Sheboygan Falls/Kohler - Sheboygan Falls, WI

Colonel Silas Stedman founded Sheboygan Falls in 1835, but with the original name of Rochester. Steadman took inspiration from the confluence of rivers and waterfalls in the area to build the Stedman Sawmill along the Sheboygan River, and several prominent furniture and lumber companies soon followed. Sheboygan Falls officially became a city in 1913.

Preservation efforts in the Sheboygan Falls Historic Downtown District allows this area to endure as an open-air museum of architectural styles dating from the 1840s through the early 20th century. The National Register of Historic Places honored the downtown district in 1984.

The Annual Ducktona 500 Family Festival and Car Show features more than 1,000 plastic ducks racing along the Sheboygan River for cash prizes. Along with a classic car show, a pie eating contest and live entertainment, this July party is ideal for both kids and adults alike.

Sheboygan Falls and Kohler offer a broad spectrum of high-class and sophisticated restaurants along with trendy diners and concept kitchens. The Sheboygan Falls Historic Downtown District hosts a variety of eclectic culinary events, while classy supper clubs and resorts abound in the expansive countryside.

Showcasing the pinnacle of rustic elegance, The Blind Horse Restaurant & Winery serves as a celebration of eastern Wisconsin's historic harvest, introducing visitors to a blend of fresh ingredients and Executive Chef Marco Rossi's creativity. Located in a 130-year-old brick farmhouse on Superior Avenue in Kohler, this restaurant provides hearty Italian fare that takes advantage of regional fresh-caught fish, such as walleye and salmon. Pancetta-wrapped scallops are a favorite with the locals. An extensive wine list and helpful sommelliers provide ideal wine pairings to enhance any meal.

Many Wisconsin towns feature a kitchen that specializes in fresh homemade soups and innovative sandwiches. For Sheboygan Falls and Kohler residents, Bread & Bean Eatery endures as the neighborhood lunch and dinner hot spot. Daily specials keep the menu fresh and interesting, but local favorites such as Germantown pork schnitzel for dinner or the Bavarian burrito for lunch are always available.

Firehouse Pizza on Maple Street remains as the local hangout since 1987. Crowds pack this restaurant on the weekends to enjoy specialty pizzas and the casual atmosphere within an elegant historic restoration building. Whether diners eat in, pick up or call for a delivery, visitors enjoy the mouth-burning signature Barn Burner pizza. Those with specific tastes can build a pizza from an assortment of local and imported ingredients.

Nightlife in Sheboygan Falls and Kohler is pretty quiet, but the classic Wisconsin beer culture is evident at several of the pubs in the historic center or at any of the biker bars on the outskirts of town. Nearby Sheboygan offers party-goers and young adults a more lively scene. When looking for a place to enjoy a drink and watch a Packers game, The Other Place Pub & Eatery provides a traditional bar and substantial seating for visiting with old and new friends. The Winery Bar at the acclaimed American Club Resort serves a discerning crowd of older customers as well as tourists from Chicago. More than 500 wine selections and 40 award-winning Wisconsin cheeses are on the menu in this comfortable, European-style lounge.

A wide assortment of rural county roads and highways provide scenic and convenient access throughout the Sheboygan Falls and Kohler area, where a lack of traffic congestion provides comfortable work commutes and weekend trips. Wisconsin State Highway 23 and I-43 connect residents with Sheboygan city to the east and Manitowoc to the north. Taking I-43 south to downtown Milwaukee takes about an hour. Wisconsin Highway 32 cuts through the heart of Sheboygan Falls with a north-south route that runs from the Illinois border all the way to Wisconsin-Michigan border in the north.

Travel by car remains the most common way for residents to get around, whether for work commutes or daily errands. Free parking is available on virtually all city streets, but drivers must pay attention to time limits and snow removal regulations to avoid a ticket. Despite a lack of bike lanes, small town traffic and wide city streets also promote a safe atmosphere for bikers. Instead of bicycling along the highways for longer trips between Kohler, Sheboygan Falls and Sheboygan, many cyclists enjoy a safe and scenic trip along the Old Plank Road Trail, located parallel to State Highway 23.

