Kohler-Andrae State Park
Boardwalks cross active and stabilized dunes to a long beach, pine forest, and rare interdunal habitat on Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan shore.
Artwork inspired by Ruth Grotenrath
Kohler-Andrae combines two adjoining parks around a dynamic shore system. Wind moves sand inland; marram grass traps it; wetlands form in low swales; and boardwalks reduce trampling across fragile surfaces. The Black River adds a quieter forest-and-wetland corridor behind the open lake edge.
Swimming conditions can change abruptly with cold water, waves, and rip currents, and the beach has no lifeguard guarantee. Walk the cordwalk first to understand the dune system, then choose beach time or the Black River trail. Dogs have designated areas, while sensitive dunes require everyone to stay on constructed routes.
- Shore
- Lake Michigan
- System
- Active and stabilized dunes
- Inland water
- Black River
Quick guide
- Read dune succession
- Compare open beach, marram-covered foredune, shrub zones, forest, and wet swales
- Read dune succession
- Compare open beach, marram-covered foredune, shrub zones, forest, and wet swales
Cross the dune system without damaging it
- Use the cordwalk
- Wooden routes protect vegetation whose roots hold newly accumulated sand.
- Read dune succession
- Compare open beach, marram-covered foredune, shrub zones, forest, and wet swales.
- Judge the lake independently
- Sunny weather does not eliminate cold water, waves, current, or sudden depth.
- Add the Black River
- The inland trail reveals a sheltered habitat that the beach alone cannot represent.
Good to know
There are no guaranteed lifeguards; check beach conditions and keep off dune vegetation even when informal footprints suggest a shortcut.
Notice these
- Dunes Cordwalk
- Lake Michigan beach
- Black River Marsh