Autumn – Elkhart Lake Style

Elkhart Lake, Wis., is an ideal place to witness the spectacular colors of autumn. Its natural fall beauty, premier accommodations, world-class spa and culinary school are only a 2 1/2 hour drive from Chicago. Make your plans now for an autumn getaway with great scenery right outside your door. The Kettle Moraine State Forest and its popular Scenic Drive display a new splash of color on every turn. Be our guest and Stay a 3rd Night on Us! 

Elkhart Lake is the perfect place to get away, relax and enjoy a slower pace. Lounge fireside with a bottle of award-winning wine. Experience its outstanding culinary distinction at warm and charming restaurants with fresh, seasonal menu items served by friendly, attentive staff. Learn to see, swirl, sniff, sip, slurp, swish, swallow and savor from a hip wine sommelier at a trendy wine shop and tasting bar, Vintage Elkhart Lake.

This small, quaint village can also be explored on foot, by rickshaw or aboard a horse-drawn carriage. For a family excursion, be sure to plan a visit to the Oct. 6-7 Pumpkin Patch Autumn Event at Henschel’s Indian Museum and Trout Farm. Another “must-see” is Henning’s Cheese Museum. Each stop is only minutes away.

The Saturday morning farmers and artisans market ends Oct. 13 so don’t miss your last chance to buy homegrown fall produce and homemade bakery. Learn about the origin of American Halloween customs at Wade House on Oct. 13-14 with seasonal games of the period, hot cider and horse-drawn wagon rides. Carve a pumpkin or turnip and listen to Halloween stories in the candlelit sawmill. Or, help prepare a 19th century dish with your own hands on a wood-burning stove as a Hearthside Dinner guest on Oct. 20 or 27. The Osthoff Resort invites you to a spectacular weekend of dancing, music and fine dining at its Big Band Era Harvest Moon Ball Oct. 26-28.

If you enjoy the great outdoors, be sure to take a guided kayak tour or go fishing on the pristine, spring-fed lake. You can rent a bike and tour the country roads or climb the observation tower for a gorgeous view of the county marsh and wildlife area. Hikers will enjoy taking their time on The Ice Age Trail. Walkers and runners can pick up the pace on Oct. 27 for the 34th annual America Cancer Walk/Run on Road America’s legendary 4-mile racetrack. Take part for a driver’s view of the famous track on this scenic, 640-acre property.

A getaway to Elkhart Lake will warm your heart and ignite your love for all things fall. For more information, visit www.elkhartlake.com.

For the latest news from Elkhart Lake’s Road America, visit www.roadamerica.com.