Elkhart Lake Tourism

Long ago, Native Americans referred to Elkhart Lake as "the chosen spot" for its awesome 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 our country and around the world. From the sounds of conch shells blown over the lake to signal dusk to the clamor of slot machine nickels dropping into tin trays, 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. From the days when a village of tepees was perched on a hill near its boat landing, to today when you can find world-class amenities tastefully woven into its authentic charm, the fish are larger, the water is cleaner, and the smiles are bigger in Elkhart Lake. Legends were published from 1866 to 1892. Still more have come to be told today. Here are our favorite, condensed versions. 3 | ELKHARTLAKE.COM History 1847 The earliest settlement of Elkhart Lake occurred in 1847 when J.L. Moore purchased considerable acreage to use as farmland. He was followed by Peter Sharpe who later purchased 80 acres which became known as Sharpe's Hotel. This was the start of Elkhart Lake as a tourist destination. 1872-1894 When the Milwaukee and Northern Railroad pushed northward, William Schwartz influenced the railroad officials to route the tracks through what is now the Village of Elkhart Lake. The track was laid in 1872 and created opportunities for businesses and resorts in the Village. In 1894 a group of businessmen petitioned the Sheboygan Circuit Court for incorporation and on September 17, 1894, incorporation of an area of 595 acres to be known as the Village of Elkhart Lake was approved. The first Village President was T. C. Sharpe. 1920'S-1940's Along with the railroad and resorts came gambling. Slot machines were everywhere in Elkhart Lake during the summer months. By the 1920's gambling was so out in the open that an undercover reporter from Milwaukee stated that never had "games of chance been operated more openly or with less regard for the anti-gambling laws." Raids on gambling continued to be a nuisance during the 1930's and 40's, but didn't put a stop to gambling until the State banned gambling in 1945. 1984-2023 During this first 100 years, the Village had a variety of hotels and resorts, including Sharpe's Resort, Schwarz Resort Hotel/Barefoot Bay Resort, Victorian Village Resort, Pine Point Resort, Osthoff Resort Hotel/Camp Harand, Siebken's Resort, and Fleck's Resort/Camp Brosius. Currently the Village is home to three resorts: Osthoff Resort, Siebken's Resort, and Shore Club. 1950-1952 Road racing began in the Village in the 1950's. In 1950, '51, & '52 the Sports Car Club of America and the Elkhart Lake Chamber of Commerce got together and sponsored road races. The course was 3.35 miles in 1950 and grew to 6.5 miles in 1952. The race in 1952 was the last allowed on the streets, as state law banned racing on public roads.

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