Spirit on the Lake: Guide to Sheboygan

Branded as “the Spirit on the Lake”, “the Malibu of the Midwest” and the “Bratwurst Capital of the World,” Sheboygan has its share of nicknames. But if you look beyond the marketing lingo (and the genuinely amazing brats), you’ll find a simple Wisconsin town with a strong focus on the local food movement, plenty of boutique shopping and some of the finest shoreline this side of Lake Michigan. 

One hour north of Milwaukee and one hour south of Green Bay, Sheboygan is the meat in a sandwich of larger cities. Its upscale neighbor Kohler competes for tourism dollars with fancy golf and resorts, but can’t compete with Sheboygan’s incredible lakefront.

I've called this city home for the past 10 years, and I’m not the only one to notice this town’s many merits. In 2013, Business Insider named Sheboygan #16 out of the 20 Most Innovative Cities In The US, and a couple of months ago, Sheboygan-based Acuity was ranked #3 on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work for in 2015 — a huge win for the local community here. (P.S. Check out Acuity’s 400-foot flagpole — it’s the tallest in the whole world!)

To help you get to know this often overlooked city, here's a quick guide to some of my favorite places in Sheboygan. 

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Weather Center Café 

Reminiscent of the fishing shanties that previously populated the Sheboygan boardwalk, the Weather Center Café is hugely popular with locals, specifically the freshwater surfing and stand up paddle boarding (SUP) community. The coffee shop serves climate-themed drinks and dishes like The Tsunami (a strawberry-banana smoothie) and The Noreaster (turkey with creamy blue cheese dressing and avocado). The décor includes old maritime maps and lifesavers fastened to the wall, with fish nets hung across the ceiling. 

John Michael Kohler Arts Center

More than an art museum, the JMKAC is a full artistic experience. I love their self-guided Art & Gardens Walking Tour, which can be enjoyed year-round. Currently, six exhibits featuring 27 artists are on display, highlighting a broad theme of textiles with a specific focus on the cultural and emotional implications for contemporary fiber art. Some exhibits are sometimes a bit dry, but the “Factory to Factory” display is worth a look as it explores the individuals behind the textiles and references Sheboygan-based Wigwam Mills. And make sure to check out the bathroom (yes, the bathroom) before you leave!

Blue Harbor Resort

Sheboygan’s largest attraction sits right on the lake, of course. Even if you’re not staying at this hotel, the lobby area is open to the public and is a nice place to grab a bite (there’s a small café for smoothies and coffee) overlooking the water. In the summertime, you’ll find a mini golf course across the street, along with an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. It’s just one of those cute things you should probably do as a visitor.

Deland Park & Broughton Drive 

Take the scenic route! You can walk starting at Blue Harbor along the South Pier, across the 8th Street Bridge and through the Sheboygan boardwalk. If you’re driving, follow a similar route starting along South Pier Drive to South 8th Street, then Riverfront Drive to Pennsylvania Avenue, ending on Broughton Drive. For the best views of the lake, try North Point Park or the popular beach at Deland Park. 

Field to Fork 

You can find me at Field to Fork… well… every Saturday morning. It’s my absolute favorite breakfast spot.  I literally have dreams about their coffee, which is fair trade and roasted in-house. Operating under the mentality of “the shorter the distance between the field and the fork, the better,” this restaurant sources most of their ingredients from local farms, creameries and co-ops. If you’re able to sit down and stay for breakfast, I’d recommend their eggs benedict or crème brulee French toast. If time is limited, grab a cup of coffee and a homemade oatmeal cream pie to go.

The Duke of Devon 

One of Field to Fork’s sister restaurants, The Duke of Devon, is also worth mentioning. This British-themed gastro pub is located along a pseudo River Thames (OK, OK… it’s the Sheboygan river) serving curry chips and cottage pie. The outdoor seating is fantastic when the weather is nice, but the inside is equally appealing with photographs of famous Brits like Sir Winston Churchill, maps of the UK and all kinds of kitsch adorning the walls. 

Olivü 426 

Owner Caitlin Brotz is an absolute doll. Humble, hospitable and always sporting her infectious smile, she greets each new customer that walks through the door like an old friend ready to share beauty secrets. I first discovered the downtown Sheboygan storefront a few years ago and immediately was impressed by the story, the products and Caitlin herself. I love that Olivü’s products are alcohol-free, hand-poured and focused on healing through natural, high-quality ingredients. Try their lip balm (I use this daily) or facial toner, which is one of the only toners I’ve been able to find that doesn’t contain alcohol. And there’s even in-store kitchen where you can make your own soaps and lotions. 

Urbane

Back to food. Urbane is my happy place and go-to dinner spot with friends and family. It’s low-key but not lowbrow — and very popular, especially in the summer when they open up the windows. I love the Thai Nachos (with sriracha-infused goat cheese and house made peanut sauce, gah!), Door County Pulled Pork Sandwich and Ode to Soy Salad. 

Wreck of the Lottie Cooper 

According to Travel Wisconsin, it’s estimated that 10,000 ships have been lost in the Great Lakes with 700 in Lake Michigan and 62 near Sheboygan. The Lottie Cooper is one of them. It’s a recovered shipwreck that sank off the shores of Sheboygan in 1894. It was discovered by divers in 1990 and retrieved in 1992.

Stefanie H. Weill Center 

It’s hard to miss the massive “Sheboygan” sign centered out front of the Stefanie H. Weill Center. This old theater was built in 1927 and restored in the late 1990s. Today, it hosts orchestras, musical concerts and — my personal favorite — monthly Friday night movies.

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Thanks for letting me show you around Sheboygan! Now, picture all of this with summer sunshine, sailing boats and bright green leaves on the trees. You can't beat it.

Words and photos by Hannah Geise