With a legendary lake to its east -- Lake Michigan -- a sprawling forest to its west -- Kettle Moraine State Forest -- and various celebrated attractions in between, Sheboygan County is the epicenter of excitement. Befitting its location between abundant water and forest, this northeastern Wisconsin county is known for its multitude of outdoor activities, including fishing, golfing and hiking. For families, the county provides an array of festivals and learning opportunities galore for children.
Golf and Fishing
- When it comes to golf, Kohler, a small town located in the eastern part of Sheboygan County, is king. The Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run courses have hosted several major events, including the PGA Championship, the Palmer Cup, the U.S. Senior Open and the U.S. Women’s Open. Both world-renowned courses are open to the public, though securing a tee time is tough. Finding a place for sport fishing on Lake Michigan is much easier, however. You can choose from more than a dozen charter companies in Sheboygan County, each featuring boats with high-tech safety equipment, professional gear and trained captains. If you have your own vessel, launch into Lake Michigan from Deland Park or the full-service Harbor Centre Marina. Snag a whopping Chinook salmon or rainbow trout and you could reel in a giant trophy at one of the county’s many fishing tournaments. Wisconsin fishing licenses are required for residents and non-residents alike.
Outdoor Recreation
- Lake Michigan is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are a surfer, swimmer, stand-up paddle boarder or kayaker, you’ll find prime access to the lake from Kohler-Andrae State Park. Approximately 2.5 miles of sandy shoreline peppered with majestic pines and a seemingly endless amount of sparkling blue water provide a quiet retreat or an active playground, depending on your mood. The 988-acre park also features campsites, hiking trails, picnic areas, baseball diamonds and a volleyball court. In western Sheboygan County, visit Kettle Moraine State Forest, an ecological wonder carved from ancient glaciers. It’s home to nearly 15,000 acres of natural beauty that includes wetlands, prairies and conifer plantations. You can explore the park's 132-mile trail system on foot, mountain bike, horseback, snowmobile, or cross country skis. In winter, head west of Sheboygan city to Elkhart Lake. The resort community’s 292-acre lake is a popular spot for ice fishing and dog sledding.
Festivals
- Eat, drink and be merry in Sheboygan County. Family-friendly festivals make it easy to party, regardless of the season. Summer is highlighted by a three-day shindig celebrating sausage. Held in August, Brat Days is sponsored by Johnsonville Foods, which is headquartered in Sheboygan Falls. Learn how to add spicy sausage to pizza, lasagna and ice cream while enjoying live music, carnival rides and a parade. The fun continues in the fall when Sheboygan County hosts a series of Oktoberfests, complete with authentic German food, lederhosen-wearing accordion players and plenty of beer. The annual Pig-in-the-Ice Winter Festival -- typically held in February -- heats up Elkhart Lake’s Marsh Park. Take part in the festival's ice fishing tournament, pig roast, ice cube hunts and vintage snowmobile races, or just head over at night for the electrifying fireworks display.
Children's Activities
- Kids will have a blast at Spaceport Sheboygan. Home to the Great Lakes Aerospace Science & Education Center, the facility is designed to inspire future scientists, engineers and astronauts with dozens of interactive exhibits and events. Navigate a space shuttle, launch a rocket or watch local chefs cook with liquid nitrogen before taking in a live show at the Spaceport’s planetarium. Dig into more hands-on lessons at Sheboygan’s Bookworm Gardens. This outdoor space features a collection of whimsical exhibits based on best-selling children’s books. Your children can visit Winnie the Pooh’s tree house, search for Stuart Little or ride on the Magic School Bus, among other activities.
