Some of Wisconsin’s most scenic places can be found near the Lake Michigan shoreline and on a hot summer day, there’s nothing like a refreshing lake breeze. Here’s a road trip that will take you to some gorgeous spots, including historic lighthouses, unspoiled sand beaches and parks with incredible vistas. The trip and the breeze will be incredible.
Start driving – here are seven spots you need to visit:
- Southport Light Station Museum, Kenosha
Southport Light Station Museum (Kenosha, WI) One of Kenosha County’s most scenic spots has been around for a while. The SouthPort Light Station was built in the 1860s. Today it’s a museum and for a small fee you can climb to the top for a view like no other. The lighthouse’s 72 steps place you about 75 feet above Lake Michigan and you can see for miles.
- North Beach, Racine
Real Racine Just north of downtown, you’ll find paradise: a 50-acre park with 2,500 feet of beautiful sandy shoreline. North Beach is family friendly, with lifeguards on duty and plenty of snack for sale. The view of Lake Michigan never gets old.
- Lake Park, Milwaukee
Visit Milwaukee Since it opened in 1889, there’s perhaps no spot more tranquil in Milwaukee than Lake Park. Perched on a bluff above Lake Michigan, Lake Park is a quiet oasis that seems far removed from the nearby bustle of Bradford Beach. You’ll find tranquil wooded walking paths and incredible lake Michigan vistas.
- Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve, Grafton
Ozaukee County One of the last undeveloped stretches of Lake Michigan bluff land, Lion’s Den Gorge is a must-visit on this road trip. The park’s 100-foot bluffs offer panoramic views and stairways will take you down to the lake.
- Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan
Friends of Kohler-Andrae State Park If you had to describe this park near Sheboygan in one word, it would be “stunning.” The park on Lake Michigan has sweeping sand dunes, fresh pines and miles of unspoiled sand beach.
- Breakwater Lighthouse, Manitowoc
Facebook / Manitowoc Area Visitor & Convention Bureau One of the most-photographed spots on this side of the lake is Manitowoc’s Breakwater Lighthouse. The lighthouse is closed, but you can stroll out to the 1895 structure via the breakwall. Bring your camera.
- Point Beach State Forest, Two Rivers
Alltrails / Will Anderson Just outside Two Rivers, this road trip comes to an end at one more gorgeous beach. The Point Beach State Forest sprawls across 3,000 acres and has six miles of idyllic sand beach. The park is also home to the historic Rawley Point Lighthouse, built in 1853.
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Address: Southport Light Station Museum, 5117 4th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140, USAAddress: Racine North Beach, 100 Kewaunee St, Racine, WI 53403, USAAddress: Lake Park, 2975 N Lake Park Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USAAddress: Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve, 511 High Bluff Dr, Grafton, WI 53024, USAAddress: Kohler-Andrae State Park, 1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan, WI 53081, USAAddress: Manitowoc North Breakwater Lighthouse, Manitowoc, WI 54220, USAAddress: Point Beach State Forest, 9400 County Rd O, Two Rivers, WI 54241, USA
Southport Light Station Museum (Kenosha, WI)
One of Kenosha County’s most scenic spots has been around for a while. The SouthPort Light Station was built in the 1860s. Today it’s a museum and for a small fee you can climb to the top for a view like no other. The lighthouse’s 72 steps place you about 75 feet above Lake Michigan and you can see for miles.
Real Racine
Just north of downtown, you’ll find paradise: a 50-acre park with 2,500 feet of beautiful sandy shoreline. North Beach is family friendly, with lifeguards on duty and plenty of snack for sale. The view of Lake Michigan never gets old.
Visit Milwaukee
Since it opened in 1889, there’s perhaps no spot more tranquil in Milwaukee than Lake Park. Perched on a bluff above Lake Michigan, Lake Park is a quiet oasis that seems far removed from the nearby bustle of Bradford Beach. You’ll find tranquil wooded walking paths and incredible lake Michigan vistas.
Ozaukee County
One of the last undeveloped stretches of Lake Michigan bluff land, Lion’s Den Gorge is a must-visit on this road trip. The park’s 100-foot bluffs offer panoramic views and stairways will take you down to the lake.
Friends of Kohler-Andrae State Park
If you had to describe this park near Sheboygan in one word, it would be “stunning.” The park on Lake Michigan has sweeping sand dunes, fresh pines and miles of unspoiled sand beach.
Facebook / Manitowoc Area Visitor & Convention Bureau
One of the most-photographed spots on this side of the lake is Manitowoc’s Breakwater Lighthouse. The lighthouse is closed, but you can stroll out to the 1895 structure via the breakwall. Bring your camera.
Alltrails / Will Anderson
Just outside Two Rivers, this road trip comes to an end at one more gorgeous beach. The Point Beach State Forest sprawls across 3,000 acres and has six miles of idyllic sand beach. The park is also home to the historic Rawley Point Lighthouse, built in 1853.
