After a vibrant and nostalgic morning at the Harley-Davidson Museum, we said goodbye to Milwaukee with one last stop at the museum gift shop, where leather jackets, storied helmets, and keychains bearing the legendary logo competed for our attention. We boarded the bus with our hearts racing, ready to keep discovering Wisconsin.

Next Stop: Kohler
The drive took less than an hour, but the scenery gradually changed as we moved away from the city. We arrived at the elegant and serene Destination Kohler, a true oasis of wellness, nature, and sophistication.

Our first stop was the Whistling Straits clubhouse, an architectural gem perched along the shores of Lake Michigan. We paused for a quick coffee break overlooking one of the most spectacular golf courses in the United States. Designed by Pete and Alice Dye, Whistling Straits has hosted legendary tournaments such as the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup. As the wind swept in off the lake and made the flags dance, I couldn’t help but imagine the greats of golf battling it out among the dunes, bunkers, and the challenging lake breeze.

There, in the heart of it all, stands the majestic American Club — the only Forbes Five-Star resort in Wisconsin and a true icon of refined Midwest luxury. More than just a hotel, it’s a hub of experiences: world-class spas, gourmet dining, flawless design, and a historical legacy that lives in every corner. Every detail is designed for rest, inspiration, and pleasure. Even though our stop was brief, it was enough to sense that excellence lives in every detail here.

Kohler: From Factory Town to Luxury Destination
Visiting Kohler — this small, charming village in Wisconsin — was a true surprise. Not just for its elegance, its perfectly manicured gardens, or its aura of complete serenity, but because of the incredible story it tells: a community that grew from a factory and transformed into a world-class destination.

It all began in the late 19th century, when Austrian immigrant John Michael Kohler founded a cast iron factory in the region. In 1883, he had an idea that would forever change the future of the company — and the community: he took a cast iron bathtub, coated it in porcelain, and marketed it as a luxurious home item. That’s how Kohler Co. was born — today one of America’s most iconic brands for kitchen, bath, and interior design products.

But John Michael Kohler was not just a visionary in industrial design — he was also a pioneer in social innovation. He built a model community around the company, where workers could live with dignity, surrounded by nature, art, and essential services. That legacy of care and well-being is still alive today.

At the heart of the village stands The American Club, the luxurious hotel where we were lucky enough to stop. Originally built as a residence for immigrant workers at Kohler Co., the building has been fully restored and transformed into a Five-Star hotel. Today, it remains Wisconsin’s only resort with both Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond distinctions.

Walking through its dark wood-paneled halls, with plush carpets, curated art on every wall, and the faint scent of lavender, feels like stepping into another world. There’s history here — but also modern design, comfort, and a level of hospitality that’s truly exceptional. Each room is outfitted with Kohler’s hallmark quality: flawless fixtures, spa-worthy bathrooms, and an atmosphere of pure relaxation.

We had the chance to take a brief tour of the property, and it’s easy to see why it draws luxury travelers, elite golfers, and wellness lovers from around the globe. It is, without a doubt, one of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets.

From Kohler to Green Bay
Back on the road heading north, we passed green fields and small towns that added to the picturesque portrait of a peaceful, welcoming Wisconsin. Just after 5:30 p.m., we reached our final destination of the day: Green Bay.

Known for the Packers and its vibrant sports legacy, Green Bay greeted us with a lakeside breeze and a special kind of energy. We stayed at the modern Aloft Hotel, located along the Fox River in the Ashwaubenon district. Contemporary design, vibrant colors, and a laid-back vibe welcomed us to end this leg of the journey in style.