Walking throughout these small Wisconsin cities remains quite reasonable. It only takes about an hour to reach the Sheboygan Falls center by foot from the city's outskirts. All Star Taxi and Independent Cab provide taxi service in Sheboygan, which makes pre-arranged pick-ups in Sheboygan Falls and Kohler quite expensive. Uber's ride share service is not available in the area.

Route 20 on the Shoreline Metro services Kohler and Sheboygan Falls Monday through Friday. Riders can catch this bus on the corner of Monroe and Broadway in Sheboygan Falls five times a day, connecting residents with downtown Sheboygan in less than an hour. The Route 20 Express stops in Sheboygan Falls at 5:50 AM and arrives at downtown Sheboygan around 6:15 AM, ideal for environmentally-friendly work commutes to the larger city.

With miles of scenic countryside surrounding a recreational culture based on river and environmental conservation, Sheboygan Falls and Kohler lies in the middle of Wisconsin's natural splendor.

The Sheboygan River promotes endless water-based activity in the summer, but patches of open water and thin ice make this river quite dangerous for skaters. The lagoon within River Park offers a safer venue for ice skating. On the first Sunday in July, River Park also hosts the annual Ducktona 500 Family Festival & Car Show. This is an all-day family event that features a pancake breakfast in the morning, Kiddie Big Wheel Races at noon, and the duck race and antique car show in the afternoon. Local sponsors allow for free admission.

River and Settlers Park, located along the Sheboygan River, offer picturesque views of the river and numerous recreational opportunities. Visitors enjoy tennis and baseball at River Park, while walkers like a serene stroll through the lighted walking paths at Settlers Park.

The Sheboygan Falls Bark Park, behind the baseball diamond at Rochester Park, provides a fenced-in area ideal for energetic dogs to run and socialize with others. There are cookouts and dog-centric events sponsored by A Dog's Life Social Club throughout the year.

Life in Sheboygan Falls and Kohler carry a fairly low cost of living, where residents expect common staples and entertainment to cost less than Wisconsin averages. A typical one-bedroom apartment in the area rents for about $692 a month.

Traveling to the Sheboygan city center on Shoreline Metro costs about $1.75, which includes a free single-use transfer ticket upon request. Gas is about 8 percent lower than national averages. Beer aficionados expect to pay about $3 to $4 for a pint of beer at local pubs.

The Sheboygan Falls Historic Downtown District combines the beauty of 19th century architecture with an eclectic shopping scene that offers specialty boutiques and convenient chains. For both Kohler and Sheboygan Falls residents, this district caters to the area's shopping needs.

Taking inspiration from the colors and natural beauty of Door County, Eccentricities Home Decor & Gifts carries a wide variety of antique treasures and artisan crafts. Plaques and decor reminiscent of traditional Wisconsin farmhouses provide a rustic touch, while locally-produced scarves and winter gear contribute to the style of the area. This boutique is quite active with local events such as Main Street Memories and the citywide Ladies Night, both of which provide special offers and discounts for shoppers.

For general shopping needs catered to both adults and kids since 1936, Evans remains as Sheboygan County's premiere department store. Endless variety and massive floor space packed with unique gifts, home decor and thousands of miscellaneous items make browsing this store a fun-filled event. Informative and friendly staff help shoppers quickly find specific goods, including vintage and antique items.

Sheboygan Falls and Kohler residents typically buy kitchen staples at the Walmart Supercenter off I-43 and the Piggly Wiggly on Fond Du Lac Avenue. The Woodlake Market north of Kohler provides the area's most extensive selection of organic and locally grown products, artisanal cheeses and fresh seafood. For hungry shoppers, this market has a make-your-own pasta and pizza bar. Sheboygan Falls Farmers Market occurs every Saturday at River Park, introducing residents to local farmers, gardeners and artisans. Seasoned pretzels, strawberry lemonade and raspberry honey are just some of the items available in addition to farm fresh produce.