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Black Wolf Run — A Beautiful Beast You Only Need to Beat Once
August 6, 2026Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Introduction
Main Inn
Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, The American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin, is one of the Midwest's premier luxury resort destinations. Rich in history and renowned for its impeccable service, this Forbes Five-Star resort seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern luxury. Housed in a beautifully restored Tudor-style building surrounded by the iconic red brick Kohler factories, The American Club offers an experience unlike any other. Add in a world-class spa, championship golf, and exceptional dining, and it's easy to see why Kohler has become a bucket-list destination for golfers, spa enthusiasts, and couples seeking a luxurious weekend escape.
The story of Kohler is just as fascinating as the resort itself. Visionary industrialist John Michael Kohler envisioned more than just a manufacturing company—he wanted to build a thriving community that offered safe housing, education, recreation, and opportunity for his immigrant workforce. Originally constructed in 1918 as housing for those workers, The American Club served as a gathering place for dining, entertainment, and community life. Decades later, the historic building was meticulously restored and transformed into the luxury resort that welcomes guests from around the world today.
We visited Kohler for a long-awaited couples getaway, and it proved to be the perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure. We arrived on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon, giving us plenty of time to settle into the resort before the weekend's activities began. On Thursday, the guys made the trip to nearby Erin Hills to tackle another Top 100 golf course while we spent the day indulging in the incredible Kohler Waters Spa. The remainder of the weekend was devoted to Kohler's legendary golf, including rounds on the iconic Whistling Straits, the Irish Course, and Blackwolf Run's River and Meadow Valleys courses. By the end of the trip, we had experienced nearly everything that makes Kohler one of America's most celebrated luxury resort destinations.
Accomodations:
★★★★★
Stepping into The American Club feels like stepping back in time—only with all the comforts of modern luxury. The beautifully restored Tudor-style building embraces its rich history with dark wood-paneled ceilings, grand staircases, elegant Victorian furnishings, and an atmosphere that exudes timeless sophistication. From the moment you push open the heavy wooden doors, you're welcomed into a warm and inviting world where historic charm takes center stage.
Our Deluxe King Room perfectly complemented the resort's classic aesthetic. While the accommodations aren't flashy or ultra-modern, they are thoughtfully appointed with a cozy sitting area, luxurious bedding, plush bathrobes, premium bath amenities, and, fittingly, an incredible multi-head Kohler shower that serves as a reminder of the company's plumbing heritage.
What impressed me most wasn't just the room itself, but how well the entire property preserves its history without sacrificing comfort. Every hallway, lounge, and gathering space feels intentional, creating an authentic sense of place that many luxury resorts simply can't replicate. If you appreciate historic hotels with character and impeccable service, The American Club delivers a truly memorable stay.
Dining:
★★★★
One of the things I appreciated most about Kohler was the variety of dining experiences available throughout the resort. Complimentary shuttle service makes it easy to explore the different Kohler-owned properties, allowing you to enjoy everything from casual cafés to fine dining without ever needing to get back in your car.
The Greenhouse
Nestled in the courtyard of The American Club, The Greenhouse quickly became one of our favorite stops. This charming café serves gourmet coffee, fresh pastries baked daily on property, and handcrafted ice cream. Whether you're grabbing breakfast before a tee time or enjoying an afternoon pick-me-up, it's the perfect place to relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. The pastries were as beautiful as they were delicious, making it difficult to choose just one.
Taverne on Woodlake
Located at the Shops at Woodlake, just a short shuttle ride from The American Club, Taverne on Woodlake offers another convenient dining option. Although we didn't dine there during this visit, we had eaten there on a previous trip and found the experience fairly underwhelming. With so many excellent restaurants throughout the resort, this probably wouldn't be my first choice.
Blackwolf Run Restaurant
Situated inside the Blackwolf Run Golf Shop, this restaurant serves as a convenient stop between rounds. We enjoyed lunch here during one of our golf days, but unfortunately, it was one of the weaker dining experiences of the trip. Service was noticeably slow, and while the food was perfectly acceptable, it wasn't particularly memorable.
