Fun Things to Do in Elkhart Lake, WI in Winter

There are many wonderful things to do in Elkhart Lake in winter! While Elkhart Lake is a popular summer destination in Wisconsin and is most known for its Road America race track, it still makes for a great winter weekend getaway.

With fun outdoor activities, such as ice fishing and snowshoeing, brewery tastings, fish fries, and world-class spa experiences – there’s a little something for everyone in Elkhart Lake!

Elkhart Lake Winter Weekend Getaway Ideas – 10 Cool Things To Do

A woman dressed in a heavy winter coat and snow pants stands in a yoga pose in the middle of a snow-covered lawn. Buildings of the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, WI stand behind bare trees in the background. — Doing Snowga during the Chill-Out Winter Weekend in Elkhart Lake, WI at the Osthoff Resort.

1.) Head to a Fun Annual Event – Such as the Chill-Out Winter Weekend or Old World Christmas Market

There’s always something fun going on in Elkhart Lake on the weekends! From live music at The Osthoff Resort to sledding at Road America to the Olde World Christmas Market (which goes for 10 days in December), you’ll find a fun event no matter which weekend you visit.

see Elkhart Lake’s List of Annual Events

The Chill-Out Winter Weekend, the last weekend in February, is what sparked me to write this post. I had a fantastic weekend getaway in Elkhart Lake!

See the Osthoff Resort’s List of Events

A flight of four beers - one dark beer and three light beers - at the SwitchGear Brewing Co. in Elkhart Lake. — A tasting flight at SwitchGear Brewing Co. in Elkhart Lake.

2.) Do a Brewery Tasting at SwitchGear Brewing Co.

Is there any better winter (or summer for that matter) activity in Wisconsin than enjoying a delicious beer at a cozy brewery? I don’t think so! SwitchGear Brewing Co. is located in the historic feed mill in downtown Elkhart Lake and has a beer here for everyone – from IPAs to Sours to Stouts and more. I, personally, love their Nut Brown Ale and Pontoon Pounder. Try a flight of 3 to 6 beers for $2.50 a sample.

During the winter on Fridays, SwitchGear Brewing Co. hosts “Flannel Fridays.” This is where if you wear a flannel, you get 1/2 off your first pint OR if you wear a SwitchGear flannel, you’ll get your first pint free! Plus, you can get a flight of six SwitchGear beers for just $10!

check out the switchgear Brewing co. website

A classic Wisconsin fish fry - pieces of deep-fried fish served with lemon and tartar sauce and sides of vegetables. — A fish fry at the Quit Qui Oc Golf Course.

3.) Try a Fish Fry at the Quit Qui Oc Golf Course

Another one of the best winter activities in Wisconsin is to try a Friday Night Fish Fry! In Elkhart Lake, head to the Quit Qui Oc golf course for their Famous Perch Dinner or their All-You-Can-Eat-Bluegill. Be sure to make a reservation, though; their dining room and bar are BUSY – and for good reason! Their food is great and their service is super friendly.

See the Quit Qui Oc Golf course website

A frozen and snow-covered Elkhart Lake on a clear, cloudless, sunny day with blue skies. — Elkhart Lake is still beautiful when it’s frozen!

4.) Go Snowshoeing

Speaking of the Quit Qui Oc Golf Course, you can go snowshoeing at the course when the conditions allow. You don’t even need to bring your snowshoes – the course offers rentals ranging from 2 hours to the whole weekend.

Check out the Snowshoe rental fees

The spa area at the Aspira Spa in Elkhart Lake. The round pool is surrounded by comfortable padded pool chairs and towels. Windows line the walls of the room. — The spa area at Aspira Spa at the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake

5.) Enjoy a Spa Day at Aspira Spa

Not a fan of freezing outdoors? Head to the Aspira Spa for a cozy day enjoying the hot tubs, sauna, and incredible spa services. You can also grab lunch at the Spa Cafe and order wine & mimosas while at the spa! Yum!

For a romantic winter weekend idea – book a Spa Together package. They also run specials frequently during the winter!

I highly recommend their Cedars Massage Experience. It’s honestly the best massage I’ve ever gotten!

Visit the aspira spa website

6.) Go Shopping in the Village Square

Shopping in Elkhart Lake is a blast! You’ll find everything from fine art to jewelry and clothing to Scandinavian imports to yummy local foods. Vintage Elkhart Lake also has a wine bar that hosts tastings and wine classes.

see the full list of Elkhart lake shops

The inside of Lake Street Cafe boasts a large wall mural of Beer Barons, comfortable dine-in seating, and some arcade games.

A square bowl full of soup served at Lake Street Cafe in Elkhart Lake.

A small plate of vegetables with a dipping sauce served as an appetizer at Lake Street Cafe in Elkhart Lake.

7.) Grab Lunch at Lake Street Cafe

Either before or after your shopping adventure in Elkhart Lake, be sure to stop in at Lake Street Cafe for a bite to eat. Their food is delicious (love their soups in the winter), plus the cafe itself is bright and cheery, and has a great atmosphere.

see the Lake Street Cafe Website

8.) Try Ice Fishing on Elkhart Lake

Just because Elkhart Lake is frozen over, doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy fishing on it! Grab your fishing license and warmest clothes and test your luck ice fishing. Even if you don’t have your own ice fishing gear, you can hire Captain Mark for a day and he’ll provide all the equipment you need (including heated shanties).

Learn more about hiring an ice fishing guide in Elkhart Lake

Visitors take a horse-drawn carriage ride down snowy streets on a clear sunny day in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

9.) Take a Horsedrawn Wagon Ride

KD Ranch in Cleveland, Wisconsin (less than a half-hour drive from Elkhart Lake) hosts sleigh rides and carriage rides on their ranch. They also have wagon and carriage rides occasionally on the weekends right in Elkhart Lake! It’s a fun way to see the city that both kids and adults can enjoy.

check out the KD Ranch website

The inside of Off The Rail in Elkhart Lake is a small cafe with walls and counters covered in colorful signage and flyers.

A delicious bagel sandwich and coffee served at Off The Rail cafe in Elkhart Lake.

10.) Warm up with Coffee (or Hot Chocolate) at Off The Rail

Off The Rail is also located in the historic feed mill. They feature delicious coffee and hot chocolate, as well as a fantastic breakfast and lunch menu. (I’m a fan of the Flying Scotsman Bagel, pictured above). It’s a great way to start your day or warm up after an outdoor adventure in Elkhart Lake. They also have a great selection of wine and beer.

Check out the off the rail website

Where to Stay in Elkhart Lake

I loved staying at The Osthoff Resort during winter and highly recommend staying here. Not only are the rooms spacious and comfortable but there is also a ton to do at the resort! You wouldn’t have to leave if you didn’t want. There are several great dining options onsite, as well as The Elkroom bar, which has great cocktails and live music most weekends. There is also a pool, hot tub, and game room that the kids will love. The Aspira Spa I mentioned above is also located within the Osthoff Resort.

Check out the Osthoff Resort’s current rates

What are your favorite things to do in Elkhart Lake during the winter? Let me know in the comments!

Thank you to the Elkhart Lake Tourism Department for hosting me for the Chill-Out Winter Weekend in Elkhart Lake. All opinions are my own, and I am never compensated for a positive review.