WISCONSIN LAKE MICHIGAN WATER TRAIL
   OZAUKEE COUNTRY

 

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LAUNCH / LANDING SITES
  Access to Lake Michigan from Ozaukee County is pretty limited. At the present time (November 2004), after leaving Doctors Park in Milwaukee County the next known access is at Port Washington--approximately 16 miles north. The shoreline south of Port Washington is characterized by high (75 to 100 foot) bluffs and a fairly narrow beach. For much of the area, the land has been developed for residential use. There is a possibility that an access point may be developed, but this is still in the "talk" stage. North of Port Washington, the shoreline is sandy beach to Sheboygan (approximately 28 miles), providing for several opportunities to get out and stretch a bit. There are also several roads that "dead-end" at the lake front allowing for a rendezvous with a vehicle if necessary.

Caution should be exercised around Harrington Beach State Park as there is a rock ledge extending out from the beach. In some areas the water is quite shallow.

Port Washington Marina--In Port Washington, there is a marina which can be used as a landing/launching site. While there are restrooms available at the marina, they are seasonal--meaning you may find them closed November to April (or whatever their timeframe is).

To the north of the marina, and the break wall, there is a very nice beach (just north of the wastewater treatment plant) that would serve well for a more traditional landing site. Access to motor vehicles is a bit more difficult from the beach, especially if needing to haul a kayak and/or a lot of gear. The access is on the south end of the beach and is a narrow path between the shoreline and the wastewater treatment plant.

Harrington Beach State Park--North of Port Washington, approximately 8 miles, is Harrington Beach State Park. On the south edge of the park is Cedar Beach Road, and on the north edge of the park is County Highway D. While both go down to the beach, there is limited (for a dozen or so vehicles) parking at County Highway D. There is also parking, water, and restrooms available in the park at the visitor's center. You will also find a trail that leads down to the beach and could be used to haul a kayak and gear down for launching.

 LIAISON
  For questions and/or liaison needs contact John Browning at seakayakerjb@aol.com
CLUBS
  While there are no formal sea kayaking clubs there is a paddlesports club that meets on a regular basis, Badger State Boating Society (aka BS2). For more information regarding BS2 check out their website at www.bsbs.org.

Additionally, there are several Racine County paddlers that participate in the Milwaukee area group that paddles on a regular basis, year-round. For more information regarding this group go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/milwaukeeseakayak/

LODGING
  CAMPING
 
  • Presently there is no camping accessible for water trail users in Ozaukee County. However, a water trail specific campsite is being developed in the southern half (south of the "finger") of Harrington Beach State Park. This site will be ready for use by June 2005.
  HOTELS & MOTELS
 
  • Immediately to the south of the marina in Port Washington is a Holiday Inn. In the vicinity of the marina there are a number of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
MORE INFORMATION
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