For most, the name Kohler instantly conjures images of gleaming faucets, elegant bathtubs, and beautifully designed sinks. But beyond kitchen and bath fixtures, Kohler represents something far more interesting—a legacy of design-driven innovation that includes a luxury travel destination in the heart of Wisconsin.
Just an hour north of Milwaukee (and two from Chicago), the Village of Kohler is a company town reimagined. Here, American industrial heritage meets high-end hospitality, complete with championship golf, cutting-edge wellness experiences, and a rich history preserved in world-class accommodations.
Founded in 1873 by Austrian immigrant John Michael Kohler, the Kohler Company began as a cast iron foundry producing farm implements before revolutionizing the American bathroom with its first enamel-coated cast-iron bathtub. “It was created from a horse trough,” said a historian as we toured the immersive exhibit at the Kohler Design Center. “His vision was to bring plumbing indoors.”
The tour highlighted the company’s ongoing legacy of innovation—from a 1920s dishwasher (initially dubbed the “electric sink”) to the Kohler Habitat, a 1970s sauna-like contraption that simulated outdoor conditions with a blend of sun, steam, rain, and sound. That spirit of innovation continues today with Kohler’s WasteLAB, which seeks to “reuse, rethink, and repurpose” industrial waste into sustainable design. This ethos also informs their wellness-forward product lines, including cold plunge tubs and saunas—available for residential purchase beginning in fall 2025.
At the heart of the Kohler hospitality experience is The American Club, a stately Tudor-style building that once housed immigrant factory workers in the early 20th century. Restored and transformed in the 1980s into a luxury resort, it now holds Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond honors. In addition to over 200 guest rooms, the building houses a variety of restaurants, ranging from casual to fine dining.
Just across the street, the Kohler Waters Spa offers guests a first-class wellness experience while showcasing some of the company’s products including KLAFS saunas, which Kohler acquired in 2024. While innovation defines Kohler’s DNA, personal electronics are notably absent in the spa. “We want guests to be present and disconnect for the time they are with us,” said Ashley Kohler, great-granddaughter of the founder and head of wellness for the property. “We also want to create a peaceful and private environment where visitors aren’t sharing videos and photos.”
This policy is supported by design choices—USB charging ports tucked into lockers, pocketless robes that dissuade guests from trying to sneak in a phone. The result is a sanctuary that genuinely prioritizes restoration over stimulation.
No visit to Kohler is complete without stepping onto one of its world-renowned golf courses. The most famous, Whistling Straits, opened in 1998 along Lake Michigan’s rugged shoreline and has hosted three PGA Championships and the 2021 Ryder Cup. For those seeking a less challenging experience, the appropriately named ‘Baths’ course offers a fun and flexible nine-hole par-3 track and an 18-hole putting course. To enhance the experience, guests can even opt to use a set of vintage hickory clubs. The addition of golf was the brainchild of Herb Kohler, the late executive chairman, who saw them as an additional way to draw visitors to the village.
Walking the property, it’s clear that Kohler’s identity is still grounded in making beautiful things. Scattered throughout the many walking trails are striking cast-iron sculptures, the result of an innovative artist residency program that gives creatives access to materials and manufacturing. The program fosters experimentation, giving artists access to industrial tools while offering Kohler’s engineers a view into new ways of thinking.
Whether you’re drawn to Kohler for golf, wellness, or simply to witness the story of a company that turned craft into culture, the experience leaves a lasting impression. This name may still be synonymous with toilets and sinks—but after a few days immersed in its beautifully orchestrated landscape, I came away thinking of something much more.
