Sheboygan

Sheboygan sits on the western shore of Lake Michigan, where the Sheboygan River meets the water about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Milwaukee. The town spreads inland from the harbor over gentle hills, crossing the river delta with bridges and wide avenues.

The Menominee transferred their lands to the United States in 1831, and American settlers arrived in the 1830s. During the late 19th century, the town grew into a furniture and leather manufacturing center while the harbor shipped timber from the northern forests.

The city takes its name from a Menominee word referring to the sound of the river flowing into the lake. Along the streets west of the harbor, you can still see brick buildings and storefronts from the decades when German and Dutch immigrants shaped the town's character.

Interstate 43 and US Route 141 connect the town to surrounding areas, while Shoreline Metro offers bus service within the city. Many places near the harbor and along the river are walkable, but temperatures by the waterfront can drop sharply in winter.

In winter, the cold waves of Lake Michigan turn the shoreline into a freshwater surfing spot where surfers in thick wetsuits paddle out in freezing temperatures. The conditions attract experienced riders who appreciate the frozen beaches and clear, icy water.