Sheboygan calls itself the “Malibu of the Midwest,” and it’s easy to see why—despite being situated in characteristically chilly Wisconsin, come summer this city features warm waters that lap against sandy shores under the bright sun.

But you’ll find no mere West Coast imitation here. Rather, the area marries irresistible and distinctive landlocked beaches with lush forests, family-friendly adventures, and a unique ’Scansin culture all its own. If you’re looking for the ideal spot to catch some rays and tread new ground, Sheboygan might just have everything you’re seeking in one destination.

Beachfront basking

Sitting just an hour north of Milwaukee and two and a half hours north of Chicago, Sheboygan may be easy to overlook or underestimate. But with a population of just under 50,000, it offers a more relaxed pace while still featuring similar perks as its bigger neighbors: most notably, an oceanlike setting upon Lake Michigan, where consistently dramatic waves have carved out plentiful beaches to tempt surfers and boaters alike. And because summer temperatures generally top out in the seventies, excursions here feel fresh and invigorating rather than staggeringly hot.

If you’re wondering where to plant your umbrella or your surfboard for a day in the sun, you have plenty of options to choose from right within steps of the city. Consider the popular King Park, which offers a playground for kids along with picnic tables and grills for the ultimate cookout, or venture to sandy Deland Park to lie back with a book, take your shot at the waves, or partake in a thrilling game on its volleyball courts. You could even bring your fishing pole down the nearby breakwall toward the iconic Breakwater Lighthouse, a century-old monument that rises out of the backdrop of Lake Michigan’s blue waters. Once you reach this structure, make sure to turn around and savor the panoramic views of Sheboygan’s beaches, skyline, and resort hotels.

For more remote shorelines beyond the urban bustle, head south from the city streets to Kohler-Andrae State Park. This natural preserve features dramatic dunes, inland pine forests, and campgrounds that invite you to rest and enjoy picnics in sight of the Great Lake.

Idyllic inland parks

The beaches may be Sheboygan’s biggest draw, but you’re spoiled for choice of other nature experiences—the area lays claim to over seven hundred acres of parks both within the city and on its outskirts. Among its most unique options is Bookworm Gardens, a whimsical botanical park inspired by children’s literature that’s sure to charm the young and young at heart. Its grounds showcase vibrant plant life and are themed around such stories as “Hansel and Gretel” and The Secret Garden. For another leisurely way to take in the local scenery, rent a private pontoon to cruise with your loved ones down the Sheboygan River, noting the forested shores, charming beach houses, and other breathtaking sights as they pass.

Then again, if you prefer to spend your time outdoors with a putter and a pair of khakis, you’re in luck. The Sheboygan area offers seven locations where you can hit the links, including the charming manor grounds at the Bull at Pinehurst Farms, Wisconsin’s only Jack Niklaus Signature golf course. Whistling Straits, meanwhile, frequently hosts major golf championships—such as the Ryder Cup in 2021—on its lush, rolling lakefront hills, making it a privilege to visit. (Just note that players should reserve a spot in advance within thirty days of their desired tee time.)

Cultural attractions

If you’re seeking the chance to dally among Sheboygan’s friendly locals, the South Pier District is a must-visit. A waterfront region hugging both the Sheboygan River and Lake Michigan, it features a maritime-themed miniature golf course, many places to book fishing charters, and even the historic Lottie Cooper Shipwreck. Various restaurants and boutique shops also line these promenades, making them ideal for a midday stroll away from the surf and sand.

In the heart of South Pier, art aficionados can delight in the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, which displays a rotating collection of astounding contemporary works, hosts talks with leading artists, and invites visitors to contribute to a massive public art piece in its Social STUDIO. Equally intriguing is Kohler’s secondary campus on the west side of town, the Art Preserve. With its cascading timber panels and a facade of local river rock, the contemporary structure encapsulating these masterpieces is itself worthy of a sightseeing visit. Then once you step inside, you can enjoy its permanent collection of folk art, historic artifacts, and modern works.

Alluring accommodations

To truly make the most of your Sheboygan adventure, you can’t go wrong with a reservation at the ultrapopular Blue Harbor Resort. Perfectly balancing serenity and thrills, the hotel provides luxurious rooms with nautical-inspired interiors and lake views, top-rated restaurants, a rejuvenating onsite spa, boutique shops, and so much more. Perhaps most enticing, though, is its enormous indoor waterpark (open only on weekends until June before switching to full hours for summer). Whether you choose to lie back and ride the lazy river, challenge your dexterity on the surf simulator, or enjoy a romantic meal for two against the Sheboygan sunset, Blue Harbor is a true indulgence for the senses.

However, this certainly isn’t the only option worthy of consideration. If you’d prefer resting in a more traditional hotel atmosphere, reserve a spot at the sophisticated Watershed Hotel, which is nestled just steps away from the beach. Or consider any of the available waterfront vacation rentals for a more intimate stay that provides all the comforts of home alongside stunning views.

Beyond your expectations

Though Sheboygan may sit in the shadow of its larger neighbor cities, it’s a worthy destination of its own, both for its exciting outdoor excursions as well as its one-of-a-kind culture. Rather than a bustling metropolis or tropical resort, the Malibu of the Midwest instead wraps enticing sights and adventures into a cozier, friendlier, and more affordable package, making it an alluring summer getaway to suit any traveler’s tastes.