Editing Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name            = Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
|settlement_type          = [[Village (United States)|Village]]
|nickname                 = 
|motto                    =

<!-- Images -->
|image_skyline            = 
|imagesize                = 
|image_caption            = Elkhart Lake Shoreline
|image_flag               = 
|image_seal               =

<!-- Maps -->
|image_map                = File:Sheboygan County Wisconsin Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Elkhart Lake Highlighted.svg
|mapsize                  = 250px
|map_caption              = Location of Elkhart Lake in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin.
|image_map1               = 
|mapsize1                 = 
|map_caption1             =

<!-- Location -->
|subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name         = {{flag|United States}}
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = {{flag|Wisconsin}}
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Wisconsin|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Sheboygan County, Wisconsin|Sheboygan]]

<!-- Government -->
|government_footnotes     = 
|government_type          = 
|leader_title             = 
|leader_name              = 
|leader_title1            = 
|leader_name1             = 
|established_title        = 
|established_date         =

<!-- Area -->
|unit_pref                = Imperial
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_55.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
|area_magnitude           = 
|area_total_km2           = 3.34
|area_land_km2            = 3.32
|area_water_km2           = 0.02
|area_total_sq_mi         = 1.29
|area_land_sq_mi          = 1.28
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.01

<!-- Population -->
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_est           = 
|pop_est_as_of            =
|population_footnotes     = <ref name ="wwwcensusgov"/>
|population_total         = 941
|population_density_km2   = auto
|population_density_sq_mi = auto

<!-- General information -->
|timezone                 = [[North American Central Time Zone|Central (CST)]]
|utc_offset               = -6
|timezone_DST             = CDT
|utc_offset_DST           = -5
|elevation_footnotes      = <ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=October 25, 2007}}</ref>
|elevation_m              = 289
|elevation_ft             = 948
|coordinates              = {{coord|43|49|55|N|88|1|3|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
|postal_code_type         = 
|postal_code              = 
|area_code                = [[Area code 920|920]]  
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 55-23275<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref>
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info              = 1584500<ref name="GR3" />
|website                  = [http://www.elkhartlakewi.gov www.elkhartlakewi.gov]
|footnotes                = 
|pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2019CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse"/>
}}
'''Elkhart Lake''' is a [[village]] in northwestern [[Sheboygan County, Wisconsin]], United States. The population was 941 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]].<ref name="Census 2020">{{cite web|url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Elkhart_Lake_village,_Wisconsin?g=160XX00US5523275 |title=Elkhart Lake village, Wisconsin | publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |accessdate=June 30, 2024 }}</ref> It is located within the [[Rhine, Wisconsin|Town of Rhine]] and is included in the [[Sheboygan, Wisconsin]] [[metropolitan area]]. Elkhart Lake may be best known for hosting road races on public county roads during the 1950s,<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=yNwDAAAAMBAJ&dq=1954+Popular+Mechanics+January&pg=PA153 "Cars Take Over the Town."] ''Popular Mechanics'', March 1952, pp. 153-157.</ref> later moving to a dedicated race track called [[Road America]], which is located a few miles south of the village.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.roadamerica.com/|title= Road America |publisher= Road America |access-date= May 21, 2014}}</ref>

==History==
The area was first inhabited by the [[Potawatomi|Potawatomi Indians]] and they named the area “Me-shay-way-odeh-ni-bis”, or Great Elk Heart Lake, because the lake resembles an [[elk]]'s heart.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ | title=The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States | publisher=Govt. Print. Off. | author=Gannett, Henry | year=1905 | pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ/page/n116 117]}}</ref> Few people traveled to the area until the 1860s when the Mississippi Railroad came to [[Glenbeulah, Wisconsin|Glenbeulah]], making it possible for them to take a stagecoach the rest of the way to Elkhart. In 1872 the [[Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad|Milwaukee and Northern Railroad]] came into Elkhart and brought more travelers.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.elkhartlake.com/media-room/history-legends-of-the-lake/|title= History-Legends |publisher= Wisconsin’s Elkhart Lake |access-date= May 21, 2014}}</ref> The area was incorporated as Elkhart Lake in 1894.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.city-data.com/city/Elkhart-Lake-Wisconsin.html|title= Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin|publisher= City-Data.com |access-date= May 21, 2014}}</ref>

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the village has a total area of {{convert|1.29|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which, {{convert|1.28|sqmi|sqkm|2}} of it is land and {{convert|0.01|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web |title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=November 18, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125061959/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=January 25, 2012 }}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1900= 464
|1910= 499
|1920= 527
|1930= 571
|1940= 571
|1950= 587
|1960= 651
|1970= 787
|1980= 1054
|1990= 1019
|2000= 1021
|2010= 967
|2020= 941
|estyear=
|estimate=
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2019CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2019.html|date=May 24, 2020|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 27, 2020}}</ref>
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
}}

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=November 18, 2012}}</ref> of 2010, there were 967 people, 457 households, and 286 families living in the village. The [[population density]] was {{convert|755.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 706 housing units at an average density of {{convert|551.6|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the village was 97.7% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.2% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.9% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.8% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 0.3% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.7% of the population.

