Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

Elkhart Lake is a village in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, United States, located in the northwestern part of the county within the Town of Rhine. The population was 967 at the 2010 census. There are several museums in Elkhart Lake, including the Elkhart Lake Depot Museum and Henschel's Indian Museum. The Elkhart Lake Depot Museum is a century-old railroad station that has original depot furnishings and local memorabilia. Henschel's Indian Museum is located on an archaeological dig site and has a collection of Indian copper, pottery, and artifacts that date back to 8,000 BC. In addition, the Victorian Village Theater is a 100-year-old theater where musicals, dinner theaters, and musicians perform.

This charming little hideaway about 30 minutes west of Sheboygan is often overlooked by those seeking the classic lake town experience, but shouldn’t be. The laid-back, pretense-free 292-acre lake boasts some of the clearest waters in Wisconsin, in addition to some A-plus fishing and a famous nearby racetrack. The AAA Four Diamond Osthoff Resort is a popular choice on the lake, but the area also offers a wealth of nature to get lost in thanks to its location near the gorgeous 30,000-acre Kettle Moraine State Forest. Hike sections of Wisconsin’s 1,200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail, explore the area’s rolling hills via bike on the 17-mile Old Plank Road Trail and be sure to spend some time cozied up on Elkhart Lake itself with a kayak, paddleboard, or on your keister enjoying the view from the Osthoff’s private beach or the public Fireman’s Park. Summer classics include brew tastings, water activities, hiking, and biking, and no one ever hated a sunny drive through Kettle Moraine.

Miles from Chicago: 150 miles north

Suggested round-trip time: 2.5-hour drive

Location: Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, United States

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.7/5