One of the best things about our Bed and Breakfast in Wisconsin is that we’re far enough out of town to feel as though you’ve truly gotten away to someplace special, yet we’re close enough to a variety of attractions that there’s plenty to do while you’re here. At least, if you want to! One of those things is visiting pristine Lake Michigan beaches, like those found at Kohler-Andrae State Park.Â
Kohler Andrae State Park is around 30 minutes away from our Bed and Breakfast, just south of Sheboygan on the Lake Michigan, Wisconsin coastline. As one of the last natural preserves left on the Lake Michigan coastline, this Wisconsin State Park offers a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. Like so many of the state parks and natural areas around us, Kohler State Park is a hidden gem, and it’s ideal for nature lovers, photographers, hikers, and anyone looking for a peaceful escape under the summer sun.
Kohler-Andrae State Park is just one of the many things to do in West Bend and the surrounding communities. This part of Wisconsin is diverse, charming, and well worth a few days on your summer itinerary! From wandering the streets of nearby Cedarburg and Port Washington to biking and hiking your way through the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, you’ll fall in love with this quiet retreat in the woods.
When the fun is over at Kohler Andrae, the peaceful grounds and luxury accommodations at our West Bend Bed and Breakfast in Wisconsin will be waiting. From the elevated and complimentary spa experience to quiet afternoons of forest bathing in our wooded surroundings, we’ve curated a thoughtful guest experience to help you rest and recharge in exactly the way you need. There’s truly no better escape in Wisconsin. Book your room at our Bed and Breakfast today!Â
Spend a Day at Kohler Andrae State Park
Picture endless views of Lake Michigan’s sparkling blue waters lapping gently against miles of gorgeous golden sand beaches, and you’ll start to get an idea of what it looks like at Kohler Andrae State Park in Wisconsin. Kohler-Andrae State Park is a true gem in the Wisconsin State Park system, offering the public the chance to walk along the boardwalks and through the sand dunes to the shores of the lake in one of the last remaining natural preserves on Lake Michigan.
Kohler Andrae State Park offers a beautifully protected natural habitat, with a mix of river marsh, pine and hardwood forests, pristine beaches, and sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan. The sand dunes found here are actually the largest on Lake Michigan. These habitats provide refuge for a diverse array of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, red foxes, muskrats, and many more. More than 150 bird species also live in or migrate through Kohler Andrae State Park each year.Â
There are several recreational opportunities throughout Kohler Andrae State Park, too. The most popular thing to do here is hiking, and there are many great hiking trails to explore. The most popular hiking trails at Kohler Andrae State Park are the Black River Trail, which is 2.5 miles long, and the 2-mile Dunes Cordwalk, which parallels the shores of Lake Michigan. The Black River Trail is also popular for off-road biking, and it’s the only trail in the park designated for bikes.Â
The water is the main draw to Kohler Andrae State Park, of course. You can swim, kayak, and canoe here, though there is no public boat launch and no lifeguards on duty. There are 2.5 miles of beach to spread out on, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy a slice of this Lake Michigan paradise!Â
Given the pristine lakeshore access afforded by Kohler State Park, it gets crowded on summer weekends, with the parking lots often filling by 11am. The busiest parts of the park are the north and south beaches and the cordwalk trail. We recommend getting here early, or perhaps visiting later in the day and staying through sunset! Vehicle entry passes are required to visit and park at Kohler-Andrae State Park. You can purchase them online to avoid long waits at the entrance booth.
Before you leave Kohler Andrae State Park, don’t miss a visit to the Sanderling Nature Center. This part of Kohler Andrae offers an excellent overview of the park’s history, nature, and wildlife. They even have a rooftop observation deck here, perfect for boat and bird watching on the lake!Â
Visit the Nearby Kohler Arts Center
Though the beach at Kohler Andrae State Park is a pristine and beautiful place to spend an afternoon, it’s just one of the many things to do in this area. Either before or after your time at Kohler-Andrae State Park, we recommend heading to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan. It’s a spectacular and free contemporary art museum and performing arts complex.Â
The Kohler Arts Center was established in 1967 and, since then, has earned a stellar reputation for its exhibits and artist-built environments. It’s a unique and immersive experience with multi-faceted works of art. Though some of their current exhibits will end this summer, most will be on display at least through October, giving you time to plan your trip to this incredible museum.
In addition to the galleries and exhibition space at the Kohler Arts Center, you should also plan to visit the Kohler Art Preserve. This space is the first museum in the world dedicated entirely to work from art environments. It’s just a few miles away from the original Kohler Arts Center and offers an impressive additional three stories and 56,000 square feet of art exhibition space. The Art Preserve alone houses more than 25,000 works of art.Â
Whether visiting the Kohler Arts Center or the Kohler Andrae State Park, there’s no better place to stay in the area than our Bed and Breakfast in Wisconsin. We offer a one-of-a-kind lodging experience, complete with an on-site spa experience that can’t be matched. There’s a reason we’re rated one of the best couples’ getaways in Wisconsin. Book your room today!Â
