It could be said that every great thing about this state can be found in this one surprisingly vibrant region. Charming downtowns, farms and festivals – and stunning lakes, marshes and a honkin’ big escarpment. Add to that irresistible food & drink options, some quirky local attractions, and folks that make you feel welcome before you even order your first cheese curd. So why don’t you make some time for prime Wisconsin and C’mon in.
WHAT IS THE LAKE WINNEBAGO REGION?
So, what exactly is the Lake Winnebago Region? Is it a state of mind or an actual place on the map? Honestly, the answer is... yes!!
Let’s start with Lake Winnebago – one of the largest freshwater lakes in the country outside the Great Lakes, and easily Wisconsin’s largest. It’s an irresistible playground for outdoor enthusiasts year-round, and home to the largest sturgeon spearing season in the country, celebrated each winter with the legendary Sturgeon Spectacular winter festival.
FOND DU LAC, French for “foot of the lake,” is the largest community on the south shore. Nearly 50,000 people call it home, and it serves as base camp for exploring the region. Fondy, as the locals call it, has a lot of the amenities you’ll find in metropolitan areas, but thankfully it retains its quirky authentic Wisconsin identity.
WAUPUN, just a 20-minute drive from Fond du Lac through rolling farmland, blends quaint farming village with a buzzworthy shopping destination. Boutiques, unique shops, a brewery, and bold sculptures define its downtown. It’s also the doorway to Horicon Marsh, the “Everglades of the North.”
LAKE WINNEBAGO’S EAST SIDE strings together five tiny towns, real gems, along scenic country roads where you can slow down, wander in, and let the Region work its magic. Heading north out of Fond du Lac, up Lake Winnebago’s east side, travelers weave through Peebles, to Malone on up to New Holstein and Chilton, then over to Stockbridge, finding coffee shops, supper clubs, taverns, and the most un-big-box shopping opportunities along the way.
So YES, the Lake Winnebago Region deserves a spot on your itinerary.
FOND DU LAC
10 LET’S GRAB A BITE
The dining scene in Fond du Lac is varied, enticing, memorable filling, and fulfilling. Find your next great meal(s) here.
11 GET OUT ON THE TOWN
The perks of a bigger city; the heart of a small town. Eat, drink, dance in the streets, shop, stroll and chill.
12 LET’S GET OUTSIDE
Endless outdoor possibilities like fishing, hiking, paddling, ice kiting, sturgeon spearing or just soaking it all in.
DISCOVER WAUPUN LAKE WINNEBAGO’S EAST SIDE
20 SHOP, SIP, STAY AWHILE
Shops worth bragging about, flavors to take home with you and outdoor havens that will make your jaw drop.
20 SAY HELLO TO THE HORICON MARSH
Explore, relax, and be one with nature. Rated as one of Wisconsin’s Top 5 Nature Preserves by Travel Wisconsin, the Horicon Marsh is truly a mammoth, masterpiece of nature.
22 SCULPTED BY HISTORY
Sculpture trails, an open air market, festivals, and a calendar full of family fun.
30 DISCOVER DESTINATIONS
Lake Winnebago’s East Side is classic Wisconsin, postcard-style. Winding roads, the Niagara Escarpment for contour, one-of-a-kind shops, taverns, and supper clubs—plus goats. Lots of cute goats. From Peebles to Malone, Chilton to New Holstein, Stockbridge to Hilbert. God’s Country.
30 CONNECT & COMMUNE
Get offline, breathe fresh air and make real connections—unrushed, personal, and delightfully surprising.
35 SHOP LIKE YOU MEAN IT
From scenic backroads to quaint Main Streets, shopping in Fond du Lac, Waupun and the Lake Winnebago’s East Side will lead you to unforgettable adventures and unexpected treasures.
43 FUN ON THE FARM
This region is filled with farms, orchards, wineries and distilleries you can visit. Come make memories you can pick, taste, pet, and take home.
47 WHAT’LL YOU HAVE?
Great food, cold drinks, and places that feel like they’ve got a story to tell. From white tablecloths to worn barstools—it’s all delicious here.
56 EVENT CALENDAR
Check out our calendar, and then check yours. There’s a whole bunch of happenings to build your visit around: things like live music, fishing tournaments, holiday celebrations, sturgeon spearing, fairs and festivals. You can even connect to our online calendar and lock in your dates!
FOND DU LAC
The Overachiever in the Back Row
You may not know this, but Fond du Lac is kind of a cool place. Maybe too cool because, well, January – and because we don’t brag and beg for attention. We aren’t mega-promoters or show-offs. And you’ll never see us on street corners acrobatically spinning big Fond du Lac signs.
