NATURAL WONDERS, AMAZING ADVENTURES Get Wise to WAUPUN
DINING: From Great Grub to Fine Gourmet
DINING: From Great Grub to Fine Gourmet
IT’S ALL HERE:
DINING & SHOPPING, HIKING & FISHING, ARTS & CULTURE, BUSINESS & PLEASURE AND MORE!
C’mon in.
We want to show you a few things. From lake to ledge, from woods to wetlands, from quaint to quirky, The Lake Winnebago Region is a part of this planet that is simply too good to miss. We aren’t going to ask you to visit – yet. Just turn the page and explore from where you’re sitting. Once you get a feel for this amazing, one-of-a-kind part of the planet, you’ll be making notes and planning adventures. We hope so, anyway.
THE LAKE
Wisconsin’s Third Great Lake
THE LEDGE
Niagara Escarpment
THE WOODS
Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit)
THE WETLANDS
Horicon Marsh
8 The Region
Get the big picture and find your sweet spots.
12 Fond du Lac
Great outdoors, friendly folks, arts, dining, shopping and more. And yeah, beer & cheese.
20 Fond du Lac Districts
Find the cool, unique attractions that abound in each.
22
Dining
Get your face into this tasty region and have some flavor.
26 Wine Bourbon & Brew
A haven for thirsty, distinguished palates.
28 Waupun
Scenic beauty, small town charm, big time fun, and an inspired art scene.
34 Fun on the Farm
From field to barn, from orchard to market.
38 On the Lake
Make a splash with a paddle or rod, a board or a boat, or a brew on the shore.
41 Events
There’s a lot going on all year long. Plan your visit around a cool event. (Or just show up.)
46 Shopping
Browse in unique establishments and acquire exceptional items ‘til you drop.
City Map
Lodging Chart
“Get Out and Do” Map
Park Chart
PLEASE NOTE: While every effort is made to ensure the
Fond du Lac Loop Map
Parson’s Creek in Hobbs Woods
Treat yourself, take a hike, hop aboard, swing away and chill out.
Here’s the thing about the Lake Winnebago Region: it’s stuffed to the gills with scenic beauty, history & vitality, food & drink, culture & events, and people too nice for their own good. This welcoming lakeside destination includes Fond du Lac, Waupun, the Kettle Moraine State Forest, the renowned Horicon Marsh, and glimpses of the Niagara Escarpment. A truly pleasant surprise. A humongous diamond in the rough.
Ice Kiting on Lake Winnebago
At ZIEGLER WINERY, you can sip wine from an extensive tasting menu on their gorgeous, historic 13-acre property.
How to Make a Glacial Impression
The general magnificence of this region goes back about... oh, tens of thousands of years, when the massive ice sheet that gouged out the Great Lakes retreated and left behind a whole bunch of smaller lakes, valleys, wetlands, ledges, forests, moraines, eskers and other features we’re not sure how to define. What we do know is that the unique beauty of this region and the genuine warmth of its people provides unequaled joy and opportunities for visitors and residents alike.
WALKING THE HORICON MARSH TRAIL
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING ON LAKE WINNEBAGO
SCAN CODE FOR MORE
Thrills & Chills at Every Turn
Take a humongous bite out of life here in the Lake Winnebago Region. You want to get out there and fish? Golf? Hike? Windsurf? Maybe you’d prefer a relaxing stay in a first class hotel, eating great food, taking in some art, history, theatre and a glass of wine. Or you could grab a couple, two, three beers. Dang! Who’s getting thirsty?
STURGEON SPEARING
It Takes a Region
Want to get the whole family out for fun, memorable, exciting times? Want to share the joys of nature, fresh air, discovery, activity, and new experiences with the whole gang? Well, that doesn’t just happen playing video games in the basement. The Lake Winnebago Region offers a world of family activities where everyone can find exhilarating, inspiring, enriching, and yes, even goofy fun.
We’re Runnin’ Out of Ink!
This was going to be a short article, and we haven’t even scratched the surface of things like the ice center, baseball and other sport activities, shopping, year-round events, the farms, the tours... heck, we never even mentioned cheese! So please, read on!
WAUPUN ICEFEST
GET ABOARD. CHASE THE WIND.
