This charming Wisconsin village offers luxury hotels, a world-famous golf course, and a fascinating history

When you hear the name Kohler, you may think of kitchen and bathroom brand or host 43rd Ryder Cup, but insiders may recognize it as a five-star resort located near Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Kohler – one of the nation’s first planned communities – was designed by the Olmsted Brothers as a factory town and horticultural community for Kohler at the beginning of the 20th century. Located a few hours from major Midwest cities like Chicago and Milwaukee, this diminutive town in Wisconsin is now a resort town that offers the perfect blend of wellness, culture and nature, making it the perfect weekend getaway. According to a local, here’s what you need to know about visiting Kohler, Wisconsin.

Related: The 10 best diminutive towns in the Midwest

Best time to visit Kohler

Kohler is lovely any time of year, but summer is best for those who want to take advantage of the nice weather (with highs in the 70s) to play golf and enjoy nearby Lake Michigan. In the fall, visitors can see the yearbook Kohler Food and Wine festival, while winter festivities include the popular Christmas market and ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and more on the site Winter Wonderland.

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Where to stay in Kohler

American Club

American Club it began its life at the turn of the century as housing for immigrant workers from the Kohler factory. In the 1980s it was transformed into a five-star resort with three restaurants, a garden café, lovely courtyards and plenty of cozy nooks and crannies to explore. Of course, you can expect to see plenty of Kohler products throughout The American Club and other lodging properties.

Carriage House

Formally known as American Club Coach House, this property is connected to the Kohler Waters Spa and places an emphasis on guest well-being. There is an on-site wellness concierge who can arrange everything from lakeside yoga classes to special wellness-related in-room amenities. One of the best things about staying here is having full access to the spa on weekdays.

Inn on Woodlake

Modern and elegant Inn on Woodlake is perfect for groups with multi-bedroom apartments and a prime location on Lake Wood, just a brief walk to shops and restaurants.

Kohler cabin collection

For those looking for a more off-the-grid experience, Kohler has five unique cottages to choose from, ranging from 100-year-old rustic Tomczyk Cabin (where there is no running water or electricity) to more sophisticated ones Chata Stawowa.

The best things to do in Kohler

Visit the Art Reserve.

With gigantic wooden beams reaching towards the sky, entering into Art Reserve I feel like I’ve entered the forest. The three-story facility features a collection of immersive “environments built by artists” According to curator Laura Bickford, the term was coined by the museum to describe a situation in which an artist completely transforms their homes, studios or yards into a total work of art. These environments were retrieved from their original locations and preserved in the museum. “We are the only museum in the world dedicated to preserving and exhibiting this type of work,” Bickford said

Even bathrooms are works of art – and not just because of their top-notch Kohler features. Artists were commissioned to create enchanting works of art in the center’s restrooms, and each one is different, so it’s worth popping into a few to see them.

The Art Preserve is one of two art museums in the Kohler area; the second one is John Michael Kohler Center for the Artswhich owns the Art Reserve but hosts various changing exhibitions and events.

Get inspired at the Kohler Design Center.

My favorite place from childhood, that is Kohler Design Center it resembles the Disneyland of bathroom and kitchen showrooms. This three-story building has everything you need to create your dream bathroom or kitchen. The lower level is a museum presenting the history of Kohler, on the ground floor the latest products are presented, and on the top floor there are model bathrooms designed by celebrated interior designers, including: Samuel Amoiah AND Justyna Blakeny. Designers are also available to assist visitors with the bathroom design process, which is perfect for people who come to Kohler looking for design inspiration.

Explore river wildlife.

River wildlife is a private recreation area at Kohler reserved exclusively for resort guests with purchased passes and members. It includes 500 acres of protected wilderness, including five miles of the Sheboygan River. Depending on the season, there are many activities to choose from, including hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, pheasant hunting and kayaking. There is also an exclusive restaurant on site.

Play golf.

Kohler is known all over the world for its products golf courses — according to them, it is home to four of the top 100 public golf courses in the US Golf review — and hosted PGA tournaments and even a Ryder Cup. Perhaps the most celebrated is The Straits, one of two dishes at Whistling Straits. The course runs two miles along the shores of Lake Michigan and was designed by famed course architect Pete Dye. Once they have played the courses at Whistling Straits, visitors should check out the three courses at Black Wolf Run.

Relax at the Kohler Waters Spa.

After a day exploring Kohler, one of the best things to do is visit the Kohler Waters Spa. This spa is the only one Five-star spa according to Forbes magazine in Wisconsin. It offers a wide range of treatments, including unique hydrotherapy options using Kohler products, such as the Lavender Rain treatment using the Kohler Custom Vichy shower.

Where to eat and drink in Kohler

Immigrant Restaurant

This Great restaurant Its themes pay tribute to the early settlers of Wisconsin, including immigrants from France, the Netherlands, England, Denmark and Germany. The German Room, where I dined, resembled an elegant hunting lodge with affluent green walls and an aesthetic of historic maximalism. Guests can choose from a la carte or a five-course tasting menu (vegan and vegetarian options available).

River Wildlife Restaurant

Like the rest of the River Wildlife estate, restaurant is reserved specifically for members and guests of the center who have purchased passes. Tucked away along a wooded path, this charming, rustic restaurant serves upscale dishes such as breaded walleye and baked portabella mushroom panini.

Greenhouse

Located in the courtyard of The American Club, this café offers a wide selection of tasty dishes such as freshly baked lavender and apricot scones, blueberry cheese trifles, as well as coffee and ice cream. Although the food is good, you can’t beat the atmosphere. Greenhouse it’s actually an ancient solarium from England that was carefully assembled during the original renovation of the American Club. Here you can enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the stunning stained glass windows and diverse plant life.

Tavern on Woodlake

A favorite of both residents and guests Tavern on Woodlake provides a great, casual place for a quick snack. Overlooking Wood Lake, this restaurant specializes in wood-fired dishes and classics, including a prosciutto and fig pizza and a wood-fired salmon BLT.