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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. |
