Elkhart Lake (Sheboygan, Plymouth, Kiel: condos, hotels, home)

[hedwigger]

What can you tell me about Elkhart Lake? Considering a move to the area. Is it touristy? Seasonal? I know there is good fishing and a racetrack, but how is daily life? Schools, shopping, etc...

THANKS!

[diegosmom]

I like Elkhart Lake. It is quaint town, with some nice restaurants and shops. HOWEVER, it is still rural Wisconsin. Slow pace and you will use Sheboygan or Plymouth for doctors, grocery stores, etc.

Elkhart is very resorty. There is a farmer's market on Saturdays in the parking lot of the restored train depot. Lots happening with the racetrack - vintage race weekend is always nice to see the cars, etc. There are new hotels in the area, even with spas that attract out of towners...Chicago, etc. I love two restaurants that are there. Lake Street Grill and another new one I don't know the name.

Now if you have the chance to live on the lake, or think you will, be prepared to pay BIG$$$ and your tax bill will be outrageous. Oh, but I would spend my lotto winnings on it. If you live off lake there are some nice home choices, wooded lots outside of town, etc. Also, there is the "Fireman's Park" which allows you public access to swim at the lake, which is beautiful.

For schools you have the Elkhart Lake - Glenbulah (little rural town nearby) Schools. Public, and I don't have a drop of info on good, bad, ugly. Wisconsin public schools as a whole are quite good. Others obviously shine more than others. In Plymouth there is maybe a private catholic grade school and in Kiel (not too far) there is I believe, a Christian grade school as well. Just to name some options.

Keep in mind that the race track is careful who they bring in and the clientele since the town is quite historic - although they have torn down alot of those buildings - the historic Theater Camp & now Siebken's Resort (building new condos). And race weekends are BUSY...parking, parties, etc.

good luck....do visit and pick a race weekend, fall weekend, and one in the dead of winter if you can. Especially if making a big relo.

(native of the county that Elkhart is in)