With over 40 years of Schnee Days experience under their belt, you could say Elkhart Lake has deep-snow experience in winter fun.  So, grab your winter gear, lace up your running shoes, and gather your friends and family for a winter weekend of Schnee fun.

Schnee Days Weekend offers a variety of in and outdoor fun for all ages.  Elkhart Lake likes to start the weekend early with a Thursday evening moonlight snowshoe stroll.  Traversing Quit Qui Oc’s golf course in the winter brings a whole new appreciation to this beautiful property.  Snowshoeing continues all weekend long with rentals available on-site for kids and adults.

Saturday morning kicks it up a notch with the annual 5K SchneeLauf Fun Run.  Participants of all ages, along with some four-legged furry friends (leashes required), dot the route.  Costumes are not only welcome but encouraged for those who really want to embrace the fun of Schnee Days.  These SchneeLaufers are dedicated to having a good time. Even during the -12 degree polar vortex, these diehard fun runners bundled up with an extra layer of warmth under their costumes and had a blast! 

After the run, warm up for a bit with Cozy Crafts and Cocoa at the local library, provided free of charge. Then, venture back outside for an afternoon of sledding at the school hill. Following all the outdoor excitement, unwind by the pool as you decide which of Elkhart Lake’s restaurants fits your family’s mood. After dinner, either hit the arcade or pull out your favorite board games for some old-fashioned family fun.

Sunday brings more family fun with the Children’s Games & Ice Cube Hunt on the lawn of the Shore Club.  Afterwards, head across the street to Siebkens Resort for a bowl of homemade chili and a grilled cheese at the annual Chili Cook-Off!

Dive Into Snow Much More

If you’re a disc golfer, be sure to check out the Disc Golf Challenge at Road America, but keep in mind that pre-registration is required.  The inaugural Schnee Days Winter Olympics will be held at Crystal Lake Golf Course.  On Sunday, cap off your chilly adventures with Snowga in the Village Park.

For those who prefer the cozy indoors, there are plenty of opportunities to warm up with great food and spirits throughout the weekend.  Beer lovers won’t want to miss Flannel Fridays at Switchgear Brewing.  But if wine and spirits are more your mood, reserve your tickets for the annual Sip’n’ Schnee at Vintage Elkhart Lake.   On Saturday, indulge in the delicious Schnee Brunch at Lake Street Café.  There are also a variety of cocktail classes and winter pop-ups to enjoy, along with the annual Schnee Days Spirits Stroll that offers fun and tasty winter cocktail specials throughout the Village.  Along the way, check out the variety of live music options available on Friday and Saturday evening at The Osthoff Resort, The Shore Club and Brown Baer.

The Schnee Days finale is the Annual Chili Cook-Off where many of Elkhart Lake’s restaurants and residents compete for “The Best Chili” bragging rights, and brag they do, all year long!

For a full list of Schnee Days events and overnight accommodations, visit ElkhartLake.com/Schnee-Days.

Wisconsin weather has a way of keeping everyone on their toes and during this time of year it is not rare to experience two seasons in one day. As I am writing this snow is falling onto the autumn leaves surrounding Elkhart Lake’s village square. Witnessing the season change here is bittersweet. The shift into colder temperatures means the long winter is coming. It also means that downtown becomes quieter. And the quieter months are something many locals not only look forward to but desperately rely on to recharge after marching to the beat of summer’s busy drum.

A very important part of recharging in Elkhart Lake includes enjoying what the village has to offer during a less crowded time of year. This year there are some very welcome additions in the heart of town to enjoy as the seasons change. East Rhine Street has gotten an upgrade that locals and visitors have been dreaming about. While other restaurants include pizza on their menus, there hasn’t been a place fully dedicated to the art of pizza in downtown Elkhart Lake. As of August the new business owners Laurie and Avni of Harry’s Pizza e Vino have opened their doors, making it the first artisanal Elkhart Lake pizzeria.

Considering the building was once where my friends and I would scarf down Subway sandwiches over lunch hour as teenagers, my jaw dropped and I smiled wide when I entered the building for the first time. The fact that we can now enjoy 96-hour fermented, hand-tossed Roman style pizza dough baked to perfection and raise glasses of Italian wine over candlelight is a delightful upgrade. My friends and I have grown up since our school lunch hours and it turns out that the 111 East Rhine Street interior and cuisine has grown up too.

The antique metal ceiling and elegant wooden bar are timelessly romantic and the first thing that came to my mind when taking it all in was “Eating here while the snow is falling will be magical.” Our group started our dinner off with a celebratory round of Aperol spritzes. One person at our table ordered an Old Fashioned and after the first sip reviewed it as “phenomenal”.  Whether you’re looking for Italian-inspired spirits or the comforts of a traditional Wisconsin bar, the staff at Harry’s will take care of you.

After we finally narrowed down our selections from the impressive variety of pizza options, our table was filled with an Italian sausage pizza, a pesto pizza, and one corn pizza within minutes. (There was a corn pizza skeptic at the table but they were converted after one bite.) Our spritz glasses were replaced with glasses of the house Ripasso. Throughout the meal familiar faces continued walking in through the door which made our inaugural dinner at Harry’s even more memorable.

