Wisconsin may never replace the Florida Keys or the blue-water beaches of the Caribbean as a vacation destination. Still, with two Great Lakes and more than 15,000 smaller ones, the Badger State has some real beach gemsfrom hard-to-find clear-water quarry ponds to hard-to-miss rough-water adventures with waves so big you can hear the surf thunder.

With more than 3,300 feet of beaches, Devils Lake is the most-visited state park in Wisconsin. Facilities: restrooms, changing facilities, picnic areas, concessions stands, grills. State fees. S5975 Park Rd., Baraboo; (608) 356-8301.

Six miles of soft, white sand along Lake Michigan make this an ideal beach for sunbathing and swimming. The beach also features the 113-foot Rawley Point lighthouse, which is not open for tours but can be photographed from outside. Facilities:restrooms, concessions, playground, volleyball courts. State fees. 9400 County Hwy. O, Two Rivers; (920) 794-7480. Note:Due to high water levels on Lake Michigan, the beach at this state forest is significantly smaller than in years past.

Named one of the 51 best beaches in the country by USAToday in 2012, North Beach stretches along 1.2 miles of Lake Michigan and has been designated a Blue Wave Beach, a certification for its commitment to responsible beach management practices. Facilities:restrooms, concessions, Kid's Cove Playground. 89 Kewaunee St., Racine.

The 500-foot beach along the northwest shore of Madisons Lake Mendota has calm waters and a gradual slope, making it a great family beach. Theres even a dog beach. Facilities: restrooms, playground. State fees. 5140 County Hwy. M, Waunakee; (608) 831-3005.

The water off this 1.5-mile beach on Lake Superior stays brisk into July (though its often warmed up by September). Go for it if you have polar bear blood and love a rustic lifestyle. Facilities: pit toilets, picnic areas, drinking water. State fees. 141 S. Third St., Bayfield; (715) 747-6425.

This sandy beach on a clear-water lake in the middle of Hartman Creek State Park is near Waupacas Chain O Lakes. The calm, shallow water makes it family-friendly. Facilities: pit toilets, changing facilities, concessions stand. State fees. N2480 Hartman Creek Rd., Waupaca; (715) 258-2372.

Wind-swept and expansive with miles of sandy beaches and dunes this big-water beach on Lake Michigan can be a little dangerous for small children (but a favorite for surfers). Facilities: restrooms, changing facilities, picnic tables, concessions stands, grills. State fees. 1020 Beach Park Lane, Sheboygan; (920) 451-4080. Note:Due to high water levels on Lake Michigan, the beach at this state forest is significantly smaller than in years past.

Nicolet Beach on the Green Bay side of the Door peninsula has clear, calm waters and 800 feet of sand. Facilities: restrooms, showers, picnic area, playground, concessions stands, kayak rentals. State fees. 9462 Shore Rd., Fish Creek; (920) 868-3258.

Located down a short dirt road, this Lake Michigan beach is an unknown, uncrowded gem. Soft sand and a shallow slope make this a terrific family beach. Facilities: picnic area. No fees. Lake Forest Park Rd., Sturgeon Bay; (920) 743-4456.

This underutilized beach sits beside a 4,500-plus-acre recreation area where you can hike, camp and enjoy a full slate of scheduled activities. Facilities: handicapped access, restrooms, changing facilities, play equipment. State fees. 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville; (262) 878-5600.

This Lake Michigan beach, just south of Jacksonport, offers miles of terrific sand and dunes, though the water can be cold even in summer, and rip currents make swimming dangerous. Facilities: handicapped access, pit toilets. State fees. 3275 Clark Lake Rd. (County Hwy. WD), Sturgeon Bay; (920) 823-2400.

Ideal for families with small children, this Waukesha County Park beach is just 17 miles from downtown Milwaukee. Facilities: restrooms, picnic tables, state-of-the-art playground equipment, concessions stand with indoor seating. Fees: $4/car. Annual rates: $28 residents, $38 nonresidents. 2925 N. Barker Rd., Brookfield; (262) 548-7801.

John Ingrisano has written for Fodors Caribbean Guide. This article appeared in the July/August 2007 issue of Wisconsin Trails.

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Wisconsin's 12 best beaches