Those folks across the lake like to tout their sandy beaches and waterfront dunes, but we’ve got a few of our own right here at home. Kohler-Andrae State Park near Sheboygan is unlike anywhere else in the state. The unique spot offers killer views of the lakefront while letting you wander through some totally unique habitats. The board- and cordwalks make it easier to traverse the uneven terrain while helping to maintain the integrity of the park.
Kohler-Andrae is actually two adjoining state parks that are run jointly and comprise 988 acres just south of Sheboygan. There are two miles of beaches right along Lake Michigan within the parks' borders.
There are two lengthy boardwalk trails through the parks. The Creeping Juniper Nature Trail is a half mile trail through the sand dunes by Sanderling Nature Center. The Dunes Cordwalk has a half mile north and 1.5-mile south portions through the dunes and running parallel to Lake Michigan.
The unique landscape right along the coast is home to plants you won't find elsewhere. The tall grasses are a type of wetland that make this a particularly beautiful spot.
A totally unfettered view across Lake Michigan is one of the best reasons to check out this spot. Get there right away in the morning to catch the sunrise over the lake.
You won't find a park like this anywhere else. There's pine trees and forest and the Black River, as well as these windy, lovely, perfect beach-front boardwalks and walking paths.
You'll feel whisked away to somewhere far different than a spot on the Lake Michigan coast. This walk is a lesson in serenity and letting go - you can't help but feel at peace and calm in the face of the sand and dunes and lake at Kohler-Andrae.
