Lake Winnebago Region Destination Guide

FOND DU LAC

WAUPUN

EAST SIDE

LAKE WINNEBAGO REGION Get On Out Here!

GOLFING, FISHING, BIKING, HIKING, HIKING SAILING, SAILIING,SITTING, SITTING,PEOPLE-WATCHING PEOPLE-WATCHING

Destination Shopping UNIQUE SHOPS & STOPS; FARMS, ORCHARDS, WINERIES

What’ll You Have?

FROM FINE DINING TO GREAT GRUB

WISCONSIN. IT’S ALL HERE.

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.

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F ON D DU L AC

DISCOV E R

WAU P U N

LAKE WINNEBAGO’S

10 LET’S GRAB A BITE The dining scene in Fond du Lac is

20 SHOP, SIP, STAY AWHILE Shops worth bragging about,

30 DISCOVER

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.

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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.

E AST S I DE 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.

TA B LE O F CO NT EN TS

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!

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FOND DU LAC

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.

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FOND DU LAC

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.

YOUR BEST BITE IS EASY TO FIND! 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.

Find your way to all the FINEST FOOD & DRINK in town!

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HOMETOWN ORIGINALS found only in FDL

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Cater to the kids with KIDS’ MENUS

Put our classic SUPPER CLUBS on your map

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.

The hottest and coolest spots IN & AROUND TOWN

THELMA SADOFF CENTER FOR THE ARTS

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FOND DU LAC

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.

STEP ON OUT AND DISCOVER ALL THIS! Scan the codes to discover Fond du Lac’s one-of-a-kind outdoor destinations – from parks to fishing spots to golf.

Find yourself swinging on THE PERFECT COURSES

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Find activities from A to Z in PARKS & RECREATION

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No need to cast about.

Here’s WHERE TO FISH

FDL LOOP MAP – walk, run, bike, ski, unicycle, whatever.

Fun For The Whole Family!

75 W. Scott St Fond du Lac, WI 54935 (920) 929-0707 www.cmfdl.org

Hands on interactive play & learning 15,000 sq. feet of engaging indoor & outdoor spaces Adjacent to Lakeside Park Free & easy parking

Plan your visit!

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FONDY SPORTS PARK

FAST KARTS & FAMILY FUN

Mini-Golf Climbing Wall Go-Karts Off-Rd Karts Batting Cages Golf Range Paintball Rng Bumper Boats Crazy Maze

FONDYSPORTSPARK.COM Open Daily April-Oct 920-923-6400 Parties Groups Families Carry ins and deliveries allowed Credit cards accepted N5820 Cty Rd D, Fond du Lac, WI 54937 Hwy 41 use EXIT 98

FONDY

AQUA PARK

Inflatable Water Park Water Slides and Zip Lines Swimming Beach & More

More info: fondyaquapark.com Call 920-923-6400

OPEN DAILY 11AM - 6PM Memorial Day Wknd - Labor Day Wknd N5820 Cty Rd D, Fond du Lac, WI 54937 Hwy 41 use EXIT 98

Lake Winnebago has 131,939 acres, 88 miles of shoreline and is approximately 28 miles long by 10 miles wide. A new Minnie Winnie can range from about 24–33 lake winnebago region feet long.

lake winnebago region

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Archer Thomas Olsen Trail Belle Reynolds School Forest 330 Oak Street, Oakfield

DeNeveu Creek Public Access Eisenbahn State Park Trail

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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.

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Fee

Walking/Hiking

Swimming

Snowshoeing

Snowmobiling

Sledding

Shelter/Pavilion

Running

Roller Blading

Restrooms

Playground

Picnic Area

Horseback Riding

Fishing

Cross-Country Skiing

Camping

Bird Watching

Bicycling

RECREATION TRAILS

ATV

Join Fond du Lac County Audubon Society Summer Evening Walks on some of the listed trails. See fdlaudubon.org for more information.

THE LOOP

Fond du Lac's path for walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, dog walking, snowshoeing, rollerblading, running, unicycling...

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WAUPUN

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.

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WAUPUN

WAUPUN Shop, Sip, Stay Awhile

RENS FLORAL

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.

GYSBERS JEWELRY

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.

What’s Wonderful about WAUPUN ...WAUPUN?!