We kinda take ‘er easy and let our lakeside sunsets, supper clubs, and year-round events do the talking. There’s also our exceptional shopping, our burgeoning arts scene, dining
and cocktailing options, bike trails – and in the outlying areas, farms, vineyards, and orchards. But wherever you go, you will encounter friendly folks – very friendly folks. Okay… so now we are getting a little puffed up.
Anyway, Fond du Lac is not a Chicago or Milwaukee, but that can be a good thing. It’s got big time amenities and activities, but everything is easier and sweeter. So C’mon in and enjoy exceptional dining, fantastic shopping, the great outdoors, and so much more.
FOND DU LAC Let’s Grab a Bite
Of course, Fond du Lac’s supper clubs are the stuff of Wisconsin legend. Warm, friendly and familiar, supper clubs are a beloved tradition in Wisconsin.
Juicy steaks, Friday night fish fries (or simply “fish” in the Fondy vernacular), and Old Fashioneds made with brandy, because that’s how it’s done here and we’re not taking questions. These aren’t just restaurants, they’re institutions.
But the dining scene doesn’t stop there. You can enjoy some fine, swanky restaurants where you can thrust your pinkies in the air, sip wine and indulge in a real gourmet meal. And on the other end of the spectrum – and we
mean that in the best possible way – you can grab a burger or brat, a cold Spotted Cow, and a basket of deep-fried cheese curds at any number of classic bar & grills.
Whatever you’re in the mood for, Fond du Lac delivers—great food, friendly faces, and the kind of honest hospitality that makes every meal feel like an occasion. One thing you won’t find here: a parade of chain restaurants cluttering every mall parking lot and freeway exit across America. So C’mon in and grab a bite. And loosen your belt. You’re not going to need seconds, because the portions typically require to-go boxes.
Scan our QR codes to get instant access to Fond du Lac’s finest dining destinations—from legendary supper clubs to hidden local gems. Your next great meal is literally just a click away.
FOND DU LAC Get Out on the Town
Fond du Lac has a bit more art, culture, and commerce than your average visitor might expect. In fact, some say it has no business being this good for a city its size. From concerts to theatre to festivals, and a vibrant downtown shopping scene, there’s almost always some darn thing worthy of your attention.
Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts is a genuine gem with firstclass exhibitions, live theatrical productions, and workshops that dig into every corner of the creative world. It’s the kind of
place that makes you want to come back before you’ve even left. Catch a show put on by one of the local theater troupes, discover a new favorite artist, or follow the music to any number of great music venues scattered across the region.
And when the culture bug gives way to a little retail therapy, Fond du Lac’s boutiques, shops, and specialty stores are ready for you. Browse, discover, treat yourself.
THELMA SADOFF CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The hottest and coolest spots IN & AROUND TOWN
FOND DU LAC Let’s Get Outside!
Fond du Lac sits on the shores of the mighty Lake Winnebago, one of the largest inland lakes in the country, ready for visitors to explore. For those that crave on-the-lake recreation, the possibilities are endless. Boating, fishing, sturgeon spearing, kayaking, windsurfing, and splashing your little brother in the face are among the many options.
On land, you’ve got parks, the Bike Loop and nature trails too numerous to count, winding through breathtaking scenery perfect for hiking, biking, or simply wandering until you find your favorite spot. Oh, and the golf courses in the area are pretty much a swinger’s paradise, but not in a creepy way.
Fresh air has a funny way of making everything taste better, feel better, and of course, smell better.
Join Fond du Lac County Audubon Society Summer Evening Walks on some of the listed trails. See fdlaudubon.org for more information.
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
55 W. Pioneer Road
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) ^ ~
* 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...
DISCOVER WAUPUN
Waupun has some pretty sweet surprises waiting for you.
This charming little city, nestled into the headwaters of the Rock River near the Horicon Marsh (often referred to as the “Everglades of the North”), has a way of winning over shoppers, nature lovers, shoppers, art admirers, shoppers, hikers and bikers, (did we mention shoppers will love it too?) – and anyone who just needs to slow down and breathe.
Small town charm. Big time soul. Welcome to Waupun.
Just outside of town, Horicon Marsh beckons. One of the most celebrated wildlife destinations in the country, it rewards every kind of explorer. Hike it, bike it, paddle it, snowshoe it. Whatever the season, Horicon Marsh will amaze and the Marsh Haven Nature Center on the outskirts of Waupun is a great place to start the journey.
WAUPUN Shop, Sip, Stay Awhile
Downtown Waupun has a way of surprising you at every turn – and that goes double for the shopping. Every block invites exploration, with a friendly, walkable atmosphere filled with boutiques, antiques, and local one-of-a-kind finds. They’re the kind of shops you wander into, then just lose track of time. The great news is you’ll also find the talk-of-the-town brewery and a cozy coffee/winehouse to hang out in. And of course, you’ll discover a tavern or two!
