Snowflakes & Smiles: Schnee Days Weekend

January 11, 2024

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.