Maybe you’ve come across some of the dazzling photographs from Lake Michigan on social networks and wondered if there’s more to be seen. I’ll show you where all the best photo spots are, as well as recommend a few restaurants, activities, and events worth checking out in Wisconsin.

Whether your family is from the area, or you’re exploring putting down roots in one of the most peaceful spots in the United States, there are many reasons that you might want to consider a vacation on the shores of Lake Michigan. After all, this beautiful state park offers breathtaking views, plenty of recreation, and tons of things to see and do.

While summer is in full swing across the country, it’s hard to believe that the fourth season is kicking off here in Wisconsin. With summer comes vacations — whether you spend two weeks traveling around the world or just find a few days to invest in your favorite family spot. For many families and individuals, there’s no better place to get away than right here in Wisconsin. Here are some top vacation spots for a summer getaway in our state:

Almost every state has a tourist attraction, whether it be historical, natural or man-made. Wisconsin’s claim to fame is Port Washington’s “Seafood Capital of the World” slogan. The city’s strong base of water industry businesses and quality fishing has made it a great location for those entertaining thoughts of eating some sweet seafood.

Vacation In Wisconsin Lake Michigan

Three weeks ago we were watching the World Series, eating hot dogs and drinking beer. Now, the leaves are turning and the chilly late-fall air is back.

6 Ocean-Like Beaches on Wisconsin’s Great Lakes

Think you need to travel to the Atlantic or Pacific to enjoy a beachside vacation? Think again! Wisconsin is home to a number of ocean-esque beaches along beautiful Great Lakes coastlines. These freshwater favorites are great family- and budget-friendly, closer-to-home alternatives to the traditional oceanside vacation.

Here are six of our most impressive beaches that will leave you with no choice but to dive in and head to Wisconsin’s coasts!

North Beach – Racine

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Selected by USA Today as one of the “51 Great American Beaches,” North Beach is located on the Lake Michigan waterfront. This beach has 2,500 feet of shoreline open to the public for swimming, fishing and picnics, and has been a designated Blue Wave Beach (America’s first environmental certification for beaches) since 2004. The Beachside Oasis is also a part of North Beach, featuring a concession stand, live music and the Kids’ Cove Playground – a gem located right on the beach.

Things to Do:

You’re in America’s Kringle Capital. The Kringle, an oval-shaped, authentic Danish pastry, is produced predominately in Racine County. With 32 layers of flaky dough and filling choices from fruits to nuts, this pastry leaves you satisfied. Stop by O&H Danish Bakery to try it out! Open Map

Big Bay Beach at Town Park – Madeline Island

Travel to the northernmost tip of Wisconsin and visit Madeline Island, the largest of the 22 Apostle Islands. The island’s boardwalk provides a guided walk along Big Bay Beach, allowing you to enjoy the sound of the waves while taking in the spectacular view of Lake Superior through the towering trees. With two miles of sand beach, swimming and fishing, this park is both secluded and free, everything a vacation should be.

Things to Do:

Try stand-up paddle boarding, a popular activity that combines surfing and paddling. Paddleboards, canoes and kayaks are available at several nearby Madeline Island rental companies. Enjoy a beer and a sunset at the casual and eclectic Tom’s Burned Down Café. This local bar was once damaged in a fire and instead of re-building, they covered the building with a tent and now allow patrons to leave permanent marks by writing on the ruins’ walls.

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Bradford Beach – Milwaukee

Fair warning: this beach gets busy in summer, but for good reason. This urban beach is the perfect place for L.A. dreamers of all ages to catch beach vibes in the Midwest. The active sports scene (including sand volleyball and sand soccer leagues), cocktail bar and Lake Michigan views keep the atmosphere at Bradford lively and refreshing. A state-of-the-art ramp from street down the beach — with access to the outdoor bar — to the lakefront and beach wheelchairs that are free to check out have made Bradford one of the most accessible beaches in the country. Pro tip: head there early to score free parking nearby and snag a prime spot for the day.

Things to do:

Order tropical cocktails and food at The Dock and cheer on beach volleyball leagues as they compete (or play a game yourself). Just across the street is Lake Park, a serene escape from Bradford’s energy. Hike the historic park paths to find the North Point Lighthouse, Milwaukee’s last Native American burial mound and the picturesque Lake Park waterfall (best viewed after it rains). Open Map

Schoolhouse Beach – Washington Island

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Not a fan of sand in your shoes? Then Schoolhouse Beach is for you. Here, kids make stone castles instead of sandcastles by using individual limestone pebbles polished smooth by Lake Michigan’s waves. Not far from shore, the water deepens fairly quickly for great diving, rafting and snorkeling, and excellent swimming is offered in a marked area. The limestone rocks are beautiful but be sure to leave them there for the next visitors to enjoy. The town park and beautiful wooded setting are perfect for picnics and cookouts.

Things to Do:

The Door County Peninsula is surrounded by numerous historic shipwrecks, including wooden schooners and steamers that sank in the mid-1800s. Depths of the ships range from as little as 10 feet to 225 feet. Shoreline Scenic Cruises offers guided cruises exploring these shipwrecks and more. Open Map

Kohler-Andrae State Park – Sheboygan

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Kohler-Andrae State Park is the home of majestic sand dunes, miles of golden beach, and the shimmering blue Lake Michigan water. This beach has the largest dune complex along Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan coastline and the unique wetlands within it provide habitat for many rare plants, some of which are only found on Great Lakes shorelines. More than 150 bird species have been spotted within the park, including many species of waterfowl and shorebirds and more than 20 species of warblers.

Things to Do:

Shop and explore downtown Sheboygan. Field to Fork Café serves breakfast and lunch favorites made with wholesome, natural ingredients from local farmers. Swing by the grocery section and buy fixings for lunch (picnic anyone?). Be sure to also take some time and explore the John Michael Kohler Arts Center. The center has 10 galleries, a theater, studio classrooms and more. Open Map

Point Beach State Forest– Two Rivers

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Point Beach State Forest is a family-friendly Lake Michigan beach offering several hundred yards of beautiful sand beach, biking and walking trails and picnic areas. Concessions are available at the beach house during the summer months. Bring the bicycles to this beach and ride the Rawley Point Recreational Trail – you can ride six miles to the Rawley Point Lighthouse at Point Beach State Forest or connect with the Mariners Trail in Two Rivers and ride to Manitowoc.

Things to Do:

Visit the Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum, the only museum dedicated to the preservation, study, production and printing of wood type. With 1.5 million pieces of wood type and more than 1,000 styles and sizes of patterns, the collection is one of the premier wood type collections in the world. In addition to wood type, the museum, which is often visited by current artists, typographers and designers from across the country, is home to an amazing array of advertising cuts from the 1930s through the 1970s.