JERRY THE STURGEON
Surprises Unfold in Fond du Lac
Fond du Lac might surprise you. Not in a loud, startling way – this is no giant firecracker of a metropolis. Fond du Lac is more like a light breeze on a foggy morning. As the mist clears, the city reveals its scenic beauty, its warmth and all its treasures. Things like lakes, parks and hiking trails. Arts, culture and history. Sports, supper clubs and hundreds of ways to enjoy cheese.
Yes, Fond du Lac is a surprisingly cool place, jam-packed with unexpected pleasures.
It’s not the size of a Chicago or Milwaukee, but that can be a good thing. It’s got big time amenities and activities, but everything is easier and friendlier. So c’mon over and enjoy exceptional dining, fantastic shopping, events of all sizes, a thoroughly engaging downtown, and more.
About those awesome dining options...
Of course, Fond du Lac has the best classic supper clubs around, serving up juicy steaks, fish fries and Old Fashioneds. (We make ‘em with brandy and suggest you don’t mess with that.) You can even find a few swanky restaurants where you can thrust your pinkies in the air and indulge in gourmet meals. Of course, you can always grab a brat and a cold one – or some mouthwatering cheese curds – at a local tavern. So whether you prefer fancy farm-to-table or deep-fryer-to-basket, Fond du Lac offers great locations, friendly hometown service and memorable dining experiences to suit your taste. The only options you won’t find here are the RedOlive TexasChiliRubyFriday chain restaurants found in every mall parking lot and freeway exit across the fruited plains.
BRANDY OLD FASHIONED
BRICK HOUSE
Fond du Lac has art and culture, right up to the eyeballs and beyond. From concerts to theatre to festivals, there’s always something going on. Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts is a real gem, with awesome exhibitions, live theatrical productions, and workshops that zoom in to a variety of artistic interests. You can also catch a show at the local theater or enjoy some live music at one of the region’s many venues. In Fond du Lac, you can admire art, catch a great play or movie, or bounce around to your favorite music.
FOND
COMMUNITY THEATER
THELMA SADOFF CENTER FOR THE ARTS
MUSIC UNDER THE STARS
But enough about city life. Outdoor enthusiasts know all about Fond du Lac’s woods, waterways and recreational opportunities. The city is located on the shores of Lake Winnebago, one of country’s largest inland lakes, offering endless possibilities for boating, fishing, water sports, fishing, and fishing. There’s also about a gazillion parks and nature trails providing endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring breathtaking landscapes. Oh, and the world class golf courses in the area are pretty much a swinger’s paradise, but not in a creepy way.
WINDSURFING ON LAKE WINNEBAGO
WHISPERING SPRINGS GOLF COURSE is an 18-hole, tournament-quality golf course with bentgrass from tee to green. It’s artfully woven through a scenic mix of hardwood forest and meadowlands.
Funny thing. While Fond du Lac surprises visitors with its cosmopolitan offerings, the whole experience is all the more special when it’s teeming with small-town charm and surrounded by a remarkable range of year-round, natural beauty, activities, and sensations. When you’re done stepping out and running wild in the Lake Winnebago Region, indulge in the sophisticated pleasures of the city. Urban flair is so much more appealing after you get a snootful of fresh air.
FOND
HOBBS WOODS
APPLE-PICKING AT THE LITTLE FARMER
HIKING AT KIEKHAEFER PARK
LODGING
1. COMFORT INN
2. COSTELLO’S IRISH GUEST HOUSE
3. COUNTRY INN & SUITES BY RADISSON
4. DAYS INN
5. FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES
6. HAMPTON INN
7. HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HOTEL & SUITES
8. HOTEL RETLAW
9. MICROTEL INN & SUITES BY WYNDHAM
10. MOTEL 6
11. NORTHWAY MOTEL
12. RADISSON HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER
13. SUPER 8 MOTELGOLF COURSE
LEGEND
SCHOOL SOFTBALL/BASEBALL
BOAT LAUNCHES (3 LOCATIONS)
DOG FRIENDLY PARKS
GOLF COURSE
LODGING
SPECIALTY LODGING
Fond du Lac Does Districts
In New Orleans, the city’s districts are known as “parishes.” In New York, they have “boroughs.” In Paris, they use some fancy French word. Here in Fond du Lac, we call them districts, because we’re straightforward and authentic. And our seven primary districts help guests navigate through the area and find the cool, unique attractions that abound in each. Keep in mind there are plenty of splendid shops, restaurants, and “third spaces” in between the districts.
