Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1543498
Long ago, Native Americans referred to Elkhart Lake as "the chosen spot" for its breathtaking natural beauty. Since then, its deep pristine water, cedar tree-lined shores and nearby glacial hills and forests have drawn celebrity and everyday visitors year after year from across the country and from around the world. From the sound of conch shells at dusk to the clink of slot machine nickels, Elkhart Lake is rich with history and legend. Over the years it has been a gathering place for gangsters, gamblers and generations of families. The world's top race car drivers and competitive athletes have made their way through the village to enjoy its unspoiled, authentic charm. LEGENDARY NAME A brave young warrior, famed for slaying an elk and eating its heart, earned the name Elkheart. He wooed Silver Birch but soon his eyes turned to Singing Bird, leaving Silver Birch heartbroken. One night, as Elkheart and Singing Bird paddled on the lake, Silver Birch's arrow struck him. Elkheart fell into the water, and Singing Bird leapt after him, followed by Silver Birch. All three drowned in their tragic tale. Now, on full-moon nights, the spirit of Silver Birch drifts over the lake, crying Elkheart's name. LEGENDARY WATER Spring-fed, crystal clear, and 119 feet deep, the unique blue-green water of Elkhart Lake is a legend in itself. Here, you don't just catch big fish—you can see them deep below the surface. From the days when Native Americans lived along its shores, the pristine quality of the lake's water has soothed the souls of visitors from far and wide, drawing them back year after year. For many, it's the legendary water of Elkhart Lake that makes it famous. LEGENDARY RACING Open road racing over the hills and around the curves of Elkhart Lake gained prominence in the early 1950s. These early closed-loop courses, now landmarked, attracted sports car racing enthusiasts from across the country and eventually led to the creation of Road America 70 years ago—a rolling four- mile track near the village. Recognized as one of the premier road racing tracks in the world, Road America has become legendary, drawing top professional and celebrity drivers from every type of racing from motorcycles to Indy cars. 5 | ELKHARTLAKE.COM Legendary by Nature J.L. Moore settles in Elkhart Lake, buying farmland. Soon after, Peter Sharpe buys 80 acres, establishing Sharpe's Hotel, marking the area's start as a tourist destination. 1847 William Schwartz influences the Milwaukee and Northern Railroad officials to route through Elkhart Lake. The new railroad track creates opportunities for businesses and resorts. 1872 A group of businessmen petitioned the Sheboygan Circuit Court, and on September 17, 1894, the incorporation of 595 acres as the Village of Elkhart Lake was approved, with T.C. Sharpe as its first Village President. 1894