Elkhart Lake is a scenic destination for all seasons. This lakeside town in southeastern Wisconsin sparkles as a snowy winter wonderland during the coldest months of the year. It’s marvelous and picture-perfect as the flowers bloom in spring, and summer brings people from all over the world to the lake’s sunny shores. As leaves change their colors in autumn, leaf peeping is a way of life in Elkhart Lake.
While there’s no bad time for a visit, I think winter is my very favorite season to visit this vibrant village. During your next vacation to Elkhart Lake, make time for these top attractions and activities.
The Osthoff Resort & Spa Is The Heart Of Elkhart Lake
If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s the epitome of the unique charm of Elkhart Lake, look no further than The Osthoff Resort & Spa. Whether you want a cozy one-bedroom suite or a sprawling three-bedroom suite, there are accommodations for all needs. You can also choose between lakefront views or woodland scenery. You can enjoy staying in a suite with a full kitchen, a large dining space, gas fireplace for chilly nights, and a balcony to enjoy the beautiful views.
Beyond the stellar accommodations, The Osthoff Resort is also the hub of a lot of community activities. People come from all around for a massage, facial, or other treatment at the resort’s beloved Aspira Spa. They have locally inspired treatments, beautiful facilities that include a meditation sanctuary, and a relaxing salt room.
The Osthoff Resort Cooking School is also located within The Osthoff Resort & Spa, and it offers an array of cooking classes. It has state-of-the-art kitchen facilities, and the expert Chef Rodney is happy to accommodate those with special diets. You can even book a vegan cooking class!
Every holiday season, the Old World Christmas Market brings people from all over to experience the festive shopping and treats. The 2025 Old World Christmas Market Opens December 5 and runs through December 14. It’s reminiscent of the centuries-old Christkindlesmarkt of Nüremberg, Germany, and its probably the closest you’ll come to experiencing the beloved European Christmas markets in the United States.
During the ten celebratory days of the Old World Christmas Market, visitors shop and dine in a grand heated tent. The holiday scents of fresh evergreens and roasted almonds are savored while they browse artisan gifts like Czech blown-glass ornaments, German hand-carved nutcrackers, stained glass art, fresh green wreaths, jewelry, and more.
Road America Drives Racing Fans To Elkhart Lake
Elkhart Lake has been known for its racecar driving for decades. Starting in the 1950s, road races were held in and around Elkhart Lake. According to Road America, when racing was banned on public roads, a man named Clif Tufte organized a group and planned to build a permanent racecourse. The overall vision of Road America of Tufte’s dream.
Now Road America brings car racing enthusiasts from all over the world to Elkhart Lake. It hosts races in the IndyCar Series, IMSA SportsCar Championship, Sports Car Club of America, and beyond. It also has a lot of family activities, a driving school, camp sites, karting experiences, and even off-road driving experiences.
Locals And Visitors Golf At The Quit Qui Oc Golf Club
The Quit Qui Oc Golf Club welcomes locals and visitors alike with open arms. Golf lovers visiting the area are sure to want to stop here. It offers 27 holes of golf, two practice ranges, two putting greens, a fully stocked pro shop, PGA & LPGA professional golf instruction, and name brand rental clubs. There is also a restaurant onsite.
Winter Sports Are Popular In Elkhart Lake
The Quit Qui Oc Golf Club offers snowshoeing during the winter months when the golf courses are closed to golfers. Other places such as Wade House also offer snowshoeing.
Visitors may enjoy ice skating at June Vollrath Park during winter. They can also go cross-country skiing in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. In fact, there are over 20 miles of rolling trails for cross-country skiing in the Zillmer and Greenbush recreation areas. (Just note that skiers over the age of 16 need a state trail pass.)
Hiking is also popular in Elkhart Lake even in winter. Hikers take the Ice Age Trail throughout the year, although the spring and fall are probably the best times to tackle it.
Take A Pottery Class At Two Fish Gallery
Elkhart Lake has a thriving arts scene. If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at making pottery, don’t resist taking a pottery class at Two Fish Gallery. The gallery itself has a lot of expertly made pottery and other artistic creations that make the perfect, one-of-a-kind souvenir of your time in Elkhart Lake.