As if we hadn’t already been satiated and served with the utmost care, our server brought us each a pour of housemade limoncello. The true grand finale was the house-made nocino, an Italian bittersweet liqueur made from walnuts, that we couldn’t resist tasting after seeing the jar of it when we walked in. As for the nocino, ladies and gentlemen, we have officially entered the time of year where this liqueur can shine. It is the perfect ending to a meal during the seasons of falling leaves and falling snow.

In addition to Harry’s Pizza e Vino satisfying Elkhart Lake’s long standing craving for pizza it also happens to be conveniently situated right between the village’s two newest retail locations. If you find yourself enjoying an afternoon in the village anytime soon, do browse through AspenOak’s beautiful selection of homegoods, gifts, and holiday decor and the book selection at Gifts of Grace before sitting down to your pizza. And if you happen to step into Harry’s on a busy night, you can easily grab a glass of wine across the street at Vintage Elkhart Lake or a beer down the street at the Brown Baer while you wait for a table.

For those of us raised in this little village there is always enjoyment in returning to old haunts, but there is also something special about the opportunity of looking back through time and appreciating how the community has grown and changed too. It takes a lot to start something new and when new businesses bloom in Elkhart Lake it feels like all of us do too.

Meet The Author

Kate Vollrath

Kate Vollrath was born and raised in Elkhart Lake. After several years of working and adventuring in Anchorage, Alaska and a year studying in Italy, she has returned to her favorite freshwater shoreline. Wisconsin will always be home. The incredible local culture, extraordinary community, and summer Sundays on the water are what keep her rooted and returning no matter where life takes her.

Many are drawn to Elkhart Lake from June until August. Those who come just slightly later in the season will enjoy smaller flocks of visitors and boats as flocks of birds replace them on the lake. For some, September sets in with an end of summer melancholy. For others a welcomed slowness sets in over the village. Regardless of your attitude towards summer drawing to a close, Elkhart Lake has one last summer hurrah for you with its 2nd Annual Elktoberfest.

After a successful inaugural Elktoberfest in 2022, this year is bound to be another fantastic opportunity to experience the best of both worlds in the village – the liveliness of locals gathering in town and the quiet retreat of the lake and trails. Below are some highlights lined up for the weekend. Be prepared to walk (or run!), sip, snack, dance, and mingle with a very proud Wisconsin crowd that loves an opportunity to be in costume – better yet, Lederhosen or dirndl. (Costumes are not required at Elktoberfest, but will be welcomed with great enthusiasm.)

Festivities will commence Friday night at 5:30pm with the Stein Social at Siebkens Resort. Purchase a commemorative Elktoberfest stein and enjoy SwitchGear Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest beer and live music by the Polka Masters. A community prost will kick off at 6:00pm. Grab dinner at one of the local restaurants and make your way to the Osthoff’s Elk Room for more live music by the Abler Manus Duo.

On Saturday morning hit the ground running (or walking) at the 5K Wine & Beer Run/Walk beginning at Vintage Elkhart Lake. Participants will receive a t-shirt and medal plus a drink ticket for a pour of wine or SwitchGear craft beer. Sign up now for the Elktoberfest Wine & Beer Run 5K. The Farmers & Artisans Market will also be taking place in the village square from 8:00am until noon, where you’ll have another opportunity to pick up an Elktoberfest stein and your pre-ordered Elktoberfest t-shirt.

For the little ones, the village park will have a Root Beer Garten with face painting, games, root beer floats, and a special appearance by Culver’s mascot Scoopie and Miesfeld’s mascot Charlie the Double Brat. Across the street SwitchGear Brewing will be pouring adult-flavored brews all day. New this year is the Miesfeld’s Elktoberfest Tent on the Shore Club lawn where you will find a step above the average Sheboygan County brat fry. Sign up for the brat eating contest or the potato salad cook-off. When the sun goes down the tent will welcome The Boo! The Band from Milwaukee to the stage.

On Sunday morning you can count on the village restaurants to help you recover with post-prost calories. Take a look at the full list of restaurant options as well as the official Elktoberfest itinerary here: https://www.elkhartlake.com/elktoberfest/.  

Whether you are eight or eighty, Elktoberfest is an opportunity to celebrate the change of the season with your loved ones. Prost!

Even after being away for months at a time, it only takes a simple stroll through the village streets to be reminded of why this place is unlike any other I’ve lived. My shoulders sit lower here. You can hear the wind pass through the trees and chimes of locals’ homes. There is time to enjoy the aroma of freshly cut grass around you. Elkhart Lake is a place that maintains a timeless quality you can feel immediately upon arriving. This timelessness is the result of a community that takes its time to create and enjoy a life that is deeply connected to the surrounding environment and the other people who live within it.

Many businesses here are family-run with roots as deep as the lake the village is named for and the faces of those businesses will tell you that making something beautiful on the surface is one thing, but making something long lasting takes patience and many seasons of paying attention. It takes bustling summers to work the kinks out and it takes the solitude of long winters to dream and scheme with a notepad before the next summer rolls around. It takes a continuous fine tuning of one’s craft and endless hours of crunching numbers to match the rhythm and needs of the little seasonal zip code.

