Stunning Wisconsin Beaches Worth the Drive From Illinois

Are you an Illinoisan with big ocean vacation dreams on a tank-of-gas budget? Don't worry, you're not alone, and there are three awesome beaches to visit in Wisconsin that will make you forget the ocean is missing.

Summer Vacation Plans

I start every new year with big intentions to go on a "big" summer vacation with my family. We try to save money for it, and then life happens. A car needs to be fixed, a washing machine breaks... adult problems always get in the way.

As I longingly spend hours searching for cheap flights to Florida or the Gulf Coast knowing my budget is screaming "not this year, girl" I realized something. A great vacation doesn't require a great production. You just need beautiful scenery and the people you love.

Here comes the good news: If your heart craves gorgeous water and beach vibes, Wisconsin might be the compromise you never knew you needed.

Wisconsin's Best Beaches

As I was scrolling social media today looking at other people's amazing vacation pictures I saw a post from Explore Wisconsin about beautiful beach escapes in Wisconsin that sucked me right in.

Here are four Wisconsin beaches that immediately landed on my summer bucket list:

Schoolhouse Beach on Washington Island

Schoolhouse Beach isn't your typical beach. Instead of sand, it's covered with smooth limestone rocks AND it has crystal-clear water! The beach is only accessible by ferry, so it truly feels like a remote island escape.

Bradford Beach in Milwaukee

Want beach vibes without driving too far? Bradford Beach combines soft sand, volleyball courts, concessions, and a lively atmosphere right along Lake Michigan. Bradford Beach is also completely wheelchair accessible, it even has beach wheelchairs available for rent!

Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan
This is probably the closest thing Wisconsin has to an East Coast beach thanks to its towering sand dunes, scenic boardwalks, and two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline to enjoy.

North Beach in Racine

If you're looking for the quickest escape from Northern Illinois, North Beach is tough to beat. This award-winning beach offers wide sandy shores, volleyball, a fishing pier, restaurants nearby, and enough space to convince yourself you're much farther from home than you actually are.

I guess the moral of this story is: No, Wisconsin doesn't have palm trees or ocean waves, but it does have clear blue water, sandy beaches, island ferry rides, and stunning sunsets, so it's surprisingly close. Best of all, you'll spend less time at the airport and more time with your toes in the sand. That sounds like a win-win to me!