15 Southern Wisconsin Beaches For A Daytrip Getaway

Travel in Lakes Edition country you're bound to find a great place to

spend a lazy, relaxing day by the shore. Why visit a Great Lake to take in the sun and surf, there are a number of great local beaches in Southern Wisconsin that fit the bill. In this time of COVID-19 more families are venturing out hiking, biking, daytripping, or an extended stay.

Sometimes the best vacation is just wallowing away a beautiful, Summer day hour by hour sitting on the beach and rediscovering the simple joy of doing absolutely nothing.  In Michael Harris’ book  The End of Absence he discusses America’s obsession with remaining digitally connected to the outside world, and filling each moment we breath with checking our emails or viewing the latest social media post.not being content to be disconnected from the digital world.

Sometimes maintaining good health doesn’t mean being in motion but standing or sitting still taking a deep breath and observing the beauty of the world around you. Stress relief. Harris cites Dr. Gary Small from researcher UCLA, and looking at the short-term benefit of perpetual connectivity, the boost in cortisol levels and adrenaline to feed the ego and create sense of self worthy but over time the energy boosting stress hormones lead to cognitive impairment and depression. “Chronic and prolonged techno-brain burnout can reshape the underlying brain structure,” the author’s extensive research finds.

Pick any day of the week, a trip to the beach might be the perfect getaway to cool down and chill. This year like previous years has seen unprecedented weather patterns which have made it suitable once again for the return of blue green algae to area lakes. Thankfully, there are number of government agencies, and organizations keeping tabs on the toxic blooms to keep us safe during the summer season.

However, most local health departments in Wisconsin do not have the capacity to monitor blue-green algae toxins at public beaches, so treat any accumulation of blue-green algae with caution. As the DNR motto goes:. "When in doubt, stay out!"

There are certainly more than 15 beaches in the Southern Wisconsin region, but the places listed below are some of more notable shorelines Lakes Edition's readers go

back to year after year.

To learn more about each lake click on their image or name listed below.

THE BEACHES

Lakeview Campground Beach

Address: 1901 E. State Rd. 59, Milton

Lakeland Campground Beach

Address: -- 2803 E. State Rd. 59, Milton

Whitewater Lake Beach -

Address: W7908 Kettle Moraine Drive, Whitewater

Phone: 262-594-6200.

Hours: 6am-11pm (year-round.)

Scenic beauty abounds this region's beach location as the southern unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest is nearby. A great destination for a day in the sun with the family and picnic basket.

Ripley Park,

Address is 4310 Park Rd, Cambridge Wi, 53523

Located on the west shores of Lake Ripley, historic Ripley Park is an 18 acre park privately owned by the Cambridge Foundation and managed by CAP. Ripley Park is open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

This beautiful park has something for everyone! Bring your family and friends to the park and enjoy a day at the beach. Ripley Park is home to two tennis courts, a basketball court, a children’s play structure, 9-hole disc golf course, volleyball courts, and much more.

(Photo above is Lake Ripley Park, below Lake Ripley beach)

Esther Beach

Address: 2802 Waunona Way, Monona

Public Health Water Testing: OK

Restroom: Yes

Drinking Water: Yes

Parking: Parking Lot

Amenities: Picnic Tables, Playground

Swim Ropes: Yes

Lifeguard: No

Olin Beach

Address: 1156 Olin-Turville Ct., Madison

This beach located on the southern shore of Lake Monona. is generally quieter than the surrounding Olin Park. The park is destination for its' boat launch, weddings and picnics.

Public Health Water Testing: Closed

Restroom: Yes

Drinking Water: Yes

Parking: Parking Lot

Amenities: Boat Ramp, Picnic Tables

Swim Ropes: No

Lifeguard: No

ADVISORY: The beach is closed for swimming due to blue-green algae observed/tested on 7/2/21. The beach will reopen when conditions are acceptable.   

Olbrich Beach

Address: 3527 Atwood Avenue

Public Health Water Testing: Closed

Restroom: Yes

Drinking Water: Yes

Parking: Parking Lot

Amenities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Rental, Concessions, Picnic Tables, Volleyball

Swim Ropes: Yes

Lifeguard: No

B.B. Clarke Beach

Address: 835 Spaight St.

Public Health Water Testing: Closed

Restroom: Yes

Drinking Water: Yes

Parking: Street Parking

Amenities: Playground

Swim Ropes: Yes

Lifeguard: Yes (not on duty today)

Lifeguard Schedule: Saturday, Sunday, 11:00am - 7:00pm, 06/12/2021 - 08/15/2021

Before you go

Here are some helpful beach time tips courtesy of the
Wisconsin DNR:

•   Never swim alone.
•   Stay in designated swimming areas.
•   Drink plenty of fluids.
•   Wear sunglasses that absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.
•   Wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and a wide-brimmed hat.
•   Spend part of your day in shaded areas.
•   Wash your hands before eating.
•   Shower after swimming.
•   Don't swallow the water.
•   Avoid swimming after heavy rain.
•   Don't swim near storm drains.