The Kohler Co. has been a fixture (literally) of the world, Wisconsin and its namesake town for 150 years, bringing color, design and innovation to bath and kitchen products and accessories. Celebrate this visionary company and the village of Kohler in style with a weekend getaway just one hour north of Milwaukee.
The American Club
No trip to Kohler would be complete without a stay at the Midwest’s only AAA Five Diamond Resort Hotel, The American Club (pictured at top of page), where guest service is second to none. Once a dormitory for the Kohler Company’s immigrant workers, this luxurious English Tudor-style resort is a dreamy escape. Each of the 240-plus rooms is named for well-known figures such as SC Johnson, Ernest Hemingway and Lou Gehrig, and all are tastefully decorated in the theme of the celebrity. Of course, the room’s showers and tubs are incredible Kohler designs.
Options for relaxation are endless at The American Club. Guests can spend hours wandering the lush garden spaces listening to the birds chirp, soaking up the sunshine and relaxing while the nearby clock tower bell tolls each half hour. Cozy up to the fireplace and enjoy conversation and a friendly game of Scrabble, or sit among the vintage books in the library and enjoy a complimentary sidecar cocktail at the daily welcome social, an homage to Walter J. Kohler, Sr., who passed in 2022.
Hotel guests have several choices for food and drink at The American Club. The Immigrant Restaurant is a four-star elegant fine dining experience focusing on contemporary American cuisine with European influence. The Wisconsin Room, located in the former dining hall, features a fresh seasonal menu whether it is gaming season, summer garden vegetables or freshly caught fish from Lake Michigan. Guests can dine inside or on the adjacent courtyard, and reservations are highly recommended.
Looking for a more casual gathering spot? Head over to The Horse & Plow for typical pub and grub fare like wings, burgers, salads and Friday night perch fish fry. Formerly The Tap Room, this gathering spot is a great family-friendly option. Check out the bar and table tops, all made from the original lanes of the historic bowling alley. A must-stop is The Winery Bar, located in The American Club cellar. Wind your way through the basement halls to this delightfully dark and charming space. Oozing with character and expert mixologists, guests can enjoy a wonderful selection of wines, craft cocktails and small plates. The curry-salted popcorn is delicious!
The American Club offers daily shuttles through the Kohler area to visit other Destination Kohler experiences including shopping, spa, golf and much more. All guests have access to the Sports Core Health & Racquet Club during their stay. Amenities include pools, indoor and outdoor hot tubs (with fireplace), a sauna, locker rooms, tennis facilities, fitness classes and much more.
Kohler Waters Spa
Rejuvenate at Kohler Waters Spa, just steps from The American Club. From facials and CBD massage to hydrotherapy treatments and body wraps, Kohler Waters Spa will leave you refreshed and relaxed. Additional amenities include dipping and relaxation pools, steam rooms, a sauna and an 8-ft. wall of water and relaxation pool. Make a day of it and order drinks and food poolside from the full menu.
River Wildlife Restaurant
Nestled among more than 500 acres of wooded area and nature sits River Wildlife Restaurant’s rustic lodge. This private club is reserved for members or those with a lodging reservation with Destination Kohler and is not open to the public. Advanced reservations are required. Admire the craftsmanship of the beautiful space, reminiscent of an old western hunting lodge complete with a fieldstone fireplace, mounted hunting trophies and outside bird feeders. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu is an ever-changing collection of Midwest comfort food delights like a smoked pheasant-and-brie sandwich, a roasted salmon grain bowl or the lumberjack pot roast served on a Sheboygan hard roll. Lunch features hearty soups and salads as well. Stroll the more than 18 miles of trails throughout the area, getting lost in nature and serenity. This is truly a hidden jewel of the area.
Kohler Design Experience
Just down the street from The American Club is the immersive Kohler Design Experience, a three-story collection of innovative home products, designs, technology and creativity. Simply admire the state-of-the-art products or consult with a Kohler design expert for your own home projects. The floor-to-ceiling wall of toilets is a fan favorite. It is free and open to the public, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Shops at Woodlake
Hop on the shuttle from The American Club to The Shops at Woodlake, a collection of 20 specialty and boutique shops and spaces including apparel, home goods, grocery and much more. Don’t miss Wisconsin Trader, a one-of-a-kind store featuring products that celebrate all things Wisconsin and neighboring states.
Kohler Chocolates has been delighting taste buds since 2013 with its well-known Terrapin. Similar to a turtle, the Terrapin consists of buttery caramel and chocolate in a variety of flavors including original, blackstrap, java and peanut butter. Created by American Club chefs, Kohler Chocolates include items like snackable chocolate treats (chips, nuts, melts and bark) and gorgeous bars and ganache. Stop by the official store at The Shops at Woodlake to enjoy samples and pick up desserts to go. Make sure to check out the dark chocolate brandy – the perfect twist on the traditional Wisconsin old-fashioned.
Play like a PGA Pro at the Kohler Swing Studio & Golf Shop, located at The Shops at Woodlake. Guests can rent a Topgolf Swing Studio for $60 an hour, which accommodates one to four people. Novice or expert golfers can enjoy more than 20 games including traditional golf, hockey shots, baseball pitching and zombie dodgeball. Serious golfers can rent the aboutGolf simulator (official golf simulator of the PGA and Golf Channel) to virtually play more than 60 courses including the area’s own Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straights. The simulator measures everything from distance, club and ball speed to carry and roll. Locals to the area can also enjoy winter leagues to keep their chops up when outside courses are closed. Kohler Swing Studio has a full bar as well as a small menu for bites – our favorite is the crispy Korean cauliflower. Click here for hours of operation and to schedule.
Find your Zen at Yoga on the Lake at The Shops at Woodlake. With more than 75 classes per week, there is something for every level of yogi. Options include indoor, heated or outdoor classes overlooking a small inland lake; the perfect peaceful practice. A full schedule and reservation calendar can be found here.
Kohler Golf
World-class golf awaits at Whistling Straits, home to the 2021 Ryder Cup Championship. Along the Lake Michigan coastline, two courses (Straits and Irish) offer exceptional golfing right here in Wisconsin. Stop by the gift shop or just pop in for lunch at the Irish farmhouse feel Whistling Straits Restaurant with sweeping views of the lake. Click here for golf rates and policies.
Views are breathtaking throughout the Sheboygan River Valley at Blackwolf Run. Three courses, including River, Meadow Valleys and The Baths, each offer unique and challenging terrain among a gorgeous backdrop. Destination Kohler offers a variety of well-curated packages to help golfers experience championship-caliber courses.