My village stroll today takes me to one of my favorite local businesses. As I arrive at the steps of the local art gallery, I take a moment to admire the gardens that are home to ceramic sculptures as well as local pollinators. Two Fish Gallery is a place that appears to have always been here. It’s difficult for me to picture this street without it. The gallery owners, Patrick and Karen, have interwoven their love for art and botany in a way that soothes, inspires, and leaves a lasting impact on anyone who visits. In a lot of ways, the couple’s home, garden, and gallery embody the village’s spirit.

Patrick comes to the porch to meet me, water in his hospitable Wisconsin hand and tie dye Crocs on his feet. The little universe of plants and pottery he and Karen have created on East Rhine Street is currently celebrating 25 years. They are seasoned in creating art for their gallery and gardens, and also in the art of running a local business. “We’ve reinvented ourselves many times” he responds to me congratulating him on hitting the 25-year mark.

 As the potter reflects on the reinvention that has taken place within his business, I realize that reinvention is at the heart of everything he does. Ceramic artists begin with raw clay and then give it a new life entirely in the form of a solid and hopefully beautiful piece of art. Reinvention happens every time an artist approaches the raw material. The same approach goes for gardeners. Karen has turned their property’s soil into a symphony of green. Her Certified Wildlife Habitat is home to native flora and fauna.

“This is my 50th year of playing in the mud,” Patrick’s eyes twinkle as he does the math. His mother was an artist and his grandmother encouraged him creatively from a young age. He was also a collector of ceramics as a child. It wasn’t until his senior year at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee that he really dove into ceramic art with his own hands. “I was an accidental grad student. I fell in love with ceramics my last year of undergrad and that left me no choice but to continue taking as many ceramic classes as I could.”

Patrick eventually made his way to the John Michael Kohler Art Center (JMKAC) where he would find himself on the other side of the classroom as an instructor. The classroom is where he would eventually meet his wife Karen, the botanist and brains behind the Two Fish gardens today. “We were living in parallel universes, both teaching the subjects we love.” The classroom is also what led him to Elkhart Lake. “One day I was talking with one of my students, Jess Gunther. She was really involved with the local chamber at the time. I was telling her about my dream for a home gallery and she told me that Elkhart Lake could be a wonderful place to make that happen.”

Patrick then counts on his fingers the five requirements he had for his dream setup. “I needed a place where I could live, work, sell my work, and also teach. And my fifth requirement was that the place needed to be easy to find, ideally a place where people were already walking by.” As he gives me his list it’s clear that the home he found checks every single one of his boxes.

“Things are often right in front of you, but you need to be willing to get specific when creating your dreams.” He found his dream property six months after making his list. “In Elkhart Lake, everybody takes care of everybody. I learned that shortly after getting involved here.” His story of meeting a friend in the village and then becoming part of the Elkhart Lake family is similar to many others who have made Elkhart Lake their home. If you give your heart to this place you’ll often find that one thing can lead to another.

“We call this place the cottage,” Patrick points to the porch we’re both standing on. The porch is cloaked in greenery and feels like a little jungle. “We love our home and it’s easier to visit this space outside our front door than it is to travel up North. This is our little cottage right here,” he lets out a laugh. The couple’s gallery and “cottage” is their year-round home in the summer tourist town. “We aren’t beach people. In the winter we run into the studio.”

As many business owners in town experience, Patrick and Karen’s life ebb and flow with the seasons. The seasonality can definitely be a challenge, but it can also be seen as an opportunity to learn new skills and catch up on areas of the business that need to be improved. The couple has gone through many evolutions as a business and has been a place that showcases the work of other artists too. Art mediums including clay, glass, jewelry, metals, and paper goods have all been displayed on the shelves.

One of the aspects that stands out at Two Fish is the owners’ commitment to fair-trade goods. “As an artist myself, I feel strongly about rewarding the maker,” Pat proudly reflects upon his decision to start offering fair-trade products. If you find a treasure at Two Fish, you’re extremely likely to not only know the name of the artist, but a story about the process behind the piece’s creation.

Patrick and Karen have always provided a place where people could find tranquility during heavy times. “I remember after September 11th, people wanted color, they wanted to be surrounded by art. During the recession, it was music to our ears that people wanted to make sure their income was connected to things that had an origin story. During tough times, people can’t buy what they once did, so when they do buy something, they want it to bring them some type of connection. Knowing the artist behind a piece can help with that.” In most recent history, the pandemic also brought about a time when people came to Two Fish for comfort. “We provided a safe and inspiring place for people during a time of a lot of uncertainty. Turns out, looking at art on some shelves was the most exciting thing happening during their day!”

The story of Two Fish Gallery is one that speaks through the transformation of raw earth through mediums of clay and soil. Education continues to be at the core of how they continually transform personally and professionally. Patrick has been a teacher since his days at the JMKAC and has since established the Two Fish School where he offers his locally beloved ceramic classes that fill up in minutes once he posts them online. “The classroom is always therapy. I find great comfort in it. I can read the energy in the room and help guide my students and I always learn things from them because they try things I’ve never thought of.”

