Kohler-Andrae State Park

Kohler-Andrae State Park is a 155-acre plot of land, centered around the historic Kohler Sand Dunes along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Host to camping, horseback riding, and an assortment of hiking trails, this is a great park to make a weekend out of. There are 13 campsites to choose from, all of which are available via reservation. These sites generally come with access to water on site, and all of the campgrounds are stocked with public restrooms. These sites are specific to tents, and no RV hookups exist.

Swimming and boating are both allowed in the lake waters immediately adjacent to the shore. That being said, lifeguards are only present in the most populated parts of the beach, so swim at your own risk. Winter sports are also offered, with trails available for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. While no rental area exists, the trails are free to access year round.

Dogs are allowed in roughly 60% of the park itself. Your canine needs to be on a leash eight feet or shorter while you maintain firm control at all times, no exceptions. In addition, you are not allowed to bring your dog to the beaches south of Sanderling Nature Center, nor are they permitted on the playgrounds, picnic pavilions, indoor structures, or hiking trails.

That being said, if you would like to bring your dog along, there is still plenty offered here. Your canine is permitted on the northern beaches, all campsites, along park roads, and on these specific hiking trails: Black River Hiking Trail, Black River Marsh Boardwalk, Marsh Trail, parts of the Kohler Dunes Cordwalk, and the Fishing Pond Trail

It is crucial to remember to clean up any dog business and put it in one of the many trash cans peppered throughout the park. The park forbids letting animals bury their waste in the sand, as this can do real harm to the environment and wildlife.