Is Public Nudity Legal in Wisconsin?
ToleratedRestricted: private venues and exceptions only· Checked by Reto Pascal Wyss
No, Wisconsin makes it a crime to "publicly and indecently" expose the genitals or pubic area (Wis. Stat. § 944.20(1)(b)). The statute does not define "indecently" in the text we found, and breastfeeding is exempt.[1]
Main provision: Wis. Stat. § 944.20 (lewd and lascivious behavior)
Designated nude beaches or tolerance?
Sources we found document no officially designated clothing-optional beach in Wisconsin.
Private naturist clubs and resorts
AANR Midwest's club map places affiliated clubs in Wisconsin, including Valley View Recreation Club and the Badger Naturists group.[3]
Penalties
Class A misdemeanor. Indecent or disorderly conduct that tends to cause a disturbance is separately a Class B misdemeanor under § 947.01. Jail and fine amounts are not stated in the sources we found.[1][2]
Official naturist places in Wisconsin
Places NudistMap lists as officially designated or naturist-only. Status comes from open data; check each place page.
Frequently asked questions
Is public nudity legal in Wisconsin?
No, Wisconsin makes it a crime to "publicly and indecently" expose the genitals or pubic area (Wis. Stat. § 944.20(1)(b)). The statute does not define "indecently" in the text we found, and breastfeeding is exempt.
Are there official nude beaches in Wisconsin?
Sources we found document no officially designated clothing-optional beach in Wisconsin.
Is nudity allowed at private naturist clubs in Wisconsin?
AANR Midwest's club map places affiliated clubs in Wisconsin, including Valley View Recreation Club and the Badger Naturists group.
What is the penalty for public nudity in Wisconsin?
Class A misdemeanor. Indecent or disorderly conduct that tends to cause a disturbance is separately a Class B misdemeanor under § 947.01. Jail and fine amounts are not stated in the sources we found.
Sources
- Wis. Stat. § 944.20 (FindLaw) (statute)
- Wisconsin Laws (Naturist Action Committee) (federation)
- AANR Midwest club locator (map) (federation)
This page summarises the law for travellers and is not legal advice. Laws, local bylaws and enforcement change; follow local signs and check the sources below. Last checked 31 October 2026.