Kohler, Wisconsin

About

Kohler is a wonderful go-to staycation spot for couples, groups of couples, and girlfriends trips. Ronnie and I have been there a number of times, all under different circumstances, and NEVER had a bad time. The sprawling resort is literally an entire town dedicated to quiet, cozy, luxury. Celebrate the great outdoors, meet wonderful people, and enjoy a trip dedicated to feeling better when you leave than when you arrived.

How to get there

Kohler is about 2.5 hours north of downtown Chicago by car. It’s a pretty straight shot, so I recommend to my friends that they drive, however if driving isn’t your thing, you could take the Metra to Milwaukee and then take an Uber for an hour up to Kohler, but again, I don’t recommend this. For anyone flying in, fly into Milwaukee airport or Chicago O’Hare, grab a Turo (or rental car) and drive.

Know before you go

Kohler is a very small town, and the primary attraction is the Kohler resort. Downtown Sheboygan has appeal, and some make Kohler a stop on their way up to, or back from, Green Bay, Wisconsin, home of the Packers NFL team and iconic, Lambeau Field. My recommendation? Take a long weekend… stay at Kohler for Thur, Fri, and on Saturday afternoon, depart Kohler for Green Bay, take in a whole Packers game experience on Sunday and stay in Green Bay on Sunday night. Head home Monday at your leisure.

All this said, one thing I love about the resort is once you arrive, you have no need for your car, there is a shuttle to take you anywhere you want to go on the property, so you don’t have to think twice about who will be your DD for the weekend. Arrive, and enjoy, either on a weekend with just you and the love of your life, or an adults-only getaway with your group of friends. Ronnie and I have gone there as a couple, with another couple, and with a group of 10. We’ve had a tremendous time, every time. If you’re looking for an eaaaaaasy street weekend getaway, Kohler does not disappoint.

Eat

Coffee — The Greenhouse

Breakfast — The Wisconsin Room, The Greenhouse, and The Spa

Lunch — River Wildlife, and Taverne on Woodlake

Dinner — Whistling Straights Restaurant and The Immigrant

Drinks — The Horse & Plow

Stay

The American Club at Kohler Resort makes for the best home base, in my opinion. Pulling up to the resort, you’ll be greeted by the thoughtful Valet, walk in and the concierge will be smiling behind a beautiful desk waiting to take you to your cozy room, decked out in Kohler everything. Just off the lobby is a quaint sitting area with a cozy fireplace and bar. Further still is The Wisconsin Room, where they have epic, buffet style dining, also attached is the Immigrant Room for fine dining, and lastly is Horse & Plow for a pub vibe. In addition, there is a tea/coffee bar that is a sight to see — a gorgeous stained-glass room in the middle of the garden, but open year round. There are other options on the property, but Ronnie and I have opted for the American Club every time.

Workout

Book a Tennis court at the fitness center, and ask the couple on the court next to you to a game of doubles.

Get outside and go for a hike around River Wildlife (if there’s snow, you can rent cross-country skis).

Get your stretch on at Yoga On The Lake.

Play

Learn how to shoot skeet at River Wildlife.

Go to the Spa at Kohler, every time I’ve been there, they’ve required a minimum of two services per person, so plan to shell out some cash for this experience, however, you can spend the entire day at this spa… so it’s definitely worth the splurge once or twice.

Go shopping at the shops.

Dream about home renovations at Kohler shop.

I’m not a big golfer, but I hear Whistling Straights is one of the more beautiful and sought after courses in the Midwest.

Venture into downtown Sheboygan to explore — I’ve not been, but hear that 3 Sheeps Brewery is pretty cool.

A Dream Day

Check in at The American club and head to Whistling Straights restaurant for dinner. Get to bed early because you have a big day tomorrow. Wake up and head to The Greenhouse for your morning coffee and smoothie, before heading to the fitness center for some Tennis with your travel mates. Once you’ve worked up a sweat and an appetite, head to the Spa for a massage and facial. Once you’re done with your services, order lunch and sit by the hot tub. Enjoy a slow morning and early afternoon taking in the various amenities of the spa. Read a good book, spend some time journaling, relish in the slow, beautiful luxury of it all. When you’re ready, head out for a yoga class to bookend your wellness morning. Make it back in time to change outfits for your shooting lesson at River Wildlife. If you don’t catch your own lunch, don’t worry, stay at River Wildlife for a bite to eat before heading back to your room. On your way back from yoga, stop by the shops to do a little shopping. When you get to the American Club, grab a glass of wine and sit by the fire for a few minutes. Get changed for dinner at The Immigrant, but don’t get too overdressed, because you’ll head to Horse & Plow after for a night cap and conversations with strangers who will become fast friends. Mae your way back to your room at your leisure and lay your head on your pillow knowing you made the most of your day at Kohler.

Summary

We love Kohler and can’t wait for our next trip back. I hope you enjoy your trip as much as we’ve enjoyed all of ours. You’ll have to let me know what spots you choose to check out.