10 Amazing Lakes in Wisconsin That Have Sandy Beaches

Lake Minocqua is located in northwoods Wisconsin and is a popular summer vacation destination.
© Jason Patrick Ross/Shutterstock.com

Written by Kirstin Harrington

Updated: September 11, 2023

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When people think of Wisconsin, they usually think of cheese or the Green Bay Packers. Did you know this Midwest state has a ton to offer both locals and visitors? If you want to cool off in the water or just spend the day lounging by the shore, Wisconsin has a ton of beautiful sandy beaches that will satisfy your needs.

The beaches in Wisconsin offer a never-ending list of enjoyable activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, paddleboarding, sailing, canoeing, picnics, jet-skiing, and more. So as you prepare for the perfect getaway, browse over this list we compiled of the top sandy beaches in Wisconsin. 

Due to its expansive pristine sand shoreline, several well-trained lifeguards, and quiet, blue water, this stunning coastline on North Beach ranks as the safest beach for children.

1. Simmons Island Beach

Dawn before the sunrise at Simmons Island Beach in Kenosha, WI

The sunrise over the water is reason enough to visit.

©Alisha Mireles/Shutterstock.com

One of the most well-liked sandy beaches in Wisconsin is Simmons Island Beach, which is a little over 28 acres in size. There is an extensive wooden boardwalk, a long beachfront, and clear water there. 

There is no finer beach to visit if you are traveling with a person who has a physical impairment than Simmons Island Beach. ADA-compliant mobility mats are available close to the shoreline throughout.

Together with your traveling partners, make new memories in the sun and on the smooth sand. You can engage in pursuits like kayaking, boating, soaking up the sun swimming in the refreshing water, and building tall sandcastles with your kids.

2. Nichols Beach

Sand Castle on Beach

This is a great pick for people traveling with kids.

©Kharlanov Evgeny/Shutterstock.com

Nichols Beach is located right on Nichols Lake! It is a popular swimming area and a child-friendly stretch of shoreline. We highly suggest Nichols Beach if you’re not an experienced swimmer and searching for the nicest swimming beach in Wisconsin.

The water along this beach has a gradually descending bottom without any sharp drops, and the beach itself is clean and tidy with small waves. You can take part in a number of interesting activities here. 

Building sand castles, diving, fishing, windsurfing, sailing, picnicking, bird-watching, and many other enjoyable activities are some of the most popular here.

3. North Beach

A row of tent covers at Racine Wisconsin's North Beach on a beautiful summer day just beyond the sand dunes.

North Beach is a popular spot for Fourth of July festivities.

©Tony Savino/Shutterstock.com

The best sandy beach in Wisconsin is North Beach, which is located on the shores of Lake Michigan. It is a well-known beach that is adored for its amenities for families, spotless seashore, and lovely scenery.

We heartily advise visiting North Beach if you’re traveling with family or friends. Due to its expansive pristine sand shoreline, several well-trained lifeguards, and quiet, blue water, this stunning coastline ranks as the safest beach for children.

It also features a ton of facilities, such as a play area for children, beach volleyball, free parking, showers, bathrooms, and much more. If you go during the summer, you can catch live seaside music performances.

It’s a terrific time to visit during this season because there are so many snack vendors offering all kinds of delicious foods.

4. Pattison State Park Beach

Photo of the lower falls at Pattison state park.

Wisconsin is over 100 waterfalls.

©Jacob Seppa/Shutterstock.com

Next, consider the beautiful shorelines of Pattison State Park Beach. This sandy beach includes a lush lawn, beautiful trees, white sand, and crystal-clear water that sparkles. This beach provides the perfect setting for you to unwind with your friends, family, or significant other.

You can choose to swim, engage in sports with your children on the grass, create sandcastles, relax by the water’s edge while getting tanned, and much more. This beachfront features picnic spaces where you can enjoy your freshly prepared meals, a close-by playing field, sanitary bathrooms, and other amenities for a more pleasant visit.

5. Kohler-Andrae State Park Beach

Beautiful midwest nature background. Summer landscape with mist over the lake Michigan and beach at Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan area, Wisconsin, USA.

Did you know that inland beaches can have a foggy “marina” layer like oceans?

©MarynaG/Shutterstock.com

The beach in Kohler-Andrae State Park is among Wisconsin’s most beautiful. It has a lakefront that is bathed in sunlight, beautiful flora in the backdrop, and stunning views of Lake Michigan.

Visit the beach at Kohler-Andrae State Park to spend time in the great outdoors.  Additionally, there are a ton of amenities along the shoreline for your comfort, like picnic spaces, neighboring campgrounds, a readily available parking lot, and so on.

You can engage in a variety of outdoor activities. Like having a picnic, savoring the fresh air while taking a leisurely stroll, and swimming in the clear water. Like the other lakes on this list, visitors enjoy paddling sports such as canoeing and kayaking. 

If you’re traveling with pets, Kohler-Andrae State Park Beach’s northern section is pet-friendly.

