25 American Towns Where People Live Like They're in Europe

24. Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin: A Bavarian Lakeside Retreat

With its crystal-clear waters, tree-lined streets, and chalet-inspired inns, Elkhart Lake feels like a lakeside Bavarian retreat hidden in the American Midwest. The town’s rich German heritage is woven into its identity—from its traditional beer gardens and European-style spas to its vibrant festivals that echo Oktoberfest and Maifest celebrations. Historic resorts, like The Osthoff, bring old-world grandeur to the shores of the lake, offering guests spa treatments, gourmet dining, and afternoon tea beneath carved wooden beams. Outdoor enthusiasts will find hiking and cycling trails that wind around the lake and through rolling countryside, evoking the pastoral calm of southern Germany. In summer, the lake becomes a scene of paddle boating, wine tastings, and leisurely strolls; in fall, it transforms into a canopy of autumn color. Elkhart Lake is a tranquil escape where Alpine serenity meets Midwestern hospitality, all set to the gentle rhythm of waves and accordion tunes.