Sheboygan, Wisconsin Attractions
Sheboygan County Wisconsin has so much to offer! Championship golfing at Kohler's Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits, World renowned racing at Road America, charter fishing on Lake Michigan, fantastic hiking and biking in the Kettle Moraine State Forest, beautiful lakes to list a few. The boutique Shops at Woodlake, The Kohler Design Center, the John Michael Kohler Art Center, Antique shopping all await you! Visit the following Sheboygan County tourism page for more ideas.|
Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts (Sheboygan Theatre) |
The motion picture
industry built palaces in cities all across the nation in the 1920s and the Sheboygan Theatre is an
exceptionally fine example of this now highly endangered type of building. It was built it in Sheboygan's downtown in 1928 as a combined motion picture and live theatre building. The original Spanish architecture drew acclaim in 1928 and is drawing the same raves now.
Restored to its original grandeur were the magnificent Spanish Castle decor, orn |
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Sheboygan
Falls Main Street |
Winner of the 1995 Great American Main Street Award and one of the country's top five downtowns, Sheboygan Falls boasts beautifully restored buildings that have opened as unique retail shops, apartment buildings and a lounge. Visitors will enjoy the panoramic view from the nearby Riverwalk. |
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Sheboygan
Falls Walking Tour |
This 1 1/2-hour, self-guided tour features more than 30 significant homes, churches and buildings. Two of its districts, the Cole District and Downtown Historic District, are listed on the National Register. Brochures available. |
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Historical
Research Center |
Located in Sheboygan Falls' historic Mill House, this research library has thousands of pieces of material including books, genealogy materials, county documents, maps and military service records available for perusal and study. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9am-4pm. |
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Kohler
Design Center |
Discover a world of gracious living in the
premier showroom for the nation's leadin |
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Kohler
Co. Factory Tours |
Kohler Co., the nation's leading plumbing products manufacturer, welcomes tours of its huge manufacturing facility. Factory tours are offered to those 14 or older Monday through Friday (except holidays) at 8:30. Reservations are required and should be made at least 24 hours in advance. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the 2 1/2 hour tour. |
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The
Shops at Woodlake |
This exceptional collection of over 25 retail
shops attracts sophisticated shoppers from miles around who seek
both special and essential purchases. |
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Sheboygan
County Museum |
The new museum, completed in 1999, houses artifacts pertaining to the history of Sheboygan County. Inside the main museum are the Indian, Maritime, Pharmacy, a doctor's office, circus, baseball exhibits and much, much more. The Taylor House, built by Judge David Taylor in the early 1850s, is set up to resemble a Victorian House. The Log House, built in the early 1960s by the Weinhold Family, is furnished with items relating to pioneer living. It is one of the last remaining log houses in the county. The Schuchardt Barn houses antique farm machinery and large implements. The Bodenstab Cheese Factory was built in 1867 and houses items pertaining to the cheese industry. Open 10am-5pm Tuesday through Saturday; 1-5pm Sunday, April through October. Admission. See the events page for information on the History Adventure Weekend (July) and Holiday Memories (December). |
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Lakefront
Promenade |
 Warm,
pleasant summer evenings become memorable and enjoyable when
spent strolling on the Lakefront Promenade. Enjoying the view
and the cool Lake Michigan breezes, walkers amble from the
boat launching area to the north breakwater, admiring the
array of sailboats and power boats docked at Harbor Centre
Marina as they meander past. Accompanied by the music of waves
gently lapping on the sandy beach, the journey can continue on
a paved all-purpose trail all the way to the North Point
overlook. |
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Lake Michigan
Circle Tour |
The popular Lake Michigan Circle tour runs along the Sheboygan Lakefront, all you have to do is follow the brown and white Lake Michigan Circle Tour signs. |
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Kettle
Moraine State Forest |
Sheboygan County's portion of the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, includes some 14,865 acres along the western boundary of the County. Across the impressive terrain created by gouging glaciers, stretch 71 miles of picturesque hiking trails, 58 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, 39 miles of scenic bridle trails, 30 miles of cross-country ski trails as well as extensive areas and facilities for picnicking, hunting, fishing, primitive camping, biking, tobogganing and general sightseeing. |
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John
Michael Kohler Arts Center |
JMKAC completed its expansion from 30,000 to 99,000 square
feet in May of 1999. The light-filled, airy, comfortable new
facility now includes nine galleries consisting of an
Arts/Industry, ExplorARTorium, interactive gallery for
children, community gallery, performance spaces and intimate
theatre; the Carriage House Cafe; Flying Colors gift shop and
coming soon an outdoor library sculpture garden. The six
public washrooms created by national artists astonish and
delight everyone! Don't leave Sheboygan without visiting the
new Arts Center. The JMKAC is open 10am to 5pm Monday ,
Wednesday and Friday; 10am to 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursday;
and 10am to 4pm Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is
Free. |
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The
Riverfront Boardwalk |
From the Rotary Riverview Park harbor overlook to the new Eighth Street Bridge, the Riverfront Boardwalk takes leisurely walkers past a row of weathered shanties originally built for use by commercial fishermen. While some maintain that purpose, others have been transformed into restaurants, art galleries and retail shops. Two new shanties have been added within the last year.
Afloat at the Boardwalk docks are charter fishing boats
where captains tie in after unloading passengers and fish
following half-day or full-day Lake Michigan sportfishing
excursions.