LAKE WINNEBAGO
THE LAKESIDE DISTRICT
This big, beautiful area at the southern point of Lake Winnebago offers a boatload of outdoor activities, indoor attractions and offbeat distractions. Chill in the park, walk the dog, or take the kids for an old-school spin on a miniature train, Roto-Whip or Merry-Go-Round.
THE CONFERENCE DISTRICT
This is where you’ll find a wide range of excellent hotel choices. Yes, it’s great for business-related groups, but it’s also where tournament attendees, family-reunion guests, and happy wanderers can find lodging just right for their taste and budget.
THE MALL DISTRICT
For a distinctly Fond du Lac experience, or for a familiar Target and Starbucks fix, this is the place. It’s got multiple, popular dining and shopping chains, as well as authentic ethnic eateries and hometown favorites. And the HarleyDavidson dealership rocks.
THE DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
Downtown Fond du Lac is an incredibly vibrant slice of our community. Come shop, browse, eat, drink, throw an axe or two, and dance in the streets. There’s historic vibes, art galleries, specialty shops, green space, and friendly locals sprinkled throughout.
THE HISTORIC VILLAGE DISTRICT
The Historic Galloway House and Village celebrates the Wisconsin lifestyle of the 1800s. Enjoy this family friendly experience featuring buildings and artifacts that depict a day-in-the-life of typical Wisconsinites many years ago. You can also take in a concert under the stars at Buttermilk Creek Park & have a chocolate milkshake delivered by a carhop at Gilles Frozen Custard.
THE FAIRGROUNDS DISTRICT
There’s more going on in the district than just farm animals and food on a stick. Nice parks, cozy neighborhoods, small businesses, and big time attractions, like our awesome Ice Center, a modern Expo Center, a cool Aquatic Center, fantastic eateries & watering holes, and an always raucous roller rink.
THE CAMPUS DISTRICT
The area includes Fond du Lac High School, Marian University and Moraine Park Technical College. The energy, activities, and eccentricities include libraries and lecture halls, theaters and stadiums, and really great places to grab a beer and bowl.
FROM GREAT GRUB TO FINE GOURMET
C’MON OUT AND SAVOR THE FLAVORS OF THE REGION
No matter how much you eat at one sitting, you’re gonna have to eat again. Is that a comforting thought? Well, sorta – if you love to eat. And it definitely is if you’re hanging out in the Lake Winnebago Region.
There are so many unique, mouthwatering dining options around here. We suggest that every time you visit, you pick one restaurant from Category A, then one restaurant from Category B, and so on and so on. That way you get to sample the range and bounty of exceptional food, and experience the unforgettable character of each establishment – and the unforgettable characters at each establishment. (We mean that in a good way.)
SAMPLE OUR SUPER SUPPER CLUBS
Warm, friendly and familiar, supper clubs are a beloved tradition in Wisconsin. In the Lake Winnebago Region, we’ve elevated that tradition to an art form. From tender steaks to irresistible seafood, customers enjoy the outstanding meals and atmosphere at a pretty reasonable price. Expect huge Friday night fish fries, Saturday night prime rib specials, superb Sunday brunches and daily delights.
Roepke’s Village Inn in Charlesburg has been family-owned for over 50 years. This renowned supper club is known for its top-notch food and exceptional service.
DON’T BE A LAZ Y S USAN !
Check out these amazing
SUPPER S UPPER CLUBS
Jim & Linda’s Lakeview Supper Club features a beautiful view of Lake Winnebago and an elegant spot for delightful, three-course sunset dinners.
ROEPKE’S VILLAGE INN
Chilton
BLANCK’S SUPPER CLUB
Malone
KETTLE MORAINE
SUPPER CLUB
Campbellsport
BRITTAIN HOUSE
Waupun
SCHWARZ SUPPER CLUB New Holstein
ALTONA SUPPER CLUB
New Holstein
JIM & LINDA’S LAKEVIEW SUPPER CLUB
Malone
FORKS OUT! PINKIES UP!
