After our brief foray into the frozen lifestyle of winter two weeks ago, we’ve been ready for summer for quite some time already. And now’s the time to start planning those June-August getaways.
Imagine dipping your toes—then your entire body—into a gorgeously clear, vibrantly blue, naturally spring-fed lake and feeling all your worries from the past couple of years slowly drift away with the gentle currents.
You definitely won’t find anything remotely comparable to this lake’s beauty in Dallas.
Or anywhere in Texas for that matter.
But it’s the promise of time well spent in one of the most beautiful natural bodies of water that will lure you to Wisconsin’s Elkhart Lake this summer. Or heck, on the first flight out tomorrow if you have more wintry weather wanderlust than we do.
We first visited Elkhart Lake a few months before COVID-19 changed everything for vacationers around the globe and it’s still a favorite destination all these years later.
A trip to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin makes for a perfect escape from the extreme Texas heat, whether you choose to make it a destination on a leisurely road trip northward or you prefer to fly into Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, where both our hometown airlines (American and Southwest) offer nonstop flights. From there it’s only a little over an hour by car with scenic vistas the entire route.
We can pretty much guarantee you’ll become an Elkaholic like us, too. (That’s us pictured above in one of our favorite souvenirs of the trip.)
Based on our visit with other members of the travel media, we proudly offer our recommendations for where to stay, eat and play once you get to the shores of Elkhart Lake.
STAY
Photo courtesy of Siebkens Resort.
Siebkens Resort has been welcoming guests to its charming hotel (and new rental condominiums) since 1916 and it’s bursting with charm and less than a five-minute walk from their private beach. Accommodations range from standard-size hotel rooms to multi-room condos with full kitchens to spread out and truly create a home away from home. The on-site dining room features fantastic food and old-world charm, while the Stop-Inn Tavern and Sandwich Bar (GET A SANDWICH!) may be one of our favorite bars anywhere. (Also, while you’re here, make sure to try one of the state’s famous Wisconsin Old Fashioneds made with brandy instead of whiskey).
Right down the street, luxury awaits at The Osthoff Resort with spacious rooms, impeccably manicured grounds, a spectacularly appointed full-service spa and a vibrant lakefront scene filled with entertainment and recreation options. Rather than posting a simple photo, we uploaded a quick 45-second video that shows you the glory of the Osthoff in summer (above), its proximity to Elkhart Lake and the lush green surroundings.
EAT
Photo courtesy of Henning’s Wisconsin Cheese
Apologies in advance if you’re lactose intolerant because as you know, Wisconsin’s famous for its cheese. Never (and we mean never) skip the opportunity to order anything with cheese curds at a local restaurant. And make sure to visit Henning’s Wisconsin Cheese, a quaint shop in nearby Kiel where you can feast your eyes on massive wheels of cheddar up to 12,000 pounds apiece. (Can you imagine the size tortilla chip you’d need to make nachos?)
Elsewhere, the food scene in Elkhart Lake ranges from simple comfort food to incredibly creative, fine-dining quality cuisine at a variety of restaurants that are all nearby in the easily walkable town. For a quick bite—and maybe 18 holes of golf—check out Quit Qui Oc Golf Course Clubhouse Restaurant, a worthy dining destination whether you’re playing or not. Another casual spot to grab a sandwich and a drink, Route 67 Saloon will definitely do the trick (try the brisket shawarma or the locally made Johnsonville Brat on a bun).
For some delightful chef-driven dishes, check out dinner at Paddock Club where handmade pastas, fresh fish and innovative daily specials keep smiles on everyone’s faces throughout the meal. Double that smile for those eating the rosemary lemon roasted chicken. A few doors down, Lake Street Café can be a quick spot to grab a pizza or something more composed, such as seared scallops with coconut green curry soba noodles (and the state’s third-largest wine list for perfect pairings no matter what you order).
And the Concourse Restaurant & Lounge at the Osthoff Resort serves three meals daily, all with gorgeous lake views (especially from the patio). The Friday Night Fish Fry always promises a good time.
DRINK
Photo courtesy of SwitchGear Brewing Company
Located inside the historic town feed mill, SwitchGear Brewing Company crafts a variety of excellent beers for every palate. Our go-to (on more than one occasion) was the Resorter Red, a deep amber beer with a decent kick at 5.5% ABV. In addition to the beer, you simply cannot leave without a tub of their incredibly addictive pub cheese (another perfect souvenir).
Otherwise, you can find a friendly crowd and cheap drinks all throughout town, so be adventurous and pub crawl one night to find your own local hangout.
PLAY
In the early 1950s, the village of Elkhart Lake became famous for its open-road racing and you’ll see signs throughout the town marking famous spots along the route where drivers achieved victory or (literally) crashed and burned. Road racing no longer takes place for safety reasons, but the destination remains dedicated to fast cars and the smell of burning rubber. You can visit Road America to watch an actual professional race, or spend an afternoon challenging your friends on go-karts or explore the rugged 640 tree-lined acres on an ATV.
Of course, a day getting massages and soaking up some fresh air walking to a jacuzzi will always be more our speed than racing around a track. (.25mph vs. 100mph to be exact). So it’s an exciting thing to have a world-class pampering party at Aspira Spa, also inside Osthoff Resort. The indoor space embraces elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water with a heavy influence from Native Americans, who considered the waters of Elkhart Lake sacred.
Another favorite vacation pastime of ours, hiking in the wild, can be found here among some thrilling scenery. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail meanders for miles (1,200 to be exact) through all types of terrain, from public to private. Absolutely consider blocking off a morning or afternoon for a leisurely (and sometimes challenging) hike in a place carved out 15,000 years ago waiting for your visit.
And make sure to consider taking home some original artwork and handcrafts from the local artists at Two Fish Gallery, one of our favorite shops in town. Well, next to Vintage Elkhart Lake, a well-rounded wine shop with tastings (at least we hope they return soon after COVID dies down). And if you want your choice of Elkhart Lake branded merchandise, make a stop at Elkhart Lake Outfitters.
To explore everything you can possibly do in the village of Elkhart Lake and nearby towns, visit elkhartlake.com and start planning your trip ASAP.
We promise you’ll love the relaxing vibe.
And, of course, all that cheese.
Wisconsin’s Elkhart Lake
elkhartlake.com
