From coast to coast, America is home to stunning lakes perfect for swimming, boating, and relaxing under golden summer skies. But in a country brimming with jewel-toned waters, a tiny Wisconsin town with fewer than 1,000 residents has earned a spot near the top.
Elkhart Lake has claimed the No. 2 spot in USA Today’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Lake in the U.S., beating out popular destinations such as Lake Havasu and Lake Michigan.
With Caribbean-blue waters, a walkable downtown, and a strong sense of community, Elkhart Lake might not be on every traveler's radar, but it should be.
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
As you stroll through the picture-perfect neighborhoods and chat with locals at Off The Rail Coffee, you'll appreciate the slow, laid-back midwestern charm of the town. Still, you may be surprised to learn Elkhart Lake wasn't always so quiet or so calm.
In the early 1950s, the streets of Elkhart Lake became a favorite of speed demons and adrenaline junkies from around the country. Sports car racing took place on village streets, looping through the countryside around the bends and just inches away from onlooking spectators.
After a few short years, street racing was deemed unsafe, and the racers moved their sport to another location. Luckily for Elkhart Lake, an engineer named Clif Tufte wanted to keep the sport in town. In 1955, Tufte broke ground on Road America, a permanent 4-mile racetrack located just outside of town, which would become one of the most iconic circuits in the U.S.
Lakeside Luxury
Modern visitors come for more than speed; they come to relax, unwind, and soak up the pure Americana of Elkhart Lake.
At The Osthoff Resort, prepare to be met with smiles and friendly hellos around every turn on your way to your luxurious condominium-style accommodations that range from one to three bedrooms and include living rooms, functional kitchens, and spacious patios. Enjoy fine dining at the Concourse, the onsite restaurant, or socialize and enjoy a cocktail in the cozy Elk Room.
Visitors unwind on the lakeshore or book immersive wellness experiences at Aspira Spa, which draws on natural elements and indigenous traditions.
The Cedars Massage incorporates local herbs, aromatherapy, and ceremonial treatments based on the elements of earth, water, air, and fire, concluding with a weighted cedar-sprig blanket and craniosacral therapy to promote clarity and calm. Another signature service, the Crystal Chakra Experience, utilizes gemstones and reflexology to balance the energy flow and alleviate chronic pain.
Guests can also breathe deeply in the spa's salt therapy room, designed to mimic European halotherapy caves, which are believed to support respiratory health and skin renewal.
Elkhart Lake's appeal isn't limited to resort guests. The walkable downtown area features local boutique shopping, trendy dining options, and historic buildings. The town itself wasn't ready to relinquish its racing legacy. You can still retrace the original track (albeit at a slower pace) through town, marked by signs such as the start/finish line, the hard left, and Ted's Turn.
Elkhart Lake also hosts events year-round that reflect its close-knit, family-friendly culture. Highlights include the Fourth of July Fireman's Picnic, Lake Deck live music series, yoga in the park, and the popular Old World Christmas Market, modeled after European-style Christkindlmarkts.
While Elkhart Lake is best known today for its peaceful waters, charming cafes, and lakeside serenity, just minutes away, the scene shifts dramatically. At Road America, the quiet gives way to the thunder of engines and the pulse of competition, offering visitors the chance to trade in stillness for speed.
Road America
Road America is located just a few miles away from the original racing track, on 525 acres. The new track is just over 4 miles, featuring an impressive 14 turns, and is still considered one of the best and most challenging courses in the world.
Road America broke ground in early 1955 and hosted its first race in September of the same year. Today, the need for speed remains, and Road America attracts over 800,000 visitors annually, welcoming both professionals and amateurs to participate in the historic track at Elkhart Lake.
This summer, several events are scheduled, including:
July 17–20, WeatherTech International Challenge with Brian Redman, one of the largest vintage racing events in the United States. Enthusiasts gather to see rare historic cars take to the course at Road America.
Aug. 15–17, GT World Challenge America headlines an all-sportscar weekend featuring high-performance GT3, GT4, and Touring Car machines from brands like Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren, and Mercedes-AMG. The weekend includes two 90-minute races with full-service pit stops and driver changes, part of a global series that spans Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America.
Road America is the perfect pilgrimage for race fans everywhere, offering activities and events for families and racers nearly every weekend. From driving schools to cycling races, community movie nights to holiday celebrations, the venue remains a vital part of Elkhart Lake's cultural fabric, helping ensure the town's racing roots continue to flourish for future generations.
Where Stillness Meets Speed
It’s this rare blend of lakeside serenity and high-octane thrills that makes Elkhart Lake a uniquely American destination. Come for the racing legacy, the spa, or the view from a kayak on glassy water; no matter what you choose to do, Elkhart Lake offers the kind of getaway that lingers long after summer fades.
