Kohler-Andrae State Park
This gorgeous State Park located just minutes south of Sheboygan and right on Lake Michigan is a gem! There are several trails to explore, some beaches (including one where dogs are allowed) and an area with a playground for children. There are several picnic tables dispersed throughout the park, and even a Nature Center to learn more about the specificities of this park’s vegetation and wildlife.
Small dune on the Dunes Cordwalk Trail.
Here are the trails in the southern part of the park:
To see a video of this Wisconsin gem, click here.
Dunes Cordwalk Trail
This linear one-mile-long trail follows Lake Michigan between Parking Lot 5 and the Nature Center, giving you plenty of opportunity for side trails leading to the beach. You can add the Creeping Juniper Loop for another .5 miles (bottom right photo), and north of the Sanderling Nature Center, the trail continues for another .5 miles to a beach where pets are allowed.
The cordwalk is similar to a boardwalk except that it’s less stable because it’s on sand. The planks are tied together with a cord, but some of them move, so wear good shoes or sandals.
This is a beautiful winding trail rolling between dunes, with many benches along the way to take a break and look at the many blues of Lake Michigan. Be aware there is very little shade on this trail, so wear sunscreen!
Woodland Dunes Trail
If the wind and sun right by the lake are too much, or if you like a woodsier atmosphere, head on over to this one-mile loop. You’ll be walking on dirt and pine leaves, see many types of trees (birches, maples, poplars, pines and more) and get some shade.
There is a playground and a bathroom right at the beginning of the trail, on Parking Lot 8.
On this trail, you can see many birds and maybe even startle a deer… if it doesn’t startle you first! This trail goes through the campground, and connects to the Marsh Trail:
Marsh Trail
This .25 linear trail is a nice little detour from the loop mentioned above.
It goes along the marsh, through a nice section of trees before becoming more open, and ends up at Parking Lot 10.
From there, you can continue your walk on the Black River Marsh Boardwalk Trail… before heading back to the Woodland Dunes to finish your loop.
Black River Marsh Boardwalk
This is another very short trail, a loop consisting entirely of boardwalk, that will bring you to the edge of the Black River.
It is located at the end of the Marsh Trail, at Parking lot 10.
From there you might see various birds, but also turtles and frogs!
There are a couple of benches if you want to take a break… or take out the binoculars!
For a full map of the trails, click here.
If you’re looking for a place to eat, before or after your visit, check out Field to Fork in Sheboygan!