Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin Weekend Guide: Best Things to Do, Where to Stay, & Where to Eat

I’ve lived about an hour from Elkhart Lake for years, and somehow I had never really done Road America because I didn’t think I was a racing person.

That was a mistake.

But this trip also reminded me that Elkhart Lake is not just Road America. You can make a weekend here as calm or as packed as you want, whether that means lake time and a spa day, go-karts, wine tasting, pottery, or eating way too much cheese… assuming that’s even possible in Wisconsin.

I’ve been to Elkhart Lake before, but this trip made me appreciate it in a completely different way.

I grew up going to the Minocqua area for our “up north” trips, and I love Door County too. But Elkhart Lake has its own feel. It’s close, easy, relaxed, and not pretentious, but there’s still plenty to do once you get there.

1. Experience Road America

I’m going to start with Road America because this was the thing I could not stop talking about after the trip.

I knew it was a big deal. Obviously, people come to Elkhart Lake for Road America. But I never felt much urgency to go because I’m just not a racing person.

I didn’t grow up watching races. I don’t know much about cars. I could not give you an educated opinion on what makes one race weekend better than another.

That was clearly my mistake.

The go-karts alone were worth it. I would go back just for those. So fun! And they go up to 40 mph! And the UTVs were pretty sweet too. I got to drive one, and that was way more fun than I expected!

Now I’m already looking at when I can come back for an actual race, because the whole setup is also a lot more fun and relaxed than I pictured. I think I assumed a race meant sitting in one assigned spot all day, and that is not really the vibe here.

2. Visit Throttlestop

A stop at Throttlestop also fits really well with the Road America side of Elkhart Lake.

It’s full of collector cars and motorcycles, and even if you are not someone who can identify every make and model, it is still fun to walk through. And if you have a few more dollars than I do… all of these vehicles are for sale too! It was fun to dream!

3. Get Out On Elkhart Lake

Then there is the lake itself, which is the part of Elkhart Lake I already knew I loved.

It is so clear and calm and beautiful.

The Osthoff also has watersports if you want to be more active. Depending on the season, you can do things like kayaking, paddleboarding, and other fun lake rentals.

And if fishing is your thing, that’s another great option too. I didn’t go fishing on this trip, but Elkhart Lake has northern pike, bass, walleye, and even muskies, so it’s definitely not just a pretty lake to look at.

4. Take A Pottery Lesson At Two Fish Gallery

Two Fish Gallery was one of my favorite stops.

And I need to say this up front: I am not artistic.

I can appreciate art. I can buy art. But making art is usually where things start to go wrong for me.

I made what we are calling a salad bowl. It is being fired and shipped to me, so we will see how the finished product looks at a later date.

I’m excited. I’m also very prepared to laugh at it. 

But I loved this stop. It was hands-on and a nice change of pace from the more active parts of the trip.

And be sure to check the Two Fish Gallery website for current class offerings and registration details. Some classes require multiple sessions, a deposit, and advance registration, and class sizes are limited.

5. Visit Henning Cheese

Henning Cheese was dangerous.

I walked out with an obscene amount of cheese from here! I can’t show it all because I’ve already eaten the majority of it… 

The owner at Henning was such a delight. Very animated, very funny, and clearly proud of what they make.

6. Do A Wine Tasting At Vintage Elkhart Lake

Vintage Elkhart Lake was another stop I really enjoyed, partly because the tasting setup was so easy.

You buy a prepaid card at the counter, and then you can use it at the wine machines to taste whatever you want. You put the card in, pick a wine, press the button, and it dispenses a tasting pour.

If you like it, you can get a full glass. If you don’t, you just move on and try something else. 

I loved this because it took all the pressure out of wine tasting. You’re not standing there feeling like you have to say the right thing about oak or tannins or pretend you know exactly what you’re doing.

It was relaxed and fun, and the owner was wonderful. The shop is also great to browse, with wine, gifts, gourmet products, and plenty of things that would be very easy to bring home.

7. Book Time At Aspira Spa

Aspira Spa at The Osthoff is one of the reasons I already have such a soft spot for Elkhart Lake.

I stayed at The Osthoff on a previous trip, and Aspira is still one of my favorite spas I’ve been to.

My personal favorite is the Cedar’s Massage. I’ve had it a couple of times now, and it is my favorite massage. I dream about this massage. It also comes with a detox bath, which makes it feel like more of a whole experience than just a standard treatment.

8. Golf At Quit Qui Oc

Golf is another great option in Elkhart Lake.

And I also like Quit Qui Oc because it does not feel intimidating, although I’ve been told it’s by no means an easy course. 

Everyone here is super friendly, the fees are reasonable, and they also offer lessons, which is nice if you’re newer to golf or just don’t want to feel completely lost out there.

It’s also a good lunch stop, even if you’re not into golfing like me. I had the Twisted Turkey Club, and it was delicious!

9. Hike The Ice Age Trail

If you want to get outside, away from the lake, the beautiful Ice Age Trail is nearby, too.

I would not skip lake time for it, but I do think it’s a nice option if you want to get a walk or hike in during the trip.

It’s also probably a good idea if you have been eating your way through town, which is very easy to do here.

10. Take a Class at the Osthoff Cooking School

The Osthoff also has a cooking school! How cool is that?

I haven’t personally done the class yet, so I can’t review it at this time.

But I do think it’s worth knowing about, especially if you’re visiting during cooler weather or want something that doesn’t depend on the lake or the weather cooperating.

11. Eat Around Town

For a small village, Elkhart Lake has a lot of great places to eat and drink.

On this trip, we went to wonderful spots like the Concourse, Lake Street Café, P.A.M.’s at Siebkens, and All Seasons. Oooh, and got ice cream at Gessert’s after dinner!

I liked that it’s not all the same kind of food. You can do a resort meal, casual barbecue, a classic breakfast, wine tasting, cocktails, or a relaxed dinner outside without driving all over the place. All of these places are within walking distance of each other and the resorts – which I love!

12. Catch Live Music In The Summer

Summer is also when Elkhart Lake has live music around town, so I would check the events calendar before you go!

The Osthoff often has music on the Lake Deck, the Tiki Bar at Elkhart Lake Beach Resort, as well as Siebkens on select nights, and depending on when you visit, you may find other music events happening too.

13. Stay At A Resort on the Lake

For where to stay, the two places I have personal experience with are The Osthoff and Siebkens, and they have very different personalities.

The Osthoff is the kinda polished lakefront resort option. It is huge. It has the spa, restaurants, lake access, and condo-style rooms, so you can get things like a kitchen and, in some units, laundry. 

It is also the pricier option. From what I was told, summer rates can run anywhere from around $300 to $1,500 a night, while winter is usually more like $149 to $600.

Siebkens, where I stayed on this trip, is more historic and old-school Wisconsin. They also have condo options, some with kitchens and laundry, but they have historic building rooms too, which are much more affordable. At Siebkens, prices range from $175 to $225 a night, and even during race weekends, I was told the most expensive historic rooms are around $250.

Siebkens also has great restaurants, including P.A.M.’s and the Stop-Inn Tavern, which is super cool to grab a drink at. I love the covered porch area.

There is also the newly reopened Elkhart Lake Beach Resort. I have not stayed there yet, so I can’t personally review it, but it’s worth knowing about if you’re comparing lakefront options.

14. Walk The Village And Shop

And finally, leave yourself time to just walk around the village. 

Elkhart Lake is small, and that is part of why I like it.

You are not spending the whole weekend in the car. And if you stay at one of the resorts in town, you can walk to shops, restaurants, the lake, and your hotel.