Whistling Straits Restaurant
Dining at Whistling Straits is about much more than the food—it's about the setting. Perched alongside one of America's most iconic golf courses overlooking Lake Michigan, the restaurant provides breathtaking views that become even more magical as evening falls.
Our dinner featured several well-prepared steak and seafood dishes, although the foie gras tarte with peanut butter was a surprisingly unusual combination that didn't quite work for me. Fortunately, any culinary shortcomings quickly faded into the background as bagpipers emerged at sunset, filling the air with traditional Scottish melodies while overlooking the Straits Course. It was one of those memorable travel moments that perfectly captures the spirit of Kohler.
The Whistling Straits Hot Dog Stand
Sometimes it's the simplest meals that leave the biggest impression. Every golf round includes your choice of a hot dog or bratwurst from the famous midway food cart, making for the perfect mid-round snack.
Doug has long insisted that an Uncrustable is the ultimate golf-course lunch, but after trying this hot dog, he may have officially changed his mind. According to him, it was quite possibly the best hot dog he's ever eaten—and that's saying something.
Horse & Plow
Located inside The American Club, Horse & Plow offers a warm and inviting English-style pub atmosphere that's perfect after a day on the golf course or at the spa. Whether you're looking for a local Wisconsin craft beer or a hearty dinner, this restaurant delivers.
The cheese curds are an absolute must-order—they're exactly what you'd hope for when visiting Wisconsin. Our sandwiches and fish entrées were equally satisfying, making this one of our favorite casual dining experiences at the resort.
Wisconsin Room
The Wisconsin Room serves as The American Club's primary breakfast venue before transforming into an elegant steakhouse each evening. We enjoyed breakfast here several mornings before returning for dinner, and it quickly became one of the culinary highlights of our stay.
The creative "Not So Lazy Susan" appetizer was a fun way to begin the meal. While the lobster bisque lacked the rich sherry cream flavor I typically expect and leaned a bit too heavily toward seafood, the entrées more than made up for it. The steaks were cooked beautifully, while the lamb and fresh fish were equally impressive.
The Immigrant Room
For guests seeking Kohler's signature fine dining experience, The Immigrant Room is the crown jewel of the resort. Tucked inside The American Club, the intimate stone-and-wood dining room evokes the feeling of an elegant European wine cellar, creating the perfect backdrop for a leisurely tasting menu.
Guests can choose either a five-course prix fixe menu or the chef's seven-course tasting menu, each available with expertly curated wine pairings. Naturally, we opted for the full seven-course experience.
The evening began with a playful amuse-bouche of crispy maple-glazed chicken skin paired with Champagne, setting an exciting tone for the meal. The standout dish of the evening followed shortly after—a silky white asparagus soup that was so beautifully balanced it remained my favorite course of the night.
Next came creamy corn grits topped with morel and porcini mushrooms, paired with a fascinating wine made from a rare grape varietal native to Mallorca. The seafood course featured a perfectly cooked scallop nestled atop sweet pea purée with crispy pork jowl, which may have been the single best bite of the evening. It was accompanied by an elegant Pinot Noir Champagne that reminded us of an aged Dom Pérignon.
Not every course reached those same heights. The focaccia bread service was unexpectedly disappointing, lacking the soft texture you'd hope for. The rabbit terrine felt somewhat muted in flavor, while the beautifully presented squab course—designed to resemble a forest floor with hen-of-the-woods mushrooms—was visually stunning but ultimately fell short due to the chewy texture of the meat.
Thankfully, dessert finished the evening on a high note. The imaginative "Pine" dessert showcased wonderfully fragrant juniper ice cream and paired beautifully with a classic Sauternes, providing a refined and memorable conclusion to an otherwise enjoyable dining experience.
While The Immigrant Room wasn't the best tasting menu I've experienced, it was still a worthwhile culinary experience and a fitting showcase for Kohler's commitment to elevated dining.
