Elkhart Lake Race Weekend Itinerary
If we told you there’s a place in Wisconsin where international sportscars race, would you believe us? Located in the rolling hills of Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine is Elkhart Lake, home to the internationally famous raceway, Road America. Fans and professional race teams from around the world gather here and the whole town lights up with celebrations.
Our family was raised going to Road America. Summer just isn’t summer until we’ve been to Elkhart Lake. Today my grandparents live in Elkhart Lake and our visits are frequent. Our connection to the track goes deep - from races to track days. Three generations of my family drive this track (brother, father, and grandfather). Sometimes at the same time. My favorite times with my grandfather have been being a passenger in his car on the track - it’s a thrill and so special to share an experience like that with him.
Now even if you aren’t a sportscar fan, the darling town of Elkhart Lake is worth checking out so we’ve rounded up the ideal weekend itinerary packed with our favorites.
GOLDEN GUIDES ITINERARY
DAY ONE: Friday
For us, we’re about a 5-hour drive to Elkhart Lake, so we like to head up Friday and leave Monday morning. This itinerary can be made to fit your schedule whether you have more or less time - make it your own.
Centered in the middle of town is the classic Ostoff Resort. Nestled on the lake, most rooms offer water views and all guests get access to a beautiful beach. Our favorite part of the resort is the beach bar and grill, where you can enjoy live music while sipping a cocktail in the sand. At dusk the beach transitions to firepits and complimentary smores as the music and dancing continue.
Plus the resort is within walking distance to all the downtown festivities and restaurants. You simply can’t find a better place to enjoy Elkhart. Just be sure to make a reservation well in advance and call if they are all booked (often they have cancellations).
When we arrive in town, we always get settled by walking downtown, dipping our toes in the lake, and revisiting old memories. Once we’ve changed for dinner, we often kick off our stay with our favorite restaurant in town.
This restaurant is buzzing on race weekends with race teams and families clicking glasses and reconnecting. Be sure to make a reservation in advance, walk-ins are welcome but limited. The menu is seasonal and features a variety of fresh Italian-inspired dishes. I always order one of their homemade pasta.
We draw out our dinner at the Paddock Club with rounds of appetizers and drinks and catching up with old friends. Afterward, we stroll through town. During race weekends outdoor live music plays at the Ostoff beach, Seibkens, and the Tiki Bar. All within walking distance, we often hop from spot to spot based on the best bands.
The festive Tiki Bar is my favorite of the three for music and tropical cocktails. Perched above the water, the two-tiered bar is always a lively place. A great spot for a light bite like fish tacos or truffle fries.
The best part about their location is that it’s right next door to another Elkhart Lake gem; The Social.
In this town, when one party ends another begins. So as it dies down at the Tiki Bar, we often make our way to The Social speakeasy lounge for a nightcap and last dance. If a nightclub until 2 a.m. isn’t your thing, pop back in here in the morning for one of the best brunches in Elkhart Lake.
DAY TWO: Saturday
There’s nothing quite like gathering at Off the Rail for a breakfast bagel on Saturday morning. The popular cafe will often have a line out the door but don’t worry it moves quickly. It’s a difficult decision to select from the dozens of unique bagels and sandwich options.
We love to take our breakfast and coffee and walk through the farmer’s market, across the street from the cafe.
For a town of its size, this farmer's market is impressive! The market features local vendors from farm stands to artisans. We always enjoy seeing the different creations and chatting with the local community.
Now, on a typical Saturday during a race weekend half of our group will already be at the track. Enjoying egg and cheese bratwurst breakfast sandwiches and listening to engines roaring in the early hours. That will be us tomorrow, but today we enjoy our relaxing morning and head to the track before lunchtime.
A short drive from downtown Elkhart Lake is Road America. This international speedway is renowned for beautiful spectating. Road America has been hosting races since 1950 and is well-equipped with food stands, forested viewing areas, TV monitors, and rentable golf karts. Drivers often say it’s their favorite track in the world to drive.
I recommend renting a kart so you can cruise the entire track - on a hot day, there’s nothing better! Cars aren’t allowed in most areas, so it’s easier to walk or kart. Each turn on the track offers great viewing, so you’ll want to check them all out for a different perspective and to see great racing.
