So it’s not quite summer yet, but we can dream, right? One of the best parts about summer in Wisconsin is getting out on (or at least close to) the water. Here are 11 Wisconsin towns you can head to so that you can enjoy the water.
- Sheboygan
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources/Flickr For lodging, stay at the Harbor Winds Hotel. Grab a coffee at Weather Center Cafe. Eat a phenomenal meal (with a phenomenal water view) at Harry’s Prohibition Bistro. And enjoy the awesome water views at Kohler-Andrae State Park.
- Bayfield
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources/Flickr Bayfield is the gateway to the gorgeous Apostle Islands. You can take water taxis or sailboats. Or, if you’re more adventurous, take a kayak out and explore the Apostle Islands. For food, you’ll enjoy Pier Plaza Restaurant & Pickled Herring Lounge.
- Ephraim
Wilson’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor/Facebook Much of Door County is by the water, but you’ll enjoy the waters by Ephraim. Every trip to Ephraim warrants a trip to Wilson’s. Grab your ice cream cone and take in a gorgeous Door County sunset. You will enjoy eating at the Old Post Office Restaurant or Chef’s Hat Cafe. Both offer nice water views.
- Milwaukee
Milwaukee Sail Loft/Facebook Milwaukee has many offerings for eating out by the water. Pictured here is Milwaukee Sail Loft. Get out on the water with Sea Dog Sailing. Take a gorgeous walk along the water at Lakeshore State Park.
- Superior
Robert Emperley/Flickr When in Superior, head to the Wisconsin Point Lighthouse. It has amazingly clear water and loads of sand. Definitely hit up Pattison State Park, for waterfalls and a nice swimming beach.
- Lake Geneva
atramos/Flickr This gorgeous waterfront town has a lot to offer. First, get out on the Lake Geneva Cruise Line and enjoy a great tour. Next, get out on the beach at Riviera Beach. And then head over to the Geneva Lake Shore Path and get your walk on.
- Washington Island
Amy Meredith/Flickr This looks like the Caribbean, not Wisconsin, right? Enjoy walking on Schoolhouse Beach and getting out on the water. Eat at Sailor’s Pub Restaurant. And, of course, take the Washington Ferry Line and enjoy an awesome sunset.
- Algoma
Ken Lund/Flickr Algoma might be the most underrated of the towns by the water. For food, head to Red’s Pub and Grill or Ahnapee Brewery. The kids will love to “Ride the Fireboat.” Kids can hold a hose and shoot water into the bay. You’ll enjoy walking around Potawatomi State Park.
- Port Washington
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources/Flickr Start out by grabbing a sandwich from Dockside Deli (right by water). Harrington Beach State Park is an awesome place to enjoy the beach. If you’re interested in a fishing charter on Lake Michigan, Van’s Catch is the place to go.
- Kenosha
William Garrett/Flickr There are a few restaurants here that offer waterfront views, like Ashling on the Lough and The Boathouse. Simmons Island Beach is a nice place to enjoy the water. Another great (and free) idea is to do the Kenosha Sculpture Walk right by the water.
- Sturgeon Bay
BobbbyLight/Flickr You can stay right on the water at the Stone Harbor Resort or Bay Point Inn. Eat by the water at Waterfront Mary’s Bar and Grill. Walk by the water at Cave Point County Park.
Are you getting out on the water this summer? Where are you heading?
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources/Flickr
For lodging, stay at the Harbor Winds Hotel. Grab a coffee at Weather Center Cafe. Eat a phenomenal meal (with a phenomenal water view) at Harry’s Prohibition Bistro. And enjoy the awesome water views at Kohler-Andrae State Park.
Bayfield is the gateway to the gorgeous Apostle Islands. You can take water taxis or sailboats. Or, if you’re more adventurous, take a kayak out and explore the Apostle Islands. For food, you’ll enjoy Pier Plaza Restaurant & Pickled Herring Lounge.
Wilson’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor/Facebook
Much of Door County is by the water, but you’ll enjoy the waters by Ephraim. Every trip to Ephraim warrants a trip to Wilson’s. Grab your ice cream cone and take in a gorgeous Door County sunset. You will enjoy eating at the Old Post Office Restaurant or Chef’s Hat Cafe. Both offer nice water views.
Milwaukee Sail Loft/Facebook
Milwaukee has many offerings for eating out by the water. Pictured here is Milwaukee Sail Loft. Get out on the water with Sea Dog Sailing. Take a gorgeous walk along the water at Lakeshore State Park.
Robert Emperley/Flickr
When in Superior, head to the Wisconsin Point Lighthouse. It has amazingly clear water and loads of sand. Definitely hit up Pattison State Park, for waterfalls and a nice swimming beach.
atramos/Flickr
This gorgeous waterfront town has a lot to offer. First, get out on the Lake Geneva Cruise Line and enjoy a great tour. Next, get out on the beach at Riviera Beach. And then head over to the Geneva Lake Shore Path and get your walk on.
Amy Meredith/Flickr
This looks like the Caribbean, not Wisconsin, right? Enjoy walking on Schoolhouse Beach and getting out on the water. Eat at Sailor’s Pub Restaurant. And, of course, take the Washington Ferry Line and enjoy an awesome sunset.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Algoma might be the most underrated of the towns by the water. For food, head to Red’s Pub and Grill or Ahnapee Brewery. The kids will love to “Ride the Fireboat.” Kids can hold a hose and shoot water into the bay. You’ll enjoy walking around Potawatomi State Park.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources/Flickr
Start out by grabbing a sandwich from Dockside Deli (right by water). Harrington Beach State Park is an awesome place to enjoy the beach. If you’re interested in a fishing charter on Lake Michigan, Van’s Catch is the place to go.
William Garrett/Flickr
There are a few restaurants here that offer waterfront views, like Ashling on the Lough and The Boathouse. Simmons Island Beach is a nice place to enjoy the water. Another great (and free) idea is to do the Kenosha Sculpture Walk right by the water.
BobbbyLight/Flickr
You can stay right on the water at the Stone Harbor Resort or Bay Point Inn. Eat by the water at Waterfront Mary’s Bar and Grill. Walk by the water at Cave Point County Park.
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