Sheboygan - Not Just the Brat City

For the last couple of years I have been road tripping with (as my husband calls them) “the ladies”.  Our last destination was Sheboygan – one of the many beautiful port cities along Lake Michigan. 

Our route from Madison was via Columbus, through West Bend and of course Waldo.  Yup – Waldo has been hiding in Wisconsin all this time.     

The primary purpose of the trip besides finding Waldo was to visit the bathrooms at the John Michael Kohler Art Center.   Seems like a long ways to go to look at porcelain but you see the bathrooms at the center have been declared works of art and rightly so.  But before porcelain we found some other treasures. 

OK – can you guess where these charming critters are?  Maybe a park – you would be wrong.   These and several other whimsical creations are found in the yard of a residence on 18^th Street in Sheboygan.  My husband and I actually discovered this collection following a detour and I must say one of the better detours we have taken.  

When I stopped the owner of the home and creator of the sculptures invited us to take pictures and walk around – it was amazing.   She indicated she was inspired by work she had seen at Kohler Art Center – another reason to go. 

From 18^th Street we headed for Lakeshore Drive – beautiful old homes, interesting sculptured fencing, and gorgeous views of Lake Michigan and Sheboygan’s impressive boardwalk along the Sheboygan River.   Hard to believe a number of years ago the boardwalk area consisted of coal and salt piles.  Now there are wonderful shops, hotels, eateries, and plenty of area to stroll or just sit back and take in the view.  

Next stop was the Kohler Art Center and as I promised the ladies incredible bathrooms.  The art displays were interesting, the gift shop fun, and the gardens and adjoining buildings absolutely beautiful.  Sheboygan also has many art displays scattered throughout the city.  The center provides a map so you can take your own guided tour.   In case you want more info on the center here is a link to their website - Link to Art Center  

One of the Ladies Rooms

One of the Mens Rooms

While there are many restaurants to choose from in the area like the Mucky Duck (yes real name and with great food), for this trip I opted for a picnic so we could partake in some fabulous smoked fish from Schwartz’s Fish Market.   If you go there buy the smoked trout or white fish, and FYI – the smoke fish spread is fabulous.  We bought our fish and headed for a picnic table along the boardwalk.   With the fish on crackers, an artichoke salad, assorted bruschetta, fresh fruit, and trifle in a jar for dessert, we had an awesome meal.   Between the food, the company and the setting it was a incredible relaxing way to spend some time. 

In the tradition of traveling in circles we headed back home via Hwy 23 to Fond du lac then south on 151.  Yes another great day on the road.   Find your own circle route to Sheboygan and enjoy.