North Point Park - Sheboygan, WI
Sheboygan has several local parks that reside along the Lake Michigan shoreline. On a recent visit to town, I decided to take a drive up Broughton Drive, along the lake, and see some of the coastal beauty. Although there are several parks to choose from, I landed at North Point Park.
I parked the car in the small lot looking out over the lake, and headed south towards the beach area. Seagulls dotted the shore, and flew overhead. In the distance I could see folks enjoying a summer afternoon on the sandy beach. Wildflowers like Phlox were scattered among the rocks and crags, bees buzzing over the blooms.
I headed north toward the lookout area, and discovered a historic marker telling of one of the worst shipwrecks off the shores of Sheboygan - the Phoenix, in 1847. Beyond the marker, out just off the shore, I could see a reef. Presently covered in resting seagulls, ducks, and other shorebirds. I headed toward the open-air shelter, to see a sign describing the reef as part of the Niagara Escarpment. I had no idea that this was here. I did a bit of research later, and discovered this is a favorite e-bird hotspot. Lots of birders visit this area. A wide variety of seabirds visit this spot during migration, and the summer months. Even snowy owls have been known to stop here. The reef is a perfect spot for a bit of rest. And so scenic!
I walked just a bit past the lookout and down a short hill to a bit of beach area - well, actually, it was more reef, but not underwater. I could stand on it myself. The view from the shore out to the lake was lovely under the blue sky and striated clouds. If you're headed north along the lake, treat yourself and make a stop here. It's worth the view.
North of Sheboygan Yacht Club
Open Daily: 5am - 10pm
Admission: Free
Parking: Street parking and a small lot.
Location: North of Michigan Ave. on Broughton Drive, Sheboygan, WI (Sheboygan County)
For more information, click here.
I parked the car in the small lot looking out over the lake, and headed south towards the beach area. Seagulls dotted the shore, and flew overhead. In the distance I could see folks enjoying a summer afternoon on the sandy beach. Wildflowers like Phlox were scattered among the rocks and crags, bees buzzing over the blooms.
I headed north toward the lookout area, and discovered a historic marker telling of one of the worst shipwrecks off the shores of Sheboygan - the Phoenix, in 1847. Beyond the marker, out just off the shore, I could see a reef. Presently covered in resting seagulls, ducks, and other shorebirds. I headed toward the open-air shelter, to see a sign describing the reef as part of the Niagara Escarpment. I had no idea that this was here. I did a bit of research later, and discovered this is a favorite e-bird hotspot. Lots of birders visit this area. A wide variety of seabirds visit this spot during migration, and the summer months. Even snowy owls have been known to stop here. The reef is a perfect spot for a bit of rest. And so scenic!
I walked just a bit past the lookout and down a short hill to a bit of beach area - well, actually, it was more reef, but not underwater. I could stand on it myself. The view from the shore out to the lake was lovely under the blue sky and striated clouds. If you're headed north along the lake, treat yourself and make a stop here. It's worth the view.
North of Sheboygan Yacht Club
Open Daily: 5am - 10pm
Admission: Free
Parking: Street parking and a small lot.
Location: North of Michigan Ave. on Broughton Drive, Sheboygan, WI (Sheboygan County)
For more information, click here.