Point Beach State Forest boardwalk to Lake Michigan, May 20, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
MANITOWOC COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Many people have their favorites, but when it comes to spending time outside, heading to a state park may be near the top of the list.
Ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, the Department of Natural Resources released four “Hidden Gems” for people to explore.
“The trails here are real nice. I do a lot of walking and they’re great in the woods, and walking on the beach also,” said Keith Gibeault, Two Rivers.
When hiker Keith Gibeault found out Point Beach State Forest was on the list of hidden gems, he says he wasn’t surprised.
“Well, that’s great. Because I truly believe that it is. It’s hard to say if it’s a hidden gem. For us locals we know, it’s very nice. But for probably for the out-of-towners, they may not know much about it,” he said.
The 3,000-acre site, just north of Two Rivers, features more than 20 miles of hiking and bicycling trails. There are also six miles of beach along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Point Beach State Forest Superintendent Erin Dembski-Rodriguez says the 113-foot tall U.S. Coast Guard Rawley Point Lighthouse is a very short walk from the park’s main entrance.
“It is owned and operated by the federal government. So it is on private property. You can’t go right up to it, but we have a trail, that’s about 30 feet away from the lighthouse. So you can get a really good view of the lighthouse. And that trail will take you onto the beach. And if you head south, you can get a view of the lighthouse from the actual beach, and a picture,” said Erin Dembski-Rodriguez, Point Beach State Forest Superintendent.
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Michigan levels are hovering just above the long-term average for May.
“There’s going to be beach. There’s going to be plenty of beach. The water levels are about normal. So there’s going to be plenty of beach for people to come and visit this summer,” said Dembski-Rodriguez.
“It’s always nice when the water is a little lower. Then the beaches are great for bringing the grandkids out and enjoying the area,” said Gibeault.
According to the DNR, there are more than 100 state parks, forests, and trails to explore.
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