Elkhart Lake, located in the heart of Wisconsin, is a charming village known for its beautiful spring-fed lake and serene natural surroundings. This picturesque destination offers a variety of outdoor activities, making it a great spot for families to visit and explore.
The lake is a major draw, with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. The area also boasts numerous hiking and biking trails that wind through the quaint town and scenic landscapes, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure and wildlife spotting.
One of the highlights of Elkhart Lake is The Osthoff Resort, a family-friendly destination that offers a range of amenities and activities. With spacious accommodations, a beautiful lakefront setting, and various recreational options, The Osthoff is ideal for families looking to unwind and enjoy quality time together. The resort features an indoor and outdoor pool, a children’s program, cooking school and the Aspira Spa for adults seeking relaxation.
The Osthoff Hotel
Photo Credit: The Osthoff Resort.
The story of The Osthoff Resort intertwines with the vibrant history of Elkhart Lake. In 1886, German entrepreneur Otto Osthoff and his wife Paulina opened the Osthoff Hotel on the shores of Elkhart Lake. The hotel quickly became a popular retreat for travelers seeking a peaceful escape. Thousands of visitors flocked to the tiny village each week, drawn by the lake’s pristine, spring-fed waters.
Speakeasies, Moonshine, and Tourists
Photo Credit: The Osthoff Resort.
By the early 1900s, Elkhart Lake had become a thriving resort destination with six establishments catering to tourists. The introduction of interurban rail service in 1909 made it easier for travelers to visit, further boosting the village’s growth. Over the next few decades, Elkhart Lake’s resort community saw many changes, including during Prohibition, when the area became known for its speakeasies and moonshiners.
Arts & Drama Summer Camp Harrand
Photo Credit: The Osthoff Resort.
In the mid-1950s, the village experienced a decline, and the Osthoff Hotel changed hands. For over 30 years, it operated as Camp Harrand, a drama and arts camp. In 1989, a group of investors began transforming it into a condominium resort set amidst wooded grounds and 500 feet of sandy beachfront.
The Osthoff Hotel in 2024
Photo Credit: The Osthoff Resort.
Today, The Osthoff Resort offers modern amenities and spacious accommodations while capturing the grandeur of its predecessor. With over 240 suites and guest rooms, the resort became a luxurious retreat for visitors. The resort expanded in 2005 with additional suites, a conference center, the Aspira Spa, and the Concourse Restaurant and Lounge. The large beachfront and water activities add to the family appeal of the Osthoff Resort.
Spacious Rooms and Pristine Lawns
Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott via DownshiftingPRO.
You can stay in one-, two-, or three-bedroom suites or hotel rooms. These suites are spacious and have a kitchen and multiple bathrooms, so that you won’t feel cramped. My two-bedroom unit had a balcony overlooking the pristine grounds and the lake. Whether you are looking towards the large koi pond, outdoor pools or the beachfront, you can easily access the amenities and restaurants both within the property or following paths outside. With three restaurants and a spectacular spa at your disposal, you won’t want to leave the property.
Pontoon Cruise
Photo Credit: Osthoff Resort.
Explore this pristine glacial lake on a roomy, slow-moving pontoon cruise. The water is crystal clear, and the cruise is magical. You can rent the whole pontoon with nine of your closest friends and family (if you are boat safety certified) or get a tour with a local guide. They will provide insight into the area and history of the lake.
Paddle Boats, Kayaks, Canoes & Hydro-bikes
Photo Credit: Osthoff Resort.
Feeling nostalgic? Why not ride around on a purple dragon or a white swan paddle boat on Elkhart Lake? The Osthoff Resort Watersports Rentals has all sorts of water toys available. With 500 feet of beach, the resort offers a variety of water activities. You can rent stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, basic paddleboats, canoes, and hydro-bikes.
Beach Time and Concession Snacks
Photo Credit: Osthoff Resort.
The shallow beach area has lounge chairs, umbrellas, and plenty of space to make sandcastles. A great location for little ones away from the water crafts. If you get hungry, there is a concession with food and drinks at the beach. Open to the public from Memorial Day to Labor Day, The Lake Deck has food and live music during the summer season! Food options include cheese curds, nachos, and ice cream treats. You can also enjoy cocktails, beer, and soft drinks.
Bonfires and S’mores
Photo Credit: Osthoff Resort.
As part of the ‘family camp’ experience, you can enjoy complimentary bonfires with marshmallow roasting and smore-making (kits available at the resort). Located by the beach recreation area, Osthoff staff set it all up and provide you with all the ingredients to make this yummy evening treat over the campfire.
Pools and Whirlpools
Photo Credit: Osthoff Resort.
If you don’t enjoy a sandy beach, the resort has two outdoor and one indoor pools. You can also enjoy the indoor whirlpool. One of the whirlpools is accessible in the resort and the other is only available with a treatment at the Aspire Spa. I enjoyed both and would recommend a visit for a peaceful soak in the tub after a long day of activities.
Kids’ Programming
Photo Credit: Osthoff Resort.
