Rediscovering Sheboygan: A Nature Lover’s Tour of Parks & Trails

Sheboygan County isn't just a place to live, it’s a place to feel alive in nature. With Lake Michigan to the east and rolling countryside in every direction, summer here is an open invitation to slow down, lace up your boots (or kick them off), and reconnect with nature. Whether you're chasing views, dipping your toes in the water, or wandering wooded trails, these five natural destinations are essential stops on your summer adventure list.

1. Kohler-Andrae State Park (Sheboygan)

The Iconic Coastal Escape

Let’s start with a classic, Kohler-Andrae is Sheboygan County’s most beloved state park for a reason. With miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, towering sand dunes, and the Dunes Cordwalk Trail, it feels more like a national park than a state one. Whether you're camping for the weekend, watching the sunrise over the lake, or just taking a barefoot stroll through the dunes, this place has a way of resetting your soul. They even have a playground for the kids.

Don’t miss: The elevated boardwalk through the dunes and a sunset picnic on the beach.

2. Ellwood H. May Environmental Park (Sheboygan)

A Wild Sanctuary in the City

Locals know it simply as “Maywood,” but don’t let the familiar name fool you, this place is a powerhouse of natural beauty. With over 130 acres of forests, prairie, wetlands, and five miles of trails, Maywood makes it easy to forget you’re still inside city limits. It's also a hub for environmental education, so bring the kids and let curiosity lead the way. If your kids are anything like mine they will find some dead fish for you all to admire.

Pro tip: Stop by the Ecology Center to learn about local wildlife before you hit the trails.

3. Old Plank Road Trail (From Sheboygan to Greenbush)

Pedal-Perfect Prairie Adventure

Looking to cover more ground? Hop on a bike and hit the Old Plank Road Trail. This 17-mile paved path runs parallel to Highway 23 and connects Sheboygan to the edge of the Kettle Moraine. Along the way, you'll pass open farmland, quiet woodlands, and sweeping prairie views. It's the perfect long ride for casual cyclists or a scenic walk-and-talk route.

Local tip: Start in Sheboygan Falls and stop at local coffee shops before or after your ride.

4. Pigeon River Fishery Area (Town of Mosel)

Tranquility Just Off the Grid

This one's a true hidden gem. Tucked into the countryside just north of Sheboygan, the Pigeon River Fishery Area spans more than 600 acres of public land that are perfect for hiking, fly fishing, or just escaping the noise. The river winds through a patchwork of fields, woods, and wetlands. You won’t find big crowds or fancy signage here, just serenity.

Best for: Solitude, wildlife spotting, and a quiet afternoon with your thoughts.

5. Parnell Tower (Kettle Moraine Northern Unit)

The Best View in Southeast Wisconsin

Parnell Tower might be one of the best “wow” moments in the area. Located just west of the county line in the Northern Unit of Kettle Moraine, this 60-foot wooden observation tower sits atop the highest point in the area. Climb the steps and you’re rewarded with panoramic views of glacial hills, dense forest, and miles of rolling countryside.

Why it stands out: It’s one of the few places around where you can see for miles in every direction.
Make it a day: Pair it with a short hike on the nearby Ice Age Trail loop. A wonderful adventure for kids, and the young at heart.

Final Thought: Find Your Trailhead

There’s something grounding about Sheboygan County in the summer. Something raw, real, and easy to miss when we’re racing through the day-to-day. These five places invite you to slow down and rediscover the natural beauty that’s been right here all along.

So this season, leave your schedule behind and find your trailhead. You don’t have to go far to get lost in the best way possible. And that's just the start of the beauty on Wisconsin's Midwest Coast.