Not everything around here is rustic, casual or quirky. We can raise our game to gourmet, elevated experiences, too. If you know where to look (and we can help you) you can find international cuisine, traditional elegance, modern fusions, extensive wine collections, impeccable service and creative cocktailing in a variety of settings.
Copper Cock Tavern, a cozy, upscale cocktail bar and fine-dining restaurant in downtown Fond du Lac, features some of the best food in the area – and a stellar selection of whiskeys and other spirits. This awe-inspiring space is great for celebrations or just hanging out with friends.
Theo’s 24, an inspiring dining experience with a range of American, French, and Mediterranean cuisine. You’ll love the wine list, too. When locals want the best crab cakes, potstickers, and steaks, this is where they come!
Table One, a haven for mouthwatering, hand-cut steaks, along with baby back pork ribs, shrimp, fish and more. And a really cool, famous fireplace. This place puts the craft into cocktails.
SEBASTIAN’S STEAK HOUSE
BENVENUTO’S
HOLY SMOKES!
BAR & GRILLS GALORE
OK, now, let’s get casual. Let’s grab a seat and enjoy warm Wisconsin hospitality, a laid-back vibe, and the comforting aroma of sizzling burgers on the grill. How about an ice-cold craft brew, some crispy, fried appetizers, or a sumptuously plated dinner? Whether you’re catching a game with friends or gathering for a nice family dinner, the list of extraordinary B&Gs in this area is extensive. Cheers!
Tony’s Pizza, serves classic italian dishes inspired by the Evola family’s roots in Sicily. Choose from a wide variety of pizzas, pasta and other masterpieces.
BackYard Grill & Bar, offers award-winning casual dining with a touch of patio panache. For thirsty folks, they have 32 tap lines and 35 craft bottled beers.
Cellar District, is the only historical church-turned-restaurant in the state. Discover exceptional food and an unmatched atmosphere in the heart of downtown Fond du Lac.
Urban Fuel Coffee Station
Wonder Play Café
FOR POSTPRANDIAL SOMNOLENCE (a.k.a. Food Coma!)
& Unwined
CC’s Chocolates Café
Wind & Unwined
Coffee & Wine House is a wonderful, welcoming gathering place in Downtown Waupun.
Perfect for an early cup of joe, a tasty lunch, or an evening glass of wine or brew.
ReachOut-Solid Grounds Coffee
CC’s Chocolates Café offers chocolates, desserts, bakery, breakfast and lunch –all made from scratch in-house. They also have a wide selection of coffee drinks, candy and handdipped ice cream.
WINE BOURBON & BREW
Ledgerock Distillery creates delicious, all-natural spirits for those who appreciate the personal touch. They grow their grains and distill their spirits right on the farm, using water filtered through the Niagara Escarpment, ensuring handcrafted quality from start to finish.
Just Love Coffee Café
One Main Café
Wind
Wake Up Whitetail Coffee
Brewing beer, crafting wine and distilling fine spirits is an art. And for us art lovers, the Lake Winnebago Region is a haven for thirsty, distinguished palates.
So much of creating these great beverages starts with nature – growing and employing fresh ingredients, then using skill and experience to get remarkable results. Fortunately, it’s easy to find a truly great winery or distillery in this neck of the woods, where you can tour the properties, speak with the craftspeople and best of all, simply sit back, sip and enjoy.
Vines & Rushes Winery in Ripon, where visitors experience a relaxing rural setting and enjoy tasting wine, local craft beers, and wood-fired pizza.
ZIEGLER WINERY
WAUPUN and the ART OF LIVING WELL
Have you ever walked into a place and met someone who just blew you away? Someone extremely, naturally attractive, outdoorsy and active, with magnetism and an artistic flair – and on top of all that, was exceptionally friendly to boot? Yeah, didn’t think so. Well, meet Waupun.
Waupun is the perfect match for nature-lovers, art admirers, shoppers, hikers, bikers and vacationers. You can’t help but fall in love with its small town charm, scenic beauty, wealth of activities and fine arts attractions. You’ll find it nestled along the southern branch of the Rock River near the northern access points of the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. access points of the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge.
