Kohler-Andrae State Park - Sheboygan, WI
Kohler-Andrae State Park offers splendid beaches, woodland trails, camping, birds and other wildlife, and a nice playground for kids. A highlight is the grand, well-laid boardwalk for hiking along the beach with scenic views of the sand dunes and beyond. One of my personal favorite trails is the wooded trails that traverse the perimeter of the campgrounds. The trees are magnificent, the smell is brilliant, and the trail even leads to a swamp trail as well. It's the perfect park for an afternoon spent on the beach, or a picnic under the shade of big pines. There are pavilions for rental, too.
The origins of Kohler-Andrae State Park reach back to 1927, with the passing of Frank Theodore (Terry) Andrae. A successful Milwaukee businessman, he and his wife built a house overlooking Lake Michigan. The house was in the same location as the present-day campgrounds at the park. When Mr. Andrae passed away, his wife donated all 122 acres of the lakeshore property to the state of Wisconsin, to be known as Terry Andrae State Park.
Nearly 40 years later, another 280 acres was donated to the Wisconsin State Park system by the Kohler Company. The parcel was just north of Terry Andrae State Park, and was named in honor of Sheboygan resident, and company founder, John Michael Kohler. It expanded the protections of precious natural habitat along the Lake Michigan shore, and the adjacent woodlands and wetlands.
In the years following, the state of Wisconsin purchased an additional 600 acres. Although still considered two separate properties with adjacent boundaries, they are managed as one unit by the Department of Natural Resources.
For more details on the natural history of the land the park resides on, and the Indigenous People that once lived here, visit the Wisconsin DNR website. And for a walking tour of original Effigy Mounds left by these original residents, check out Sheboygan Indian Mound Park, which is a short distance north of the state park.
OTHER AMENITIES AVAILABLE:
The Sanderling Nature Center resides at the northern end of the park, near the sand dunes. The center offers exhibits, interactive educational kiosks, and a variety of nature-oriented events and programs for adults and children alike. Field trips are welcome, with reservations. For more details on the nature center, check out their website.
Campground offerings: the park has 137 family campsites (including 52 with electrical hook-ups), and two group campsites, that can accommodate up to 50 people (tents only, no electrical). An accessible cabin is also available guests with disabilities.
The campground is open all-year, however, some of the facilities may not be available during the winter season.
The park is open year-round, Daily 6am - 11pm.
Fees: A vehicle State Park Sticker is required, and can be purchased on-site, or via the Wisconsin DNR website.
Pets are welcome in the parks, but must be on-leash, and cleaned up after. For more details, click here.
Location: 1020 Beach Park Lane, Sheboygan, WI (Sheboygan County)
For more information visit Friends of Kohler-Andrae State Park and the Wisconsin DNR website.
The origins of Kohler-Andrae State Park reach back to 1927, with the passing of Frank Theodore (Terry) Andrae. A successful Milwaukee businessman, he and his wife built a house overlooking Lake Michigan. The house was in the same location as the present-day campgrounds at the park. When Mr. Andrae passed away, his wife donated all 122 acres of the lakeshore property to the state of Wisconsin, to be known as Terry Andrae State Park.
Nearly 40 years later, another 280 acres was donated to the Wisconsin State Park system by the Kohler Company. The parcel was just north of Terry Andrae State Park, and was named in honor of Sheboygan resident, and company founder, John Michael Kohler. It expanded the protections of precious natural habitat along the Lake Michigan shore, and the adjacent woodlands and wetlands.
In the years following, the state of Wisconsin purchased an additional 600 acres. Although still considered two separate properties with adjacent boundaries, they are managed as one unit by the Department of Natural Resources.
For more details on the natural history of the land the park resides on, and the Indigenous People that once lived here, visit the Wisconsin DNR website. And for a walking tour of original Effigy Mounds left by these original residents, check out Sheboygan Indian Mound Park, which is a short distance north of the state park.
OTHER AMENITIES AVAILABLE:
The Sanderling Nature Center resides at the northern end of the park, near the sand dunes. The center offers exhibits, interactive educational kiosks, and a variety of nature-oriented events and programs for adults and children alike. Field trips are welcome, with reservations. For more details on the nature center, check out their website.
Campground offerings: the park has 137 family campsites (including 52 with electrical hook-ups), and two group campsites, that can accommodate up to 50 people (tents only, no electrical). An accessible cabin is also available guests with disabilities.
The campground is open all-year, however, some of the facilities may not be available during the winter season.
The park is open year-round, Daily 6am - 11pm.
Fees: A vehicle State Park Sticker is required, and can be purchased on-site, or via the Wisconsin DNR website.
Pets are welcome in the parks, but must be on-leash, and cleaned up after. For more details, click here.
Location: 1020 Beach Park Lane, Sheboygan, WI (Sheboygan County)
For more information visit Friends of Kohler-Andrae State Park and the Wisconsin DNR website.
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