A few warm days and we’re already dreaming about a summer in the sun. If you’re looking to hit up some of the more popular summer spots, the time to plan is now. With hundreds of miles of Great Lakes shoreline and then more inland lakes than we know how to count, hitting the beach and enjoying the calming pace of life on the water is incredibly easy. Wisconsin’s pristine shorelines are no longer any sort of secret, so finding a slice of beach just for yourself can be hard to do. Narrowing down this trip to just one area wasn’t easy, but this is a small trip that takes you to some beaches that are a bit more off the beaten path and might not be teeming with other sun-seekers.
The best hidden beaches in Wisconsin are easily within reach. To follow the route, check out our custom map.
From small, local park spots to some more obvious beaches, this little trip shows you some of the very best Wisconsin beaches.
Google Maps Nothing screams “vacation” quite like a waterfront getaway. You’ll want to add this exciting road trip to your bucket list.
- Doolittle Park — Birchwood
Washburn County You can camp right on the beach here, which is awesome. Birch Lake is big and beautiful and the amenities make this a great spot for a day trip or an overnight stay. What are you waiting for? This breathtaking destination is calling your name. Hinman Drive, Birchwood, WI 54817.
- Shell Lake — Shell Lake
Shell Lake Home to one of the best beaches in Northern Wisconsin, Shell Lake offers a 2,600-acre lake and plenty of space to enjoy it. Shell Lake is the state’s largest landlocked seepage lake. It is about 36 feet deep at its deepest and it’s crystal clear. US Highway 63, US Hwy 63, Shell Lake, WI, USA
- Totogatic Park — Minong
Facebook/WashburnCounty This is another great spot where you can camp right on the beach. Located on the Minong Flowage, there are acres and acres of lake to enjoy. Totogatic Park, N13984 Tota Pk Dr, Minong, WI 54859, USA
- Pattison State Park — Superior
Flickr/WIDNR Tons of folks head here every year to check out Big and Little Manitou Falls but miss out on one of the park’s best hidden gems. Interfalls Lake is an absolutely delightful spot to stop and relax for a bit. Cool off between hikes or just take a dip on a hot day. The lake here is a wonderful little find inside the park. Pattison State Park, 6294 WI-35, Superior, WI 54880, USA
- Wisconsin Point — Superior
Flickr/Jpellgen Just south of Superior, there are two narrow strips of land that jut out into the lake. One of them is in Minnesota and one is in Wisconsin. There’s a small break between the two known as the Superior Entry Channel. To the southeast is an area known as Wisconsin Point. This may be the longest freshwater beach you’ll find and what makes this beach so great is its wild, unspoiled nature. The water is crystal clear and the beaches are pristine. Only go here if you intend to leave it as immaculate as you found it. This is, by far, the beach with the clearest water in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Point, Superior, WI 54874, USA
- Herbster Playground and Beach — Clover
City of Bayfield Bayfield County does a truly spectacular job of maintaining public access points to Lake Superior, and Herbster is a great choice to spend a day or a weekend. The playground means that when the kids need time out of the water, they can still burn off energy. There’s also a beach-side campground. But the fishing for lake trout and salmon is superb and the sunsets are breathtaking. Bark Point Road, Clover, WI 54844.
- Meyer’s Beach — Cornucopia
TripAdvisor/CherylD Ok, Meyer’s Beach in Wisconsin isn’t hidden — everyone knows about it as the launching point for checking out the sea caves. But all that means is that folks go here and immediately head out on the water, leaving the beach empty for you to enjoy. If you get a little restless sitting still for too long, you can also walk along the Lakeshore Trail, where you can view the sea caves from above and walk back along the beach. Meyers Road, Bayfield, WI 54814
- Broad Street Beach — Bayfield
City of Bayfield A charming spot right in town, it’s good for a quick dip or as a location for a nice picnic lunch. Broad Street, Bayfield, WI 54814
- Big Bay State Park — LaPointe
Flickr/AaronCarlsen Probably the most well-known of the beaches on this list, it still counts because its remote location means you still won’t have a lot of competition for a spot on the sand. Get ready for a full day of excitement – this is the best sandy beach in Wisconsin. 2402 Hagen Rd, La Pointe, WI 54850, USA
- Thompson’s West End Park — Washburn
City of Bayfield There are 27 acres of gradually sloping shoreline to the water’s edge. There’s a lakefront walking trail here that’s truly beautiful and there are tons of recreation opportunities here, including a boat launch. Bring your whole family and get ready to experience Wisconsin’s epic beauty. 1048 W Bigelow Street, Washburn, WI 54891.
