Discover Year-Round Outdoor Recreation in Sheboygan, WI
Located on the breezy western shore of Lake Michigan and providing plenty of year-round fun, Sheboygan, WI, is perhaps one of the best hidden gems for outdoor recreation. But it’s not just the waves from this Great Lake city that draw people from all around; it’s also its top-tier golf, cross-country skiing, horseback riding and so much more.
Ahead, discover the numerous outdoor recreation options that come with each season in Sheboygan, WI.
In This Article
Spring
Spring in the Sheboygan, WI, area gives way to plentiful sunshine and comfortable temperatures, making it the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy all the area has to offer.
- Skateboarding: Kiwanis Park in Sheboygan houses a 5,000-square-foot skate park ideal for all skill levels. Additional amenities you should check out include its archery range and canoe and kayak launches.
- Horseback riding: A short drive south will lead you to Appy Orse Acres in Fredonia, where you can enjoy horseback riding through rolling farmland and pastures.
- Cycling and mountain biking: One of the biggest draws during this season is the county’s 39-plus miles of paved, off-road multiuse trails.
“We are one of only a few counties in the U.S. designated as bicycle-friendly by the League of American Bicyclists,” says Jason Bitter, who works for the Sheboygan County Planning & Conservation Department. “And we are currently working with the Sheboygan County Cycling club to build two mountain bike flow trails at Rocky Knoll, (a health center campus).”
Other great options include Old Plank Road Trail in Fond du Lac and Sheboygan counties, where you can enjoy scenic prairie landscape, and Sheboygan’s Lakefront Bike Path, which is right off the water.
Summer
Summers in the region are mild, so you can enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about overheating.
- Golf: Work on your handicap at Sheboygan’s Riverdale Country Club, which boasts a challenging, yet picturesque, 18-hole course. Or try your hand at Meadow Valleys, Whistling Straits or the Irish, all found in Sheboygan and designed by famed golf course architect Pete Dye.
- Sailing: With miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan, Sheboygan is a great place to sail. Beginners can sign up for lessons through the Sailing Education Association of Sheboygan.
- Kayaking: For a more leisurely day out on the water, paddle along Sheboygan River through wooded landscapes and the downtown corridor. This will take you to Lake Michigan, where you can switch to stand-up paddleboarding and kite surfing.
- Fishing: Catch a chinook or coho salmon for dinner along the Sheboygan South Pier – just one of several popular fishing spots in Sheboygan.
“Sheboygan County is also home to a ton of inland lakes. The king salmon run is incredible and draws a crowd from all over the country,” says Andrew Jakus, owner of EOS Surf Shop.
Autumn
As the air starts to cool, several familiar – and even one surprising – outdoor activities become popular.
- Hiking: Lace up your sneakers and stroll through the meadow and forested landscapes of Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan. A few trails within the park to check out include Black River Trail and Dunes Cordwalk.
- Camping: Set up camp at Sheboygan Broughton Marsh Park & Campground. The fully developed campsite includes showers, a playground, picnic areas, foot and disc golf courses, and fishing piers.
- Surfing: “Fall is our primary surf season on Lake Michigan. When the north winds travel down over the lake, they meet the warm water as it travels over the surface of the lake and generates the pulse that reaches our shores,” Jakus says.
Some of the best surfing spots include Sheboygan’s North Point (also known as “The Elbow”) and Kohler-Andrae State Park.
Winter
Chilly winters in Sheboygan, WI, make for ideal conditions for everything from skiing and ice fishing to surfing.
- Ice skating: Destination Kohler, a resort in Kohler, is home to Frozen Fairways. In addition to ice skating, the resort offers curling, fat-tire biking, hiking, patio games and holiday light displays.
- Cross-country skiing: Sheboygan’s Jaycee Trails in Maywood and Evergreen parks include eight loops that are marked for beginner and intermediate skiers. Six of the loops are groomed specifically for cross-country skiing.
- Ice fishing: Ice fishing on Elkhart Lake in Elkhart is a must, whether you’re a true fisherman or occasionally cast a line.
- Surfing: Ideal surfing conditions continue into the winter, so if you missed out on riding the waves in autumn, now is your chance to take on Lake Michigan.