Almost 40 years ago, many people scoffed at the late Herb Kohler’s ambitious vision to turn his family’s namesake resort into a world-class golf destination. Today, with four championship-caliber routings to its name—not to mention a dynamic, Golden Age-inspired short course and a tech-forward indoor golf facility—Kohler, Wisconsin is exactly that. The resort has also hosted six major championships and, in 2021, a memorable Ryder Cup that was dominated by the Americans.

Yet, there’s more to this sprawling resort set along the western shores of Lake Michigan than just golf. In fact, a bevy of recent enhancements and soon-to-open amenities positions Kohler, Wisconsin as an even more diverse destination that truly offers something for everyone.

“This next chapter in Kohler, Wisconsin’s evolution reflects our ongoing commitment to creating dynamic, memorable experiences for our guests,” says Stephen Beaumont, the resort’s president of hospitality. “We’re introducing spaces for guests and local residents that integrate wellness, community, and connection, while honoring our resort’s rich legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and hospitality.”

All Forms of Wellness

When it opens, Purebred Farm, the resort’s newest golf venue, will offer proof that good things come in small packages. Covering an intimate 47 acres, the 14-hole course is set to boast a mix of par 3s, par 4s, and par 5s, all of which have been designed to evoke Golden Age architectural ideals. Showcasing the region’s natural prairie and river valley landscapes, the course—conceptualized and built by King Collins Dromer Golf Course Design—will also embrace the game’s roots. In other words, the multi-loop layout is planned to be walking-only. But it’s layout, length, and architectural features will also accommodate novice players while still engaging golfers with more advanced abilities.

“Purebred Farm represents our continued dedication to providing exceptional golf experiences that are welcoming, flexible, and rooted in the joy of walking through nature,” says Mike O’Reilly, the general manager of Kohler Golf. “The course is designed to encourage more people to experience the land through golf while providing the creativity and challenge that avid golfers seek. We believe it will become a compelling addition to the overall Kohler Golf experience and a destination in its own right.”

Games remain a focal point for other developments at the resort, too. Most notably, Kohler, Wisconsin is leaning into forecasts that predict the global sports tourism market will surpass $1.8 trillion in less than five years’ time. At the same time, the resort is also leveraging one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. You guessed it, pickleball.

The Serve, which is slated to open in September, is a multifaceted sports venue equipped with six, indoor pickleball courts, two heated outdoor platform tennis courts, and an elevated social lounge. Capable of hosting tournaments, the venue will most importantly serve as a year-round hub where resort guests and community residents can get their racquet fix.

Kohler, Wisconsin’s new sports and recreation venues are rightfully attracting lion’s share of attention; however, the resort is investing in other wellness amenities, too. Earlier this year, The Carriage House—Kohler, Wisconsin’s wellness-focused lodging directly connected to the Kohler Waters Spa—reopened follow an extensive renovation that refreshed all 55 guestrooms and common areas. The initiative introduced to the boutique hotel custom furnishing, curated artwork, brighter color palettes, and—as you might expect—lavishly equipped bathrooms.

Community Connections

Earlier this year, Big Joe’s Fuel & Go reopened in downtown Kohler. At first glance, the renovation of a gas and convenience store might not seem like a big deal; but Big Joe’s is more than that. In the eyes of the resort’s movers and shakers, the service station is not only a reflection of the town’s spirit (and a place of connection), but a tribute to the late Joe Wolf, one of the state’s most decorated basketball players, who grew up in Kohler.

According to Nina Kohler, the visionary behind Big Joe’s transformation (and a brand consultant to Kohler Co.), the goal of the renovation was to once again turn the space into a cornerstone within the community. “A place that effuses warmth, welcome, and connection,” she says. “We believe Joe would love the space—welcoming every visitor to the village, friends old and new, a place to exchange stories and make one another feel at home.”

Investments in the community were additionally made at Woodlake Market, less than a 5-minute walk away. After almost a year-long transformation, the market reopened in July, in the process exemplifying the resort’s commitment to creating dynamic spaces designed equally for resort guests and residents of the town.

As Beaumont sees it, the marketplace isn’t just a grocery store. Rather, it’s a destination where shoppers can discover something new. It’s a celebration of local artisans and purveyors, and it’s a place that prioritizes wellness, community, and, as he says, “the simple joy of exceptional food.”

“Woodlake Market is designed to elevate everyday rituals into moments worth savoring,” adds Nina Kohler, Kohler Hospitality’s strategy & design lead. “The market is the heartbeat of our community—a place where locals and guests gather for sustenance and, hopefully, a little discovery. We intentionally curated every detail to feed both body and soul, whether you’re stopping in for an espresso, sourcing ingredients for dinner, or uncovering a new local artisan”

Patrons will now have access to a bevy of premium provisions, artisanal snacks, fresh bakery selections, specialty beverages, and a comprehensive selection of Kohler Original Recipe Chocolates. Overall, more than 75 percent of the store’s offerings are now sourced from organic products. This includes a curated selection of artisan cheeses, most of which showcase the state’s longstanding cheesemaking heritage.

“Every decision here was guided by a single philosophy,” Nina Kohler says. “To find the magnificent in the mundane.”

And yet, a visit to Kohler, Wisconsin has never been mundane. Furthermore, the resort’s recent investments, along with its new developments, cement one undeniable truth: On the shores of Lake Michigan, just 50 miles north of Milwaukee, there’s a destination that can deliver something for everyone.

This email was produced in partnership with Kohler.