Overview
Point Beach State Forest sits on the western shore of Lake Michigan in Two Rivers, Wisconsin — note that despite occasional listing confusion, the forest is located in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, not Illinois. Two Rivers is a small lakeside city of roughly 11,000 people that serves as the practical gateway and service hub for visitors. If you are researching Point Beach State Forest, you are heading to Wisconsin.
The forest stretches for about six miles along Lake Michigan and encompasses roughly 3,000 acres of Northern Highland terrain, including dunes, ridges, boreal forest remnants, and a long sandy beach. The Rawley Point Lighthouse, one of the tallest lighthouses on the Great Lakes, stands at the northern tip of the property and is a recognizable landmark visible from the beach.
Two Rivers itself has a modest downtown with locally owned restaurants, a marina, and a working-class lakeside character shaped by its commercial fishing and manufacturing history. Visitors typically base themselves in town or camp within the forest, using the city for supplies and meals.
The combination of an accessible Lake Michigan beach, dense forest trails, and a functioning lighthouse makes Point Beach a destination that rewards both day-trippers and those who stay several nights to slow down and explore.
Before You Go
Entry and Documentation
Point Beach State Forest is in the United States. Entry requirements depend on your nationality. For visa guidance, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
Wisconsin State Park Vehicle Sticker
Access to Point Beach State Forest requires a Wisconsin State Parks vehicle admission sticker (annual or daily). Fees and purchasing options change periodically — verify current rates on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website or at the forest's entrance station before your visit.
Camping Reservations
The campground is popular on summer weekends and fills well in advance. Reservations are handled through the Wisconsin DNR reservation system. Book as early as the system allows if you plan a Friday–Saturday stay between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
What to Pack
- Sun protection: the beach has limited shade
- Insect repellent: the forest interior can have heavy mosquito activity in summer
- Layers: Lake Michigan creates cool lake-effect breezes even on warm days
- Water shoes if you plan to wade, as the nearshore bottom can be rocky in spots
Getting There
By Car
Two Rivers is located along Wisconsin Highway 42, roughly 80 miles north of Milwaukee and about 30 miles south of Green Bay. From Milwaukee, take I-43 North to the Two Rivers/Manitowoc exits and follow signs toward Highway 42 North. Point Beach State Forest's main entrance is a short drive north of the Two Rivers city limits on County Road O (Sandy Bay Road). A car is essentially required; there is no meaningful public transportation to the forest.
Nearest Airports
Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) and General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee (MKE) are the two most practical options. Both are served by major U.S. carriers. Verify current routes and schedules on airline or aggregator sites before booking. A rental car from either airport is the standard approach.
By Bus
Intercity bus options to Two Rivers are limited. Greyhound serves Manitowoc (approximately 10 miles south), but onward local transportation to the forest is not readily available. This route is only practical if you arrange a rental car or ride in Manitowoc.
Getting Around
Within Point Beach State Forest, a network of hiking and nature trails is accessible on foot from the campground and main beach parking area. Cyclists can use the paved Rawley Point Bicycle Trail, which connects Two Rivers to the forest and is a popular option for those staying in town. The trail is paved and relatively flat, making it suitable for casual riders.
In Two Rivers itself, the downtown, marina area, and most services are within a walkable radius if you are staying centrally. However, to move between the city and the forest conveniently — especially with camping gear — a personal vehicle remains the most practical option. Ride-share services have limited availability in this area; verify locally before relying on them.
Where to Stay
Camping at Point Beach
The campground inside the forest is the most immersive option and is well-maintained by Wisconsin DNR standards. Sites range from open to lightly wooded. Electrical hookups are available at some sites. Showers and flush toilets are provided at the main bathhouse during the main season. Verify current facilities and reservation procedures on the Wisconsin DNR website.
Lodging in Two Rivers and Manitowoc
Two Rivers has a small selection of motels and bed-and-breakfast style accommodations. A broader range of chain hotels and independent motels is available in Manitowoc, approximately 10 miles to the south. Search current availability and pricing on a reputable booking platform close to your travel dates, as inventory is modest and summer weekends sell out.
Things to See & Do
Beach and Swimming
The primary draw is the long sandy beach fronting Lake Michigan. Swimming is generally safe during summer, though Lake Michigan's water temperatures remain cold well into July. There is no lifeguard on duty; swim at your own risk. The beach is also excellent for sunrise walks, picnicking, and photography.
Rawley Point Lighthouse
The lighthouse at the forest's northern end dates to 1894 and is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. It is not regularly open for interior tours, but the exterior and surrounding grounds are scenic and worth the walk or bike ride. Check locally for any special open-house events, which do occasionally occur.
Hiking and Nature Trails
Several miles of marked trails wind through the forest interior, passing through dune ridges, boreal remnant forest, and wetland edges. The trails are generally easy to moderate in difficulty. Wildlife commonly observed includes white-tailed deer, wild turkey, shorebirds, and migratory songbirds in spring and fall.
Fishing
Lake Michigan fishing from the beach or pier area targets species such as yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and salmon depending on season. A valid Wisconsin fishing license is required; purchase one online through the Wisconsin DNR or at local bait shops in Two Rivers.
Two Rivers Historical Sites
- Rogers Street Fishing Village Museum: A small museum dedicated to the city's commercial fishing heritage, located near the marina. Verify current hours locally before visiting.
- Washington House Museum: A local history museum in a historic building that also claims a connection to the origin of the ice cream sundae — a point of local pride, though the claim is contested with Ithaca, New York.
Food & Drink
Two Rivers has a modest but genuine local dining scene centered on its waterfront and downtown. Fresh Lake Michigan fish — particularly perch and whitefish — appears on menus at several local restaurants and is worth seeking out. The city's fishing heritage means fish fries (a Friday tradition throughout Wisconsin) are taken seriously here.
Grocery and convenience options are available in Two Rivers for campers stocking up on supplies. Manitowoc offers a wider selection of grocery stores and casual dining if you need more variety.
Alcohol is widely available at restaurants and retail stores in Wisconsin. The legal drinking age is 21. There are no notable craft breweries in Two Rivers itself, but Manitowoc and Green Bay have established craft beer scenes if that is a priority.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
For any emergency in the United States, dial 911. The nearest hospital with emergency services is in Manitowoc. Verify the specific facility's address and capabilities locally or through your accommodation.
Cell Service and Wi-Fi
Cell coverage in the forest interior can be patchy depending on your carrier. Download offline maps (such as via Google Maps or Maps.me) before arriving. Wi-Fi is not available at the campground; some lodging options in Two Rivers and Manitowoc offer it — confirm when booking.
Weather
Lake Michigan significantly moderates temperatures but also generates fog, sudden storms, and persistent wind. Summer highs typically range from the low 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (low-to-mid 20s Celsius), but evening temperatures near the lake can be noticeably cooler. Check a reliable weather forecast the day before and day of any beach or boating activity.
Leave No Trace
The Wisconsin DNR asks visitors to pack out all trash, stay on marked trails to protect dune vegetation, and respect quiet hours in the campground. Fires are typically permitted only in designated fire rings; check for any burn bans in effect during dry periods.
Safety
Point Beach and Two Rivers are low-risk destinations by most measures. Standard travel precautions apply: secure valuables in your vehicle out of sight, follow posted swimming advisories, and be aware of rip currents, which can occur on Lake Michigan during high-wind periods.
Dune climbing off designated areas is discouraged and in some sections prohibited, as dune vegetation is fragile and slopes can be unstable. Ticks are present in the forest, particularly in tall grass and brush edges — perform tick checks after hiking and use appropriate repellent. Mosquitoes are active from late spring through summer in wooded areas.