There are a variety of kids’ activities. You can sign up youngsters for crafting, tie-dyeing, learn-how-to-paddle or little chef’s activities. Classes are both educational and full of fun for children from 4-12 years of age. Family activities include lake cruises and complimentary bonfires on the lakefront. Kids classes are available daily from Monday-Saturday and open to both resort guests and the public.
Couples Spa Treatments
Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott via DownshiftingPRO.
If you need a bit of time to yourselves, indulge in the ultimate romantic retreat with the Aspira Couple’s Premier Experience at The Osthoff Resort. This three-hour experience lets you relax in the Premiere Couple SpaSuite, a private sanctuary with a delightful cheese and fruit board, a bottle of wine, and an 80-minute Couple’s Massage. Unwind in the cascading shower and whirlpool, with full bath amenities. Whether you seek to unplug from your electronic devices to rejuvenate and reconnect with your partner, the Couple’s Premier Experience is a perfect escape.
Salt Therapy Room
Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott via DownshiftingPRO.
The Salt Therapy was new to me but very enjoyable. Experience the rejuvenating power of Aspira Spa’s new Salt Therapy (halotherapy) Room, a practice with deep European roots originating from the renowned salt caves in Poland. Here, you can inhale air filled with microscopic salt particles, enhancing your overall wellness. This natural therapy helps cleanse airways and skin, relieving congestion, inflammation, allergies, and skin irritations.
In this serene space, you can unwind in comfortable lounge chairs while napping, reading, resting, or listening to music amidst the rock-salt surroundings. The air, enriched with minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iodine, bromine, and copper, is absorbed into your body as you breathe, promoting enhanced well-being.
Hamman Spa Treatment
Photo Credit: Osthoff Resort.
The highlight of my stay at the Osthoff Resort, I absolutely loved my Hamman Therapy treatment. It is both indulgent and the most relaxing whole-body treatment you could possibly receive. Experience a treatment inspired by an ancient ritual at the spa and enjoy ultimate relaxation. Start with an aromatic steam of cinnamon, eucalyptus, and clove to boost your mood. Let your therapist exfoliate your skin, then cleanse with African Black Soap to clear your body, face, and scalp. After a warm rinse, finish with a hydrating massage using warm Zents Ore Oil. Leave feeling completely rejuvenated and pampered.
Cooking Class
Photo Credit: Osthoff Resort.
If spa treatments are not your thing, how about a cooking class? You can take a cooking class with Chef Rodney Schultz in a beautiful, state-of-the-art kitchen. Our group learned how to make various types of pasta from scratch and three different sauces. At the end of the class, we enjoyed the fruits of our labor. It’s a class and a meal all in one. Chef Rodney guides you through the recipes, improves your cooking skills, and teaches you the tricks of the trade. Other cooking school classes include grilling, French and Italian cooking, and Mediterranean flavors.
Evening Cocktails at the Elk Lounge
Photo Credit: Osthoff Resort.
Wood paneling, comfortable sofas, and a killer view are what you can expect at The Elk Room Lounge. Watch a beautiful sunset on the spacious patio overlooking the pool and see clear through to the beach. When in Wisconsin, be sure to order an Old Fashion. There is a limited menu, but intriguing, with tuna poke nachos and sliders on offer.
Otto’s
Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott via DownshiftingPRO.
We enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Otto’s, located on the lower floor overlooking the patio. I recommend the smoked salmon eggs benedict. Other popular choices with our group were the three-egg omelet and the Baked Berry Pancake! All were on point, and the portions were very large. Otto’s is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has a kid’s menu. No reservations are needed.
Concourse Restaurant & Lounge
Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott via DownshiftingPRO.
The Concourse Restaurant & Lounge had a variety of delicious appetizers and cocktail selections. We enjoyed a welcome reception hosted by the resort that showcased traditional deep-fried cheese curds (a Wisconsin staple), calamari, and shrimp ceviche with cocktails. What stood out was the perfectly cooked and seasoned filet mignon, crispy Brussels sprouts, and whipped garlic potatoes – yum, yum! You should make reservations around a reasonably priced menu with a fine wine selection for those who love a glass or a bottle of wine.
5-Star Stay
Photo Credit: The Osthoff Resort.
Overall, I really enjoyed my four-day, three-night stay at The Osthoff Resort. The suites were spacious and very quiet, and the many amenities available to travelers make this an ideal family vacation destination. This luxury resort has something for everyone, from beachfront water activities to gourmet dining and a cooking school.
This would also be the perfect place for a girls’ or guys’ weekend or even a romantic couple’s getaway. The resort is large enough that you are unlikely to meet even if all of those groups come together in one weekend.
My recommendation is to take advantage of the beautiful 20,000 sq. ft. Aspire Spa, which offers yoga classes, a wellness bistro, and unique treatments. From a simple manicure to a 270-jet Balneotherapy Bath in the Chromatub (one of only two in the country), indulge!
Elkhart Lake town center is within walking distance and offers shopping, dining options, and outdoor activities. Don’t shy away from visiting other resorts, including a Tiki Bar at The Shore Club and a lively Stop-in Tavern at The Siebkens.