Lake Michigan has no shortage of beautiful beaches and shorelines. There’s public beaches, state parks, state forests, and scenic drives. But today, I want to talk specifically about one of the best state parks in Wisconsin and that is Kohler Andrae State Park. While you can just focus on relaxing on the beach on your visit, there’s also a very nice hike along the sand dunes. Plus, if you’re interested in hiking thorough the forest, there’s a little bit of that too.
About Kohler Andrae State Park
Located just south of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Kohler Andrae State Park is fantastic place to experience Lake Michigan. The park is named after John Michael Kohler (a name you’ll find popping up all around the local area) and Terry Andrae. Terry Andrae owned the original land that formed the park and with a donation from Kohler, the park we have today is formed.
While it’s easy to just focus on the beaches and sand dunes, there’s also a decent amount of history here from Native Americans who hunted, fished, and lived in this area. Plus, stop by the Nature Center to learn more about the different plants and animals that call this place home.
What to Do at Kohler Andrae State Park
Normally I start out these lists by explaining how this is not an exhaustive list of things to do at a particular park. This list is different as I’ve been here multiple times and hiked every single trail at Kohler Andrae State Park.
Take a Hike
There are several hikes that you can do at Kohler Andrae State Park. Typically when I visit, I focus on the Cordwalk-Boardwalk, which is the most popular trail (and for good reason). However, it’s not the only trail to hike, so let’s start with the hiking trails.
The Cordwalk-Boardwalk
I’m stating with the most popular, and my favorite, trail at Kohler Andrae State Park. Since Kohler Andrae State Park is my closest state park, I’ve done this trail numerous times and I never get tired of it.
This trail takes you out onto the sand dunes along Lake Michigan. However, these are some of the easiest sand dunes you’ll walk on and that’s all thanks to the Cordwalk-Boardwalk. Rather than walking directly on sand, there’s a boardwalk lining nearly the entire trail (in a handful of very small sections, sand completely covers the trail) and that means you can walk at your normal pace. Compared to hikes I’ve done at Indiana Dunes or White Sands National Park, this is fantastic.
There’s a handful of different spurs throughout the trail. The most notable is the Creeping Juniper Nature Trail which departs from the Visitor Center. But you’ll find a handful of different places you can venture off and take a slightly different path. The entire trail runs parallel with Lake Michigan and it’s impossible to get lost.
As a note, this trail is completely exposed. There’s a few very tiny sections with shade, but expect to me in full sun throughout the trail.
The Marsh Trail
The Cordwalk-Boardwalk takes you along the sand dunes, but the Marsh Trail takes you through the forest. This trail is short and is about one mile to do the loop. It can be a great way to change things up on your hike. Plus, you’ll have a better chance to see animals. I’ve even seen deer on this trail.
One note though. The mosquitos can be nasty. I don’t typically notice mosquitos on the Cordwalk-Boardwalk Trail, but they can be downright lethal once you enter the forest and the Marsh Trail. Of course this is not true for the entire year, but I always recommend having bug spray because you just never know what the mosquitoes will be like.
Black River Marsh Boardwalk
This is very short and it’s less than a quarter mile to complete the loop. I’m not sure if I’d necessarily consider this a hike, but the Wisconsin DNR does, so it’s being considered a hike for this blog post.
The boardwalk takes you through the cattails and over the river. Honestly, the only part that I thought was kind of cool was when I reached the area with the really tall cattails. It reminded me of being in a corn maze. But I don’t think that’s reason enough to stop out here. If you’re going to skip any trail, I’d suggest this one.
Ancient Shores Trail
The Wisconsin DNR has this trail listed as a 1.3 mile loop. I don’t know if I made a wrong turn, but I only logged about 0.75 miles on this trail. The trail itself is pretty average for Wisconsin. Walk through some meadows and take a very brief stroll through the woods.
The most unique thing about this trail is where you’re hiking. This area used to be completely underwater. A massive lake, larger than Lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron combined once inhabited this area and that’s just insane to think about, especially as someone who has lived on Lake Michigan their entire life and has a decent frame of reference for how big Lake Michigan actually is.