One of Patrick’s and Karen’s goals for the near future is to be better students themselves. “If you’re a teacher, you really like to be a student too.” They’ve figured out a balance of crafting art and teaching which has allowed them to condense their gallery hours as a result. “Locals know us and our schedule well now. And as for visitors, you can’t go three blocks without leaving town. If they are interested, they will certainly find us!” The current schedule allows them to take more workshops and continue keeping a schedule of weekly tai chi. “Hopefully it will keep me playing in the mud a little longer,” Patrick smiles.   

Before I step inside the gallery to browse for a new ceramic butter dish he shares with me where his relationship with clay currently stands. “Clay reminds us we can’t force things. The final step, firing, is the one you have the least control over. You have to embrace what works and let go of what doesn’t. I’m more enamored with clay now than I ever have been.”

In a world that demands everything must move quickly, this village and the people who contribute to its vibrancy give a different message – good things take time, and if you take the time to have an open mind and give yourself to a community and your artform, there is a lifetime of beauty to be enamored with. Sometimes all it takes is an opportunity to play in the mud.

Meet the Author

Kate Vollrath

Kate Vollrath was born and raised in Elkhart Lake. After several years of working and adventuring in Anchorage, Alaska and a year studying in Italy, she has returned to her favorite freshwater shoreline. Wisconsin will always be home. The incredible local culture, extraordinary community, and summer Sundays on the water are what keep her rooted and returning no matter where life takes her.

100 years of Hard Work and Hitting Golf Balls at Quit Qui Oc Golf Course

It’s only July, but today the intensity of the sun and the rising lake temperature feel more like August. As I step onto the grounds of the local Quit Qui Oc Golf Course I feel the current lack of precipitation that everyone has been discussing in the village in a deeper way. After giving a wave to Todd in the pro shop, I find his wife Rachel, the third generation owner of the establishment, standing beside the horseshoe bar in the clubhouse tavern.

She lets me know early into our chat that the greens are stressed from the summer’s dry start. “In the fall we don’t have to worry about moisture as much. The good news is, when the grass is dry it gives you a little extra roll. Hey, I’ll take it!” She smiles as she quickly expresses the silver thread of the dry spell, a skill that everyone who runs a business in this little village learns along the way. With a short summer tourist season and a long winter reliant upon a town of around 1,000 local residents, Elkhart Lake is a beautiful, yet at times challenging place to run a business. Quit Qui Oc is currently celebrating its 100th year, and Rachel’s family has operated it for 68 of those years, making it one of the longest standing family-owned businesses in the village.

She then goes on to tell me that today the course will be hosting their junior golf program attended by an impressive number of 90 children ages 7-12 years old. Meanwhile, a women’s senior golf tournament for ages 70 and up is also kicking off. “There are eighty-year-old women here who still insist on walking eighteen holes!” I can feel Rachel’s pride in providing a place for people to age healthily both in body and mind as she tells me this. In addition to running leagues and teaching private lessons, Rachel is working shifts in the golf course’s restaurant this summer. “I knew at some point I would need to learn what went on in the kitchen, so I learned,” she tells me in her humble, hardworking Wisconsin tone.

I ask her if her father is still around helping out and she tells me he still has an office upstairs so he can continue to be close to all the action. Rachel’s father, Tom Weise, was a household name I knew as a child growing up in Elkhart Lake given his leadership of the golf course. His wife, Lynn, also played a major role in managing the office for nearly 20 years. I still remember being greeted by Tom when my family would dine for lunch on quiet winter afternoons much colder than the one today. Within five minutes of walking into the clubhouse and meeting Rachel I’m flooded with childhood nostalgia and realize this nostalgia is connected to precisely what makes this place tick.

Establishments become establishments in Elkhart Lake because of families like Rachel’s. The backbone of these greens are years of a family torch, in this case, a sound sense of balancing long hours and a love for the game, being passed down.

Anyone who calls it their home course or their home tavern for Friday night fish fry will tell you it’s an impressive operation. It feels more like many operations happening all at once given the leagues, lessons, and libations served up to golfers and non-golfers no matter the season. The art of wearing many different visors within one day is baked into this place like the sun bakes down on the course each summer. There is golden family wisdom living in the property’s green hills.

Unlike many of my relatives, I am not a skilled golfer, but I’ve always felt Quit Qui Oc was a place I could call my home course when I do get the itch to join a family golf scramble or meet for a Rachel Reuben in the dining room. It’s not exclusive, it’s a place where everyone can come to play, and if you visit the course you’ll feel that welcoming energy immediately. The people who run the show are working and recreating in their own backyard, and it’s a backyard they cherish deeply.

What began in 1922 as a dream of the Elkhart Lake Men’s Association to transform picturesque farmland into a nine hole golf course grew into what would become the life’s work of thelocal Elkhart Lake Wiesefamily. Rachel’s grandfather, Carl J Wiese took over the glacially carved golfer’s paradise in 1955 and then eventually Rachel’s parents, Tom and Lynn Weise became next in line to run the establishment. Rachel is now at the helm of this family legacy along with her husband Todd and the help of their daughter Elizabeth. They also employ around 100 people in the summer and about half that in the winter. Today you can join the Weise’s in their commitment to generational recreation on the front nine holes, the back nine holes, and the driving range. And for those who don’t golf, I assure you the restaurant and bar will welcome you with open arms and is definitely worth stopping in.