Golf:
★★★★★
If you're a golfer, Kohler is nothing short of paradise. The resort is home to four courses consistently ranked among the Top 100 Courses in America, headlined by the legendary Whistling Straits. Add in the recently opened short course, The Baths of Blackwolf Run, and another championship course currently under development, and it's easy to see why Kohler has become one of the country's premier golf destinations.
What makes golf at Kohler truly exceptional isn't just the impeccable course conditions—it's the setting. Every course offers a completely unique experience while showcasing the natural beauty of eastern Wisconsin. Fairways are meticulously maintained, greens roll beautifully, and the service rivals that of any luxury golf resort I've visited.
Of course, the undisputed star of the resort is Whistling Straits. Dramatically perched along the rugged shoreline of Lake Michigan, the course delivers breathtaking views from nearly every hole. Rolling dunes, windswept fescue, and the sound of crashing waves make you feel as though you're playing a seaside links course in Scotland rather than the Midwest. It's an unforgettable golf experience that deserves every bit of its worldwide reputation.
If you'd like a more detailed look at each of Kohler's courses, Blackwolf Run the River and the Meadows course, be sure to check out my individual course reviews here.
For a review of the Straits Course click here.
One of Kohler's biggest advantages is its proximity to another bucket-list golf destination—Erin Hills. Located about an hour away in Hartford, Wisconsin, Erin Hills is another Top 100 course that hosted the 2017 U.S. Open. While it offers a completely different style of golf than Whistling Straits, it's every bit as spectacular. The expansive rolling landscape, dramatic elevation changes, and championship-caliber layout make it one of the finest public golf courses in America.
If your itinerary allows, I highly recommend adding an extra day to experience Erin Hills. Combining these two legendary destinations makes for one of the greatest golf trips you can take in the United States. Click here to read my full review.
Spa:
★★★★★
Wow. Just...wow.
The Kohler Waters Spa isn't just the highlight of The American Club—it's one of the finest destination spas I've experienced anywhere in the country. Kohler has fully embraced its heritage as America's premier plumbing manufacturer, creating a four-story sanctuary where water is incorporated into nearly every aspect of the wellness experience. Whether you're visiting for a single massage or planning an entire spa day, give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the incredible amenities. Trust me—you won't want to rush.
Your experience begins the moment you check in with a warm eucalyptus-scented towel and a soothing passion fruit herbal tea before you're escorted to the luxurious locker rooms. Wrapped in a plush robe and comfortable spa sandals, your journey officially begins.
Just outside the locker rooms you'll discover a tranquil 90-degree hydrotherapy pool complete with cascading waterfalls designed to loosen tight muscles before your treatment. The gentle pressure of the falling water on your neck and shoulders is surprisingly therapeutic and instantly melts away any lingering stress. Surrounding the pool are several peaceful relaxation lounges where it's easy to lose track of time.
The lower level also features a Himalayan salt sauna, eucalyptus steam room, and a nine-foot-deep cold plunge that is definitely not for the faint of heart.
Upstairs, the relaxation continues with an outdoor rooftop terrace, indoor whirlpool, infrared sauna with red light therapy, and one of the spa's most unique experiences—the Ice Cave. After warming your muscles in the sauna or hot tub, you step into a chilled room where an ice fountain continuously produces fresh ice. Guests are encouraged to rub the ice over their bodies before leaning against a wall of solid ice, creating a refreshing contrast therapy experience designed to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
Simply put, you could spend an entire day exploring the spa without ever booking a treatment.
Of course, with such an extensive treatment menu, choosing the right service can feel overwhelming. During our visit, we sampled a wide variety of massages, body treatments, hydrotherapy experiences, and facials. Here's my honest take on each one.
Himalayan Salt Stone Massage ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This warming massage was an absolute favorite. Heated Himalayan salt stones gently melt away muscle tension while leaving you feeling incredibly relaxed. My friend declared it the best massage she has ever received, and based on how much she raved about it afterward, I'd say that's pretty high praise.
