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So, where can you surf on the Great Lakes? And what else can you do in a “surf town?” Or maybe you just want to vacation on Lake Michigan in a surfing location? Did you know that Sheboygan, Wisconsin, earned the moniker, “The Malibu of the Midwest?” Of course, since it’s Wisconsin, it also earned the title, “Bratwurst Capital of the World!” Again, since it’s Wisconsin, the nearby town of Plymouth captured the title of “Cheese Capital of the World!” But let’s focus on Sheboygan.
Surfing on Lake Michigan?
Here’s the Lake Michigan shore, along with one valiant surfer (below), or at least one pretending to be! Actually, this one is kitesurfing, I wasn’t able to find someone surfing during my visit. Likely because it’s just starting the surfing season. Maybe next time!
By the way, if you want to see more of other parts of Wisconsin, check out this link.
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I attended a workshop by the Midwest Travel Network, hosted by #visitsheboygan. The workshop included classroom time and tours of attractions in the area. Attending in mid-August is a bit early for prime surfing. Given that fact and our sponsorship activities, I couldn’t find any actual surfing to show pictures. The above image of kitesurfing shows Lake Michigan “in its glory!”
But… we did visit this surfing display on the beach. It was a cool, rainy day but we enjoyed our stop. I’m doing the (poor!) surfing impression as we are in the area! Actually, not bad for an old guy!
Here’s a link to the Sheboygan Visitor Center.
The Surfing
While several places on the Great Lakes have good Midwest surfing, Sheboygan has some of the best. Besides Sheboygan, Muskegon, Michigan (across the lake from Sheboygan) and several places on Lake Superior make for excellent fall and winter surfing. The large bodies of water, with their deep water and prevailing winds, make the locations ideal.
Of course, in the fall and winter on the Great Lakes, you will need more than a swimsuit! Sheboygan has several surf shops to provide any gear you don’t have. And the best surfing runs from late August to April. That’s not typically swimming weather! A surfer will need a heavy-duty wetsuit or a dry suit with all the additional equipment to keep them going while water temperatures reach into the 30s F.
Want to see a shop for my road trip photos? You can have them printed as wall art or puzzles. They also work on coffee mugs, t-shirts and more! So, take a look. Maybe you'll see something you will like!
The Malibu of the Midwest (Sheboygan) celebrates that title by welcoming surfers and proclaiming it to other visitors.
And there’s one answer to where can you surf on the Great Lakes!
The Attractions
John Michael Kohler Art Preserve
Two of the displays show Eugene Von Bruenchenhein’s art. Some of his sculptures include elaborate towers and miniature thrones made from chicken bones! Here’s a link to a website about his work.
The art preserve is like a “warehouse” for art. They have an art center in town but don’t have the display room, so they built this place. While there is some art here that you don’t see, much of it is on display. You’ll see walls of art with another “wall” behind it. These are swapped occasionally to allow more to be seen. There is much more on display than just the pictures here. I think I went overboard on the images you see in this post!
The remaining images show more art in the Preserve. It’s a fascinating place to visit and take in all the unique art. The displays include posters giving bio’s of the artists.
Bookworm Gardens
The Bookworm Gardens depict books and book related displays throughout this park. It’s wonderful place to show your kids the joys of reading. And for adults to marvel at the all parts of the garden.
This one’s an intriguing place to visit. For the kids in your group or to see all the wonderful displays for yourself.
Kohler Andrae State Park
We paid a visit to Kohler-Andrae State Park on the Lake Michigan beach. Here’s a link to the park for more on things to do while visiting.
The Food
When we spend a few days together, it’s great to have meals together and talk about the food we’ve had on our travels. Of course, on an earlier trip this year, I ate a lot of Taco Bell burritos, so I’m not what you would call a connoissure, conoiuser, connoisseur!
Breakfast
While in Sheboygan, we had breakfast on Tuesday and Wednesday as a group. Since we are all in the tourism industry, we had a good time taking photos of the food! Except I sometimes miss the food shots as I’m in a hurry to eat!
Beacon
I had a solo breakfast on Monday before the start of our events. I realized I didn’t take a photo except for taking a shot out of the window at the lake!
I had a ham and cheese omelet since they didn’t have bacon to go with it! I also had very good hash browns. (Next time, I’ll have a picture!)
Harry’s Diner
It’s a classic 50’s style diner complete with Elvis to great us by the entry. Here’s a link to the restaurant. Did someone mention breakfast burritos? Here’s the obligatory link.
EB Flo Coffeehouse
On our last day, we breakfasted at the EB Flo Coffee Shop, and while they have many options, several of us opted for croffles. That’s a cross between a croissant and a waffle. The last one was mine! Not exactly a healthy breakfast but a very good one! Here’s the link to their website.
Lunch
Frankie’s Pub & Grill
Frankie’s Pub & Grill serves up huge sandwiches! Not only are they large, they are also delicious. The right-most one above has a pound of bacon, plus the lettuce and tomato. There’s no such thing as too much bacon!!!
After all that food, we had to struggle to stay awake during our times in trolley between stops!
Sly’s Midtown Salooon (yes, three o’s!)
We are The Bratwurst Capital of the World and this place serves up the traditional Brat plate including a double brat with the works, potato salad and baked beans. Or choose from other selection on the menu. Check out the website, here’s the link.
It’s time to have lunch on our last day here. It’s fantastic way to finish off the workshop. After the informative workshop, the interesting stops, and the great food, I’ll have to visit Sheboygan again.
