hole disc golf course is free. Book ahead—sessions cap at 85 participants.

Family restaurants span bratwursts to Neapolitan pizza

Sheboygan claims the title of Bratwurst Capital of the World, and visitors should experience an authentic double brat on a Sheboygan hard roll with butter, mustard, pickles, and onions. Charcoal Inn locations (verify current status before visiting, as some have closed) built their reputation on charcoal-grilled brats since 1984—counter-service, cash-only, and beloved by locals. Try the "Charcoal Inn Sandwich" combining brat and burger.

For elevated breakfast, Field to Fork at 511 S 8th Street brings James Beard-nominated farm-to-table cooking with in-house bakery, coffee roastery, and juice bar (Monday-Saturday 7 AM-3 PM, $10-18 entrees). Sheboygan's Family Restaurant at 2704 S Business Drive offers budget-friendly diner fare where all kids' meals include complimentary drinks and lunch/dinner orders include dessert.

Il Ritrovo at 515 S 8th Street serves certified Vera Pizza Napoletana—the fifth certified in the United States—with mozzarella made daily from Wisconsin curd (closed Sunday). Parker John's BBQ & Pizza on the riverfront combines slow-smoked meats with stone-fired pizza and waterfront views. Pizza Ranch at 3518 Kohler Memorial Drive provides buffet-style pizza and chicken perfect for families with picky eaters.

End any visit at South Pier Parlor at 434 S Pier Drive for old-fashioned ice cream parlor magic. Kids love the electric train circling the restaurant while enjoying 36+ flavors of Petersen's hand-dipped ice cream, homemade waffle cones, and fresh fudge. Seasonal operation runs April through October with waterfront views across from Blue Harbor Resort.

Planning your perfect Sheboygan-area family adventure

For a day trip: Arrive at Kohler-Andrae State Park by 9 AM for prime beach parking, hike the Creeping Juniper or Woodland Dunes trails, enjoy beach time, explore Sanderling Nature Center, then head to Bookworm Gardens (May-October) or the Arts Center (year-round) before grabbing brats or pizza in Sheboygan.

For an overnight escape: Book camping at Kohler-Andrae 9-11 months ahead, or reserve Blue Harbor Resort for waterpark access. Spend day one at the state park beaches and trails, evening exploring downtown Sheboygan restaurants. Day two works perfectly for Above & Beyond Children's Museum, the Arts Center, and additional beach time at Deland Park.

For rainy days: Blue Harbor's indoor waterpark (Sunday or Thursday Community Night), Above & Beyond Children's Museum, and John Michael Kohler Arts Center all provide weather-proof family entertainment.

Seasonal sweet spots: Summer delivers peak beach and waterpark season. Fall brings gorgeous foliage and bird migration with fewer crowds. Winter offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at the state park. Spring awakens wildflowers and migrating birds while avoiding summer crowds.

This corner of Wisconsin packs remarkable natural beauty, creative cultural experiences, and genuine family-friendly hospitality into an easy Milwaukee day trip or weekend adventure—a true gem waiting just up the lakeshore.