Ryder Cup is finally here and if you are staying in Elkhart Lake or just looking for something fun to do while you aren’t checking out all of the action at the course, we’ve got you covered! Check out the list of things to do in Elkhart Lake while you are here visiting our beautiful county.

1. Dine Around

Hungry? Don’t worry, Elkhart has a variety of pubs, cafés, casual and finer dining options. Take in the view of the lake on the patio at the Concourse Lounge and Restaurant, or stop in the historic Tavern at Siebkens Resort for a quick bite to eat. Fill your belly with a BBQ baby back ribs at Three Guys and a Grill or the grilled hanger steak and skinny fries Paddock Club. Find a full list of Elkhart Lake restaurants in the link below. We strongly recommend making reservations ahead of time if possible.
Elkhart Lake Restaurants Here

2. Live Music at The Osthoff’s Elk Room

After a long day on the course, there’s no better place to unwind than The Elk Room. Enjoy the live music in the evenings by Jim Ohlschmidt on Friday, Riley Haupt on Saturday, and Luke Abler on Sunday. The Elk Room offers a cozy atmosphere with a beautiful fireplace and an expansive patio for cocktails and appetizers.
The Osthoff Resort | 101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020

3. Oktoberfest at The Tiki Bar

What gets any better than beer, brats, and pretzels when you are in Wisconsin? Head over to The Tiki Bar that offers a breathtaking view of the lake while you dance along to music by The Polka Masters. Music starts at 5pm and the bar opens at 11am. The Cottonwood Social, an indoor dining option at The Shore Club, will also be open for this special weekend from 5-9 pm. The Cottonwood is offering their full menu along with special fall features like a rigatoni with pumpkin cream sauce and a peppered grilled tenderloin.
Tiki Bar at The Shore Club Wisconsin | 276 Victorian Village Dr, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020

4. SwitchGear Brewing’s Oktoberfest

Prost, it’s Oktoberfest season! Make a stop at SwitchGear Brewing Company for giant pretzels, German style sausages, local brews, and music by the Waltzmeisters. The first keg of SwitchGear’s Oktoberfest will be tapped at 11am and the live music will start at 2pm. Join in a game of Hammerschlagen and enjoy the local company in the beer garden.
SwitchGear Brewing Co. | 44D Gottfried Street, Elkhart Lake, WI

5. Farmers & Artisans Market

Take a piece of Wisconsin home with you at Elkhart Lake’s Farmers & Artisans Market in the Village Square. This is a Saturday morning tradition in for locals and visitors. Pick up fresh seasonal vegetables, flowers, cheeses, local arts and specialty products from many different local vendors. Every item sold is produced locally in the state of Wisconsin by the person right behind the stand.
Elkhart Lake Village Square | 80 Square St, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020

6. Sunset Cruise at Road America

Get an up-close look at Road America’s legendary race circuit from your own car or motorcycle. This activity is not high-speed but is a leisurely, low-speed, 3-lap experience of the sweeping, rolling 4-mile track. It is the perfect opportunity for drivers, families, and friends of all ages to experience, first-hand, one of the country’s premier road-racing circuits. Price: $20 per vehicle/bike.
Road America | N7390 WI-67, Plymouth, WI 53073

7. Disc Golf Challenge at Road America

Love to disc golf? Get signed up for the 3 Disc Challenge at Road America this Saturday. Your $45 entry will get you a Putter, Mid, and Driver that you will use to shoot your best score using only those three discs. There will be prizes for top finishers as well as randomly drawn prizes for participants, so not only will you get the three discs, opportunity to play Road America DGC, but you’ll also have potential to win a variety of prizes. This is a fun flex start event (start your round anytime between 9a-3p) open to any and all players. Bonus for this event — There will be a beverage cart out on the course to help quench your thirst, so bring some cash and prepare for a good time.
Road America | N7390 WI-67, Plymouth, WI 53073

8. Golf at Quit Qui Oc Golf Course

You may be here to watch golf, but don’t forget that you have time to golf yourself. One of Sheboygan County’s special course gems for golf enthusiasts is found right here in Elkhart Lake. Located in the beautiful Northern Kettle Moraine, Quit Qui Oc Golf Club hosts thousands of golfers each year on its 27-hole course spread over 250 acres. Family-owned-and-operated for over 50 years, golfers of all skill levels enjoy friendly customer service. Book your tee time today at Quit Quit Oc Golf Course.
Quit Qui Oc Golf Course | 500 Quit Qui Oc Lane, Elkhart Lake, WI 54220

I don’t know about you, but I’m thrilled we’re past the arctic temps of the past few weeks!  We can finally get outdoors again and enjoy Elkhart Lake’s beautiful winter landscape.  Thankfully, Elkhart Lake has avoided huge pile-up snowfalls which other parts of country have endured.  Rather we’ve enjoyed some beautiful fresh winter blanket snowfalls here in our little piece of paradise! We’re looking forward to our Elkhart Lake Chill-Out Weekend which gives us the opportunity to have some safe winter fun again!