There were 457 households, of which 18.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.7% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.4% were non-families. 28.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.12 and the average family size was 2.58.

The median age in the village was 48.9 years. 15.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.7% were from 25 to 44; 34.7% were from 45 to 64; and 21.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 50.4% male and 49.6% female.

===2000 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 1,021 people, 436 households, and 292 families living in the village. The [[population density]] was 790.5 people per square mile (305.6/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 599 housing units at an average density of 463.8 per square mile (179.3/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the village was 98.73% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.10% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.39% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.78% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.08% of the population.

There were 436 households, out of which 23.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.6% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 5.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.0% were non-families. 26.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.75.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 18.0% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 31.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $56,538, and the median income for a family was $60,694. Males had a median income of $37,708 versus $26,776 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the village was $27,873. About 0.7% of families and 2.3% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 1.1% of those under age 18 and 2.1% of those age 65 or over.

==Economy==
===Racing===
[[Image:ElkhartLakeWisconsin1951 2RoadAmericaStartFinishLineKettleMoraineScenicDrive2010.jpg|thumb|The site of the 1951 and 1952 start/finish line.]]

Racing at Elkhart Lake dates back to the 1950s. The very first races were held on July 23, 1950, on a 3.35 mile road circuit north of the lake. These first races were very successful for the time, drawing a crowd of over 5,000. Races were originally held on a street circuit that ran around the Lake with the start/finish line in the village. In 1951 and 1952, races were held on a new 6.5 mile circuit that circumvented the Lake. The 1951 races drew an estimated crowd of 50,000 spectators and the 1952 races saw an estimated crowd of over 100,000 people.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.historicracecircuits.com/race_history.html |title=A Brief History of Open Road Racing in Elkhart Lake |access-date=December 19, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100610033255/http://www.historicracecircuits.com/race_history.html |archive-date=June 10, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The 1952 races would be the last races held on the open road circuit. Three years later, a new, specially designed track was built south of the village. [[Road America]] was built in 1955 with the first racing being held on September 10 & 11, 1955.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadamerica.com/aboutus/History.asp |title=The History of Road America |access-date=December 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128132018/http://roadamerica.com/aboutus/History.asp |archive-date=November 28, 2010 }}</ref> Each year, Road America holds over 425 events, one of the most popular being the [[Kohler International Challenge]] in July. The economic impact from the track, its events, and visitors is estimated at $70 million annually.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.elkhartlake.com/things-to-do/motorsports/ |title=Thing to do in Elkhart Lake |access-date=December 19, 2010}}</ref>

==Arts and culture==

===Annual cultural events===
[[Image:Road & Track Concours d'Elegance.jpg|thumb|right|Crowd on Lake Street at the 2010 ''Road & Track'' Concours d'Elegance.]]
Every July, during the [[Kohler International Challenge]], ''[[Road & Track]]'' holds a [[race car]] [[Concours d'Elegance]] in the village. This draws a large crowd as people line the streets from [[Road America]] to the shore of Elkhart Lake watching the cars drive past on their way to downtown Elkhart Lake. The cars park in the streets of Elkhart Lake, mainly on Lake Street, where curious visitors, car enthusiasts, and other racers alike walk up and down the streets looking at the cars.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.elkhartlake.com/2010/06/21/concours-d-elegance-july-16-17/ |title=Councours d'Elegance |date=June 21, 2010 |access-date=December 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100721222822/http://www.elkhartlake.com/2010/06/21/concours-d-elegance-july-16-17/ |archive-date=July 21, 2010 }}</ref> As the concourse comes to a close, ''Road & Track'' announces the winner of various awards including the best-looking car award. The cars return to the track around 7:30 pm, just before the sun sets because many of the cars do not have headlights.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.elkhartlake.com/elkhart_lake_calendar/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=62190 |title=Road & Track Concourse d'Elegance |date=June 30, 2010 |access-date=December 19, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710184507/http://www.elkhartlake.com/elkhart_lake_calendar/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=62190 |archive-date=July 10, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Jazz on the Vine is an annual festival held in May. Jazz musicians from all over the United States come to the festival to perform.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.elkhartlake.com/elkhart_lake_calendar/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=96180|title= Jazz on the Vine|publisher= Wisconsin’s Elkhart Lake|access-date= May 21, 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140521222333/http://www.elkhartlake.com/elkhart_lake_calendar/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=96180|archive-date= May 21, 2014|url-status= dead}}</ref>

