Nestled among the rolling hills and glacial landscapes of Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine region, Elkhart Lake is one of those rare destinations that manages to be many things at once. It is a luxury resort community, a motorsports mecca, a culinary destination, an outdoor recreation hub, and a living repository of Wisconsin history. What began as a quiet lakeside village has evolved into one of the Midwest’s most compelling travel destinations, attracting everyone from spa enthusiasts and food lovers to golfers, racing fans, and adventure seekers.
At the center of it all lies Elkhart Lake itself, a remarkably clear, spring-fed lake whose pristine waters have drawn visitors for more than a century. The lake’s beauty immediately explains why generations of vacationers have returned year after year. Yet it is the community surrounding the lake that transforms a beautiful setting into a memorable destination.
My recent visit offered a comprehensive look at the experiences that define Elkhart Lake, from luxury accommodations and culinary adventures to legendary racing venues, historic landmarks, artisan food producers, and outdoor recreation.
The Osthoff Resort & Spa serves as the community’s premier luxury property. Situated along more than 500 feet of pristine shoreline, the AAA Four-Diamond resort traces its heritage to the original Osthoff Hotel, first constructed in 1885. Rebuilt a century later while honoring its historic roots, the modern resort offers spacious suites, outstanding amenities, and spectacular lake views.
The resort quickly revealed why it remains one of Wisconsin’s most celebrated destinations. Mornings began with views of the lake, while afternoons offered opportunities to explore the property’s numerous amenities, including Aspira Spa, an award-winning wellness destination inspired by the natural beauty of the Kettle Moraine landscape. Treatments emphasize balance, restoration, and holistic well-being. I spent time with several colleagues in the Himalayan Salt Room, where a therapeutic salt mist cleared my sinuses, providing a peaceful respite, while showcasing the resort’s commitment to wellness tourism. I also experienced the deep-tissue massage and detox bath: a 100-minute experience that left me totally relaxed and limber.
While the Osthoff Resort and Spa represents luxury and contemporary comfort, Siebkens Resort embodies the historic character of Elkhart Lake.
Founded in 1916 by Herman and Laura Siebkens and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020, the property remains one of Wisconsin’s most beloved resort landmarks.
Siebkens is more than a hotel. It is a living piece of Elkhart Lake history. The famed Stop-Inn Tavern has become a pilgrimage site for racing enthusiasts, while PAM’s Dining Room blends Old World hospitality with modern cuisine. Walking through the property feels like stepping back into a time when resorts were community gathering places and hospitality was deeply personal.
Road America
Motorsports have shaped Elkhart Lake’s identity for decades, and nowhere is that heritage more evident than at Road America. Long before the famous track was constructed, sports car races were held on public roads that wound through the village during the early 1950s. International drivers competed on a challenging circuit that attracted thousands of spectators before Wisconsin banned racing on public roads.
Road America opened in 1955 and quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest road-racing facilities in the world. The four-mile, fourteen-turn circuit remains largely unchanged and continues to host major racing series from around the globe. Touring portions of the original race circuit and learning about famous corners such as Wacker’s Wand, Kimberly’s Korner, and Dickens Ditch provided valuable insight into the area’s unique motorsports heritage.
Road America is home to several types of racing, including karting at the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex. The kart drive delivered genuine racing thrills while offering appreciation for the skill required in motorsports.
After taking the checkered flag on the kart track, we jumped in All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) for an off-road adventure through Road America’s rugged wooded terrain. We traversed hills, rocks, and forest trails, showcasing an entirely different side of the property and demonstrating how the facility has evolved into a year-round adventure destination.
Dream Cars
Another automotive highlight was our visit to Throttlestop, a remarkable collector car and motorcycle dealership located just outside Elkhart Lake village. More museum than showroom, Throttlestop houses a stunning collection of vintage automobiles, exotic supercars, rare motorcycles, and historically significant vehicles. Every automobile seemed to tell a story, and the knowledgeable staff brought those stories to life. For anyone passionate about transportation history, engineering, or design, Throttlestop is a hidden gem that perfectly complements Road America’s racing heritage. Oh yes, bring an Armored Vehicle full of cash, as several of the automobiles for sale were listed at more than one million dollars!