Like many who grew up in Elkhart Lake, Rachel was steeped in the seasonal hospitality industry from a young age. Her family’s line of work allowed for a lot of play too, and play she did, with both her parents as well as her Grandmother Edna and Edna’s friends. Eventually she went on to compete on the boys’ golf team at Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah High School where she was a member of the 1990 state championship team. “Playing during the boys’ season allowed me to also play volleyball which I really liked too.” She reminds me of the beauty in being from a small place and being able to try everything. Maybe this is one of the reasons she is able to juggle so many facets of the business with grace. She then eventually went on to compete at UW Madison.

These days she lives the dream of being a mother who plays rounds of golf with her daughter. Elizabeth is currently home for the summer helping out wherever she is needed at Quit Qui Oc. “She does it all. Kitchen, beverage cart, pro shop, you name it,” Rachel tells me. When the summer draws to a close, Elizabeth will be returning to Concordia University where she will take a page from her mother’s book and continue competing on the men’s golf team. “She still likes golf and she still likes us,” Rachel happily shares with me. “The magic of golf is the generational aspect. It’s a lifelong game and you don’t have to be at the same level as everyone else. You can truly play with anybody. Sometimes Elizabeth and I will go out and play only as many holes as we feel like that day.”

As I leave the building that has welcomed me and so many others all our lives, Rachel’s words about her family’s history in this village beside the lake continue to replay in my mind. Their mission statement is one of multigenerational work, but not without multigenerational play. This delicate balance is what allows her family’s heritage to continue on through hot summers and then keeps them warm through the colder months to come. Their heritage is a story of hardworking Wisconsin business ownership. It is also one of family leisure in a landscape that only a lucky few call home. “We do work a lot, it’s true, but we do it because we love it. We love this place. We love the game.”

Meet the Author

Kate Vollrath

Kate Vollrath was born and raised in Elkhart Lake. After several years of working and adventuring in Anchorage, Alaska and a year studying in Italy, she has returned to her favorite freshwater shoreline. Wisconsin will always be home. The incredible local culture, extraordinary community, and summer Sundays on the water are what keep her rooted and returning no matter where life takes her.

Let sparks fly, it’s Fourth of July Weekend! From fireworks on the lakefront to the annual parade through downtown, there is so much fun to be had on America’s birthday. Here are a few ways to show off your red, white, and Elkhart blue spirit this weekend.

Friday, June 30th

Elkhart Lake Fireman’s Picnic
5 to 11pm | Fireman’s Park & Beach
Come out to support the Elkhart Lake Fire Department at the Annual Fireman’s Picnic and enjoy food, drinks, and live music. Organized by the Elkhart Lake Fire Department.
5-7:30pm — Live Music by Ebert’s Dancing Machine
7:30-11pm — Live Music by The Toys

Elkhart Lake Fireworks
Lakefront | Dusk (9:30pm)
This is going to be a firework show for the books! Grab a chair, blanket, friends, and family and head down to the lakefront on Friday evening for the firework show over the lake.
Organized by the Elkhart Lake Fire Department.

Live Music by Pink Houses
7-11pm | Osthoff Lake Deck

Live Music by Breakwater Rocks
7-11pm | Tiki Bar at Shore Club Wisconsin

Saturday, July 1st

Farmers & Artisans Market
8am to Noon | Village Square
Wake up early Saturday morning for one of Elkhart Lake’s largest farmers markets of the summer. Pick up fresh seasonal vegetables, flowers, cheeses, local arts and specialty products.

Live Music by The Federal Hippies
7-11pm | Siebkens Resort

Live Music by Kirstie Krause
7-11pm | Osthoff Lake Deck

Live Music at Alex White & Friends
7-11pm | Tiki Bar at Shore Club Wisconsin

Sunday, July 2nd

Elkhart Lake Fireman’s Parade
11:30am | Downtown Elkhart lake
Blankets and chairs will line the streets of downtown during the best small town parade in Wisconsin. Enjoy the outdoor Bloody Mary bars and the overload of red, white, and blue! Beginning behind Siebkens Resort and ending at Fireman’s park.
Organized by the Elkhart Lake Fire Department.

Elkhart Lake Fireman’s Picnic
5 to 11pm | Fireman’s Park & Beach
Come out to support the Elkhart Lake Fire Department at the Annual Fireman’s Picnic and enjoy food, drinks, and live music. Organized by the Elkhart Lake Fire Department.
1:30-5pm — Live music by Rebel Grace

Live Music by Bowser
2-6pm | Osthoff Lake Deck

Live Music by Dave Steffen Band
7-11pm | Tiki Bar at Shore Club Wisconsin

Monday, July 3rd

Live Music by Jesse & James
2-6pm | Osthoff Lake Deck

Live Music (TBD)
2-6pm | Tiki Bar at Shore Club Wisconsin

Tuesday, July 4th

Live Music by KOJO
2-6pm | Tiki Bar at Shore Club Wisconsin

Live Music by KOJO
6-10pm | Osthoff Lake Deck

Credit & Source: U.S. Travel Association, Tourism Economics

About National Travel and Tourism Week

This year marks the 40^th anniversary of the annual industry celebration

National Travel and Tourism Week, (NTTW) the annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, will spotlight the essential role that travel will play in driving economic growth and innovation through the theme #TravelForward.