What’s your favorite beach in Wisconsin? Share your beach tips in the comments below!
Google Maps
Nothing screams “vacation” quite like a waterfront getaway. You’ll want to add this exciting road trip to your bucket list.
Washburn County
You can camp right on the beach here, which is awesome. Birch Lake is big and beautiful and the amenities make this a great spot for a day trip or an overnight stay. What are you waiting for? This breathtaking destination is calling your name.
Hinman Drive, Birchwood, WI 54817.
Shell Lake
Home to one of the best beaches in Northern Wisconsin, Shell Lake offers a 2,600-acre lake and plenty of space to enjoy it. Shell Lake is the state’s largest landlocked seepage lake. It is about 36 feet deep at its deepest and it’s crystal clear.
US Highway 63, US Hwy 63, Shell Lake, WI, USA
Facebook/WashburnCounty
This is another great spot where you can camp right on the beach. Located on the Minong Flowage, there are acres and acres of lake to enjoy.
Totogatic Park, N13984 Tota Pk Dr, Minong, WI 54859, USA
Flickr/WIDNR
Tons of folks head here every year to check out Big and Little Manitou Falls but miss out on one of the park’s best hidden gems. Interfalls Lake is an absolutely delightful spot to stop and relax for a bit. Cool off between hikes or just take a dip on a hot day. The lake here is a wonderful little find inside the park.
Pattison State Park, 6294 WI-35, Superior, WI 54880, USA
Flickr/Jpellgen
Just south of Superior, there are two narrow strips of land that jut out into the lake. One of them is in Minnesota and one is in Wisconsin. There’s a small break between the two known as the Superior Entry Channel. To the southeast is an area known as Wisconsin Point. This may be the longest freshwater beach you’ll find and what makes this beach so great is its wild, unspoiled nature. The water is crystal clear and the beaches are pristine. Only go here if you intend to leave it as immaculate as you found it. This is, by far, the beach with the clearest water in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Point, Superior, WI 54874, USA
City of Bayfield
Bayfield County does a truly spectacular job of maintaining public access points to Lake Superior, and Herbster is a great choice to spend a day or a weekend. The playground means that when the kids need time out of the water, they can still burn off energy. There’s also a beach-side campground. But the fishing for lake trout and salmon is superb and the sunsets are breathtaking.
Bark Point Road, Clover, WI 54844.
TripAdvisor/CherylD
Ok, Meyer’s Beach in Wisconsin isn’t hidden — everyone knows about it as the launching point for checking out the sea caves. But all that means is that folks go here and immediately head out on the water, leaving the beach empty for you to enjoy. If you get a little restless sitting still for too long, you can also walk along the Lakeshore Trail, where you can view the sea caves from above and walk back along the beach.
Meyers Road, Bayfield, WI 54814
A charming spot right in town, it’s good for a quick dip or as a location for a nice picnic lunch.
Broad Street, Bayfield, WI 54814
Flickr/AaronCarlsen
Probably the most well-known of the beaches on this list, it still counts because its remote location means you still won’t have a lot of competition for a spot on the sand. Get ready for a full day of excitement – this is the best sandy beach in Wisconsin.
2402 Hagen Rd, La Pointe, WI 54850, USA
There are 27 acres of gradually sloping shoreline to the water’s edge. There’s a lakefront walking trail here that’s truly beautiful and there are tons of recreation opportunities here, including a boat launch. Bring your whole family and get ready to experience Wisconsin’s epic beauty.
