Major city · United States
Elkhart Lake
One night is enough to see the lake and Road America; two if you want to race or hike the Kettle Moraine. A day-trip from Sheboygan or Fond du Lac works.
Elkhart Lake is a small resort town in northeast Wisconsin built around a spring-fed lake and Road America, one of the world's fastest permanent road courses. Most visitors come for a weekend of water sports, racing events or quiet hiking in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The village is walkable and dining is casual; plan one night unless you are attending a race weekend.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Jan–Feb (cold, many places closed)
- Airports
- GRB · MKE
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Elkhart Lake911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Sheboygan County Sheriff (non-emergency)920-459-3111
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Elkhart Lake, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyVery safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 920-459-3111 Sheboygan County Sheriff (non-emergency)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportGRB Green Bay–Austin Straubel International Airport (About 1 h drive south; rental cars available.).
- Getting aroundA car is essential.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (drip)$2.50–4.00
- Sit-down mealDinner entrée at a sit-down restaurant$18–30
- Street or quick mealLunch sandwich at a café$10–15
- BeerBeer (domestic pint)$5–7
- Museum or sight ticketRoad America general admission (one day)Major events cost more.$55–85 (check)
- Budget bedCottage or vacation rental (up to 6), a night, per roomUS$200
- Mid-range bedBudget motel room (e.g. Super 8 or local inn), a night, per roomUS$120
- High-end bedBudget motel room (e.g. Super 8 or local inn), a night, per roomUS$180
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$80 · Mid US$150 · High US$300
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- GRB Green Bay–Austin Straubel International Airport (About 1 h drive south; rental cars available.) · MKE Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (About 1 h 15 min drive north; more flight options.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Feb
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Mar
not flagged
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Aug
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Dec
not flagged
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)), coolest Jan (−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C) low), wettest Apr (11 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Elkhart Lake: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
8 rd
Feb
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
7 rd
Mar
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
9 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
11 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
10 rd
Jul
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9 rd
Sep
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
10 rd
Nov
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
9 rd
Dec
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is essential. The village is walkable (about 1 km across), but the raceway, forest trails and nearby towns require driving. Parking is free and plentiful.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 40 min
Drive south on Highway 67 / I-43, about 30 min
Lake Michigan beaches, the Kohler Arts Center and the John Michael Kohler Arts Center.
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min
Drive north on Highway 57, about 1 h 15 min
Door County's gateway town; cherry orchards, shipyards and state parks.
Door to door: About 1 h
Drive south on Highway 67 / US-151, about 45 min
Lakeside park, the Children's Museum and the historic downtown.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Village centre (Lake Street / Rhine Street)
Walk to the lake, restaurants and shops; most inns and B&Bs are here.
Near Road America (Highway 67)
Closest to the track; quieter at night, but you need a car for meals.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $80–120 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–200 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel or B&B double room1 × 1 night × US$200 | US$200 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$150 | US$300 |
| Road America general admission (one day)2 × US$65 · check; varies by event | US$130 |
| Kayak rental on the lake (half-day)2 × US$40 · check | US$80 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$71 |
| Trip total≈ US$391 per person per day, bed included | US$781 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rental excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (drip) | $2.50–4.00 |
| Lunch sandwich at a café | $10–15 |
| Dinner entrée at a sit-down restaurant | $18–30 |
| Beer (domestic pint) | $5–7 |
| Gas (per gallon) | $3.50–4.50 (check) |
| Road America general admission (one day)Major events cost more. | $55–85 (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Race weekends (e.g. June's Road America IndyCar event) fill lodging months ahead and double prices.
- The lake has no lifeguard; swim at your own risk.
- Winter: many restaurants and shops close or reduce hours; check ahead.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Sheboygan County Sheriff (non-emergency)
- 920-459-3111
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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Elkhart LakeElkhart Lake
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
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Take me to this address, pleaseTake me to this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Sheboygan County Sheriff (non-emergency)920-459-3111
Embassy
The nearest US embassy is in Ottawa, Canada; consulates in Chicago. For non-US citizens: check your country's consulate in Chicago or Milwaukee.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- GRB → Elkhart Lake (taxi / rideshare): about $70–90, 1 h
- MKE → Elkhart Lake (taxi / rideshare): about $100–130, 1 h 15 min
Say or show
- Hello — Hello (HELL-oh)
- Thank you — Thank you (thank yoo)
- How much is this? — How much is this? (how much is this)
- Where is the bathroom? — Where is the bathroom? (where is the BATH-room)
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card? (can I pay by card)
English is universal; no language barrier.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Elkhart Lake. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Jan–Feb (cold, many places closed) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages for Road America (ticket types, track-day calendar) and Kettle Moraine trailheads.
- Eat pages with verified hours and last orders for Off the Rail Café, Lake Street Cafe and Brown Baer.
- Lodging pages for the village inns and B&Bs with seasonal rate bands.
- Event fixtures for the IndyCar weekend and the vintage races.
Sources
Ask about Elkhart Lake
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