The urge to explore this place is irresistible.
Being surrounded by so much natural beauty is good for the soul. Explore nationally recognized wildlife refuges, nature preserves, marshes, hiking trails and more. From bold sculptures in natural settings, to historical landmarks, to concerts in the park, you’ll find inspiration abounds here in Waupun.
CONCERTS IN THE PARK
BIKING ON THE BOARDWALK
END OF THE TRAIL
WAUPUN
MIDTOWN MARKET
WAUPUN ICEFEST
Horicon Marsh
IMAGINE THAT ART STUDIO
And who’s ready to party?
Waupun is an active, festive community whose calendar is sprinkled with fairs, festivals, open air markets, and fun events. Best of all, you are always invited. Whether you’re fit as a fiddle or inclined to recline, you’ll find the energy to indulge in the wide world of sports and recreation available in Waupun – from top-ranked golf and disc golf courses to biking, birding and more.
In Waupun, Art Tells the Story
Waupun has earned the designation of City of Sculpture, due in large part to industrialist, philanthropist and artist Clarence Shaler. This year, the Waupun Sculpture Tour celebrates our heritage with new exhibits, each with their own story to tell. We encourage you to enjoy the stories behind the art and learn about some pretty significant contributions Waupun has made to American history.
Juicy, just-picked fruits or veggies? A classic fish fry or a stellar brandy old fashioned? Fabulous specialty shops, restaurants, orchards and more are right here – waiting to satisfy your senses and fill you up.
Craving homemade chocolate?
RECORDING
LaClare Creamery offers amazing, out-of-the-ordinary cheeses and treats, including award-winning goat cheeses, goat caramels, and much more. You can even hang out with some of the baby goats.
TAKE THE FAM TO THE FARM
From field to barn, from orchard to market, the farms and farmers of the Lake Winnebago Region offer a bounty of fresh tastes, unforgettable experiences and valuable perspectives. So if you reckon it’s time to get hearty and wholesome, hitch up your overalls and dig in!
The lakes, forests, and towns of this region are packed with opportunities for adventures. But don’t forget to make time for AG-ventures Our farms, orchards and ranches are brimming with reasons to take the fam to the farm. You’ll find petting zoos, hayrides, garden tours, fruit picking, pumpkin patches, and if you look closely, cow pies. Speaking of... the interactions you can have with animals are the best. Snuggle a goat, milk a cow, pet a piglet, hold a baby chick, watch a calf being born, and meet exotics like llamas, alpacas and your occasional emu.
All that hands-on, farm-fresh action really works up an appetite. Fortunately, you’re at the best place on earth to satisfy it–surrounded by the freshest, most delicious fruits, veggies, baked goods, and dairy products you can imagine. You can pluck some goodies right out of the garden, or indulge in perfectly prepared meals and treats from markets, restaurants or food stands. Heck, apples alone produce a stunning number of crazy good options, like cider, bakery, jams, salsa, and even wines. Two other categories of note: cheese and fudge. Yeah, fudge.
What’s that? We only said one word about cheese? Well, this is Wisconsin – we were just saving the best for last. Of course you’ll find the most amazing varieties and selection of worldclass quality cheese anywhere. You can also see cheesemakers, cheese stores, cheese art, a 12,000 pound cheese wheel and a cheese museum. And be sure to take home some string cheese, cheese curds, aged cheeses, cheese trays, and cheese gift boxes. And a good bottle of wine.
Mulberry Lane Farm offers an ideal hands-on, country learning experience. Milk a cow, enjoy a hayride, catch a chicken, kiss a pig, and more!
DOWNTOWN FOND DU LAC FARMERS MARKET
KELLEY COUNTRY CREAMERY
CRISTO REY RANCH
LaCLARE CREAMERY
Lake Winnebago Rules
As great as it is, Lake Winnebago is not technically one of the Great Lakes. But that’s OK – this lake is in a category all by itself. It doesn’t need four sister lakes to justify its magnificence.
Lake Winnebago covers roughly 131,939 acres – over 220 square miles through Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago counties. It is a really great, freshwater lake that features up to 88 miles of shoreline. But the coolest thing about Lake Winnebago isn’t about numbers. It’s about the incalculable joy, adrenaline and memories it creates.