===Tourism===
There are several museums in Elkhart Lake, including the Elkhart Lake Depot Museum and Henschel's Indian Museum. The Elkhart Lake Depot Museum is a century-old railroad station that has original depot furnishings and local memorabilia.<ref>{{cite web|url=  http://www.travelwisconsin.com/history-heritage/elkhart-lake-historic-depot-museum-203555|title=Elkhart Lake Historic Depot Museum|publisher= Travel Wisconsin.com|access-date= May 21, 2014}}</ref> Henschel's Indian Museum is located on an archaeological dig site and has a collection of Indian copper, pottery and artifacts that date back to 8,000 BC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.henschelsindianmuseumandtroutfarm.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208054754/http://henschelsindianmuseumandtroutfarm.com/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=February 8, 2011|title=Henschel's Indian Museum|publisher= Henschel’s Indian Museum|access-date= May 21, 2014}}</ref><ref name="Attractions">{{cite web|url= http://www.elkhartlake.com/things-to-do/attractions/#|title= Attractions|publisher= Wisconsin’s Elkhart Lake |access-date= May 21, 2014}}</ref>

==Parks and recreation==
Two parks in the area are Broughton Sheboygan Marsh Park and Fireman's Park and Swimming Beach.  Broughton Sheboygan Marsh Park has campsites, fishing, picnic and camping areas and access to a snowmobile trail system. Fireman's Park and Swimming Beach is a seasonal sand beach.<ref name="Attractions"/>

==Education==

===Primary and secondary schools===
Elkhart Lake is served by the [[Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah School District]]. Schools in the district include Elkhart Lake Elementary/Middle School and [[Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah High School]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.greatschools.org/wisconsin/elkhart-lake/Elkhart-Lake_Glenbeulah-School-District/schools/|title= Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah School District Schools
|publisher= GreatSchools Inc. |access-date= May 21, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://elgs.k12.wi.us/mshome.html#c |title= Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah School District |publisher= Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah School District |access-date= May 21, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140521233642/http://elgs.k12.wi.us/mshome.html#c |archive-date= May 21, 2014 |url-status= dead }}</ref>

===Public libraries===
The Elkhart Lake Public Library was established in 1906 and was originally located in an old hotel. The library serves Elkhart Lake and several communities in the area.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.elkhartlake.com/village/library-3/|title= Library
|publisher= Wisconsin’s Elkhart Lake |access-date= May 21, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.elkhartlakepubliclibrary.org/|title= Elkhart Lake Public Library|publisher= Elkhart Lake Public Library |access-date= May 21, 2014}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==

===Transportation===
Elkhart Lake is located approximately one mile southeast of the northern terminus of the [[Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive]]. The Scenic Drive was part of the road racing circuit used in the 1950s. [[Wisconsin Highway 67]] runs north/south through the city. Secondary routes include County Highway A from the northeast. County Highway J runs concurrent with the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive through the city. They enter the city from the northwest, run north/south through the center of the city, and exit to the southwest.

==Notable people==<!--consensus reached to standardize this heading per WP:WikiProject Cities/US Guideline -->
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* [[Leonard Bloomfield]], linguist, spent part of his childhood in Elkhart Lake
* [[Patrick Geraghty]], farmer, schoolteacher and legislator
* [[Nicolas Hammann]], racing driver
* [[Otto A. La Budde]], businessman, legislator, and president of the village of Elkhart Lake.
* [[Francis E. McGovern]],  22nd Governor of Wisconsin, born in Elkhart Lake<ref>{{cite book|last=Legislative Reference Bureau|title=The State of Wisconsin Blue Book|date=1981|publisher=Legislative Reference Bureau|page=697|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5-4fAQAAMAAJ&q=francis+e.+mcgovern+Elkhart+Lake%2C+Wisconsin&pg=PA697}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==Further reading==
* ''"A Photographic History of Elkhart Lake"'' by Peter Laun, published by Sun Graphics, 2002.

==External links==
{{Commons category|Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin}}
* [http://www.elkhartlakewi.gov Village of Elkhart Lake]
* [http://www.elkhartlake.com Elkhart Lake Chamber of Commerce]

{{Sheboygan County, Wisconsin}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Villages in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Villages in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:1894 establishments in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1894]]