Nothing says hello weekend like Friday Fish Fries at Route 67, Quit Qui Oc, Lake Street Café and Three Guys & a Grill; dine in and carry out available.

Back by popular demand, Quit Qui Oc Golf Course will be starting off the weekend with a Moon Light Snowshoe.  It’s the perfect way to experience the glacial landscape along a lantern-lit path.  The event starts at 5:00 p.m. Call to reserve your spot and your snowshoes or bring your own.

After an invigorating tromp in the snow, check out the Dave Steffen Band playing at the Shore Club’s Historic Theater from 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.

For the morning breakfast and coffee lovers out there Off the Rail, All Seasons, and Ottos at the Osthoff Resort will not disappoint.

Winter Driving can be a deterrent from traveling this time of year.  But Road America can helps break down this challenge with a customized in-car Winter Driving School on Sat. Feb. 27^th.  Sign up today, seats are limited.

Many people would agree our Lake is the Jewel of our Village.  Summers on Elkhart Lake are special, but the view of the landscape during winter is equally beautiful.  This Saturday Siebkens Resort will be hosting a Guided Walking Tour of the Lake.  Grab a friend, your boots or snowshoes and see the lake from a whole new perspective. The tour starts at 1:00 p.m. and costs $5.00.  Meet outside Siebken’s lobby.

Saturdays are for Brunch and Lake Street Café’s Brunch has you covered.  Serving from 11:00 – 2:00 p.m. Be sure to ask about the Bottomless Mimosas.

On Friday and Saturday, stop by SwitchGear Brewery ‘s  Beertender Appreciation Event.  Enjoy your favorite brew, share a story and say thanks to your favorite beertenders!  On Saturday from 12:00 – 4:00 tours of the brewery will lead by SG’s team of brewers.

Kick back with The Almost Ordinaries at the Concourse Restaurant & Lounge on Sat. from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Check out their new menu features.  

While you’re out and about hit the Shops on the Square.  If you need to gear-up Elkhart Lake Outfitters has you covered with a wide variety of active lifestyle and outdoor gear.  Or order some fun Vintage Elkhart Lake Tasting Kits of specially selected wines and snack pairings.  These were designed with your Chill-Out weekend in mind!

Saturday night dinner and beverage menus will keep your taste buds satisfied. Check out Paddock Club, Concourse Restaurant and Lounge, Lake Street Café, Route 67, Anchor Lanes and Three Guys and a Grill.

Winter trail hiking is another great way to stay fit and enjoy the outdoors this time of year.  Take advantage of the Ice Age Trail LaBudde Creek Segment   Or pack up your cross country skis and head to the near-by  Kettle Moraine State Forest where you will find 15 miles of well-groomed trails.

And, last but not least, pack your skates and tubes and enjoy some good ole’ fashion free winter fun.  Skating is open to the public in June Vollrath Park and sledding is across the street at the near-by hill next to Elkhart Lake High School. 

The Winter Getaway Packages available make the Chill-Out Weekend Getaway even better with some exceptional value added offers for the off season!

The holidays are a time that we usually spend running around from Christmas at grandmas and grandpas, to Christmas at your extended family and then maybe a Christmas celebration with friends. We love to be surrounded by our friends, family, and relatives, but unfortunately things are looking a little different this year. With the flexibility of working from home, it is the perfect time to take your family on an extended holiday vacation. Wondering where that magical place may be? Well, The Osthoff Resort is full of ways to celebrate the holiday season without all the hustle and bustle. Here is why you should find your home away from home at The Osthoff Resort this year.

1. Hot Chocolate, Christmas Cookies, and Live Music – December 24, 2020

The whole family can snuggle up by the fire and indulge in a complimentary hot chocolate bar, Christmas cookies and live piano music in the Elk Room from 4-7pm. This is for Osthoff Resort guests only.

2. Gifts From Santa on Christmas Morning – December 25, 2020

Santa will make a special stop at The Osthoff Resort. Youngsters will wake up Christmas Day morning to find a stocking with their name on it and full of treats, games and special gifts. This is for Osthoff Resort guests only and you can sign up at the front desk.

3. A Christmas Day Meal to Indulge In – December 25, 2020

There is no reason to spend Christmas Day in the kitchen this year. Enjoy a delicious Christmas meal with the family at The Concourse. The menu includes honey glazed baked brie, a poached pear salad, and rosemary roasted prime rib. Indulge in a little dessert with gingerbread cake and pumpkin filled cream puffs.