Say Hello to the Horicon Marsh
Horicon Marsh is 32,000 acres of open water, wetlands, prairie, and woods – and every acre is worth exploring. Just east of Waupun on Highway 49, a paved three-mile loop welcomes cars, cyclists,and hikers alike, while walking trails put you up close with Wisconsin’s remarkable flora and fauna. Don’t miss the floating boardwalk OR the Marsh Haven Nature Center, with interactive exhibits and a Birds of Prey program that delivers a genuine wow moment.
The nationally acclaimed Rock River Trail system runs 320 miles from its headwaters in Waupun all the way to the Mississippi River. Trails are designated for hikers, bikers, paddlers, history buffs, art enthusiasts, and yes, even chocolate lovers.
RENS FLORAL
GYSBERS JEWELRY
WAUPUN Sculpted by History
Waupun wears its title of City of Sculpture proudly, and for good reason. Thanks to the remarkable legacy of local industrialist Clarence Shaler, a big wig philanthropist many decades ago, Waupun boasts one of the highest concentrations of public art per capita in the U.S. His crowning gift to the city, the
renowned End of the Trail by James Earle Fraser, is a must-see: powerful, poignant, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Waupun Sculpture Tour winds through parks, streets, and natural settings, each stop revealing a story deeply tied to American history.
END OF THE TRAIL DAWN OF DAY THE PIONEERS
DOE & FAWN
THE CITADEL
WHO SOWS BELIEVES IN GOD
RECORDING ANGEL
Big, bronze & bold! Here’s WAUPUN’S SCULPTURES.
SHOPPING DESTINATIONS
LAKE WINNEBAGO’S EAST SIDE
Discover one of Wisconsin’s great unhurried drives. Wind along the scenic highway, view sections of the dramatic Niagara Escarpment ridgeline, and let the leisurely parade of small towns do the rest. The best East Side road trips don’t even need a detailed itinerary. Just a full tank, a curious family, and a willingness to stop whenever something looks interesting –and something always does.
It might be an irresistible overlook, a roadside stand, a shop with an interesting sign, or a perfect selfie moment with cows grazing in the background. No agenda required. Except maybe an extended break at an awesome supper club. Get out and connect with good people, and let a whole bunch of small town moments become some of your favorite memories.
EAST SIDE Discover Destinations
It’s time to roll. You might start around Peebles, then cruise up to Malone and Chilton, the charming County Seat, where a downtown full of friendly locals greet anyone willing to explore. Nearby, New Holstein and Stockbridge are the kinds of towns that remind you why small town Wisconsin never gets old.
Connect & Commune
At the northernmost tip of Lake Winnebago, High Cliff State Park crowns the journey with sweeping views and inviting trails. It’s the kind of ending that makes you want to turn around and do the whole thing again – slower this time, with more stops and an extra cooler.
ZIEGLER WINERY
DESTINATION SHOPPING
Shop Like You Mean it
America loves the convenience of buying stuff online – and if you’re looking for bulk dog food or a last-second gift, that’s just fine. But never forget the real value of personally shopping for special keepsakes, wardrobe pieces, gifts for loved ones, and just really cool stuff.
And no, these are not experiences you have online. A machine can’t really welcome you to their store; a screen can’t be happy to see you.
So cruise our scenic roads, stroll the quaint Main Streets, and keep your eyes open. Shopping in Fond du Lac, Waupun, and
Lake Winnebago’s East Side has a funny way of turning into an adventure. One minute you’re browsing, the next you’re bringing home memories – and maybe something wonderful you never knew existed. Take advantage of your shopping experience to nibble on a cheese curd, enjoy an Old Fashioned, order up a double scoop of “Cow Jumped Over the Moon” ice cream, or settle into a full on meal at a local supper club. Before you know it, a shopping experience may become a treasured memory.
FOND DU LAC
Fond du Lac is your shopping base-camp. Enjoy vibrant downtown boutiques, tasty eats, and countryside gems: a distillery, nearby wineries, and America’s best ice cream parlor in the middle of nowhere. C’mon in and find your bliss!
WAUPUN
Waupun blends hallmark charm with a fresh, fun shopping scene. It’s just an easy, scenic drive from Appleton, Fond du Lac, and Madison. Explore boutiques, antiques, a hip new brewery, a vibrant coffee/winehouse, public art, and exciting Main Street surprises. Waupun? Absolutely!