“The travel industry fuels every industry—our industry’s success is the nation’s success,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “This week is a prime opportunity to elevate the message that travel is essential to moving America’s economy forward.”

Established in 1983, NTTW is an annual tradition to mark the U.S. travel industry’s role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, stimulating business activity and elevating the quality of life for everyday Americans.

Travel serves as a catalyst for a productive U.S. economy and helps power the success of other industries. The U.S. travel industry generated a $2.6trillion economic output in 2022 and supported 15 million jobs, fueling communities, small businesses and working families across the country.

Travel spending also generated nearly $160 billion in federal, state and local taxes in 2022—revenue that helped fund critical public services while saving each U.S. household an average of $1,270 in taxes.

Please visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week.

It’s easy to see why our little village attracts visitors from all over the globe. The natural beauty is an idyllic backdrop for the simple charm and lake vibes found here. As Elkhart Lake remains a treasured destination, we are aware of the challenges associated with that popularity. We love welcoming visitors to share this gem of the Midwest and want to do everything we can to protect it and respect it for future residents and visitors alike. This is why Elkhart Lake Tourism is introducing a new initiative this year called ‘The Elkhart Way’. The Elkhart Way movement focuses on the idea of responsible tourism in our community and helps us all realize the role we all play in keeping Elkhart Lake the special place it is.

Protect & Respect…it’s the Elkhart Way
We know you love Elkhart Lake as much as we do, and we encourage you to LOVE it like you LIVE here. Let’s treat Elkhart Lake like your own backyard, because in some respect, it is.

Take it Slow…it’s The Elkhart Way
It’s time to relax, you’re officially on lake time. Experience Elkhart Lake at its pace and remember patience is a virtue when you are on vacation. There may be longer wait times at restaurants because of seasonal hours and staff shortages, so if the leisure pace doesn’t work with your timeline, check out another spot nearby. And, if you can, always try to plan ahead.

Put Waste in the Right Place…it’s the Elkhart Way
Pack it in, pack it out. Let’s all do our part in keeping Elkhart Lake clean. There are garbage receptacles located around the village and in businesses for your use. If you aren’t located next to one, hang on to your garbage or waste until you can dispose of it properly. Let’s all leave our beaches, streets, sidewalks, and parks clean and litter free.

Leave only footprints…it’s the Elkhart Way
The lake — It’s the gem of our village, and when we all treat it like one then we all reap the benefits. Beach day? Leave it how it was when you arrived, if not, better. Boating? Respect “no wake” zones and hours, inspect your boat before you enter the lake and after you leave the lake. Remove. Drain. Dispose. We can all do our part in keeping Elkhart blue.

Be a good neighbor…it’s the Elkhart Way
It may feel like paradise but always remember there are people that call Elkhart Lake home. Whether at your vacation rental, resort or on the beach, let’s all try to keep the noise in check and avoid loud music or behaviors that may disturb others.

We are excited for another great year ahead and encourage everyone to continue sharing the love we all have for this community because it’s The Elkhart Way.

Depending on who you ask, growing up in a small town can feel like a mixture of equal parts idyllic and isolating. And if you ask those who grew up in a small town with long winters, they’ll probably tell you that days spent cooped up hearing winter wind whistle against a window can lead one to discover a lifelong skill of creating your own joy. Wisconsin winters can be challenging. They can also spark creativity, community, and a commitment to celebrating northern latitude living. And celebrating that means you must become friendly with solitude, to the point of one day craving it.

Although there were moments growing up when I daydreamed about living in larger, louder, more bustling places, I now crave the slowness and serenity that defines my hometown. No matter the season, Elkhart Lake is a place that seeps into you and asks you to move through life a little bit more mindfully. Locals will tell you that to truly know the village is to experience it at its pace rather than the busy one you are accustomed to. When you enter the village limits, you have officially begun living on Elkhart Lake time, and that is a wonderful feeling.

When we find ourselves still living within winter, yet our minds are shifting into spring, it is an excellent time to visit the shores of Elkhart Lake. I know what you’re thinking, “What is there to explore while the lake is still thawing?” I assure you, if you take the time to slow down and listen, the lake and the village will answer you by restoring your body and mind. Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy the late winter season as you journey through the home stretch of the icicles dripping.

There are options to enjoy the beauty of the area that will cost you nothing and local businesses that hold down the fort year-round for little bits of luxury for those seeking that too.

Take in the forests and fresh water of the Kettle Moraine

Visit the Kettle Moraine State Forest where it’s so quiet you can hear the snow fall and listen to the trees wave at you in the wind. There are sections where you can wander into dense pines and feel you’ve entered Narnia. Walking beneath those tall trees can be a helpful reminder that winter is as beautiful as it is brutal. I’ve escaped to them a time or two when winter felt long and spring was nowhere in sight. Every time you return from those trails, you’ll feel better than when you pulled into the lot. If you’re feeling a little more sporty, the trail system has designated areas for cross country skiing.

