17 Best Lake Michigan Beach Towns In Wisconsin To Visit In 2025
If you’re looking for beach towns on Lake Michigan in Wisconsin, then you’ve come to the right place. The Lake Michigan beach towns often have sandy shorelines along crystal-clear water and bustling town centres with many different outdoor activities.
Whether you’re looking to move to Wisconsin, or simply visit a picturesque beach town on Lake Michigan for a vacation, I’m happy to share with you which towns should be on your list and why.
I’ve been living in Wisconsin for the better part of a decade, and have been lucky to enjoy weekends, daytrips and vacations at these beach towns.
I’m going to share the local secrets about the best Lake Michigan beach towns in Wisconsin to visit. By the end, you’ll have an idea which of these beach towns should be highest on your list, based on your personal preferences of what you look for in a getaway or in a place to call home.
So, let’s get started – the best Lake Michigan towns in Wisconsin!

Best Lake Michigan Towns In Wisconsin
Here are the best beach towns in Wisconsin where you can enjoy views of Lake Michigan
1. Sheboygan
When looking for beach towns in Wisconsin, Sheboygan should be one of the first on your list. This mid-size town, known as the “Malibu of the Midwest,” and the “Freshwater Surf Capital of the World,” is known for its incredible beaches, with perfect surfing waves.
Located just 1 hour from Milwaukee, Sheboygan has a tranquil, relaxed vibe, with many other unique qualities besides its 8 different beaches. Sheboygan is also home to the tallest flagpole in the United States, great downtown shopping, and its beautiful botanical gardens which can be visited during the summer months.
If you head to Sheboygan, I recommend staying at the Harbour Winds Hotel, which is only 1 mile away from Deland Park and Beach and provides a free continental breakfast.
Book Your Stay At the Harbor Winds Hotel
2. Bailey’s Harbor
Bailey’s Harbor is known for its iconic lighthouse, great water activities, and several festivals that happen throughout the year, such as Berrfest, Autumnfest, and its annual 4th of July celebration.
Bailey’s Harbor is located in the peninsula known as Door Country, which is the gateway to Lake Michigan and is surrounded by a diverse landscape. You can visit the Mudlake Nature Preserve, or enjoy incredible views from Anclam Beach Park.
Bailey Harbor’s location on a peninsula makes it a fantastic place for water activities such as sailing, fishing and swimming. It’s also known as the best place in America to learn the sport of kiteboarding.
I recommend staying at Bailey’s Harbor Yacht Club Resort which features everything you need for a relaxing holiday – a swimming pool, sauna, and hot tub. You also have access to barbecue facilities and bikes for enjoying the outdoors.
Book your stay at the Baileys Harbor Yacht Club Resort
3. Two Rivers
Two Rivers is one of the best Lake Michigan towns in Wisconsin. Located just 45 minutes south of Green Bay, its known for its mild temperatures, even in the summertime.
Green Bay is a great place to visit year-round, but especially useful for escaping scorching heat waves while enjoying the outdoors in July or August.
Two Rivers has great beaches, nature trails, and museums, and a thriving fishing industry. In addition, Two Rivers is the birthplace of the ice cream sundae, which was created in 1881.
While you’re in Two Rivers, you should consider staying at the Lighthouse Inn. Being only 20 feet from the shore of Lake Michigan, the Lighthouse Inn provides stunning views of the lake, an indoor swimming pool, continental breakfast, and an on-site restaurant that serves delicious seasonal food.
Book your stay at the Lighthouse Inn
4. Algoma
If you’re looking for an artsy beach town in Wisconsin, then Algoma is it. Just over 2 hours from Milwaukee, there are several art studios and galleries to visit, as well as breathtaking landscapes to inspire you to create your own art if you choose to.
Algoma is a small town with access to both Lake Michigan and the Ahnapee River. Local activities include a winery, brewery, great hiking, and lots of fishing.
A great place to stay in Algoma is the River Hills Motel, which has a peaceful, rustic setting in a quiet corner of town right on the river. It’s also just a 15-minute walk or 3-minute drive into the heart of town.
Book your stay at the River Hills Motel
5. Racine
Racine is a popular tourist destination, with many fun and unique things to do near Racine for people of all ages. North Beach in Racine is known for being one of the best beaches in the Midwest, and draws people who want to swim, or practice surfing.

You can also visit the S.C. Johnston Wax Museum, the Racine Zoo, or the Windpoint Lighthouse, which is the tallest lighthouse on the Great Lakes.
Comfort Inn Mount Pleasant, just 15 minutes from downtown Racine, is a great place to stay while visiting the area. It offers a free breakfast, and a bar and fitness center on-site.
Book Your Stay At the Comfort Inn Mount Pleasant
6. Menominee
Menominee is a town full of fun ways to spend a weekend on Lake Michigan. It’s located on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, with access to the Menominee River with the town of Marientte on the other side.