Catching the big one on Lake Winnebago
For one thing, the fishing is legendary. It’s filled to the gills with walleye, perch, northern pike, crappie, and bass, (mostly of the white, smallmouth and largemouth varieties) and more. And, oh yes, the lake sturgeon population here is one of the highest anywhere. But there’s much more here than just fishing. There’s sturgeon spearing and ice fishing, too.
Lake Winnebago is also ideal for all manner of boating adventures and wind sports, like sailing, windsurfing and ice kiting. And for waterskiing, kayaking and paddleboarding. It’s exhausting just listing all the activities. So let’s list some inactivities. Quietly connecting with nature. Strolling on the shore at sunrise. Sampling restaurants, taverns and cocktails at sunset. So get up here and get out on the lake. Or just sit and stare at it. Whatever floats your boat.
Some call it kite skating, others call it para-skating. Some call it crazy cool fun.
STURGEON SPEARING
Are we not mammals?
“Granted,” you say, “there are many gratifications to be found on this wondrous lake. But what about the pleasures of the land? And why am I speaking like a dang popinjay?”
Not sure, but this whole, crazy region gets into your head. Being surrounded by so much natural beauty will have you running wild on dry land, too – straight into our nationally recognized wildlife refuges, state and county parks, nature centers, forests, golf courses and more. Pick a path or a sport, and run, bike, play, hunt, swing, skate, snowshoe, explore and indulge.
Outdoor yoga – breathe, stretch and be present in the beauty of nature.
SNOWSHOEING AT MARSH HAVEN
EVENTS
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
You want to be on this lake. You know you do. So the next step is to check your calendar – and to check ours. You can choose from a bunch of activities to build your visit around; things like live music, fishing tournaments, holiday celebrations, fairs and festivals. Check out our online calendar and lock in your prime lake time.
STURGEON SPECTACULAR February
WAUPUN ICEFEST February
FOND DU LAC BREWFEST February
WALLEYE WEEKEND June
MUSIC UNDER THE STARS June-August
CELEBRATE WAUPUN June
CONCERTS IN THE PARK-WAUPUN July
FOND DU LAC COUNTY FAIR July
WAUPUN VOLKSFEST September
FONDUE FEST September
USE CODE FOR A FULL LIST OF EVENTS
FOND DU LAC COUNTY FAIR
WAUPUN ICEFEST
WALLEYE WEEKEND
STURGEON SPECTACULAR
PARKS
Adelaide Park Hickory and Arndt Streets
Buttermilk Creek Park
700 S. Park Avenue
Butzen Memorial Park Danbury Drive & Kingswood Avenue
Calvary Marsh Canoe/water access only
Columbia Park N10340 Calumet Harbor Road
Fairgrounds Park 439 Martin Avenue
Gottfried Prairie & Arboretum
400 Campus Drive
Greenway Arboretum
Pick ‘n Save parking lot on S. Pioneer Avenue and S. Main Street
Hobbs Woods N4197 Hickory Road
Kettle Moraine
State Forest N1765 Highway G, Campbellsport
Kiekhaefer Park W4235 Kiekhaefer Parkway Horseback riding allowed
Lakeside Park 555 N. Park Avenue
Lakeside Park West
156 Howard Litscher Drive (Archer Thomas Olsen Trail)
PARKS
Lallier Park 640 4th Street
Laudolff Ledge Conservation Area
Mary Fran Merwin Memorial Prairie 801 Campus Drive
McDermott Park Johnson Street at Coffman Avenue
Riggs County Park N8137 Douglas Street, Ripon
Riverside Park 100 W. 9th Street
Roosevelt Park N7320 Winnebago Drive
Shaginappi Park W3220 Velvet Beach Road, Malone
Shaler Park 400 N. Madison Street, Waupun
Taylor Park 380 Emma Street
Village Park Winnebago Street, North Fond du Lac
Waupun County Park 825 County Park Road, Waupun
Wolf Lake County Park
N8898 County Road G, St. Cloud
RECREATION TRAILS
Archer Thomas Olsen Trail
Belle Reynolds School Forest
330 Oak Street, Oakfield
DeNeveu Creek Public Access
Eisenbahn State Park Trail +
Fond du Lac Loop Trail
Gottfried Prairie & Arboretum
Greenway Arboretum 400 University Drive
Kettle Moraine State Forest
Greenbush Recreation Area N5854 Kettle Moraine Drive, Glenbeulah *
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Lake to Lake Trail
New Fane Trails W431 County Line Road, Kewaskum
Zillmer Trails W833 County Road SS, Campbellsport
Kiekhaefer Park W4235 Kiekhaefer Parkway
Mary Fran Merwin Memorial Prairie 801 Campus Drive
Mascoutin Valley State Park Trail N6980 Rolling Meadows Drive (trailhead)
Northwestern Trail
Oakfield Ledge State Natural Area Breakneck Road, Oakfield
Peebles Trail
Prairie Trail N7565 Winnebago Drive (trailhead)
South Woods/Anne Starr Woods/ Ceresco Prairie Conservancy
Wild Goose State Park Trail
370 W. Rolling Meadows Drive (trailhead) ^ ~ Join Fond du Lac County Audubon Society Summer Evening Walks on some of the listed trails. See fdlaudubon.org for more information.
