The Malibu of the Midwest: Art, Adventure, and Northern Lights
Sheboygan, Wisconsin, has become one of my favorite Midwestern communities. On my first visit three years ago I fell in love with Sheboygan. I had heard how lovely Sheboygan was, but I did not realize that I would begin planning my next visit when it came time to go home.
I fell in love with Sheboygan
In the past couple of years I have found myself chasing Northern Lights. I have seen them many times at home on the farm in Iowa, which led me to start thinking, “Where should I go to see the Northern Lights?” My first thought was that I should try to see them dancing on the Great Lakes. Little did I know that within four weeks of thinking about this, I experienced these incredible lights dancing overhead on Lake Michigan on the shores near the Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center. In case you are curious, I witnessed this incredible phenomena in October of 2024.
I have never been a huge fan of bratwurst until I experienced the double brat at Sly’s Midtown Saloon & Grill in Downtown Sheboygan. The beans with a dollop of butter are something I talk about on a weekly basis. And who knew that Grandma’s Potato Salad at Sly’s would be a delicious find in Sheboygan?
No visit would be complete without a visit to Bookworm Gardens. These gardens are some of the finest in the country. They pride themselves on bringing books to life one garden at a time and they do it exceptionally well. As a writer, I was reminded of how important literature is for families. Fun finds include The Magic Tree House, Little Blue Truck, and The Three Pigs. Every corner has something magical, offering fun photo spots and a walk down memory lane for Grandmas like myself. A bonus stop for book lovers is WordHaven BookHouse, offering a cozy atmosphere with a nice selection of books to take home with you.
The Above & Beyond Children’s Museum is the perfect size for families with smaller children. Interactive play-based learning experiences include shopping in a farmer’s market, playing in the toddler barnyard, and taking a ride on a fire truck. Families with kids 10 and under will find this museum full of adventure and memories for years to come.
The art scene is strong in Sheboygan. The Art Preserve of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and the John Michael Kohler Arts Center are both free to visit. Both centers have unique art displays, including Jesse Howard’s hand-lettered signs expressing statements that once peppered his Missouri property, are on display at the Art Preserve. The restrooms at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center are known as some of the best in the world.
Your visit to Sheboygan will be memorable when you take the time to make it your experience. The lakeshore, coffee shops, fun selfie stations, and beauty of the area are things you will tell all of your friends about. Trying something new, surfing the Malibu of the Midwest, would be the perfect “ new” experience to put on your list- only in Sheboygan!
Travel writer and author Sara Broers is the CEO of Travel With Sara and co-founder of the Midwest Travel Network. Dedicated to helping small towns thrive, she explores the heartland for Northern Lights, unique experiences, and culinary detours for the perfect bread pudding to help others “Travel and Thrive.”
