Picnic Areas, Shelters and Weddings

The main picnic areas at Kohler-Andrae State Park are in the southern part of the park between the lake and campground. All picnic areas have access to the beach and provide picnic tables, drinking fountains and grills. Two shelters, an amphitheater and a playground are also found within the southern picnic areas. 

There is an accessible picnic site at the beach, accessed from Parking Lot 6 (P6). The accessible picnic site is located on the beach, has a sidewalk and concrete pad, a universal picnic table and is covered with a small roof. The picnic site is not reservable.

Pet picnic areas are located at parking lots 2 and 3 and have access to the beach. Pets are not allowed in picnic areas around parking lots 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 or the shelters or amphitheater.

Shelters and Amphitheater

Kohler-Andrae State Park has both an open and enclosed shelter and an outdoor amphitheater available for reservations. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance of your event. 

Reserve a shelter online or by calling 1-888-947-2757

Outdoor Shelter: Available year-round, this 32 x 32-foot open shelter is located at the southern picnic area, near the playground. There are two electric outlets, a night light, a fire ring, a grill and several picnic tables. Restrooms are located across the way in the North Shower building. Parking is available in lot 7. (Capacity 40)

Indoor Shelter Located in the campground next to campsite 13, this building features large glass windows which overlook the picnic area and Lake Michigan. It contains a large grill, a fire ring and picnic tables.  The rental area consists of two rooms. Room 1 is 23 x 27-feet, contains heat, electrical outlets, counter space, a sink, 5 tables and 40 chairs. Room 2 is 22 x 39-feet and features a fireplace, 8 picnic tables, lights, and fans. Upon check-in a key will be issued and must be returned upon departure. (Capacity 100). 

Amphitheater: Surrounded by tall pine trees and located in the southern part of the park, the amphitheater is frequently used for weddings, services and award ceremonies. The area contains a small stage with electrical outlets and a fire ring, as well as many benches. Parking is available in lots 4 and 5. (Capacity 198).

See rates, details and photos of these facilities on the reservation system.

Weddings and Celebrations

Weddings and celebrations have become very popular at Kohler-Andrae State Park, with at least one happening every weekend. If you are considering holding your event in the park, please remember the following.

Reservable Spaces: The spaces that can be reserved include the indoor shelter, outdoor shelter and amphitheater. Please be aware that all have capacity limits. If you rent the amphitheater, you may also want to reserve the indoor shelter as an alternative in case of rain.

Special Event Permits: If you are considering a beach wedding, please contact the park superintendent about a Special Event Permit. Events with chairs, flowers, arches or decorations set up outside of a rented space require a Special Event Permit. The beach tends to be very crowded in the summer, and some areas require people to cross over a small hill to get to the beach. These factors should be considered for guests with limited mobility. Special Event Permits may be restricted due to the capacity of the property.

Vehicle Admission and Parking: All vehicles entering the state park require a vehicle admission pass. If you rent a shelter, you may purchase group rate admission passes. Contact the park superintendent about group passes.

If you are planning a weekend wedding or event, we recommend you hold it after 4 p.m. because the parking lots often reach capacity, which results in cars not being able to park in lots near shelters. All parking is first-come, first-served. Staff do not reserve spots for you or your guests, and there is no guarantee that there will be spots available. Parking lots often fill before 11 a.m. on weekends and holidays. Another option could be a shuttle bus for your guests. Any bus entering the park requires a day pass.

Wedding/Event Photography: If you plan on hiring a photographer, they will need to purchase a Commercial Use Permit from the park. Please make your photographer aware of this permit and ask them to fill out and submit it to the property prior to the event.

Decoration and deliveries: All decorations and deliveries must be on the day of the event. If you desire access the day before your event, the shelter or amphitheater must be rented for an additional day. The park assumes no responsibility for items left in buildings. Any decorations should be temporary, non-damaging and completely removable. The use of staples, pins and nails is restricted in the facilities.

Trash: You must clean up and remove all trash generated by your event. Property hours are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Wisconsin State Park System has a carry-in, carry-out policy for all refuse and recyclables.

Rules: Any group is expected to follow the same property rules on alcohol, noise, pets, parking, etc., as any other park visitor.

Make sure you communicate clearly and completely with all people involved with your event. At times, there have been multiple weddings at the park on the same day. Tell all guests, helpers, photographers, caterers, delivery people and limousine drivers exactly where they should be and when to be there. It is very helpful to let the property staff know where and when your event will be held.