Winter may still be holding on, but we are gaining more sunlight each day. Wisconsin winter sunsets do not get nearly as much credit as the summer ones do. Maybe it’s because viewing them does require some effort to venture outside just as it’s starting to become tempting to cozy in for the night. Make this the year that you become a chilly weather sunset catcher and visit the Sheboygan County Marsh Tower. At this lookout point you can take in the sun sinking over the natural wetland that Elkhart Lake is connected to. You can also head to the Osthoff Resort’s brick walking path beside the lake and watch the sky turn pink across the ice. Winter days feel warmer and longer when you take the time to say goodnight to the sun.

Walk beside the lake where you can hear the frozen water expand and contract and send creaking noises from shoreline to shoreline. I know this may sound like a very simple and even silly thing to spend time doing, but this is something that locals seek out and then discuss with one another during the winter months. It’s a sound that is unique to the winter season and people find joy in getting quiet enough so they can listen to what the lake has to say.

Find treasures and treats in town

Once spring comes, you know life will become a little more busy, so take advantage of the last bit of quiet time and catch up on your reading list. You can get an Elkhart Lake Public Library card for free and grab some reading material to carry you through the rest of the frosty nights.

When the temperatures don’t warm up quite as quickly as you’d like them to, you can count on Off the Rail or Lake Street Café for hearty soups. Then get a new candle or bath product at Gina’s Fine Gifts to turn your bathtub into a spa experience. Baths and candles make days instantly brighter and warmer regardless of the groundhog seeing his shadow.

If you’re seeking a real spa, check out the Aspira Spa at the Osthoff Resort. They offer a full range of spa services plus a hot tub, sauna, and meditation room. After you properly soak, steam, and soothe your body, visit Vintage Elkhart Lake for wine and cheese to help you celebrate the fact that you will wrap up winter on a note of thriving rather than surviving. And if you’re feeling fatigued after a season that can bring grey days, Two Fish Gallery’s shelves are filled with vibrant earth-colored art that make any day feel like summer no matter the season.

If you fancy a down-home Wisconsin escape from the cold, you can always count on the Brown Baer for an old fashioned or beer on tap. Most likely you will be greeted by a local bartender and see several camouflage coats hanging off bar stools. SwitchGear Brewing Company is also a great option to tuck into for the beer drinkers, and with the chilly air outside, their dark stout is always recommended.

If you want to wrap up your day with the pinnacle of comfort, feast on the house specialty Bolognese for dinner at the Paddock Club. If you’re feeling extra proud of yourself for making it through February, do order the panna cotta. Nothing celebrates the days getting longer like witnessing the winter sunset across the village sky and then tasting food made with local ingredients and lots of love. It tastes even better during this time of year where it’s easier to grab a window seat and locals fill the bar. 

Meet the Author

Kate Vollrath

Kate Vollrath was born and raised in Elkhart Lake. After several years of working and adventuring in Anchorage, Alaska and a year studying in Italy, she has returned to her favorite freshwater shoreline. Wisconsin will always be home. The incredible local culture, extraordinary community, and summer Sundays on the water are what keep her rooted and returning no matter where life takes her.

Famous for its freshwater shoreline, exceptional dining options, live music with lake views, and road racing circuit, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin is known for its buzzing summertime energy. Come winter, the village of approximately 1,000 inhabitants takes on a different tune.

At first glance visitors will assume the place has drifted off into a deep hibernation dream state. Embracing life beside the lake when the lake is frozen requires a little more knowledge of the place. Nestled within rolling kettles and evergreen trees, Elkhart Lake is stunning and provides serenity year round. And the best part – everything you need can be accessed within a couple mile radius.

Grab a coffee in town at Off the Rail café, and then venture into the Kettle Moraine Ice Age Trail System to take in the landscape that defines this corner of Wisconsin. If there’s frozen precipitation, snowshoeing and nordic skiing are definite itinerary possibilities. After exploring the trail, thaw your bones with a massage and sauna or hot tub session at the Aspira Spa.

Once you’ve stretched and soothed your legs, fuel up with a hearty lunch at Lake Street Café. The window tables are great for looking out on the center of the village. After lunch, wander to find treasures in the local shops. Two Fish Gallery is a must-see shop with locally-made ceramics and a wide selection of stunning functional art.

For Elkhart Lake clothing and other gifts, Small Town Big Family and Elkhart Lake Outfitters are the best bets. Another delightful shop in wintertime is Nordic Accents.

Once afternoon hits, head over to the wine shop, Vintage Elkhart Lake where the owner is a certified sommelier from California wine country and has been pouring tastes from all over the world for a decade. Beer lovers should head to the cozy bar at SwitchGear Brewing Company on the edge of town.

Evenings in Elkhart Lake offer a vibrant range of dining options. Quit Qui Oc’s perch dinner ranks high on locals’ list and is the best way to take in the Friday Night Fish Fry culture. Another laid-back dining option is the Brown Baer, serving elevated bar food at their cozy corner location. You can’t beat the Paddock Club if you’re looking for fine fare featuring Wisconsin ingredients. The menu changes often but there is always handmade pasta and classy cocktails.

