The Kettle Moraine & Elkhart Lake

Having spent much time at Elkhart Lake as a kid, Jen enjoys returning to this area of the state at least once a summer. Located at the tip of the Kettle Moraine Forest, the rolling countryside leading up to this quaint haven is worthy of a day trip. Labeled by some as "Lake Geneva's Little Sister," its grand summer homes and cool, deep waters offer a refreshing retreat within reach of Milwaukee and Green Bay.

The Route

* I-45 heading north out of Milwaukee
* In Kewaskum, right on Hwy 28 (Main St)
* Left on Hwy S (Riverview Dr)
* Hwy S turns into Hwy G as you travel north
* Merge onto Hwy 67 going north
* Left on Kettle Moraine Dr
* In Greenbush, continue onto Hwy A
* Hwy A north to Hwy AP
* Continue onto Hwy P going north
* Right on Hwy JP
* Right on Hwy J going into village of Elkhart Lake
* From Elkhart Lake, take Hwy A east to Hwy 57
* Follow Hwy 57 south to I-43, returning to Milwaukee

Trip Highlights

The village of Elkhart Lake is a classic resort town on the northeastern shore of a mid-sized, beautiful lake. The area's major pull is its Road America raceway, drawing in thousands of Indi race car fans every summer weekend.

We enjoy visiting during their vintage weekends, where old, classy cars race and then line up along the village roads to compete for 'Best in Show'. The event takes place 3x in the summer - in mid May, July, and September. What makes the event unique is the crowd it pulls in: wealthy car enthusiasts from around the country. The ambiance of this event, with its vintage Ferraris and proud owners, makes this feel like a glamorous getaway.

We also enjoy stopping for an evening drink at the Barefoot Bay Tiki Bar, located on the grounds of the Victorian Village Resort. Its deck overlooking the lake has live music on Friday and Saturday summer nights. It's the perfect setting for relaxing lakeside on a warm summer evening.

Lake view from the Osthoff Resort's private beach.