Attractions and Places To See around Elkhorn - Top 14

Elkhorn is surrounded by diverse natural landscapes. You can visit the Lauderdale Lakes (Green, Middle, and Mill Lakes) for boating, fishing, and water skiing, or explore the wooded trails at Petersen Island Woods Preserve. The Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest offers over 22,000 acres of hiking trails, glacial lakes, and wildlife. For a more relaxed experience, Elkhorn Lake in Babe Mann Park provides picnic areas and fishing spots, while Price Park Conservancy offers scenic nature trails.

Yes, Elkhorn offers several options for hiking and biking. The White River State Trail is a 19-mile path connecting Elkhorn to Burlington, perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Within Elkhorn, Babe Mann Park features hiking and biking trails around Elkhorn Lake. For more extensive options, the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest has numerous trails. Additionally, you can find various cycling routes around Elkhorn, such as those detailed in the Road Cycling Routes around Elkhorn guide or the Cycling around Elkhorn guide.

To delve into Elkhorn's history, visit the Webster House Museum. It showcases thousands of Civil War and Victorian-era artifacts, including a significant collection of waterfowl taxidermy. The Walworth County Historical Society also maintains the Doris M. Reinke Research Center and a Veterans Museum. You can find more information about the Walworth County Historical Society at visitlakegeneva.com.

Elkhorn offers several family-friendly attractions. Sunset Park features sledding hills and an accessible playground. The Walworth County Fairgrounds hosts the annual Walworth County Fair, a large event with animal shows and entertainment, and other family-oriented events like Ribfest. For a unique experience, the Apple Barn Orchard and Winery allows for apple picking, which can be fun for all ages.

Beyond the larger state forest, Elkhorn has several local green spaces. Courthouse Park (also known as Elkhorn's Downtown Square or Veterans Park) is a central hub for community events. Sunset Park offers recreational facilities including sledding hills. Hansen Preserve, just outside Elkhorn, provides open spaces along Sugar Creek for exploration. Elkhorn Lake in Babe Mann Park is another great spot for outdoor activities like fishing and canoeing.

Elkhorn is known as the 'Christmas Card Town' due to a tradition stemming from 1950s paintings depicting its holiday scenes. This tradition continues with local artists creating new works of historical landmarks. The city also has a charming downtown area with historic buildings, local shops, and a vintage feel. The Walworth County Fairgrounds hosts one of Wisconsin's largest county fairs, a significant cultural event.

Yes, Elkhorn's downtown area offers a charming experience with local shops and restaurants. For unique finds, the Elkhorn Antique Flea Market is held quarterly. For dining and drinks, Duesterbeck Brewing Company provides local brews and live music, while Friends on the Square is a popular spot for coffee, treats, and boutique shopping. Pezzini Farms & coffee is also a convenient stop for coffee and treats.

Elkhorn hosts several popular annual events. The Walworth County Fair, one of Wisconsin's largest county fairs, takes place each August at the Walworth County Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds also host Elkhorn Ribfest annually. Courthouse Park is a venue for various events throughout the year, including arts and crafts fairs and parades, especially during the festive Christmas season when it's beautifully lit.

Yes, there are options for golf enthusiasts. You can play a round at the Evergreen Golf Club or the Lauderdale Lakes Country Club, both offering opportunities to enjoy the sport in the Elkhorn area.

While not directly in Elkhorn, the Museum of Modern Art 🖼️ Moss Landing offers a unique experience. It features a motley assembly of found objects transformed into creative art pieces by octogenarian Glen Adams. This quirky museum provides a different kind of artistic exploration.

For quieter outdoor experiences, consider Zmudowski Beach 🏖️ State Park. This rarely visited beach is located behind tall dunes, offering long walks along the sea and past a small lake. Its remote nature makes it a peaceful escape. Hansen Preserve also provides open spaces for exploration away from more bustling areas.

Absolutely. The Salsipuedes-Pajaro River Cycleway offers an excellent bike trail along the Pajaro River from the dunes and beach to Watsonville, continuing along the Salsipuedes creek. Another great option is the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail to Castroville, a paved dedicated bike trail parallel to the highway, passing through artichoke fields.