In Menominee, you can watch car races at the Red Cedar Speedway, cool off at the waterpark, and enjoy a cold pint (or two) at the Brewery Nønic.
It’s also known for Tourist Park (formerly called Fat Ladies Beach) where you can go for a walk along the water’s edge, and see the historic town lighthouse.
The Hampton Inn & Suites Menominee is a great place to stay in town because it’s only just over a mile from the beach area.
Book Your Stay At the Hampton Inn & Suites Menominee
7. Fish Creek
Fish Creek is a Lake Michigan town on Wisconsin’s Door Country. It’s a great place to use as a home base while exploring Door Country because there are many attractions right in town and nearby.
You can take a cruise with Fish Creek Scenic Boat Cruises to explore the lake and cliffs along the shoreline. The Fish Creek cruises are especially popular at sunset when you can marvel at the yellows and oranges over Lake Michigan.
You can also rent your own boat in town from Fish Creek Boat Rentals, or rent a bike to go exploring the land.
I recommend heading to the Peninsula State Park and climbing up the 60-foot-tall Eagle Tower. From the top, you can get incredible views of the surrounding land and lake.
Homestead Suites in Fish Creek provides you with luxury accommodations just a stone’s throw from attractions.
Book your stay at Homestead Suites Fish Creek
8. Sister Bay
Sister Bay is a quaint community located in Door Country, in a scenic little cove with a marina, and views of Green Bay and Chambers Island.
It’s a small town with a population just over 1,100 people as of 2021. It’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for somewhere quiet. There’s an abundance of scenic beauty in the area, as well as decent shopping and cuisine options.
The coziest place to stay in Sister Bay Beach is the Open Hearth Lodge, with its rustic decor, indoor pool, and hot tub. It’s a great place to relax and explore the town, as it’s only a 3-minute drive from the town center.
Book Your Stay At the Open Hearth Lodge
9. Green Bay
Green Bay is one of the largest Lake Michigan towns in Wisconsin, with a population of just over 100,000.
Green Bay is known as the flagship town, and home to the Green Bay Packers, an NFL franchise. The city has a bursting economy with many things to do and is one of the most attractive places to live in Wisconsin for people with college degrees.
Green Bay has a lot to do to keep you busy as either a tourist or a resident. There’s an amusement park, some interesting museums, a botanic garden, a wildlife refuge, and a world-class stadium (Lambeau Fields) where you can do a tour.
To visit Green Bay, grab a place to stay at Springhill Suites. Springhill Suites is just a 10-minute walk from Lambeau Field and features a swimming pool, hot tub, and a free hearty breakfast.
Book Your Stay At the Springhill Suites
10. Kewaunee
Kewaunee is a historic lumber down that now makes a great place to visit for people looking for a Wisconsin beach town.
There are two different wineries, a jail museum, and the world’s tallest grandfather clock, Ahnapee State Trailhead. While you’re in Kewaunee, you should also check out the Tug Ludington, which is a WWII tugboat sitting at the shore.
A great place to stay in Kewaunee is Karsten Hotel, a 5-star hotel just a short walk from the town center.
Book your stay at the Karsten Hotel

11. Egg Harbor
Egg Harbour, known for its scenic beauty and arts scene is a great place for a weekend getaway in Wisconsin. Also located in Door Country, it is even smaller than Sister Bay, with a year-round population of just over 300 people.
In addition to the sandy Egg Harbor Beach, there are several different art galleries to visit and performing arts centers to see a show. You can also shop for locally sourced cheese shopping at the Door Artisan Cheese Company.
The best place to stay in Egg Harbor is the Newport Resort, because of its great amenities, such as a heated outdoor pool. It’s also only 2 miles from an amusement park called Egg Harbor Fun Park, which is popular with both tourists and local families.
Book Your Stay At the Newport Resort Hotel
12. Pleasant Prairie
Pleasant Prarie is a small community just south of Racine and Milwaukee, right on the border between Wisconsin and Michigan.
In Pleasant Prairie, you can enjoy several beaches, hike through nature preserves, and visit the Kenosha Lighthouse Studio.
Pleasant Prairie is also a 30-minute drive to Lake Geneva which is another Wisconsin beach town known for its luxurious homes and one of the clearest lakes in Wisconsin.
Fairfield Inn & Suites is the best place to stay in Pleasant Prairie because it’s a short walk to beaches on Lake Andrea and only a 15-minute drive to the Lake Michigan beaches.
Book your stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Pleasant Prairie
13. Marinette
Marinette is a Wisconsin town on Lake Michigan, with the Menominee River running through it and dividing it from the town of Menominee which is just on the other side.
Marinette is a picturesque town with a harbor and a historic lighthouse on the shoreline. There’s a lot to keep you entertained for a weekend, such as the Mariner Theater, a bowling alley, and exploring the local history at the Marinette County Historical Logging Museum.
