Located one hour north of Milwaukee in Sheboygan County, Elkhart Lake provides outdoor relaxation and exploration for all ages. From hiking and biking, to putting and fishing, below are a few fabulous outdoor activities in Elkhart Lake to check out this summer.
4 Miles of Fitness at Road America
Touted at the “Best NASCAR Track in America” by USA Today readers, Road America is not just for gear heads. From Monday to Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m., visitors can run/walk or bike the legendary four-mile, 14-turn road course during Road America’s 4 miles of fitness initiative. Advance purchase required. Daily passes are $5 and ages 16 and under are free with paying adult; unlimited season memberships are available for $60.
What we find fabulous: Bring your Frisbees! Road America’s 18-hole disc golf course is available during the same period for all ticket purchasers.
To learn more, visit www.roadamerica.com/4-miles-fitness.
Stretch Your Legs and Take a Hike
There are many parks and trails to enjoy in the area, but one to check out for fun outdoor activities in Elkhart Lake is the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit that is part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The northern portion is approximately 300 acres and contains glacial remnants, rolling hills and deep kettles (craters). Hikers can enjoy pockets of hardwood trees of oak and hickory along with marshes and prairie. The LaBudde Creek Segment is a 3.35-mile section of the trail perfect for a quick day hike.
What we find fabulous: More than 230 species of birds provide some serious birdwatching.
To learn more, visit www.iceagetrail.org.
Cruise the Clear Waters of Elkhart Lake
Cool off this summer with a cruise around Elkhart Lake. This 300-acre spring-fed lake is one of the cleanest lakes in North America. Osthoff Resorts Watersports Rentals offers visitors various options from hydro-bikes and paddleboards to canoes and kayaks. Pontoon and fishing boats are also available for rent. Looking for a more casual experience? Osthoff Resort offers scenic sunrise and sunset pontoon cruises for $25 per person that provide an overview of local history, lore and geology.
Visitors looking for additional adventure on the lake can reel in the fun with Jay’s Guide Service and fish for musky, bass, trout and walleye. Those with novice or expert fishing experience are all welcome. All equipment is furnished, and a Wisconsin fishing license is required.
What we find fabulous: Native American legend has it that the nearly 20,000 natural springs that feed Elkhart Lake offer healing powers.
To learn more, visit osthoff.com and jaysguideservice.com.
Go Retro on a Vintage Bicycle
Journey through town on one of The Shore Club’s vintage bike cruisers. Rentals are available by the hour with helmets and maps provided. Stop by Off the Rail Café for a specialty coffee; the Elkhart Lake Farmers Market open from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays; or cool off with a delicious treat at the old-school ice cream shop Gessert’s Ice Cream & Confectionery, serving up sweets since 1922.
What we find fabulous: Relive the excitement of open road racing from the 1950’s as you ride by historical markers commemorating Elkhart Lake’s racing heritage.
Tee it Up at Quit Qui Oc Golf Club
Whether you are looking to hit a bucket of balls on the driving range or a round of golf in Elkhart Lake, the charming Quit Qui Oc Golf Club is a must stop. Owned and operated by dynamic husband-and-wife duo Todd and Rachel Montaba, Quit Qui Oc’s 27 holes of golf are open to the public and any skill level. Quit Qui Oc is one of the older golf courses in Wisconsin and the original 18-hole layout from 1923 still exists. While there, take a lesson! Todd is a PGA Pro, and Rachel is an LPGA Pro (and third-generation owner).
What we find fabulous: Stop at the Club House restaurant and rub elbows with the locals for lunch (we love the turkey club) or the traditional Wisconsin Friday fish fry.
To learn more, www.quitquiocgolf.com.
Photo credit: Elkhart Lake