Deep Sleep Massage ⭐⭐⭐☆
I wanted to love this treatment, but I think it's important to set expectations correctly. Despite its name, this isn't what most people would consider a traditional massage.
The therapist uses very light pressure with slow, rhythmic movements focused primarily on the arms and legs, with only minimal attention given to the back. Deep breathing exercises are incorporated throughout the session, creating more of a mindfulness experience than muscle therapy. Ironically, being periodically awakened to participate in breathing exercises felt somewhat contradictory to the goal of achieving deep sleep.
While relaxing, I'd describe this as more of a calming body ritual than a therapeutic massage.
When Life Hands You Lemons ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Much like the Deep Sleep treatment, this service focuses more on relaxation than deep tissue work. The massage itself was gentle and featured luxurious citrus-infused products rather than intensive muscle therapy.
One thoughtful touch I absolutely loved was returning to find my fluffy robe warming in a heated cabinet. Stepping back into that warm robe after the treatment was pure bliss.
All Things Kohler Massage ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
If you're looking for a classic Swedish-style massage with a Kohler twist, this is an excellent choice. The treatment incorporates the spa's signature Hollyhock fragrance, creating a distinctly Kohler experience.
The massage itself was both relaxing and therapeutic. My only advice is to make sure you enjoy floral scents, as the Hollyhock aroma is present throughout the entire treatment.
Hydrotherapy Treatments: Lavender Rain & Citrus Reviver ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
These hydrotherapy treatments were among the most unique spa experiences I've ever had.
The easiest way to describe them? Imagine getting the world's most luxurious shower while lying comfortably on a heated massage table.
Each treatment begins with either an exfoliating scrub or body mask before a Vichy shower gently rinses everything away with multiple streams of warm water. It's an experience that few spas offer and one that's well worth trying at least once.
The only minor drawback is that you'll be asked to change positions several times during the treatment, making it slightly less meditative than a traditional massage. Even so, it's an unforgettable experience and one I would absolutely recommend.
Facials: Healing Waters Facial & Summer Soothing Facial ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Both facials were enjoyable and professionally performed, leaving our skin refreshed and hydrated.
That said, neither treatment particularly stood out among the many luxury spa facials we've experienced over the years. They're excellent if you're looking for a traditional facial, but they weren't quite as memorable as Kohler's exceptional water-focused treatments.
Abhyanga Body Treatment ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (My Favorite!)
If I could book just one treatment again, this would be it.
Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment that uses generous amounts of warm oil applied in long, rhythmic strokes from head to toe. The experience is deeply calming, almost meditative, and leaves your skin unbelievably soft.
For the 80-minute treatment, you'll also experience Shirodhara, where a continuous stream of warm oil gently flows across your forehead while receiving an incredible scalp massage. It sounds unusual, but it was one of the most relaxing experiences I've ever had in a spa.
Yes—you'll leave with oil in your hair.
Yes—you'll probably want a shower afterward.
And yes—I would absolutely book this treatment again without hesitation.
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Final Thoughts
Our long weekend at The American Club exceeded our expectations. Between the exceptional customer service, beautifully restored accommodations, award-winning Kohler Waters Spa, world-class dining, and some of the finest golf courses in the country, Kohler has created a luxury destination unlike any other in the Midwest.
While I wouldn't consider The American Club to be a family-focused resort, it is an outstanding choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway, friends planning an unforgettable golf trip, or anyone looking to indulge in a truly world-class spa retreat. The resort strikes a wonderful balance between historic elegance and modern luxury, making every part of the experience feel thoughtfully curated.
So, is The American Club worth the journey?
Without hesitation, my answer is yes. Whether you're checking Whistling Straits off your golf bucket list, escaping for a rejuvenating spa weekend, or simply looking to experience one of America's most iconic luxury resorts, The American Club delivers an experience that is well worth the trip. We left already talking about when we could come back—and I have a feeling this won't be our last visit to Kohler.