The best place to stay in Marinette is the Baymont by Wyndham Marinette, with its fresh, modern-looking decor and luxurious beds; it is also close to several of the town’s main attractions.
Book your stay at the Baymont by Wyndham Marinette Hotel
14. Manitowoc
Manitowoc is seen as the maritime capital, and you can learn about the state’s maritime history at the Wisconsin County Maritime Museum in town.
On a beautiful day, you can take a stroll through West of the Lake Gardens, a botanical garden on the lakeshore. Families in the area might enjoy visiting the Manitowoc Lincoln Zoo.
In addition, there are many things in Manitowoc fit for a fun weekend – escape rooms, bowling alleys, museums, art galleries and shopping.
AmericInn by Wyndham Manitowoc is the best place to stay in Manitowoc for a fun and relaxing weekend.
Book Your Stay At AmericInn by Wyndham Manitowac
15. Suamico
Suamico is a Wisconsin beach town just north of Green Bay, which is the perfect destination for nature lovers.
There are so many things to do in the area to allow you to connect with the outdoors and wildlife. You can go birdwatching at the Sensiba State Wildlife Area, or take a nature walk at Brown County WI Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve to spot more foxes, beavers and other animals.
I recommend taking a walk along Sunset Beach Park, which runs along the waterfront and has beautiful gardens and views of the lake.
Since Suamico is so close to Green Bay, it’s a good place to stay if you want to explore attractions in the Green Bay area as well.
Stay at the Lakeside Luxury Retreat in Suamico for the best waterfront views in town.
Book Your Stay At the Lakeside Luxury Retreat
16. Washington Island
Washington Island is a Lake Michigan island off the coast of mainland Wisconsin. It can only be accessed by taking a ferry from Northport.
Known for its surroundings of clear, turquoise blue water, Washington is a bucket list place to visit in Wisconsin. There are lavender fields, apple orchards, and old-growth forests with trails where you can hike or bike.
You can swim, or kayak at Schoolhouse Beach, and enjoy great views of Lake Michigan from anywhere along the shore.
I recommend booking a place to stay at The Harbor Inn Resort for 1-2 nights to see Washington Island.
Book your stay at The Harbor Inn Resort
17. Sturgeon Bay
Sturgeon Bay is one of many great beach towns in Wisconsin, and among the first you should stop in if you want to venture into the Door Country area.
Sturgeon Bay has a Destination Door Country, a tourist information center about Door Country where you can learn about the history of the local area and get questions answered.
There is both a historical and a maritime museum to check out, and you absolutely cannot miss the gorgeous Sturgeon Bay Canal North Pierhead Lighthouse, which is painted bright red and has beautiful views of the harbor.
I also recommend spending a half day in Whitefish Dunes State Park to see incredible natural beauty.
Snug Harbour Inn provides the best overnight experience in Sturgeon Bay, with rustic cottage-like decor, and rooms with hot tubs with a view of the lake.
Book Your Stay At the Snug Harbour Inn

Best Lake Michigan Towns In Wisconsin: FAQ
Here are the most commonly asked questions about beach towns in Wisconsin, and choosing the best one for you.
There are many great lakes to live on in Wisconsin. Lake Geneva is a fantastic location but is known for luxury homes. There are also many great homes along the Lake Michigan and Lake Superior shorelines.
Both sides of Lake Michigan are very picturesque, with great activities and scenic beauty. So, whether you visit the Northern Michigan or the Wisconsin side of Lake Michigan, you can’t go wrong. I have lived in both states and feel fortunate to have experienced the two of them.
There are several cities and towns in Wisconsin that border Lake Michigan. Milwaukee is the largest one, with a population of close to 570,000 people. In addition, there are many towns of various sizes right on the lake, that make great places to visit and to call home.
The best areas on Lake Michigan are divided between the states of Wisconsin and (Northern) Michigan. Small beach towns in Wisconsin such as Lake Geneva, Sheboygan and Bailey’s Harbor are great tourism destinations, while in Michigan, you should consider Lake Michigan towns such as Charlevoix, Traverse City and Mackinaw City.
Conclusion: Wisconsin Towns Lake Michigan
By now, you know several of the best Lake Michigan towns in Wisconsin. One of the best things about our state is that it is full of wonderful places to live on the water, or two visit for a weekend getaway.
Many of Wisconsin’s beach towns on Lake Michigan have lighthouses, clear water that you can swim in, sandy beaches, historic town centres, museums, and great hiking on nearby nature preserves.
Whether you already live in Wisconsin, just visiting or thinking of moving to Wisconsin, there is a lot of natural beauty, history and culture to appreciate in our little corner of the United States. With over 1,000 miles of shoreline on Lake Michigan and 40% covered in forest, I believe that Wisconsin is one of the most beautiful states around.
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