Summer in Wisconsin is the best. And while we often associate beaches with oceans… lake beaches can be great, too! They are the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day – and great for kids of all ages. 

We’ve organized this list starting with closest to Madison and on down. Great options for your next day trip or weekend getaway!

**Always be sure to watch your children closely any time you are around water. Here are some great water safety tips.

10 Favorite Beaches in Wisconsin

Devil’s Lake State Park Beach

Devil’s Lake State Park has two large sandy beaches, each with a bathhouse. These beaches are located on both the north & south shores of the lake. Devil’s Lake normally maintains a very comfortable swimming temperature from Mid-June to Late September.

Address: S5975 Park Road, Baraboo, Wisconsin (45 minutes)

Bradford Beach – Milwaukee

Bradford Beach is one of the top urban beaches in the nation. It’s clean, full of activity, great views, and plenty of space to spread out, sunbathe, and swim.

Plus, there is tons to do with kids while you are in the Milwaukee Area!

Address: 2400 N Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1 1/2 hours)

Riviera Beach – Lake Geneva

The Riviera Beach is located on Wrigley Drive close proximity to the Geneva Lake Path, the Lake Geneva Library, the Riviera Ballroom and within walking distance from restaurants and the business district.

There are tons of great things to do with your family in Lake Geneva. 

Address: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (1 1/2 hours)

North Beach – Racine

North Beach is 50 acres of beautiful sand along 2,500 feet of shoreline just north of downtown Racine. The beach also has volleyball courts, a snack bar and the Kids Cove playground. Lifeguards are on duty June through August.

Address: 100 Kewaunee Street, Racine, Wisconsin (1 hr 45 min)

Fireman’s Park & Beach – Elkhart Lake

Fireman’s Park & Beach is owned by the Fire Department, while managed by a fireman and his family. This is a seasonal recreational area with a sand beach, concession stand, picnic tables, grills and sand volleyball courts.

Address: 411 S. Lake Street, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin (1 hr 45 min)

Kohler-Andrae State Park – Sheboygan

The beach at Kohler-Andrae State Park is a scenic gem on the shore of Lake Michigan and offers a peaceful getaway. It contains wooded campsites and 2.5 miles of sandy beach.

Address: 1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan, Wisconsin (2 hours)

Point Beach State Forest – Two Rivers

Point Beach offers 6 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, with dunes, a lighthouse, camping, hiking, biking and nature.

Address: 9400 County Highway O, Two Rivers, Wisconsin (2 hr 45 min)

Nicolet Bay Beach – Fish Creek

Located in Door County, Nicolet Bay Beach is a sandy beach with shallow, clear water allowing you to walk out quite a ways. 

Address: Shore Road, Fish Creek, Wisconsin (3 hr 30 min)

Schoolhouse Beach – Washington Island

Popular, scenic lakeside destination with clear blue water & a beach of smooth limestone rocks. Schoolhouse Beach is one of five beaches in the world like it and is a part of the Niagara Escarpment. A protected harbor area and the Island’s original shipping port. Excellent swimming in a marked area with a diving raft. A favorite area for picnics!

Address: 1860 School House Beach Road, Washington, Wisconsin (4 1/2 hours)

Big Bay Beach at Town Park – Madeline Island

On the eastern side of Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands archipelago, Big Bay State Park features picturesque sandstone bluffs along 4 miles of Lake Superior shoreline. The park also has a 1-mile boardwalk, sandy swimming beach, hiking trails, large family campground and two group camps. A short ferry ride from Bayfield to Madeline Island is needed to reach the park.

Address: 2305 Big Bay Road, La Pointe, Wisconsin (5 1/2 hours)