Sheboygan is known as the "Malibu of the Midwest" for its excellent surfing conditions. The city's lively arts scene is highlighted by the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and its annual Levitt AMP Music Series, which hosts free concerts in the heart of Sheboygan.
Sheboygan is located on the western shore of Lake Michigan at the point where the Sheboygan river flows into the lake. It is roughly equi-distant from Milwaukee to the south and Green Bay to the north.
Aerial view of Sheboygan, WI
It is the county seat of Sheboygan County and has a population of around 50,000 inhabitants.
General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) - the Milwaukee airport is located around 65 miles south of Sheboygan. It serves both domestic and international destinations and is the primary airport for the Milwaukee area.
Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) - approximately 65 miles north of Sheboygan. GRB serves several major airlines with flights to various cities in the United States.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - this Chicago airport is around 135 miles south of Sheboygan. O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
Sheboygan lies just to the east of the I-43 interstate highway between Milwaukee and Chicago to the south and Green Bay to the north.
Wisconsin state highway 23 heads west from downtown Sheboygan towards the city of Fond du Lac and Lake Winnebago.
If you know when you are planning to go but haven't decided on accommodation, then use the map below to get an idea of which properties are available and to compare prices during the period you wish to travel.
Enter your proposed dates and use the '+' to zoom in on a location and reveal more properties. Click on the price above a property to see more information.
(Please note that this selection will also include some vacation rentals for those who are interested in that form of accommodation!)
Alternatively, if you are looking for a list of properties available in Sheboygan you can check the accommodation listings on reservation platform Booking.com:
Sheboygan's history dates back to the early 19th century, when the area was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Menominee and Potawatomi.
The city was officially founded in 1846 by European-American settlers attracted by the region's natural resources. Many of the early settlers were of German, Dutch, and Irish descent, and this cultural heritage is still evident in Sheboygan today.
Sheboygan experienced rapid growth and development during the second half of the 19th century. The city became an important manufacturing and commercial center, with thriving industries in shipbuilding, lumber, and woolen mills. Sheboygan also became a popular destination for tourists drawn to its lakeside beaches and natural beauty.
Discover Wisconsin visits Sheboygan
Sheboygan was hit hard by the Great Depression in the early 20th century, but the city managed to recover and rebuild. Sheboygan played an important role in the war effort during World War II, with local factories producing ships, aircraft, and other military equipment.
These days Sheboygan is known for its lively arts and cultural scene, its numerous parks and recreational areas, and its world-class bratwurst, which has become a symbol of the city's German heritage and culinary traditions.
The Visit Sheboygan visitor center is located at 826 S 8th Street Center and is open Tuesday through Friday and on Saturday mornings.
The Sheboygan County Historical Museum is located in the Taylor House on the west side of the city.
As well as changing exhibits about the history of the Sheboygan area, the grounds include some historic buildings from the 19th century.
This world-renowned arts center features contemporary art exhibitions, performances, and educational programs. Visitors can explore the unique collection of artist-made environments and installations.
Almost all of the Lake Michigan shore in the city can be accessed on boardwalks.
Starting at the Blue Harbor Resort on the southern side of the Sheboygan river, with its water park and minigolf, you can access the South Side Beach before heading out to the South Pier Boardwalk.
Cross the river on the 8th Street Bridge and turn back towards the lake on the Riverfront Boardwalk. Continue north along Broughton Drive and you pass the Harbor Centre Marina and Deland Park, with the rescued remains of the historic shipwreck Lottie Cooper.
The route continues past the Sheboygan Breakwater Lighthouse and North Beach before finishing at North Point.
The Creeping Juniper Nature Trail at Kohler Andrae State Park
The Kohler Andre State Park is located a little to the south of Sheboygan and covers an area of nearly 1000 acres of beach and sand dunes, with boardwalks and walking trails. There is a nature center at the northern end of the park.
So what is all this about surfing on Lake Michigan?
Lake Michigan actually provides consistent and powerful waves that attract surfers from around the world.
The best time to surf in Sheboygan is during the fall and winter months when strong winds create waves that can reach up to 20 feet.
The most popular surfing spots in Sheboygan are the Sheboygan North Point and the Sheboygan South Pier. Visitors who are new to the sport will find several surf schools in Sheboygan that offer lessons and rentals.
Happily proclaiming itself the "Bratwurst Capital of the World" - although Germany might have something to say about that - Sheboygan is known for its distinctive sausages cooked on a grill. The obsession with German-style "Brats" stems from the immigrant heritage and is celebrating in the Brat Days Festival during the summer months.
The city of Kenosha offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. Kenosha's lakefront is a standout attraction, with the Kenosha Public Museum, Civil War Museum, and electric streetcar system that connects to the HarborPark and downtown area.
Port Washington is a historic city of approximately 12,000 people, located on a picturesque bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Unique features include the 1860 Light Station, which is the oldest operational lighthouse in Wisconsin, and the annual Port Fish Day.
Manitowoc is a city with an interesting maritime history. It is known for constructing submarines during World War II and it hosts the annual Sputnikfest, celebrating the 1962 crash landing of a piece of the Soviet Sputnik 4 satellite. It is also the Wisconsin port for the SS Badger ferry.
Situated at the intersection of Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Sturgeon Bay is the heart of the beautiful and historic Door County area. The region features unique attractions such as the Door County Maritime Museum and the Cana Island Lighthouse, dating back to 1869.
Visit Sheboygan : www.visitsheboygan.com
Harbor Centre : www.harborcentre.com
Sheboygan County Museum : sheboyganmuseum.org