Cheese Heads!
No visit to Wisconsin would be complete without exploring the state’s celebrated cheese industry. Wisconsin produces more cheese than any other state and remains the only state outside Europe permitted to certify Master Cheesemakers. The industry traces its roots to nineteenth-century immigrants from Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia who brought centuries of cheesemaking expertise to the fertile dairy lands of Wisconsin.
Our visit to Henning’s Cheese in nearby Kiel offered a firsthand look at this remarkable tradition. Founded in 1914, Henning’s remains a fourth-generation family-owned business. Today, the company is led by Master Cheesemaker Kerry Henning, who continues the family’s commitment to craftsmanship more than a century after its founding.
The tour provided a fascinating glimpse into the transformation of fresh milk into award-winning cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, and specialty cheeses. Massive aging rooms and giant cheese wheels weighing up to 3,000 pounds illustrated both the scale and the artistry of modern cheesemaking. Visitors quickly discover that cheese in Wisconsin is far more than a food product; it is a cultural institution.
Of course, no discussion of Wisconsin cheese would be complete without mentioning cheese curds. Fresh cheese curds, famous for their distinctive squeak, have become one of the state’s most iconic foods and a beloved introduction to Wisconsin dairy culture.
So Much to Do!
Outdoor recreation also plays a significant role in the Elkhart Lake experience. On our first night at Osthoff Resort & Spa, we took a tranquil cruise on Elkhart Lake aboard pontoon boats.
Our Captain, Brian (great name!), described the history of the idyllic lake and the types of marine and bird life in and on the lake. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and of course, fishing are among the recreation options. Or just chill on the sandy beach. Heading back to the Osthoff, the massive size of the resort was on beautiful display.
Tee time? Enjoy the Quit Qui Oc Golf Club – family-owned for more than seventy years, and offers twenty-seven holes spread across 250 scenic acres. The course’s rolling terrain and welcoming atmosphere make it one of the area’s premier golfing destinations. We had a terrific lunch there, and learned about the history of yet another Elkhart Lake gem.
For history enthusiasts, Wade House Historic Site provides a fascinating glimpse into Wisconsin’s stagecoach era. The beautifully preserved property recreates a time when horse-drawn transportation connected communities across the region.
Meanwhile, several of my colleagues put on their hiking boots and explored portions of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which traces the edge of glaciers that shaped Wisconsin thousands of years ago.
The village’s culinary scene proved equally impressive. Wine tastings at Vintage Elkhart Lake allowed us to sample carefully curated selections from around the world.
At the same time, Lake Street Café demonstrated why it has earned Wine Spectator recognition for more than two decades. Additional meals at Concourse Restaurant, Otto’s, The Garage BBQ Pit and Saloon, All Seasons Family Restaurant, and PAM’s Dining Room reflected the diversity and quality of the local dining landscape.
School Time!
Want to make your own grub? One of the most memorable experiences at the resort was participating in meal prep at the Osthoff Cooking School.
Under the amazing guidance of Chef Rodney Schultz, we joined a hands-on pasta-making class that transformed simple ingredients into fresh, delicious creations.
The experience demonstrated how culinary tourism has become an important part of the Osthoff experience. And yes, we enjoyed our pasta creations for lunch paired with delicious mimosas!
Bucket List Destination
What ultimately distinguishes Elkhart Lake is its extraordinary ability to blend seemingly different experiences into a cohesive destination. Visitors can enjoy luxury spa treatments, participate in cooking classes, tour historic landmarks, sample award-winning cheeses, race karts, drive off-road trails, browse collector automobiles, hike glacial landscapes, and dine exceptionally well—all within a few miles of one another.
In a travel landscape increasingly dominated by destinations that feel interchangeable, Elkhart Lake stands apart. It remains authentic, welcoming, and deeply connected to its history.
Elkhart Lake is not merely worth visiting—it is worth returning to again and again.
