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The Osthoff Resort set above the shores of Elkhart Lake in Wisconsin has been a grand destination for Midwesterners for more than a Century.
The legendary Osthoff first opened its doors back in 1886 and welcomed vacationing families arrived from Chicago, St. Louis, Milwaukee and all over the Midwest. Summer vacationers arrived by train and they frequently unpacked and settled in for the entire summer season. Today a new and equally grand Osthoff that’s set on the grounds of the original grand dame caters not only to Midwesterners but vacationers from around the world. The four diamond property features 10,000 square feet of meeting space, a spa that’s ranked 16th among the top 100 spas by Spas of America as well as one of the 35 top resorts in America by Travel and Leisure. The Osthoff also has a cooking school on premises that is a very popular draw all on its own. The enchanting tree lined village of Elkhart Lake is like stepping in to a timeless storybook scene.
With less than a thousand residents and a Mayberry RFD train depot as a centerpiece, the town is best known by some for its long history as the location of Road America races, the annual Road & Track Concours d’Elegance, and the Kohler International Challenge. I’m Tom Wilmer, come along and join me in Elkhart Lake at the legendary Osthoff for a conversation with General Manager, Lola Roeh.