Explore Majestic Sand Dunes On The Beach Of This Underrated Midwest State Park

The Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, offers miles of rolling golden beaches overlooking the shimmering blue waters of Lake Michigan. The state park includes nearly 1,000 acres of trails, dunes, and beaches, making it a dream for any outdoorsy traveler. Visitors can spend hours walking half a dozen trails, fishing, boating, biking, surfing, horseback riding, and swimming along the shoreline. 

Kohler-Andrae also prides itself on hosting hundreds of animal species — including over 150 bird species and 400 plant species. The Sanderling Nature Center gives tourists the opportunity to get a more in-depth understanding of nature with various interactive exhibits. Even outside of summer, the state park is open for the winter and offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for fun outdoor activities.

The state park is located an hour north of Milwaukee and two hours north of Chicago, making it an easy day or weekend trip. However, it's also just a 15-minute drive from the town of Kohler, Wisconsin –– a true Midwestern tourist city that features a five-diamond resort and the famous Whistling Straits golf course, among other destinations. Of course, if travelers are looking for an authentic natural experience, there are over 130 family-friendly campgrounds onsite that are open year-round.

There are a myriad of ways to enjoy a visit to Kohler-Andrae State Park, but the main must-do activity is to explore the golden dunes. Visitors can choose from seven different trails winding throughout the park. The Black River Marsh Boardwalk can be a good place to start exploring, as it is a quarter-mile accessible trail, giving visitors a closer look at the dunes, marshy wetlands, and wildlife. For a more thorough hike through the dunes, the Dunes Cordwalk trail runs 2 miles parallel to the Lake Michigan shoreline. The trail offers a closer look at the dunes, but it is categorized as moderate to difficult, according to the park's website.

The state park also offers a variety of outdoor excursions, like horseback riding, swimming, and kayaking. Guests looking to get in some fishing can try out the Friends Fishing Pond, part of the state's Urban Fishing program. Tripadvisor users have enjoyed walking alongside the shoreline, taking a dip in the crystal-clear water, and having a picnic.

All park guests are required to purchase a Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker, which ranges from $8 to $15, depending on the type of car and license plate. Local visitors can also purchase an annual pass that allows access to other state parks and recreation areas. Guests who wish to go fishing and hunting — in the allotted time frame — need their respective licenses, as well.

The Kohler-Andrae State Park is conveniently located near the town of Kohler and is a short drive from other major Midwest hubs. Visitors who aren't looking to camp at one of the 137 family campgrounds can relax at one of the properties just a 15-minute drive from the park. For quite the contrast from a tent, the American Club Resort Hotel is a five-diamond resort that has been providing a full-service experience for over a century.

The Kohler Waters Spa offers a variety of calming experiences — including massages, facials, and energy treatments. The property features four award-winning golf courses that have hosted six PGA Championships and the Ryder Cup. One of these courses is the famed Whistling Straits course, which offers picturesque views of the shoreline from up to 70 feet above.

For people who want a more casual vibe in the Wisconsin city, there are also a slew of different food, beverage, outdoor, and shopping activities. The Blind Horse Winery transports visitors into Napa Valley, the Shops at Woodlake Kohler feature over 20 chic boutiques, the Art Preserve lets people feel like they are the artist themselves, and the Taverne on Woodlake offers bites with a view overlooking Wood Lake. If guests are looking to truly get immersed in the culture, they can check out the Kohler Design Center, which is a museum and showroom for everything bathroom and kitchen-related.