The spring-fed, blue-green waters of Elkhart Lake attracted Native Americans for centuries, followed by Germans and other Europeans looking to settle in a pristine area of Wisconsin, an hour north of Milwaukee. Along the way, Elkhart Lake has attracted gangsters, gamblers and legendary sports car racers, the latter of which resulting in the establishment of Road America, one of the premier road racing tracks in the world.
For the average visitor, however, Elkhart Lake proves a charming summer destination for those seeking acclaimed accommodations, great dining opportunities, ways to enjoy both water and unique hiking landscapes and more, all within a quaint small-town vibe. It’s one reason for the area’s repeat visitation.
“Elkhart Lake has a long and genuine history of welcoming people since the 1800s,” said Kathleen Eickhoff, executive director of Elkhart Lake tourism. “A lot of our visitors have been coming here since they were kids and now their kids are coming here.”
Stay
The grand dame of Elkhart Lake remains the Osthoff Resort, an all-suite hotel that dates to 1885 with a four Diamond rating from AAA. This opulent resort faces 500 feet of lake shoreline with numerous ways to enjoy the waters, as well as the resort’s own amenities, such as dining options, a bowling lane, retail shops and an elaborate pool. Massages and body treatments at its Aspira Spa mirror Native American and Feng Shui beliefs.
Other historic accommodations on the lake include Siebkens Resort, a landmark, turn-of-the-century resort that duplicates the original Victorian building, and Shore Club Resort, originally known as Lakeview House when it was built in 1872, destroyed by fire in 1890 and rebuilt in 1891.
Wine
Award-winning sommelier Jaclyn Stuart hand-picks the wines at her Vintage Elkhart Lake shop, which also sells craft beer, spirits, Wisconsin artisan cheeses & chocolates (don’t miss these!), olive oils and vinegars that are bottled in-house, gifts and gourmet fare.
Stop in her tasting room filled with vintage furnishings to try out some of her extensive wine selections. The experience is as enjoyable as the wines.
Dine
Lake Street Café in the heart of the small town contains the state’s third largest wine list, receiving the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2003. Choose an outdoors table to enjoy Wisconsin’s delightful summer weather and the café’s California Bistro-style fare.
End any meal with a visit to Gessert’s Ice Cream and Confectionary, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor dating to the 1920s where ice cream sodas, phosphates, shakes and malts and old timey candy may be enjoyed.
Lake and Land
There’s endless fun to be had on the lake, from a pontoon ride and paddle boats to fishing and swimming. The Osthoff rents kayaks, hydro bikes, stand-up paddle boards and the fun Swan paddleboat, to name a few. A short drive brings visitors to the Kettle Moraine State Forest, part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, a state-wide trail tracing Wisconsin’s unique landforms created by glaciers of the last Ice Age.
Hit the Road
If you love car racing, a visit to Road America is a must for both the history and to watch today’s racing. It all dates to the 1950s when sports car drivers came to Elkhart Lake to race its curvy hills and sharp corners. The present Road America took over when the state banned street racing and today is one of the world’s fastest permanent road racing tracks. In addition, Road America offers group programs, go-karting, ATVs, geocaching and motorcycle and driving schools.
