Visitors head to Kohler, Wisconsin for a variety of reasons. Golfers enjoy the five courses and bragging rights after playing the famed Whistling Straits course, host of the 2021 Ryder Cup. Others go for wellness experiences at the Kohler Waters Spa, which debuted a complete renovation in September. The Design Center is the perfect place to plan kitchen and bathroom remodels with Kohler’s onsite designers. Many visitors choose Kohler’s lodging as a home base, as I did, for exploring Destination Kohler’s history, products, art, museums, and outdoor activities.
The Arsham Cabin, named for artist Daniel Arsham who designed the cabin’s furnishings, has collaborated with Kohler over several years. The cabin is a few miles from the town of Kohler, and following directions, I turned onto a gravel road with some uncertainty, but I was soon relieved to see a sign pointing the way. After another mile or so, the secluded cabin appeared, surrounded by pine trees and tall grasses, overlooking Lake Michigan. My home for two nights included a gorgeous kitchen, living room with the artist’s whimsical furniture, two luxurious bedrooms, and two bathrooms showcasing Arsham’s Landshapes collection, his latest designs for Kohler.
Courtesy of Kohler Co.
In addition to the Arsham Cabin, Kohler offers four other private cabins in beautiful locations, as well as the American Club Resort Hotel, a five-star hideaway with elegant rooms and superb dining. Guests can also stay at the nearby Carriage House or the Inn on Woodlake, with multi-bedroom suites. A dozen restaurants, from fine food to taverns and cafés, offer plenty of dining choices.
Arsham and Kohler’s Collaboration
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Arsham’s large-scale bronze sculptures can be seen throughout Destination Kohler, including on the golf courses, and the pieces range from a Pentax camera to an eroded Porsche 911 outside the Whistling Straits clubhouse. Venus de Milo overlooks Hole 17 on the Straits course, and a serene Melpomene rests on the lawn near the Design Center. Arsham’s designs are also on display in the golf shop through a collaboration with modern golf apparel maker, Malbon. His signature playful style adorns hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and golf accessories.
Before collaborating with Kohler on the Landshapes bathroom collection, Arsham worked with Kohler in the past, creating one-of-a-kind free-form vessel sinks. His new Landshapes collection, inspired by nature as its name suggests, includes mirrors, light fixtures, sinks, and cabinet accessories.
Courtesy of Kohler Co.
Kohler’s Commitment to Art
Art is as much a part of Kohler’s heritage as its colorful products and hospitality. At the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, current exhibitions focus on the 50th anniversary of the company’s Arts/Industry Program. Since 1974, hundreds of artists have participated in the residency program hosted by Kohler and founded by Ruth DeYoung Kohler. Each year, 12 artists are selected to work along with skilled craftspeople, six in Kohler’s foundry and six in the pottery area, with the opportunity to learn and create their art with Kohler’s materials, equipment, and technical expertise. Their art is on display at the Arts Center, as each artist leaves one piece for the collection.
At the John Michael Kohler Arts Center Art Preserve, a few miles away in a stunning hillside building, more than 35 artist-built environments display paintings, ceramics, wood carvings, sculpture, and unique works created by artists, many self-taught, and all with fascinating stories. I toured with the curator, and two hours wasn’t nearly enough time to see rooms from an artist’s actual house, covered floor to ceiling with glitter, hundreds of wood carved animals from a Civil War era traveling show, tiny thrones made from chicken bones, and chandelier-style pieces made from wire and aluminum foil. It was truly a breathtaking and inspiring experience.
The Kohler Design Center and More
Just as my time at the Art Preserve seemed way too short, my three-hour tour of the Design Center also flew by quickly. Starting on the first of three levels, I learned about Kohler’s 150-year history, starting with the company’s founding in 1873 by John Michael Kohler. Farm equipment transitioned to plumbing when an enameled cast iron water trough sold as a bathtub, leading the way to the company’s future.
Kohler’s entry into hospitality began in 1918 when The American Club opened to provide comfortable and affordable housing, complete with a pub, bowling alley, and barbershop for single male employees. In 1981, The American Club became a hotel, today an opulent five-star property. Similarly, the building that houses the Design Center was originally a recreation hall for Village of Kohler residents. With the creation of the renowned The Straits golf course, the addition of the Inn at Woodlake, the Kohler Waters Spa, and the acquisition of The Old Course Hotel and the Duke’s Golf Course in St. Andrews, Scotland, Kohler confirmed its role in hospitality.
Kohler’s wide range of kitchen and bathroom products and accessories is displayed on the next level, showcasing the “Bold Look of Kohler.” I could have spent hours on the mezzanine level where Kohler’s products are displayed in complete rooms, coordinating tile, cabinetry, lighting, and hardware. That’s just what many visitors do, planning their renovations or new construction along with their own designers or with Kohler’s design team.
Between touring the museums and the Design Center, enjoying a relaxing facial, and driving around Destination Kohler to see the sculptures, golf courses, and Sheboygan River, I had little time left for the outdoor activities that attract visitors year round. That just means I’ll have more to look forward to the next time I travel to Destination Kohler.
