My husband and I agreed early on that when one of us travels for work, the other will try to join whenever possible. When his conference brought him to Chicago during a school break, we took the opportunity to extend the trip north and visit The American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin — a place billed as “where village charm meets old‑world elegance.”
Yes, this is the Kohler behind the well‑known plumbing brand. Over three days, our family explored the history and character of this small, 5.63‑square‑mile town near Sheboygan, about two hours north of Chicago. What began in 1873 as a steel and fixture company employing many first‑generation immigrants has grown into a family‑run enterprise that still makes stylish kitchen and bath fixtures, cabinetry, tile, engines and generators — and that also operates notable golf courses, restaurants, resorts and spas.
The company’s hospitality offerings include several nearby lodging options, with the flagship property being The American Club. Built nearly a century ago across from the Kohler factory to house European immigrant workers, the hotel was dedicated in 1918 with founder Walter J. Kohler remarking that “a worker deserves not only wages but roses as well,” a nod to the garden‑filled site.
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, the hotel’s exterior retains its historic look while the interior received a thoughtful restoration and refurbishment in 1981. Inside, you’ll find oak paneling, stained glass, brass fixtures, tasteful furnishings and vintage photographs that reflect its past. The property is continually updated and offers modern amenities, many showcasing the latest Kohler Co. innovations.
Each guestroom honors a notable American, yet the bathrooms make clear this is no ordinary historic resort — they feature spa‑inspired showers, whirlpool tubs and premium fixtures bearing the Kohler name.
To explore the area, we used the resort’s complimentary shuttle that connects restaurants, recreation facilities, the Shops at Woodlake, the Sports Core and the three‑level Kohler Design Center. The Design Center offers a free, self‑guided look at Kohler past, present and future. Adjacent to it is the village’s indulgent centerpiece: the Carriage House and Kohler Waters Spa, Wisconsin’s only 5‑star spa.
The Carriage House is a 55‑room luxury option that continues the theme of honoring history — each room is named after a famous carriage. Sizes, styles and rates vary, with rooms starting around $350 a night. The Carriage House appeals to spa guests with its adults‑only policy (minimum age 16) and direct access to the Waters Spa, which makes it easy to remain in a robe and slippers throughout your stay. Breakfast, afternoon tea and evening refreshments are included, and the upper lounge serves light spa fare daily. Guests can take an elevator directly to treatment rooms or relax on a year‑round glass‑enclosed rooftop deck with a whirlpool, fireplace and lounge area.
While my husband and the kids headed to the Kohler Golf Academy for an indoor lesson, I carved out some time for the spa. The staff greeted me warmly and gave a quick orientation before escorting me downstairs to the dimly lit spa level and central relaxation pool. I sighed with relief when I saw the signature co‑ed 30‑foot mosaic‑tiled pool set among tumbled limestone and plush chaise lounges. A hand‑painted sky mural and the sound of an eight‑foot waterfall completed the calming scene — a clear reminder that Kohler knows how to craft a water experience.
The Kohler Custom Vichy Shower © Kohler
I toured the ladies’ respite room next, which included more deep lounge chairs, a water and fruit station, and a range of water therapies: a tiled whirlpool, a cool plunge pool, sauna, steam room and treatment showers. After an easy locker orientation, I took a glass of water and waited in the treatment lounge for my 80‑minute prenatal massage. The spa menu offers many options — from the Detox De’lite, featuring dry brushing, full‑body massage with warm and cool stones and detoxifying techniques, to Bamboo Contouring treatments that use the Kohler Custom Vichy Shower — but pregnancy limits some choices due to temperature concerns.
I chose a prenatal massage designed for expectant mothers. The treatment room featured a specially designed body pillow and soft classical music, along with a gentle in‑room waterfall. Vanessa, my therapist, used the Waters Spa Super‑Sensitive massage oil and tailored pressure for comfort. By the end of the session I felt noticeably lighter and more relaxed than I had in months. The treatment concluded with an Avocado Spritz, an aloe‑based mist that rehydrated and soothed my skin.
After a quiet period in the relaxation area to savor the post‑treatment calm, I met my family for lunch at Craverie Chocolatier Café, the resort’s French café–inspired bistro where sweet and savory items share the menu. We sampled handmade chocolates and a luscious raspberry ganache while enjoying the café’s cozy atmosphere. As I nibbled dessert, it struck me how Kohler manages to elevate every detail — from water features to dining and design — into an immersive experience.
Kohler Waters Spa at The American Club
501 Highland Drive
Kohler, WI 53044
tel 855 444 2838
americanclubresort.com