Dinner
The Beacon
We had dinner on the first night at the resort. Following dinner, we were on our own. Some of the group went to one of the two pools at the Blue Harbor. Here’s the link to The Beacon.
Il Ritrovo
Did you know you can get this delicious pizza while you are checking out where can you surf on the Great Lakes? We had these crispy, chewy, tangy, flavorful, and meaty pizzas. (I swallowed a thesaurus before I wrote this!) Here’s the link to the Il Ritrovo.
The Accommodations
We stayed at the Blue Harbor Resort and Conference Center. The Resort boasts 244 rooms, self-catering villas, six restaurants, a bar/lounge, in addition to two swimming pools and a fully-equipped spa. It opened for business in 2004. The place is made to look classic. Here’s the link.
You can imagine it to be much older, but it is very well maintained. It made me think it’s older, as I thought it (kind of) looked like The Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. That was built in 1888! The “Hotel del” as it’s called, is MUCH larger but the overall shape of Blue Harbor reminded me of it. When I look at the Hotel del again, I can see little resemblance but I still think of it that way. Here’s the Hotel del link. The Hotel del is legendary so the management may believe it’s a compliment to be compared!
The Hotel del Coronado has long been linked to the magical imagery of the Emerald City from L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz. While historians sometimes debate the direct connection, Baum himself was a frequent guest—and even a resident—in Coronado. During his time there, he designed the hotel’s famous crown-shaped chandeliers in the Crown Room. With its whimsical turrets, storybook architecture, and enchanting seaside setting, the hotel is often credited as a source of inspiration for Baum’s vision of the fantastical Emerald City.
The City & Countryside
Sheboygan is a small city of approximately 50,000 people, situated about halfway between Milwaukee and Green Bay. Visit here any time of the year for the various entertainment options. (Even if you don’t surf! But why did you come looking for where can you surf on the Great Lakes?)
Sheboygan & the Visitor Center
When visiting Sheboygan, be sure to stop at the Visitor Center for information on the area. You’ll find good midwestern hospitality and a ton of local flavor to sample. You can even try on (or buy) the brat cap! Here’s the link to the Sheboygan Visitor Center.
The Sheboygan River flows through the city, providing lots of boating opportunities. There are shops, restaurants, and bars along the river for your vacation activities.
Walk along the river with a view out to Lake Michigan and stop at the “Ice Cream Selfie Station” for a picture of another good time in Sheboygan. Our lodging, the Blue Harbor Resort, is just across the street. By the way, do you remember that we came here looking for where can you surf on the Great Lakes?
On the last day, for our last activity, we stopped at the Victorian Chocolate Shoppe on the walk back to our cars. I bought some chocolate to snack on during my six hour drive home. I know, I shouldn’t eat so much chocolate. (Don’t tell my wife!) Here’s the link to the Victorian Chocolate Shop.
But I wasn’t done. I had to make a couple of stops along the way home. Driving for six hours can get old. I’ve driven parts of this road many times. In 2008, I worked in Madison from late July until the end of the year. I drove there every week. That was a 300 mile one way trip.
The Cheese Capital of the World
I initially stopped here because it’s Plymouth. I live in Plymouth, Minnesota! When I stopped by, I realized they claim the title of Cheese Capital of the World! I already had chocolate to eat so I didn’t buy any cheese. Another by the way, there are about 30 cities, towns, and townships named Plymouth in the US. My town, Plymouth MN, is the largest by population at about 80,000.
Did you know that Wisconsin is known for cheese, beer, and the Green Bay Packers? I attended an NFL game at the iconic Lambeau Field a few years ago. It was on of my bucket list places. The only other sports places on the list were Wrigley Field in Chicago were the Cubs play and Fenway Park in Boston where the Red Sox play. I’ve seen a baseball game at both of them also.
World’s Largest Potato Masher!
I found this on my way home. And I often go out of my way to see large, unusual, quirky, strange things. It’s located at the Food + Farm Exploration Center near Plover, WI.
I once visited “The World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things!“
…And come see us again…
Visit Sheboygan taught us how to make the most of our trip by enjoying the sights and taking in the local culture. When you visit, check out the places in the post and here’s a few more places that didn’t make it on our agenda.
- Golf – One nearby course is Whistling Straits, right on Lake Michigan. The course has hosted three PGA championships and a Senior Open since opening in 1998. The course also hosted a Ryder Cup. A Pete Dye-designed course, it resembles classic courses in Ireland. If you want to play this course, be sure to bring money!
- Hiking & Biking – many trails around town and along the lake.
- Fishing
- Sailing
- Scuba diving and visiting submerged shipwrecks, of which Lake Michigan has more than its share.
- Sheboygan County Fair
- Weill Center for the Performing Arts
- B&B’s, hotels, campgrounds, etc.
- Cheese!
Enjoy your time in Sheboygan. You don’t have to surf to have a good time! Here’s another link to Visit Sheboygan for events and all things to see and do. See, it’s so much more than where can you surf on the Great Lakes!
Take the rest of the day off!
Classic Rock Recollection
“Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys
If everybody had an ocean
Across the U.S.A.
Then everybody’d be surfin’
Like Californ-i-a
You’d see them wearing their baggies
Huarache sandals too
A bushy bushy blond hairdo
Surfin’ U.S.A.
Written by: Chuck Barry and Brian Wilson
#thedrivebytourist #visitsheboygan
