Kohler-Andrae State Park is a beautiful park in Wisconsin that offers a variety of activities and amenities for visitors of all ages. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and requires a Wisconsin state park vehicle admission sticker for all motor vehicles stopping within the park. These stickers can be purchased at the park office during office hours or through the self-registration materials located at the park entrance, Black River Trail, and Friends Fishing Pond.

Facilities and Amenities

Flush toilets are available May through mid-October, and vault toilets are available year-round.
Fires are allowed in the grills and fire rings provided. Firewood is available at the park office. Grilling and fires are not allowed on the beach and must remain in the mowed picnic area.
Seasonal vending machines at the bathhouse offer soda, ice cream, and snacks. Glass containers are not allowed in the sand beach or picnic areas for safety reasons.
All refuse and recyclables must be disposed of outside the park. Visitors are encouraged to follow the carry-in carry-out policy to keep the park clean.
Pets are allowed in the park but must be on a leash under 8 feet and under control at all times. Pets are not allowed on the beach south of the Nature Center, picnic areas, playgrounds, buildings, or nature trails. They are allowed at campsites, along park roads, on regular hiking trails, and on the beach area north of Sanderling Nature Center. Pet owners are responsible for removing pet waste.

Nature Center and Programs

Sanderling Nature Center is open May 1st to October 31st and offers a variety of family programs May to October.
Bicycles are allowed on all park roads but should be alert for traffic and pedestrians. Mountain bikes are not allowed off-road except on the Black River Trail. Roller skates, skateboards, and scooters are not allowed on park roads.

Water Safety

The waters of Lake Michigan can be very cold with dangerous rip currents, and lifeguards are not provided. Swimmers should be cautious of lake conditions.
Users of small watercraft or floatation devices should be aware of wind conditions as strong west winds can blow watercraft away from the shoreline. Parents should watch their children at all times, and rubber rafts and other boats require personal floatation devices.

Park Information and Safety

Report any safety hazards to a park ranger. The park welcomes comments on park operations. In case of emergencies, call 911, and for non-emergencies, contact the park office at 920-451-4080 or the 24-Hour DNR Hotline at 800-847-9367.
Designated use areas are shown on park maps, and visitors are encouraged to limit their activities to these areas.
The Friends of Kohler-Andrae State Park support educational programs and provide financial support. Visit friendsofkohler-andrae.com for more information.

The Nature Trail

Creeping Juniper Nature Trail (0.5 mi.) – This trail features gently rolling sand dunes and is a great place to learn about the park’s plant life, geological history, and animal life. Visitors are asked to stay on the cordwalk to help protect the fragile area.
Dunes Cordwalk (2 mi.) – This trail runs parallel to the Lake Michigan shoreline and offers a moderate to difficult hiking challenge. Visitors will see active and stabilized sand dunes, interdunal wetlands, and a dry-mesic white pine forest.
Woodland Dunes Nature Trail (1 mi.) – This trail begins near the playground and offers a 0.25 mi. loop with a crushed limestone surface for wheelchair and stroller access. Visitors will learn about the trees of the forested dune area.
Black River Marsh Boardwalk (0.25 mi.) – This accessible trail features wetland plants and waterfowl and is a great place to learn about the importance of wetlands.
Black River Trails (2.5 mi.) – This area contains open field community and forested areas, making it an excellent place to look for a variety of songbirds and wildflowers.
Marsh Trail (0.5 mi.) – This forested trail borders the Black River marsh and offers a great view of both upland and wetland flora and fauna.
Fishing Pond Trail (0.3 mi.) – This trail has a flat surface and many benches, making it a great place to view waterfowl and other pond life.

In addition to the nature trails, the park also offers a family campground, group campground, and accessible cabin for people with disabilities. The park is open to the public from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, and visitors are required to purchase Wisconsin state park vehicle admission stickers.

“We encourage visitors to bring their families and friends to explore the park and experience the beauty of Wisconsin’s natural resources,” said Johnson. “We believe that these new nature trails will provide a fun and educational experience for everyone who visits.”

For more information about Kohler-Andrae State Park and its nature trails, visit wiparks.net or call 920-451-4080.

We hope you enjoy your visit to Kohler-Andrae State Park and all that it has to offer. Come explore, relax, and have a great time!