After dinner, be sure to check the village website for live music. The community loves a live band and dance floor. The Elk Room at the Osthoff often has live shows on weekends and a bar that pours sophisticated drinks on the rocks.

If you are thinking about venturing to Elkhart Lake this winter you’ll find many opportunities to bundle up and join Wisconsin winter head on.

Meet the Author

Kate Vollrath

Kate Vollrath was born and raised in Elkhart Lake. After several years of working and adventuring in Anchorage, Alaska and a year studying in Italy, she has returned to her favorite freshwater shoreline. Wisconsin will always be home. The incredible local culture, extraordinary community, and summer Sundays on the water are what keep her rooted and returning no matter where life takes her.

We are thrilled to unveil our new Elkhart Lake Welcome Sign greeting all who enter the Village through the Hwy 67 south corridor.  After months of planning meetings, we were excited for the installation in late October.  This beautiful design helps to extend the welcoming spirit and brand experience people can expect to receive when visiting the Village of Elkhart Lake.  The design is a compliment to the sign on our Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Center building at 41 E. Rhine Street.

We truly appreciate the collaborative efforts of Sign Me Up and D&D Machine Co. From our vision, they designed and built a high-quality solar-powered sign which beams with community pride. The project will be complete in spring with the addition of landscape plantings.  Keep an eye out for a second welcome sign along Hwy A in spring of 2023.  

This project was made possible through an ARPA funded Destination Marketing Organization Grant. 

“When I was your age, the snow would have been up to the roof by now. We never had to worry about the ice being thick enough on the lake in January.” My dad never fails to remind me of what real Wisconsin winters were like when he was a kid. I remind him that although he’s older and therefore wiser, I too remember the magic of a Sheboygan County snow day like it was yesterday.

My sister and I would wear our pajamas inside out and instruct our friends in the village (we lived in the country) to do the same in hopes of striking it lucky with the snow gods. We needed everyone on board with this plan to ensure we’d see real life magic the next morning. There was nothing quite like watching the local news and seeing “Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah School District’ on the school cancellation list. Snow Day!

Despite the fact that the roads were deemed too dangerous for us to get to school, we were always successful at convincing one of our parents to brave the roads so we could toboggan down the largest hill in town, which happened to be at the very place shut down that day – the school. I like to think that our district superintendent knew those days spent playing in the snow were as important for our development as sitting at our desks all day. I thank snow days in Elkhart Lake for being the reason why I love schnee and the month of January to this day.

Although this January has brought a little rain, as I’m writing this, I’m watching the droplets just barely turn to their frozen state. The slightest dusting of white feels like a gift against the morning grey. I know, I hear you, January rain, sleet, or a wintry mix makes even the heartiest Wisconsinite grumble. The dusting this morning reminded me that although winters feel different now, the snow will come. It always does, and when it does, it may even be in a dose larger than what you asked for.

Luckily for us, Elkhart Lake is a place that knows how to have a good time even during the dreariest days. In this village, there’s an entire festival devoted to those who pray for schnee. Like most of Elkhart Lake’s festivities, you can count on multi-generational fun, local cuisine that will stick to your ribs during the season you need it most, and the opportunity to bundle up and join winter head on. For as long as I can remember, Schnee Days has been a twinkling light amidst the dark winter tunnel.

Many of the same traditions from when I was small live on through the annual Schnee Days itinerary. Seeing the children’s ice cube hunt and the local chili cook-off on the lineup immediately tugs on my heartstrings and fills me with hometown nostalgia. Only in Wisconsin do people organize games that involve adding more ice to a frozen lawn. The scene of kids with soggy mittens and red cheeks enjoying their well-deserved award-winning chili in the Siebkens dining room is the first thing that fills my mind when I hear someone say Schnee Days.

Newer activities over the years have sprung up too. If you’re the type to get outside no matter the season, there are opportunities for snow snowshoeing, ice skating, snowga (snow yoga!), disc golfing and even a 5K SchneeLauf. Take it from a local — there’s a spot for everyone at the SchneeLauf no matter your speed. You can walk or run, choose between the 2 mile or 5k. And the best part? You’ll be rewarded with a really sweet looking Schnee Days hat, gloves, button, and finisher medal.

After you’ve gotten your fair share of fresh winter air there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy local culinary experiences and live music. Local businesses lean into the spirit of schnee by offering wine tastings, cocktail making classes, and drink specials. Some of the events require registration in advance so make sure to have a look at the detailed schedule of all Schnee Days events here.

Winter at this latitude doesn’t require you to like all of her. She simply asks that you welcome her in and embrace the parts of her that bring you joy. Visiting Elkhart Lake in the summer is one thing. Spending a weekend in this neck of the woods in January allows you to experience a deeper layer of magic that can only happen when there’s a layer of snow. We hope to see you and fresh flurries covering the ground later this month. Let there be schnee!

Meet the Author

Kate Vollrath

Kate Vollrath was born and raised in Elkhart Lake. After several years of working and adventuring in Anchorage, Alaska and a year studying in Italy, she has returned to her favorite freshwater shoreline. Wisconsin will always be home. The incredible local culture, extraordinary community, and summer Sundays on the water are what keep her rooted and returning no matter where life takes her.