* Group camping for scouts, churches, and family reunions is available.
+ The only trail that we allow ATVs and only between 12/15 and 3/15 as long as the temp is below 28 ° and the ground is frozen. The trail status line is 920-386-3705.
^ ATV riding is NOT allowed at any time on the Fond du Lac County Portion.
~ Horseback riding is NOT allowed on the Fond du Lac County portion on the Wild Goose State Trail.
THE LOOP
Fond du Lac's path for walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, dog walking, snowshoeing, rollerblading, running, unicycling...
ATTENTION SHOPPERS
Please Make Your Way to the LWR
There are a couple of ways to look at shopping. One is “ugh!” Go to a big box, grab a cart, jockey through aisles, wait at checkout and get the heck out.
Then there is Lake Winnebago Region destination shopping. A fun journey of discovery, meeting people, making memories and, if warranted, buying really cool stuff.
The three essential destinations to provide prime shopping satisfaction are: Fond du Lac’s Downtown District, Waupun & Brandon, and the East Shore of Lake Winnebago. You’ll find a broad range of retailers and outfitters, offering clothing, specialties, hobbies, food & spirits, antiques, thrift stores, galleries and garden goods, to name but a few. The trick is to target your faves and enjoy meandering through charming main streets and country roads – making stops at the places that grab you.
FOND DU LAC’S DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
• Lunar & Lake Book Market
• Blue Marble Botanicals
• Cujak’s Wine & Spirits
• Lillians of Fond du Lac
WAUPUN & BRANDON
• Stone + Suede Boutique
• Chic Tique Girls
• K’s Boutique
• Garden Scents Everlasting
LAKE WINNEBAGO’S EAST SHORE
• Brave Girl Boutique
• Wild Chicory
• Inspired Expressions
• Just Fare Market
The Republican Schoolhouse, also known as Little White Schoolhouse or Birthplace of the Republican Party, is a historic former schoolhouse at 305 Blackburn Street in Ripon, Wisconsin. Built in 1853, it was designated a National Historic Landmark for its role in the 1854 founding of the Republican Party.
lake winnebago region
lake winnebago region
Co llect o r Hob b y S ho p
Largest selection of cards in Wisconsin. Baseball, Football, Basketball, Hockey & Pokémon!
Come visit us. We're Open: Wed-Fri 10am-8pm | Sat 10am-6pm | Sun 12-6pm
lake winnebago region
In Fond du Lac on July 6, 1922 there was an earthquake –because we are on the Niagara escarpment (fault line) – the area around the east side of Fond du Lac is known locally as “The Ledge.”
lake winnebago region
324 E. Main St. Downtown Waupun
Once upon a long time ago, Fond du Lac and surrounding farms were used as safe havens during prohibition. Bootleggers would use homemade strap-on hooves to escape authorities in overnight hours. Ironically, Fond du Lac was the first Wisconsin city to install street lighting.
lake winnebago region
lake winnebago region
Fond du Lac County ranks first for total milk production and third for the number of dairy cows in the state.