1048 W Bigelow Street, Washburn, WI 54891.
Quite a few of these hidden beaches in Wisconsin offer beach-side camping, but if you’re looking for that option in other parts of the state, check out this list of beachside campgrounds in Wisconsin.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Beaches In Wisconsin July 26, 2019 Elisa Regulski What are the prettiest beaches in Wisconsin? Meyer’s Beach in Cornucopia, Wisconsin is one of the most lovely places in the state. The sandy banks, crystal-clear water, and bright trees are absolutely gorgeous. Visitors also love exploring Herbster Playground and Beach. This Wisconsin attraction is beautifully-maintained and full of incredible fishing spots. You can even camp along the sandy shore. Doolittle Park, located in Birchwood, is another pretty Wisconsin beach. People love packing picnics and looking into the picturesque landscape. What are the best beach towns in Wisconsin? La Pointe, Wisconsin is one of the best beach towns in the state. It’s beloved by everyone in the area, and it’s easy to see why. This town is surrounded by vibrant blue water and soft sand. Washburn, Wisconsin is also an incredible beach town. This area is home to Thompson’s West End Park. Whether you come here to hike, sail, or relax, this blissful oasis is always exciting. What beaches have the clearest water in Wisconsin? Wisconsin Point, located just south of Superior, has the most shimmering and colorful water in Wisconsin. This freshwater swimming spot is the perfect place to cool off in the warmer months. You’ll also find beautiful water at Totogatic Park. This tranquil getaway is tucked away in Minong, Wisconsin, and it’s absolutely breathtaking. For another exciting getaway, venture over to Shell Lake. You won’t believe how blue this wonderful lake is.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Beaches In Wisconsin
July 26, 2019
Elisa Regulski
What are the prettiest beaches in Wisconsin? Meyer’s Beach in Cornucopia, Wisconsin is one of the most lovely places in the state. The sandy banks, crystal-clear water, and bright trees are absolutely gorgeous. Visitors also love exploring Herbster Playground and Beach. This Wisconsin attraction is beautifully-maintained and full of incredible fishing spots. You can even camp along the sandy shore. Doolittle Park, located in Birchwood, is another pretty Wisconsin beach. People love packing picnics and looking into the picturesque landscape. What are the best beach towns in Wisconsin? La Pointe, Wisconsin is one of the best beach towns in the state. It’s beloved by everyone in the area, and it’s easy to see why. This town is surrounded by vibrant blue water and soft sand. Washburn, Wisconsin is also an incredible beach town. This area is home to Thompson’s West End Park. Whether you come here to hike, sail, or relax, this blissful oasis is always exciting. What beaches have the clearest water in Wisconsin? Wisconsin Point, located just south of Superior, has the most shimmering and colorful water in Wisconsin. This freshwater swimming spot is the perfect place to cool off in the warmer months. You’ll also find beautiful water at Totogatic Park. This tranquil getaway is tucked away in Minong, Wisconsin, and it’s absolutely breathtaking. For another exciting getaway, venture over to Shell Lake. You won’t believe how blue this wonderful lake is.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Meyer’s Beach in Cornucopia, Wisconsin is one of the most lovely places in the state. The sandy banks, crystal-clear water, and bright trees are absolutely gorgeous. Visitors also love exploring Herbster Playground and Beach. This Wisconsin attraction is beautifully-maintained and full of incredible fishing spots. You can even camp along the sandy shore. Doolittle Park, located in Birchwood, is another pretty Wisconsin beach. People love packing picnics and looking into the picturesque landscape.
What are the best beach towns in Wisconsin?
La Pointe, Wisconsin is one of the best beach towns in the state. It’s beloved by everyone in the area, and it’s easy to see why. This town is surrounded by vibrant blue water and soft sand. Washburn, Wisconsin is also an incredible beach town. This area is home to Thompson’s West End Park. Whether you come here to hike, sail, or relax, this blissful oasis is always exciting.
What beaches have the clearest water in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Point, located just south of Superior, has the most shimmering and colorful water in Wisconsin. This freshwater swimming spot is the perfect place to cool off in the warmer months. You’ll also find beautiful water at Totogatic Park. This tranquil getaway is tucked away in Minong, Wisconsin, and it’s absolutely breathtaking. For another exciting getaway, venture over to Shell Lake. You won’t believe how blue this wonderful lake is.