Naturally Adventurous.

“NOT ALL THOSE WHO wander are lost.”

— J.R.R. Tolkien

GET LOST AND FOUND IN THE NATURAL WONDER OF WAUPUN. Horicon Marsh • Hiking • Sculpture Tour • Bicycling • Golf & Disc Golf • Farmer’s Market • Aquatic Center • Arts

visitwaupun.com

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WAUPUN

WAUPUN Sculpted by History

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Big, bronze & bold! Here’s WAUPUN’S SCULPTURES.

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

END OF THE TRAIL

THE PIONEERS

DAWN OF DAY

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WHO SOWS BELIEVES IN GOD

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.

DOE & FAWN

RECORDING ANGEL

THE CITADEL

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WIND & UNWINED

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Kelley Country Creamery Fresh ice cream right from the dairy farm LaClare Cheese Shoppe/Family Creamery Baby goats and gold medal cheeses Spoonlickers Café Delicious treats and family fun Ziegler Winery Grownup time and awesome wine Vines and Rushes Winery Wood-fired pizza, vino and live music Wolf and Fox Winery Legacy grapes, regional wines, beautifully grown SoLu Estate Winery Wines & meads in a superb scenic setting Knuth Brewing Company Craft beers, wood-fired offerings, always buzzing Hoya Hop House Brewing Sip sustainably, eat creatively, gather joyfully Fond du Lac Beer Company Where craft brewing meets community, cheers!

Ledgerock Distillery Hand-crafted, down-home, all-natural spirits The Little Farmer Family fun with fresh food & friendly critters Mulberry Lane Farm Petting zoo, pumpkin patch & more Golz Orchard & Farm Market Blooms, apples, & seasons beautifully celebrated Tom Dooley Apple Orchard Apples, kids, homemade baked goods, bliss guaranteed Heritage Orchard Crisp apples, colorful fall days, priceless memories Airy Point Farms Harvesting blooms, pumpkins, & memories Honeymoon Acres Your year-round garden getaway for plants, seasonal favorites, and blooming good finds

FARM TO TABLE (AND GLASS)

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YOU ARE HERE Now find your way all over

Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center Hands-on learning. Know your nature!

Marsh Haven Nature Center Hiking trails and birdwatching Kiekhaefer Park Trails for kids, dogs, horses, and bikes Hobbs Woods A (trout) river runs through it High Cliff State Park Explore the awesome Niagara Escarpment Ledge View Nature Center Descend into caves or ascend the tower

Fond du Lac Stockbridge New Holstein Waupun Chilton Peebles

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SHOPPING DESTINATIONS

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NATURALLY FUN

of-a-kind, destination shopping, dining, One and sipping and sipping

LAKE WINNEBAGO’S EAST SIDE EAST SHORE WINNEBAGO’S LAKE dining, destination shopping, One of-a-kind,

A town full of history, charm, & so much more!

RIPON A town full of history, charm, & so much more!

RIPON

City of Sculpture, doorway to Horicon Marsh and destination shopping

WAUPUN and destination shopping

City of Sculpture, doorway to Horicon Marsh

WAUPUN

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Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts Music, film, classes, art... you know, culture!

FDL Blue Line Family Ice Center Hip checks, hat tricks and triple lutzes Fond du Lac Downtown District Shopping, dining, art, and friendly folks Fondy Aqua Park and Fondy Sports Park Wisconsin’s ultimate family thrill destination Family Aquatic Center Sun-soaked splashing, classic snack bar Swing Zone Year-round swings, no rainouts ever Ledgeview Lanes Bowling Alley Pins, pints, parties, putts, perfection Lakeside Park A lighthouse, a carousel, and well... the lake!

Korneli’s on the Avenue Roller Rink Roller skating, gaming for kids of all ages Rolling Meadows Golf Course 27 holes, zero regrets Whispering Springs Golf Course Front nine wide, back nine wild Fields of Clover Hill Golf Club Wholesome food, walkable greens, reasonable tabs Fond du Lac Dock Spiders Baseball Future big leaguers, tonight’s hometown heroes Waupun Baseball Complex Play ball, then play more Gilles Frozen Custard/Drive-in Old school carhops, legendary frozen custard

CITY LIGHTS, SURPRISE SIGHTS

A SMALL SAMPLING OF WHAT AWAITS YOU IN THE LAKE WINNEBAGO REGION

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WAUPUN

RIPON

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HORICON

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MAYVILLE

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PEEBLES

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MALONE

NEW HOLSTEIN

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CHILTON

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LAKE WINNEBAGO’S EAST SIDE

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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.