LAKE WINNEBAGO’S EAST SIDE
Explore Lake Winnebago’s scenic East Side, from Peebles to Malone, through New Holstein, to Chilton and Stockbridge, you’ll meander through charming towns featuring shops, restaurants, wineries, award-winning cheese, and a destination Goat farm (YES, we said Destination Goat Farm). And in autumn, the excursion is nothing short of spectacular.
good SHOPPING
DISCOVER, REPEAT
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
lake winnebago region
FUN ON THE FARM
Before most of us are even close to waking up, the farms in the Lake Winnebago Region are already humming. Tractors roll, animals stir, and farm families carry on traditions that have shaped Wisconsin for generations. Agriculture isn’t just part of the landscape here. It’s woven into the identity of the region. And thanks to a thriving agritourism scene, visitors are warmly invited to be part of it.
CONNECT WITH WISCONSIN’S ROOTS
There’s something genuinely moving about seeing and understanding where your food comes from. The farms surrounding the Fond du Lac area make that fun and easy. Many local farms welcome visitors not just to entertain, but to share their story. Watch a morning milking, walk a working orchard, or simply talk with farmers who love what they do.
TASTE, EXPLORE, PLAY
Visiting the farms and orchards of this area is refreshingly hands-on. In season, you’ll find farms where you can pick your own strawberries, apples and pumpkins straight from the field, tasting exactly why fresh matters. With farm-to-table dining, on-site bakeries, homemade ice cream, locally crafted, award-winning cheese, wineries, a distillery, and freshly tapped maple syrup, the hardest part of any visit is knowing when to stop eating. For families with kids, a farm visit is pure magic. Wagon rides, corn mazes, petting gentle animals –these are the kinds of experiences that turn a casual outing into a cherished memory.
Beyond the Barn
No two farm visits here are alike. Tour a modern dairy with a rotary milking parlor that would impress any engineer. Sample fresh chevre at a goat creamery. Meet a herd of alpacas, explore a hydroponic farm, or stumble onto a working ranch run by nuns. Yep, nuns. On the other hand, you might prefer to sample the fruits of our wineries or distilleries. Every stop brings something unexpected, which is exactly the point.
Gain Rural Perspective, Naturally
In addition to all the fresh air, food and frolic, farm tours provide insights into animal care, seasonal growing cycles and sustainable practices in ways that feel natural rather than instructional. Many visitors leave with a new favorite food, a handful of fun facts, and a perspective on farming they didn’t have before.
Come Hungry. Leave Happy.
You don’t need to plan an elaborate trip. A single afternoon can take you from a u-pick orchard to a farm market to a table set with the best meal you’ve had all year. Stretch it into a weekend and you’ll harvest even more of what the region has to offer – over 120 unique attractions, and counting.
But what really makes agritourism special around here is the people. Down-to-earth, hardworking, and genuinely happy to share what they’ve built. Come with an open mind, a healthy appetite, and maybe an extra cooler for the ride home. You’re going to need it.
DINING: FROM CURDS TO CUISINE
C’MON IN AND SAVOR THE FLAVORS OF THE REGION
We have a simple philosophy about food. No matter how well you eat today, you get to do it all over again tomorrow. And if you happen to be in the Lake Winnebago Region, that’s very good news indeed.
The dining scene here is as varied as it is delicious—from legendary supper clubs to fine dining, bars and grills to farm-fresh markets, casual bites to gourmet experiences worth dressing up for. Our suggestion? Each visit, pick one from Column A, one from Column B, and work your way through. The food is unforgettable. The characters you’ll meet along the way? Even more so. We mean that in the best possible way.
SAMPLE OUR SUPER SUPPER CLUBS
If Wisconsin had an official dining institution, the supper club would win in a landslide—and the Lake Winnebago Region takes that tradition seriously. These are warm, welcoming places where the steaks are tender, the seafood is fresh, and the Old Fashioneds are made with brandy—obviously. Expect legendary Friday night fish fries, Saturday prime rib specials that draw a crowd, and Sunday brunches worth planning your weekend around. Outstanding food, genuine hospitality. The prices won’t make you wince, but the massive portions may. Pull up a chair and stay a while.
Forks Out! Pinkies Up!
Don’t let the “Friday Fish” and cheese curds fool you. We clean up real nice. When the occasion calls for raising the bar (and the kitchen), the Lake Winnebago Region delivers. Think international flavors, modern fusions, traditional elegance, and creative cocktails crafted by people who take their shakers seriously. Pair that with fine wine lists, impeccable service, and dining rooms that set the right kind of mood, and you’ve got a fine dining scene that can impress the most discerning palettes.
Bars & Grills & Smoky Thrills
Pull up a stool, loosen your belt, and settle into the kind of place where everybody’s welcome and the grill keeps sizzlin’. The bar & grills of the Fond du Lac area do casual better than most, with ice-cold brews, crispy appetizers worth fighting over, and burgers so good they deserve their own fan club. Catch the game with friends, gather the family for a laid-back dinner, or just show up hungry and see what happens. However you land here, warm Wisconsin hospitality and deep-fried rewards are waiting.
