So, you’re looking for a Terry Andrae State Park map, right? Here’s the thing: if you type that into a GPS or a modern hiking app, you might feel like you’re chasing a ghost.
Actually, you’re looking for half of a whole. Terry Andrae and John Michael Kohler are basically joined at the hip, managed together as Kohler-Andrae State Park. Most people just call the whole 988-acre spread "Kohler-Andrae," but the southern portion—the part with the legendary dunes and the history dating back to 1927—is the original Terry Andrae.
Getting your hands on a physical map at the ranger station is smart, mostly because cell service near the Lake Michigan shoreline can be spotty. When you’re standing in the middle of a shifting sand dune, "losing bars" isn't just a tech glitch; it's a recipe for a very long walk in the wrong direction.
The Layout: Where Terry Andrae Actually Sits
If you look at the park’s boundary map, Terry Andrae occupies the southern section. It’s the rugged, "wilder" side of the duo. While the Kohler side handles a lot of the northern entrance logistics, the Andrae section is where you find the Kohler Dunes State Natural Area.
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Basically, the park is a long, skinny strip of gold and green sandwiched between the Black River and Lake Michigan.
The main access road, Beach Park Lane, cuts right through the heart of it. If you head north of the Sanderling Nature Center, you're technically drifting into Kohler territory. Stay south of Old Park Road, and you’re firmly in the historic Terry Andrae acreage. It’s kind of a "two-for-one" deal, but the distinction matters to locals who grew up calling it "Terry Andre" (and yes, some still drop the 'ae' when they say it).
Decoding the Trail Map
You’ve got about 8 miles of trails here, but they aren't all created equal. Honestly, some are just short loops for families, while others will actually make your calves burn.
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- The Dunes Cordwalk: This is the big one. It’s a 2-mile stretch of wooden planks that keeps you from sinking into the sand. The map shows it running parallel to the lake. The north section is a quick 0.5-mile stroll, but the south section—the 1.5-mile part—is where the views really open up.
- Creeping Juniper Nature Trail: A 0.5-mile loop that starts and ends at the Sanderling Nature Center. It’s the easiest way to see the "interdunal" wetlands without getting your shoes full of sand.
- Woodland Dunes Nature Trail: This is a 1-mile loop through the trees. If the wind off the lake is too biting, the map shows this trail tucked behind the dunes for protection.
- Black River Trail: Located in the far northwest (technically the Kohler side but accessible to everyone), this 2.5-mile trail is the only one that allows horses and mountain bikes. It’s mostly grass and soil, totally different from the beach vibes of the rest of the park.
The Campground "Trap"
Looking at the Kohler-Andrae campground map can be overwhelming. There are 135 sites, but they fill up months in advance.
The campsites are mostly clustered in the southern forested dunes. If you want to be close to the water, you're out of luck; the dunes are protected, so you’ll always have a short hike between your tent and the beach.
Something most people miss on the map: Site 48. Near this site, there’s a hidden gem called the Black River Marsh Boardwalk. It’s only a quarter-mile long, but it’s the best spot for birdwatching. If you don't look closely at the map, you’ll drive right past the trailhead thinking it’s just part of the campground.
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Why the Topography Matters
This isn't just a flat beach. The map shows elevation changes that reflect four different Ice Age glaciers. You’ll see "beach ridges" like the Nipissing Transgression—which sounds like a sci-fi movie title but is actually a 5,000-year-old shoreline that sits several meters higher than the current lake level.
The Ancient Shores Hiking Trail (1.3 miles) follows these ridges. It’s fascinating because you’re walking on a beach that hasn't seen water in five millennia.
Practical Tips for Using the Map
Don't just rely on a screenshot. The Wisconsin DNR updates these maps frequently because the dunes literally move.
- Check the "Pets Prohibited" Zones: This is the number one thing people get wrong. Dogs are banned from the beach south of the Nature Center. If you have a dog, look for the designated "dog beach" on the north end.
- Winter Mapping: If you visit in January, the map changes. Many trails become one-way ski loops. The 2-mile ski trail is tracked and groomed, but hikers are strictly forbidden from stepping on those tracks.
- Parking Pockets: There are about ten different parking lots (P1 through P10). If the main beach lot (P3) is full, look at the map for the Fishing Pond area. It’s usually quieter and has a nice 0.3-mile circular trail that’s perfect for a quick leg stretch.
The beauty of the Terry Andrae State Park map isn't just about finding the bathroom—it’s about realizing how much variety is packed into less than 1,000 acres. You can start your morning in a white pine forest, spend midday on a 5,000-year-old ridge, and finish with a sunset over Lake Michigan.
Before you head out, grab the official PDF from the Wisconsin DNR website or pick up a high-contrast printed version at the entrance station. Digital maps are great, but when the wind starts kicking up sand, a physical map tucked into a pocket is a lot more reliable than a touchscreen.