USA TODAY readers ranked a Sheboygan County lake and beach among the best in the country
Elkhart Lake ranked second for the Best Lake category, and Deland Park's North Beach ranked fourth for the Best Lake Beach category in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.
Elkhart Lake, popular for boating, kayaking and swimming, placed second behind Big Bear Lake in California. Fireman's Park and Beach, 411 Lake St., is the only public beach on Elkhart Lake. It has a concession stand, picnic tables, grills, volleyball courts and restrooms.
Fireman's Park and Beach is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Entry fees are $4 for adults and $1 for children 12 years old and younger.
Several venues, like the Osthoff Resort and Tiki Bar, also host live music along Elkhart Lake throughout the summer.
Best spots to cool off this summer: Water parks, beaches and more — where to swim in Sheboygan County this summer
Deland Park's beach ranked behind beaches at Marion Lake in Minnesota, Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Virginia and Silver Lake State Park in Michigan. Sheboygan's waves and winds have made the lakeshore an ideal spot for surfing and kiteboarding. The beach also has volleyball courts, restrooms and a nearby playground.
Other Wisconsin destinations also made the list of the Best Lakes and Rivers for swimming, water sports and tubing: Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Mendota and Apple River.
Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or agarner@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: USA TODAY readers rank Elkhart Lake, Deland Park beach among best
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