Sheboygan, Wisconsin – The Essential Guide

Sheboygan is a coastal getaway in the Midwest, just an hour’s drive north of Milwaukee.

This laidback town nestled along the shores Lake Michigan combines freshwater surfing culture with a vibrant, yet relaxed lifestyle. under-the-radar culinary scene. The “Malibu of the MidwestSheboygan, known for its waves as the “Freshwater Surfing Capital of the World”, also embraces the heritage of the “Bratwurst Capital of the World“—a nod to the German immigrants who made sausage-making a local art form.

Together, these three claims to fame describe what makes Sheboygan special: Midwest surf town Charm, heart and soul. The combination of all this with the top-notch artworks proves that this destination does not need an ocean in order to make waves.

What you should know before planning your trip to Sheboygan in Wisconsin.

The Best Things to do

Go surfing or to the beach.

Sheboygan’s Lake Michigan coastline is stunning at any time. Locals and tourists flock to the beaches in warmer months. North Beach at Deland Park—the city’s main waterfront area—to swim, paddleboard, and play volleyball along wide, sandy shores. Just south. King Park Enjoy the lake view and sunbathing at this relaxing spot.

The scene changes in the fall and winter. North Point is a popular destination for wetsuit-clad surfers, as the colder air and stronger wind over Lake Michigan provide ideal conditions. The “Elbow”, a curved section, produces some of Sheboygan’s most powerful surf.

Improve your swing.

Sheboygan, Wisconsin is located a few miles to the north. Whistling Straits is the area’s undisputed crown jewel—ranked among the world’s top golf courses The 43rd Ryder Cup was held here, along with three PGA Championships. The Pete Dye–designed, 36-hole layout includes the famed Straits Course, which runs along two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, and the Irish Course, its slightly more forgiving inland counterpart. Nearby, Blackwolf Run There are another 36 holes. The two courses are both part of Destination KohlerAnchored by The American Club, The most lavish five-star hotel in the area. 

Bookworm Gardens

Bookworm Gardens feels as if it’s been plucked straight from the pages of a storybook—literally. The seven-acre garden seamlessly blends literature, art and nature to create a whimsical flower-filled space. Three Little Pigs You can also find out more about the following: Charlotte’s Web. The sculptures, interactive displays, and winding routes encourage exploration. It’s open seasonally, from May to Oct., and is a nostalgic delight that will appeal to visitors of all ages.). 

John Michael Kohler Arts Center & Art Preserve

Sheboygan’s artistic side on display at the John Michael Kohler Arts CenterThe museum is known for its artist-built immersive environments. Think of entire rooms and installations that were designed by artists. Its sister site, The, is just a few miles from the Art PreserveThe first museum in the world to be entirely dedicated to artist-built environment, displays large-scale installations, restored environments and a light-filled, wooded building. Both spaces are free to enter.

Kohler-Andrae State Park

Kohler-Andrae State Park Though it is only seven miles away, Sheboygan feels like an entirely different place. It’s one of the few remaining natural stretches along Lake Michigan, with tall dunes, pine forests, and over two miles of golden sand. This park is popular all year round, and offers scenic hikes like the Dunes Cordwalk Trail that winds along the shoreline and through the dune ridges, as well shaded woodland trails and marsh paths. The park is popular in the summer for picnics on the shore, swimming and kayaking. In fall and winter, quiet hikes are available through dunes covered with snow and views of frozen shoreline.

See America’s highest flagpole.

Acuity Insurance’s campus, off Interstate 43, rises 400 feet above ground level. ACUITY Flagpole is the tallest in the country—nearly 100 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty. The 420,000 pound pole is topped with a 70-by-14-foot American Flag that measures 9,800 square feet in size and weighs 250 lbs. It can be seen for miles between Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Green Bay. Does it seem a little out of place? Absolutely—but it’s also a proud symbol of the city’s big-hearted Midwestern spirit.

Where to Eat and drink

3 Sheeps brewing

Sheboygan craft beer is a staple of the local scene. 3 Sheeps Brewing From a small operation in Wisconsin, has become one of the most celebrated breweries. The taproom, which is located in a converted warehouse with an outdoor patio, serves small-batch beers and attracts both locals as well as visitors. Food trucks, live events and music, as well as plenty of room to relax, are just some of the reasons why this is one of Sheboygan’s most popular stops.

Miesfeld’s

Sheboygan has been a Sheboygan tradition since the 1940s. Miesfeld’s This is more than just a place to eat, it’s a way of life. The bratwurst made by this family-owned butcher helped the city earn its title as “Bratwurst capital of the world” with multiple awards from state and national levels. The market offers a full butcher counter where visitors can stock up on fresh cuts and sausages made in-house. If the grill is hot, they can grab a brat that’s just been grilled. With more than two dozen varieties, from mushroom Swiss to jalapeño cheddar, there’s a brat for just about every taste.

Black Pig

Sheboygan’s animal-themed favorites continue at Black PigThe restaurant, located in the heart of downtown, is known for serving comfort food with a creative twist. The menu spotlights locally sourced ingredients—especially pork, which appears in everything from hearty handhelds to rich ragùs and crispy house-cured bacon. The restaurant is laid-back and buzzy with a menu of craft beers, cocktails and whiskeys.

Schulz’s restaurant

Open since 53 this old-school haunt The diner looks like it was lifted from an era long gone. The diner is best known for its charcoal grilled sandwiches, steaks and burgers on hard rolls. It also serves homemade soups and chili as well as classic breakfast food. With counter service, vintage signage, and unfussy charm, it’s the kind of place where time—and tradition—never seem to change.

Eb Flo Coffeehouse 

Sheboygan South Pier. Eb Flo Coffeehouse is a cozy waterfront café where locals and visitors linger over locally roasted coffee. Interiors are filled with light, have coastal touches and feature a wave mural that pays homage Sheboygan’s surfing spirit. You can’t leave without trying one of the café’s signature “croffles”—a flaky hybrid of a croissant and a waffle—in both sweet and savory varieties, from strawberry banana to ham and cheese. 

What to Do in the Area

The American Club 

Kohler is located five miles west of Sheboygan. The American Club Anchors the luxury scene in the area. Built in 1918 for Kohler Company employees, this redbrick Tudor remains the focal point of the city. The adults-only Carriage House The Kohler Waters spa is included in the package. It also includes a daily breakfast and evening drinks and hors-d’oeuvres. Visitors can select from eight different dining options, while golfers are able to play on one of two courses.

Blue Harbor Resort

The South Pier is just a few steps away. Blue Harbor Resort Sheboygan is known for its signature hotel. The resort’s lakefront location features spacious villas and suites that overlook the water. There is also a 54,000-square foot indoor waterpark and a full-service resort spa. Dine at the Beacon Restaurant on-site, walk the nearby boardwalk or relax around the fire pits, as the sun appears to dip into the glistening water.