Elkhart Lake’s Winter Wonderland
The image of first snow in the Midwest is truly a thing of beauty—that crisp, pure white on the ground, painting the trees like clouds descended to earth.
What comes next? Not so much: the grey-black slush, the slippery traffic, the constant dampness.
But at Elkhart Lake, a village with a population of slightly more than 1,000 near Sheboygan in eastern Wisconsin, that pristine picture of winter is the real deal—not just the initial fantasy. And this winter, it’s a wonderland for weekend getaways.
Elkhart Lake built it’s regional reputation back in the 1950s, when annual road races around the lake drew thousands of spectators, leading to the construction of the famous Road America racetrack in 1955. But it is Elkhart Lake’s quieter, more peaceful attractions that have made it one of the most beloved winter destinations in the Midwest, featuring delicious dining, outdoor activities, luxurious spas and resorts, boutiques and more—all with a delectably quaint, local flair.
Most winter getaways in Elkhart Lake begin and end at The Osthoff Resort, the village’s AAA Four Diamond premier vacation destination. The resort isn’t just another hotel—it’s a winter home away from home, with 245 unique suites each including a kitchen, dining room, private balcony and (maybe most importantly this time of year) a cozy fireplace. The Osthoff is the perfect home base for exploring Elkhart Lake, but discovering all the resort has to offer is wonderful as well: it is home to four different restaurants, cooking classes at French culinary school L’ecole de la Masion, and one breathtaking spa.
The Osthoff’s Aspira Spa brings people from far and wide who are ready to relax in luxury. Ranked third in the nation by Spas of America in 2017, Aspira specializes in de-stressing treatments that embrace a holistic approach — try a Reiki healing treatment, acupuncture, or work out your aches with an Aromatic Relaxation, Sacred Waters or Moroccan Hot Oil Massage.
If and when you’ve made it out of The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake is your oyster for exploration.
Start with a morning of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or even snowmobiling. Equipment can be rented from Elkhart Lake’s Quit Qui Oc Golf Club, and myriad of well-groomed trails encircle the village. Stay local on the popular Ice Age Trail, or head to the gorgeous Kettle Moraine State Forest just six miles away where you’ll see deer, birds and other wildlife braving the cold just like you are.
When the chill becomes a bit too much, settle into a crisp, craft beer at Elkhart Lake’s first microbrewery, Switchgear Brewing Company. Their Lead Foot Scotch Ale and easygoing Pontoon Pounder wheat beer are local classics, but Switchgear also keeps an assortment of other Wisconsin beers on tap.
If wine is more appealing, Elkhart Lake has you covered, too. Vintage Elkhart Lake is a creative wine and food shop offering wines by the glass, handpicked for you by an in-house sommelier. They’ll be happy to set up custom wine tastings for you and your friends.
Elsewhere in the village square, you can stock up on outdoor gear at Elkhart Lake Outfitters (for your next snow shoe adventure, of course), discover rustic and elegant home furnishings at Gina’s Fine Gifts and Framing, or dive into local racing history at Paddock Shop at Road America.
Back at The Osthoff Resort, you may not believe how much you fit into one day—or one weekend. But that’s the magic of a true winter wonderland.
Justin Jacobs is a travel, music and culture writer.
The Osthoff Resort, 101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020, (855) 671-6870, www.osthoff.com