4. Ring in the New Year with Surf & Turf – December 31, 2020

You can’t beat this New Year’s Eve feast with steamed mussels in a tarragon vermouth butter sauce, mushroom bisque, and a roasted beet salad to start. For your entrée, enjoy the a spin on the classic Surf and Turf with scallops and venison, and truffle mashed potatoes. Top it all off with piece of their mouth watering champagne cake.

5. Live Music by the Abler Boys in the Concourse Restaurant & Lounge – December 31, 2020

Kick off New Year’s Eve at Concourse Restaurant & Lounge with complimentary party favors, a midnight champagne toast and live entertainment by The Abler Boys from 9pm-1am.

6. Live Music by Jim Rosetti in the Elk Room – December 31, 2020

Relax in the comfort of the Elk Room and soak up the last few moments of 2020. Enjoy live music by Jim Rosetti, from 8:30pm – 12:30am. There will also be complimentary party favors and champagne toast at midnight.

Book Your Stay at The Osthoff Resort

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By Carla Minsky

Every year like clockwork I program my internal “Christmas spirit” alarm (in my mind it sounds like silver bells) to the first day of the Old World Christmas Market at The Osthoff Resort. Amidst all the shopping and eating and strolling I do that day I also make a point to set my intentions for the holiday season – to greet everyone I meet with a smile and a kind word, to express gratitude, share compliments freely, and to slow down to appreciate the smell of the fresh pine trees, the twinkle of the white lights, the stunning views to the lake, the crystal blue skies and, yes, even the falling snowflakes (and trust me, I’m not a fan of snow).

The market has a way of making you appreciate the old-fashioned goodness of the season, with artisans from far and wide displaying their wares in rustic timber booths reminiscent of centuries-old Christmas markets in Germany. The new element here is that the booths are inside a heated tent the size of a football field. Now that I can get behind!

It really is the antidote to the hustle and the bustle, the big box and the generic, the fatigue and disillusionment. Every gift I’ve purchased at the market (including more than few for myself if I’m being honest) has been memorable. I love that.

Some of my favorites are the alpaca wraps, stained glass ornaments, Polish pottery, Czech Christmas tree-toppers, freshly made wreaths, oh I could go on and on. And don’t even get me started on the food – sugared almonds, gingerbread cookies, melt-in-your-mouth caramels, cheeses (it’s Wisconsin after all), mulled wine and more.  

Be sure to enjoy lunch in the food court. The German food is so delicious, I can’t even!

I’ve visited with family members, friends and neighbors, even occasionally solo which I enjoy too.

While online shopping may be expedient, it will never be as gratifying as the Old World Christmas Market. In my heart and in my mind, the market is the essence of comfort and joy and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.       

Watching Wisconsin sports teams is not just a pastime for Wisconsinites, I’d call it more of an obsession.  We’ve had some exciting Badgers, Packer, Brewers and Bucks seasons with our teams playing long into post-season.  But no worries about missing the game while you’re on vacation, we have you covered in Elkhart Lake!  The game is on at any number of local hangouts with great options to cheer on your favorite team.

If a game is on during regular Club House hours, you can be assured its on at Quit Qui Oc Golf Course.  You can catch afternoon Badgers and Packer games while enjoying lunch and drink specials.  The Wiese family also has a few Badger alums, so be sure to wear your team colors! 

The Stop Inn Tavern at Siebkens Resort , known as the Best Bar on the Race Circuit, isn’t only for race fans.  The Stop Inn opens one hour before Packer kick off and offers a $5 Packer Buffet. The tavern is also open Friday and Saturday nights at 6 p.m. with a BOGO Happy Hour from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

The fire place and sofas make the Elk Room at the Osthoff Resort a great family-friendly spot to catch the game.  Be sure to ask about the Lambeau Leap shot special!

When you offer a view from seven big-screens and 10 TVs throughout, you know Route 67 Saloon is the sports bar in the Village.  Grab your family and friends for great food and gameday drink specials and don’t forget your fan gear.

The Brown Baer opens early for Sunday mid-day (3:00 – 3:30) games and you’ll be treated to free Brat Pizza (a local favorite) and green machine shots when the Green and Gold score.  If you’re a Bloody Mary fan, you’ll love their Saturday Badger Game specials.  Also mark your calendar for the Baer’s 10^th Annual Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday May 2^nd.  Customers are all in, attending in full Kentucky Derby dress-attire while they contend for the title of “best hat”.  You’re sure to have a good time as you sip mint julips and take it all in.

The Cottonwood Social at the Shore Club is open for regular dining service Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sundays 8:00 – 2p.m. and the game is on!  The Tiki Bar will also be open New Year’s Day for the annual Tiki Bar Bash and Bowl Games will be on all day.

SwitchGear Brewing is open Wednesday thru Saturday at 4:00 p.m.  If the game is on come on over and try one of the 12+ craft beers on tap with Elkhart Lake name sakes like Pontoon Pounder, Resorter Red and Corner 5.