By Red Bull Editorial TeamPublished on
Head out to Sheboygan, Wisconsin to experience their one-of-a-kind waves.
When someone mentions Sheboygan, Wisconsin, odds are the word “surfing” doesn’t pop into your head — until now. Add this surprisingly awesome city to your bucket list of top surfing spots to visit. The fun doesn’t stop there. During your surfing breaks, take a drive around the city to check out cool hiking spots, gaming areas, and other places to chill out at in Sheboygan.
Surfing in Sheboygan
It’s hard to believe Midwest surfing could be a thing, but it now is thanks to surfing legends, Lee “Water Flea” Williams and his twin, Larry “Longboard” Williams. In the 1960s, these Sheboygan bros didn’t have the cash to travel to the classic surf spots in Hawaii or California. They decided to test out their hometown’s waves instead. Fifty years later, Lake Michigan is known as the place to crush the best waves.
You won’t find monster waves like in Mavericks, Cocoa Beach, or Newport Beach, but there aren’t exactly any ankle busters here either. The beach stretches five miles for plenty of room to swim and surf on one of the best lakes in the Midwest.
Beginners should try it out in the summer when the water’s less rough. When you’re ready to kick it up a notch, head out from August to April during peak surf season. Winds from all over hit the water to make some impressive waves. They are extra epic when the air from winter seasons hits the warm water. Ever surfed when there’s snow on the ground? Buy yourself a full-body wetsuit that covers your ears and head and hit the waves.
Other Things to Do in Sheboygan
Ditch the board for a bit and check out some of these other cool spots:
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Check out Z Spot Espresso and Coffee: When surfing takes the energy out of you, get it back with the strong espresso at this local favorite cafe.
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Hit the trails at Kohler-Andrae State Park: Get some more fresh air on the many trails at Kohler-Andrae State Park. Hike, bike, ride horses, or even cross-country ski.
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Go fishing: You haven’t fished until you’ve done it in the Sheboygan River during fishing season in August to September. Catch tons of fish like Chinook, rainbow trout, brown trout, and coho salmon.
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Catch a Sheboygan baseball game: Stop by the Sheboygan A’s baseball arena to purchase tickets and watch the guys hit some homers.
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Get in the game at Game On: Gamers have to see Wisconsin’s only Esports entertainment and modern-day gaming venue. Bring your friends or dominate some strangers at League of Legends, Fortnite, Overwatch, and more.
Facts About Sheboygan
Bet you didn’t know these wild facts about Sheboygan:
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Bratwurst capital of the world: These bratwursts will blow your mind. Try for yourself at one of their events like the annual Brats Day festival.
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Freshwater surfing capital of the world: It’s also a great spot to to paddle board, ski, and kayak. If it’s on the water, it can be done in the “Malibu of the Midwest,” AKA Sheboygan.
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NASA launched rockets here: Ready for takeoff! NASA launches rockets from Lake Michigan’s shoreline in Sheboygan.
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Sheboygan means “Path between the lakes”: This unique word has a pretty cool meaning behind it. Many believe this Chippewa Native American word means “Passage or waterway between the lakes.” In 1699, a Pottawatomie Native American village sat along the Sheboygan River. As more people headed over to the water’s edge over time, the name caught on.
Recommended Airbnbs
If you’re staying in Sheboygan, you’ll need a place to crash. These are some of the best places to stay in the Sheboygan area:
Sheboygan Surf House “Jetties”
Party and experience the nightlife in this studio apartment right in downtown Sheboygan. It’s right above a surf shop and has a queen-sized bed and kitchen amenities. Step out of your Airbnb and into bars or restaurants in a snap. It’s just a few blocks away from the South Pier and Lake Michigan when you’re ready to shred waves.
Sheboygan Surf House “The Elbow”
This is also located in a hot spot in downtown. It’s the perfect space for a surfer in town catching waves. It’s got an extra-large, full-sized bed to crash on, a pullout couch, and a stocked kitchen. The ocean and wave decor will make you feel like you never left the beach the entire vacation.
Little Wisconsin Getaway
This spot is perfect if you and the crew hit the road to Sheboygan for the weekend. It’s got a sweet setup from the second story balcony to the comfy queen-sized bed. This condo sits right next to the Pigeon River. It’s a mile to Lake Michigan and two miles to the Riverwalk.
Beachside Getaway
Another sweet condo is Beachside Getaway. You and the group will be right next to Lake Michigan’s shores. The waves will tempt you to head to the beach since you can hear them right from the condo. It has nice granite countertops, maple cabinets, and two balconies.
If you check it out during peak surfing season, you may even get to see the city covered in snow while you ride a sick wave.
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