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LAKE WINNEBAGO’S EAST SIDE

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

FULL TANK. FOND MEMORIES. Now find your way all over.

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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.

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ZIEGLER WINERY

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DESTINATION SHOPPING

CHIC TIQUE GIRLS

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.

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DESTINATION SHOPPING

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

THE GRACEFUL NEST

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.

BROWSE, DISCOVER, REPEAT

Dangerously good SHOPPING

INSPIRED EXPRESSIONS

All kinds of STUFF TO DO

EAT & DRINK yourself silly

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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 winnebago Fond du Lac is lake region known locally as “The Ledge.”

lake winnebago region

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KRISTMAS KRINGLE LAKE WINNEBAGO REGION

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FUN ON THE FARM

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.

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FUN ON THE FARM

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.

UDDERLY WORTH THE TRIP

Find your way to FUN ON THE FARM

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Pick away at our ORCHARDS & FARMS

Sip your way around WINERIES & MORE

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WHAT’LL YOU HAVE?

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.

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WHAT’LL YOU HAVE?

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.

JIM & LINDA’S LAKEVIEW SUPPER CLUB

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WHAT’LL YOU HAVE?

Cheers! Prost! Now Scoot on Over!

There’s no shortage of things to do in the Lake Winnebago Region – goat yoga, paddleboarding, hiking, biking, kayaking... But when a designated driver has been secured, sipping an adult beverage is a time-honored tradition in these parts.

This area offers so many variations on that theme, it got us contemplating the nomenclature. What exactly IS the difference between a tavern and a saloon? Google it if you want, or grab the Uber app and do your own field research:

LOUNGE — Wisconsin’s attempt at sophistication, bless its heart. Craft cocktails, muddled herbs, small-batch bitters. You could order a Seven and Seven, but the bartender’s soul would quietly exit their body.

BAR — The Swiss Army knife of Wisconsin drinking. Could be anything. Could be everything. Old Fashioneds with brandy, Miller Lites by the bucket, and somehow also a Friday fish fry. In Wisconsin, “bar” is less a description and more a calling.

WINE BAR — Exists in exactly four Wisconsin cities, Fond du Lac proudly among them. Fine reds, curated charcuterie. Someone always orders an Old Fashioned out of Wisconsin loyalty. The bartender makes it beautifully.

Spotted Cow is not on the menu. Spotted Cow will never be on the menu.

PUB — Tries to be European, keeps getting interrupted by Packer games. Craft beers, maybe a Spotted Cow, and a bartender who’ll judge you gently for ordering a Seven and Seven. Warm, welcoming, slightly pretentious – but in an unpretentious way.

This is Fond du Lac, not Manhattan.

DIVE BAR — The soul of Wisconsin drinking culture. Neon Pabst signs, sticky floors, a bartender who’s known your order since 2009.

The Old Fashioned comes with brandy, a cherry, an orange slice, and zero apologies.

Nobody’s pretending to be anything.

This is church.

TAVERN — The pub’s older, less self-aware Wisconsin cousin. Been here since 1954. The Old Fashioned recipe hasn’t changed either – Sweet, Sour, or “Pres.” Frosted mug, pickled eggs, pull-tab machines by the door. Timeless.

Perfect.

HOLE IN THE WALL — The dive bar’s shadowy twin with no website, no sign, and no apparent reason to exist – and yet, here it is, thriving.

Cash only. Always “double bubble.” Two taps.

The regulars will stare when you walk in. The pool table only needs four quarters.

SALOON — Usually on the outskirts of town. Harley aesthetic, surprisingly high ratio of lawyers and CPAs. Tequila shots as handshakes. Spotted Cow on tap feels out of place, but nobody complains.

BREWERY/TAPROOM — Wisconsin’s crown jewel. Flights of craft beer, rotating IPAs, maybe a sour that tastes like a Door County cherry orchard. The Old Fashioned uses small-batch local brandy and comes with a charming origin story. You will learn things about fermentation whether you asked or not.