Black River Trails
There’s 2.5 miles of trails that make up the Black River Trails and they all interconnect so in some ways, hiking the Black River Trails is a choose your own adventure game. I opted to do a 1.75 mile loop that more or less stuck to the perimeters. In general, it’s a pretty average Wisconsin hike. There’s a little bit of meadow and then some forest. It’s nice, but it’s not my favorite area of the park.
That said, I did enjoy the section of trail in the far northeast corner of the Black River Trails area. The trees are tall and it reminded me of walking through the forests at Sequoia National Park. Now don’t get me wrong, the two areas aren’t really comparable. However, I first hiked this trail two weeks after my trip to Sequoia National Park, so that park was fresh in my mind. This area has some of the tallest trees of the park and as I looked up, I was reminded of those tall California trees.
So Where Should You Hike?
After hiking all of the different areas at Kohler Andrae State Park, my recommendation is to focus your time and energy on the Cordwalk-Boardwalk. It’s the most unique and it offers the best views of in the state park. After that, I’d recommend either the Marsh Trail or the Black River Trails for a little bit of time in the forest.
Relax on the Beach
I’ll be the first to admit that I take Lake Michigan for granted. I’ve lived within five miles of Lake Michigan my entire life, so spending time at the beach is not as big of a deal to me as it is to some people. But Lake Michigan is beautiful and there’s plenty of beach at Kohler Andrae State Park. On a nice day, you’ll find plenty of people with picnics and toys just enjoying the area.
Stop by the Nature Center
To learn just a little bit more about some of the ecology of the area, stop by the Visitor Center where you’ll find a handful of exhibits. It’s also worth noting that the Visitor Center has an information desk, small gift shop, and stairs to a viewing platform. Climb the stairs and you’ll find yourself on the roof of the visitor center, with a nice view of Lake Michigan.
Entrance Fees for Kohler Andrae State Park
A one day entrance ticket costs $8 for vehicles with Wisconsin license plates. For out-of-state plates, a one day pass costs $11.
If you plan to visit multiple state parks in Wisconsin, an annual pass can be a great value. For residents of Wisconsin, an annual pass is $28, while out of state visitors will pay $38. If you plan to visit at least four state parks in one calendar year, the annual pass is worth it.
Just a note that the annual passes are incredibly sticky. Do not peal the sticker until you are ready to place it. You will not be able to move it once it sticks to your windshield. I don’t know what the Wisconsin DNR puts on their stickers, but wow are they strong.
How to Get to Kohler Andrae State Park
Kohler Andrae State Park is located just south of Sheboygan. From I-43, take exit 120 and head east, following the signs along Highway V until you reach the entrance to the park. You will need to have your own vehicle to reach the park because while the city of Sheboygan does have a city bus, it does not reach Kohler Andrae State Park.
When to Visit Kohler Andrae State Park
Kohler Andrae State Park can be visited all year round, but some seasons are definitely better than others. If you want to spend some time on the beach, you’ll want to time your visit for summer. If you’re just looking to hike, late spring, summer, and fall are all good options.
Nearby Kohler Andrae State Park
Kohler Andrae State Park is just south of the city of Sheboygan. Here you can have more time on the beach (I recommend Deland Park), tour the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, have fun at the waterpark at Blue Harbor Resort, and wander the Bookworm Gardens. Just slightly west, you’ll have the town of Kohler which has the Kohler Design Studio, the shops at Woodlake, and the American Club (if you’re looking for a fancy dinner).
Further south, you can also visit Harrington Beach State Park. It’s a nice state park, but I personally prefer Kohler Andrae.
Final Thoughts
For those in the area (either locals or visitors), I think Kohler Andrae is makes a great place to spend a day. Of course, I’m partial to Lake Michigan and really like the beauty that can be found here, but I think especially for those who haven’t spent much time on the Great Lakes, Kohler Andrae State Park is a great place to experience Lake Michigan.
Continue Your Adventure
More in Wisconsin: In southern Wisconsin, don’t miss the popular Devil’s Lake State Park.
More in the Midwest: Chicago is full of fun things to do. Beyond the museums and good food, don’t forget to spend some time exploring the river. In Iowa, Maquoketa Caves State Park is fun to explore and makes an excellent stop on any road trip. In Nebraska, Omaha is surprisingly fun to explore with its interesting museums and fun shopping areas.