Get Up, Get Out, and Get Wet, Celebrate Wisconsin’s Beaches

Wisconsin's a great place to swim, build a sand castle, or watch the sun set over the water. Beachgoers will find 56 miles of public beaches on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior alone, and plenty of places to dip their toes in on Wisconsin's 15,000 inland lakes and 44,000 miles of river.

Enjoying a Safe and Fun Day at the Beach

More than 100 Wisconsin public beaches along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior regularly test beach water quality and inform beach goers about conditions. Beach goers can go online for the latest conditions, for maps of the beaches, and to learn which beaches in a general area are open. Beachgoers will also find signs posted at the beach. For more information see Wisconsin Beach Health [exit DNR].

Wisconsin, in fact, in 2003 became the first state to meet federal BEACH ACT requirements to develop a state program for testing and notifying beachgoers of water quality conditions on coastal beaches.

Some of Wisconsin’s inland beaches are monitored as well, a responsibility of the local health department. Regardless of where you’re swimming, some common sense precautions can help you maximize your fun. These tips will help you stay safe on the water, avoid getting sun burned and avoid getting sick if there are elevated bacteria levels in the water.

Tips to enjoy your days at the beach

People on raft
Floating on a raft.
WDNR Photo

Never swim alone
Stay in designated swimming areas
Drink plenty of fluids
Wear sunglasses that absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight
Wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and a wide-brimmed hat
Spend part of your day in shaded areas
Wash your hands before eating
Shower after swimming
Don't swallow the water
Avoid swimming after a heavy rain
Don't swim near storm drains

Help Keep Your Beaches Clean

Citizens in many communities are already playing a role in helping keep their beaches open and clean for swimmers now and in the future. Read more, June 2004 Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine article: Tune In, A summer beach forecast. Here are some steps you can take on your own to help protect your favorite beach.

Dispose of litter their appropriate containers-especially cigarette butts, diapers and pet waste.
Please DO NOT feed gulls and waterfowl. It only encourages the birds to hang out the beach too, and then the risk of fecal matter at the beach is greater!
Don’t enter the water if you are ill.
Change diapers and put plastic/rubber pants on diapered children before allowing them in the water.
Do not dump anything down storm drains. Encourage community programs such as painting “Do Not Dump” signs near storm drains.
Avoid using fertilizers and pesticides on your yard.

Beach Maps

Looking for a beach near you? Check out the Wisconsin county maps which identify beaches on the Great Lakes.

Last Revised: Friday February 29 2008