Be sure to visit the pits where the teams are set up. It’s incredible to watch them change tires, rebuild broken parts, and prepare for their race. My brother works on the JDC Motorsports race team and learning about the behind-the-scenes that go into a race weekend has made me appreciate the complexity of racing so much more. Sportscar racing is certainly growing in popularity these days and I love seeing people understand what goes into it.
We set up at turn five, a popular place to view the cars and great proximity to the rest of the track. There are plenty of bleachers for viewing, but we prefer to make our own setup with a shade canopy and chairs. I recommend bringing a cooler with plenty of beverages and snacks as well.
After a long day in the sun, a quick jump in the resort pool feels so refreshing. Tonight we keep casual and head down to the beach for dinner.
The lakeside restaurant offers a variety of seating on their porch and all the way down in the sand. As a kid, this was our favorite place to enjoy pizza in the sand - a great combo. These days, we still enjoy their pizzas or sandwiches, but with the comfort of dining tables.
As the evening turns dark, the music picks up at Seibkens and you can hear it where we’re at. We make our way into town for a lively car show.
Vintage Concours d'Elegance
If you have to choose one time to visit Elkhart, come for the WeatherTech International Race Challenge in July. The event is by far one of Elkhart Lake’s busiest events - it’s a party! Friday and Saturday night the downtown hosts a spectacular vintage car show; featuring everything from pre-war to exotic sportscars.
The tavern at Seibkens is iconic. Dating back to the nineteenth century when a German family opened the inn after starting several hotels in Germany. Their daughter, the only woman who was part of the race committee at the time, helped bring open-wheel racing to Elkhart Lake. The town welcomed Jaguars, Porsches, Ferraris, etc., and international professionals. Putting a mark in the town forever.
Today the tavern is still a popular spot for drivers, spectators, and locals alike. There’s really no other place you can interact with professional athletes as if they are locals. The walls are covered with stickers and race gear; you can feel the memories.
Grabbing a beer and maybe a late-night snack (they have insane cheese curds!) is one of our favorite traditions.
DAY THREE: Sunday
Today we go to Road America early and get breakfast at the track. For those of you who are still picturing the previously mentioned bratwurst breakfast sandwich, that is an option. We typically go for an egg and cheese sandwich with loads of toppings.
For a thrill during lunch, we head to the go-kart track for a family race. It’s no surprise that we also grew up racing go-karts every weekend in the summer. My brother was the MN State Champion for several years. Although I get lapped by him it’s always fun to test your speed with the rental go-karts. Their track is surprisingly fast (nothing like theme park rentals).
We treat ourselves to the most delicious mac and cheese for lunch at Antoinette’s at the start and finish. Their mac is fair-famous and it’s so worth getting.
Sunday the races often end earlier, so we head back to the Ostoff for a relaxing evening. Tonight we’re renting a pontoon at sunset.
The spring-fed water of Elkhart Lake will shock you, it’s so clear. There are a variety of water toys that you can rent through the Ostoff, from paddle boards to kayaks. Our favorite is to rent a pontoon at sunset. We bring along some fun drinks and a cheeseboard to enjoy at sunset.
Nothing ends a Sunday night better than gathering at a hopping pizza place. Once we finish our boat ride, we walk into town to the first and only pizzeria in town.
The newly opened pizza joint is hot in Elkhart Lake. With a variety of chef-driven Roman-style pizza (think extra crispy and airy crust) and a tasty list of wines, you’ll be inspired by their creative menu.
DAY FOUR: Monday
Monday morning you can tell there is a shift as the town starts to go back to normal and the crowds clear. Many memories were made this weekend, including reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones.
Before we hit the road, we have to stop by our new favorite food truck.
The brightly colored mural and food truck off of the main street is hard to miss. Offering both breakfast and lunch, this seasonal truck is a go-to for Mexican Food. The Chilaquiles and Huevos Rancheros are my favorite. Brunch is served from 11 am-2 pm, so even if you sleep in you won’t miss out.
Best Race Weekends to Visit Elkhart Lake:
View Road America’s full event list here.
Indy Car
SCCA June Sprints
WeatherTech International Race Challenge
This is by far our favorite weekend to visit. The race features vintage race cars which draws people from all over. The weekend is a party in town!
IMSA SportsCar
Our second favorite event with professional race teams. Think pit-stops, driver changes, the works.