Chester Hazen built Wisconsin’s first traditional cheese factory in the town of Ladoga, in Fond du Lac County.
Waupun was founded in 1839 by Seymour Wilcox, the first settler along the Rock River in what was then deciduous forested land. Wilcox chose the land on recommendation of John Bannister, the first surveyor of Fond du Lac County. He reported to the government office in Green Bay that “the Rock River Valley was the most beautiful and fertile he had ever seen.”
lake winnebago region
lake winnebago region
Waupun comes from the Ojibwe word “Waubun” which means “the east,” “the morning,” “the twilight of dawn,” and “dawn of day.” Waupun was originally supposed to be named “Waubun” but the state of Wisconsin made a spelling error. Waupun never changed it, thus it’s a one-of-a-kind.
lake winnebago region
lake winnebago region
On January 10, 1928, Waupun socialite Marian Shaler Hanisch, daughter of Clarence Shaler, received a letter threatening her beloved husband, Arthur Hanisch. A $1,000 ransom was to be paid or the perpetrators would kidnap Mr. Hanisch. The money was placed where stated, but nobody claimed it and nobody was ever charged in the plot.
lake winnebago region
lake winnebago region
40,000 milk cartons were required to build the world’s largest milk carton boat in Fond du Lac, as listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. lake winnebago region
lake winnebago region
The Waupun area is in the Top 10 among Wisconsin counties in: wheat for grain (1st in the state), milk from cows (2nd in Wisconsin, 20th in US), corn for silage (4th in Wisconsin, 15th in US), cattle and calves, grains, oilseeds, dry beans and peapods, vegetables, melons, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.
lake winnebago region
lake winnebago region
Fond du Lac County is home to many top USA companies. These include Mercury Marine, Fives Giddings & Lewis, J.F. Ahern, Brenner Tank, Mid-States Aluminum, and Alliance Laundry Systems. Fond du Lac County offers 10 public and private business and industrial parks, representing a variety of options for new and expanding businesses.
Ripon’s own Carrie Chapman Catt (January 9, 1859 – March 9, 1947) was an American women’s suffrage who campaigned for the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which gave U.S. women the right to vote in 1920.
lake winnebago region
lake winnebago region
c ampaign for the presidenc y.
In 1945, Waupun was selected as a site for a German POW camp. Despite public opposition, the camp was constructed next to the canning factory, south of Doty Street. There were about 200 POWs at the Waupun camp who were assigned to work either for Canned Foods Inc. in Waupun or Stokely Foods in Brandon.
Custom Framing. Local Art. Fair Trade
lake winnebago region
lake winnebago region
The Palm Tree Road Bridge in St.Cloud is a unique example of stone arch bridges in Wisconsin. It contains the largest number of spans (nine) of any surviving stone arch bridge in the State, and has a Classical Roman design, unique to our state.
lake winnebago region
lake winnebago region
SHOW
Maureen Daly wrote Seventeenth Summer, which was published in 1942. The story takes place in her hometown of Fond du Lac. Her novel was attributed to beginning the Young Adult genre of literature and, surprisingly, is still in print today. Young adults, unsurprisingly, have changed, though.
lake winnebago region
lake winnebago region
The Chicago Tribune dubbed us the home of the Miracle Mile because so many big lottery wins came from a onemile stretch of our very own Main Street. Six of 13 winners became millionaires between 1990 and 1995. Most of us, however, remain thousandaires.
lake winnebago region
lake winnebago region
At its peak, Sisson’s Peony Gardens occupied a five-acre interlocking series of gardens that brought thousands of visitors each summer. In 1968, Gov. Warren Knowles issued a proclamation honoring the gardens and even named the second week of June “Peony Week” in Wisconsin. For years a Peony Festival was held, with the local Lions Club sponsoring a Peony Queen contest.
Garden Centers
In 1986, our President, Stuart Muche, founded a community focused company with the basic principle that, “No project is complete until the customer is completely satisfied and comfortable recommending us to their family and friends.” This focus has allowed Stuart’s Landscaping & Garden Center to grow from a single location/crew in 1986 to an industry leader with three locations serving all the Fox Valley, Green Lake, and the surrounding areas. Stuart’s success stems from the dedication we provide our customers and the satisfaction we bring to each one of them.