6. Devil’s Lake State Park Beach

Areal view on the South shore beach and lake from rocky ice age hiking trail during sunset. Devil's Doorway location. Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo area, Wisconsin, Midwest USA.

The views surrounding Devil’s Lake State Park Beach make you feel like you’re in a movie.

©MarynaG/Shutterstock.com

The North and South beaches at Devil’s Lake State Park Beach are distinct from one another. It is a Wisconsin gem and welcomes visitors from across the nation. The largest park in the state is home to Devil’s Lake State Park Beach.

Its picturesque waterfront offers a variety of amenities, like barbecues and picnic spaces where you can prepare meals, restrooms where you can freshen up after a long day outdoors, playgrounds to keep the kids entertained, and plenty more. 

You can engage in a variety of exhilarating activities to strengthen your relationship with your friends, such as kayaking, scuba diving, boating, fishing, sailing, and rafting. More people visit the Northern beach area, which draws bigger crowds. 

Even if there are fewer tourists, the Southern region is still stunning. Wearing water shoes is strongly advised when swimming here due to the rough shoreline.

7. Big Bay Town Park Beach 

Fall foliage along the North Shore of Lake Superior in Northern Minnesota

Lake Superior borders Ontario, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

©zimmytws/Shutterstock.com

The sandy beach of Big Bay Town Park Beach stretches for two miles. It provides breathtaking views of Lake Superior, surroundings of lush vegetation, and a beautiful atmosphere. 

You will have a great time at Big Bay Town Park Beach with your traveling companions when you enjoy kayaking, canoeing, sailing, biking, hiking the surrounding region, fishing, and other activities.

Big Bay Town Park provides an outstanding campsite that is close to the lake if you want to stay for a few days. You can set up your tent there and make the most of all of its features.

8. Meyers Beach

Wide angle view of the Apostle Islands Meyers Beach sea caves in the fall season

The sea caves are off of Apostle Islands.

©melissamn/Shutterstock.com

Meyers Beach, which is located on the sandy beaches of Lake Superior, has a picture-perfect coastline. It is well known for the fascinating sea caves nearby. Kayaking on the magnificent lake and discovering the countless jaw-droppingly gorgeous sea caves are two of the best things you can do there with your significant other. 

If kayaking doesn’t appeal to you, you can instead reach the sea caves by taking a walk. Near Meyers Beach’s parking area, there is a four-mile-long hiking track.

9. Point Beach

Rawley Point Lighthouse at Point Beach State Forest, Two Rivers, WI.

The lighthouse is a must-see when visiting Point Beach.

©Barbara Smits/Shutterstock.com

Point Beach is located inside the Point Beach State Forest. It is a thing of pure splendor and provides you with the ideal break from your busy daily life. Visit Point Beach for a much-needed getaway.

You can vacation there alone, with a significant other, family, or friends. Visitors can spend a quiet day excursion at Point Beach and engage in a variety of activities. Taking a leisurely stroll, building sandcastles with the kids, lounging by the water while reading a nice book, and many more possibilities are available for visitors to Point Beach.

10. Bradford Beach

Sunrise at Bradford Beach on Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Lake Michigan has over 1,600 miles of shoreline!

©AMCImagery/Shutterstock.com

Bradford Beach is yet another of Wisconsin’s top sandy beaches. It has a shoreline made of shimmering sand, water that sparkles cerulean, and numerous recreational activities. Visit Bradford Beach with your fellow travelers for the perfect beach getaway.

You can participate in fierce matches of sand volleyball, fly kites in tandem, enjoy a game of soccer, splash about in the water, and do many more activities along this breathtaking coastline. Additionally, there are numerous facilities on-site at this beach, including a beachside tiki bar that serves a variety of energizing beverages and snacks, observant lifeguards who are always on duty, and a nearby parking lot. 

Throughout the summer, visitors, locals, and college students all go to Bradford Beach. Parking is difficult to find at these times, and the water can become extremely crowded. 

Summary of the 10 Best Sandy Beaches in Wisconsin

RankBeachLocation
1Simmons Island BeachKenosha
2Nichols BeachBoulder Junction
3North BeachRacine
4Pattison State Park BeachSuperior
5Kohler-Andrae State Park BeachSheboygan
6Devil’s Lake State Park BeachBaraboo
7Big Bay Town Park Beach La Pointe 
8Meyers BeachCornucopia
9Point BeachTwo Rivers
10Bradford BeachMilwaukee
Summary Table of the 10 Best Sandy Beaches in Wisconsin


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About the Author

Kirstin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering animals, news topics, fun places, and helpful tips. Kirstin has been writing on a variety of topics for over five years. She has her real estate license, along with an associates degree in another field. A resident of Minnesota, Kirstin treats her two cats (Spook and Finlay) like the children they are. She never misses an opportunity to explore a thrift store with a coffee in hand, especially if it’s a cold autumn day!

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