C’MON, DIG IN!

Find your way to the FINEST FOOD & DRINK

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HOMETOWN ORIGINALS found only in the region

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Here’s to finding the best CRAFTS & COCKTAILS

Put our classic SUPPER CLUBS on your map

CRAFTED WITH PASSION. POURED WITH PRIDE. → Fond du Lacʼs first brewery in over 80 years → House-brewed beers + rotating tap lineup → Elevated food menu built to pair well with each pour → Private upstairs event space for up to 216 guests → Large, outdoor biergarten for your summer hangout

VISIT FOND DU LAC BEER COMPANY

920-335-1515 • www.fdlbeercompany.com • 21 4TH St Ct, Fond du Lac, WI

FARM FRESH SPIRITS LedgerockDistillery.com | N5287 Grandview Rd. Fond du Lac, WI 54937 | 920-238-9588

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Come for the coffee

stay for the conversation.

30% OFF

any coffee beverage with this coupon

Limit one coupon per order.

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Expires 6/30/27

Open Weekdays @ 7 a.m.

45 S. National Ave. • Fond du Lac

LAKE WINNEBAGO REGION

EXPERIENCE OSHKOSH HOSPITALITY— ONE PLATE AT A TIME

224 STATE STREET | OSHKOSH, WI 54901 | TRUFFLEPIGWI.COM

7098 S US HWY 45 OSHKOSH, WI 54902 | TJSHARBOR.COM

VISIT TJSDESTINATIONOSHKOSH.COM

TO BOOK YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY!

2413 S MAIN ST | OSHKOSH, WI 54902 | ARDYANDEDS.COM

WISCONSIN FOOD AT ITS BEST, USING FRESH QUALITY INGREDIENTS.

11 W RIPPLE AVE | OSHKOSH, WI 54902 | BOOK TODAY ON RESY TJSHIGHLANDSTEAKHOUSE.COM | OSHKOSHCOUNTRYCLUB.COM LAKE WINNEBAGO REGION

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KELLEY COUNTRY CREAMERY

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LAKE WINNEBAGO REGION

DID WE MISS ANYTHING?... NOPE!

STAY AWHILE? LODGING you’ll love.

Nature’s calling! Find out why at KETTLE MORAINE!

Dive into the area’s best WATER ACTIVITIES

HIT THE TRAIL ALREADY! Walk. Hike. Bike. Skate.

Born in Fond du Lac in 1855, King Gillette invented the Gillette disposable safety razor in 1901.

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lake winnebago region

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STURGEON SPECTACULAR

LA K E WI N N EB AGO

EVENTS CELEBRATE WAUPUN

ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING ON...

You want to be here. 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. Find all the best events on our online calendar and plan accordingly!

STURGEON SPECTACULAR

February

FOND DU LAC BREWFEST

February

FONDY FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

May

ART ON THE ISLAND

June

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

FONDY FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL & ART FAIR

September

FONDY FALLTOBER FEST

October

GOBBLEFEST

November

THE COOL EVENTS you won’t want to miss.

WALLEYE WEEKEND

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LODGING

LODGING C’MON IN! WE’VE GOT JUST THE PLACE FOR YOU TO STAY.

No matter where you visit – or how long you stay – your lodging sets the tone for everything. And finding the right fit comes down to how you like to travel.

Are you looking to be pampered with fine food, luxurious amenities, and a little extra something? Or do you prefer a clean, comfortable base camp—a great place to launch from in the morning and unwind in at night? Maybe something right in between?

Whatever you’re after, you’ll find it here. In a region known for its warm, welcoming people, you can count on genuine hospitality, stellar service, and a comfy place to hang your hat at the end of a great day.

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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

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FOND DU LAC, WAUPUN AND LAKE WINNEBAGO’S EAST SIDE | FDL.COM

Photo courtesy of Nicholas Wilson

At the end of the day, what makes people happy? Connecting with nature, sharing memorable moments, being active and discovering new experiences. Whatever your passion­–from fishing to fine dining, from sports to fine art, from wildlife to nightlife – you’ll find it in the Lake Winnebago Region. C’mon in.