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Harbor
Centre Marina |
The best on this side of the lake ... outstanding service ... no worries about safety and security ... the cal mest docking anywhere ... love those festivals ... Those are the comments of both the seasonal and transient boaters about Harbor Centre Marina, Sheboygan's lakefront gem. A total of 253 slips are available to boaters, who are pampered in the luxurious marina building that contains a comfortable lounge, convenience store, laundry, shower and restroom facilities. An overlook that provides a panoramic view of the lakefront is enjoyed by the general public as well as by the slip tenants. Outside, boaters avail themselves of a pool, whirlpool and poolside social area. Spacious Deland Park, home to major summer festivals, a lakefront promenade, a large beach and bathhouse, community center, tot lots, several shelters, public boat launching facilities, the Sheboygan Yacht Club and the Youth Sailing Center are all adjacent or near to the marina building. |
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Festivals |
Fun-seekers flock to the array of festivals that take place in the Sheboygan area annually. Details appear in the calendar section of this publication, but visitors planning a vacation should note the traditional Bratwurst Day, Lakefest, the July 4 Celebration, Coho Family Festival, Holland Fest, the Greek and Slovenian picnics, Wings and Wheels, the Outdoor Arts Festival, Falls Fest, the Silver Dollar Picnic, Mill Street Festival and the Ducktona 500 events. |
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Fall Color
Driving Tour |
Approximately 25 miles of Kettle Moraine Scenic
Drive ru |
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Charter
Fishing |
The captains and first mates of Sheboygan's charter fishing fleet are anxious to help visitors board their boats, show them where the "big ones are hitting" and help land them. Clean water and large, healthy trout and salmon have returned Lake Michigan sportfishing to an extremely popular summer activity. Visitors can book half-day or full-day charters through the Convention and Visitors Bureau ... and if the success of July and August last year continues, it would be advisable to book early. |
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Kohler-Andrae
State Park |
Fascinating landscape and wildlife make Kohler-Andrae State Parks a must for outdoor-minded visitor s. Located just south of the city of Sheboygan on the shores of Lake Michigan, the parks provide activities for campers and day visitors in every season. The Sanderling Nature Center offers many interesting displays and its auditorium is the site of presentations and programs. State Park sticker required. |
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Parnell
Tower |
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Indian Mound
Park |
Effigy Burial Grounds, unique in the world, are found primarily in southern Wisconsin. Located in the Black River area are 18 of them in animal and geometric forms. Their builders were nomadic Native Americans living between 500 and 1000 A.D. The Open Mound Exhibit contains artifacts and replica skeletal material. A walking path for free self-guided tours provides easy viewing. Also part of the park is a boardwalk nature trail through the park's wetlands that demonstrates foliage of the northern hardwood province. |
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Elwood
H. May Environmental Park |
Much more than a park, this wonderland of nature encompasses 125 acres of forest, wetlands, prairie and a riverway. Miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails and a variety of wildlife make Maywood a prized attraction for lovers of nature, the environment and the out of doors. The park's Ecology Center is the site of many classes and activities. |
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Old
Plank Road Trail |
This 17 mile multi-purpose recreation trail parallels State Hwy. 23 from Sheboygan on the Lake Michigan Lakefront to historic Greenbush where it connects with the Ice Age National Trail in the beautiful Kettle Moraine State Forest. It passes by the many attractions of Kohler Village and the American Club Resort Hotel, Sheboygan Falls and its beautiful Main Street, and historic Plymouth along the way. This award-winning trail accommodates walkers, runners, bicyclists, rollerbladers, horseback riders and snowmobilers on the 10 feet of asphalt and the eight feet of turf that are side by side. A number of amenities grace the trail including beautifully landscaped trailheads, rest benches, water and emergency telephones. There is no fee to use the trail. |
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Waelderhaus |
This
"house in the woods," which reflects the spirit and
architecture of the Bregenzerwald region of Austria, was
designed by Au strian sculptorÂarchitect Kaspar Albrecht. The
building features intricate carvings, woodcuts, reliefs, iron
and pewter work all executed by Albrecht. Interesting
furnishings include candle-reflected waterglobe lighting
fixtures, a tile stove and wrought iron radiator covers. Open
every day except holidays. Free tours are conducted at 2, 3
and 4 pm Bus tours by reservation. |
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Wade House
and Wesley Jung
Carriage Museum |
Built in the 1850s by early settlers Sylvanus
and Betsy Wade, the landmarked three-story frame building in
Greenbush was formerly a stagecoach inn. Many original early
American furnishings decorate the house at this State Historic Site. Also on the site are the Robinson House, home of Wade's daughter and son-in-law; and the Jung Carriage Museum, one of America's finest collections, featuring more than 100 vehicles. A variety of activities geared to the entire family are planned throughout the spring, summer and autumn, including Family Pioneer Days, a huge arts and crafts fair, the popular Yankee Harvest Dinners, a draft horse exposition, the nostalgic and entertaining Buffalo Bill Wild West Show and the huge September Civil War Re-enactment, to which this year has been added a Spring Muster. The site is open May to October, 9am-5pm. The last tour begins at 4 pm Admission is charged. |
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Road
America |
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Elkhart
Lake Depot Museum |
A quaint museum is housed in an old railroad station in the midst of the historic resort village of Elkhart Lake. Nearly 100 years old, the museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and contains many original depot furnishings. Newspaper clippings, photos and a variety of other mementos provide fascinating glimpses into this community's history. Open June 1 to Labor Day, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no admission charge. |
The
John Michael Kohler Arts Center (JMKAC) is a thriving visual
and performing arts complex. The Arts Center is the hub of
cultural life in eastern Wisconsin and attracts thousands of
visitors annually. JMKAC is nationally renowned for its
innovative and challenging exhibitions and for the scholarly
publications developed in conjunction with them. There are up
to 24 exhibitions each year offering a wide variety of
concepts and directions in contemporary art, craft, and
folk-art.
504 Water Street | Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085 | Phone (920) 467-3123 | Toll Free (866) 467-3122
email: info@rochesterinn.com | www.rochesterinn.com