Fond du Lac Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Fond du Lac CVB, Wisconsin, Tourism and Conventions in Fond du Lac, WI

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Far End of the Lake Rendezvous

Attractions

Did you know...
The Ramada, built in the 1920s, was originally named the Retlaw and was visited by Senator John F. Kennedy during his campaign for President.

Adventures

Columbia Park Tower
Climb 80 feet to the top. Breathtaking view of Lake Winnebago. See the Holyland and Niagara Escarpment to the east. Hwy 151, 10 miles N of FDL

Fond du Lac Skyport Airplane Rides
See Lake Winnebago and Fond du Lac from the air on a scenic half-hour plane ride. $55. Maximum 3 people. Call to schedule appt. Open daily 8am-dusk. N6308 Rolling Meadows Dr between Hwys 151 & 23. 920-922-6000 www.fdlskyport.com (site link)

Lake Winnebago Road Trip
Drive around Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin's largest inland lake, and discover 88 miles of contrasting shoreline and unique community adventures. At 28 miles long and 11 miles wide, Winnebago is the 2nd largest freshwater inland lake in the 48 states. Tour route points out the beauty, history and attractions of various communities along the way. Tour includes Fond du Lac, Calumet and Winnebago Counties. Brochures available at Fond du Lac Tourist Information Center, 171 S Pioneer Rd 800-937-9123.

Lakeside Spirit Cruises
Cruise Lake Winnebago in style aboard Fond du Lac's newest attraction. This 49-passenger, 63 foot long vessel, powered by twin diesel engines is Lake Winnebago's only excursion craft. Enjoy pleasant conversation, mouth-watering food and refreshing beverages while taking a leisurely cruise. Cruises sail rain or shine. For reservations call 920-923-3010 or 800-937-9123. Cancellations must be made 72 hours in advance. www.lakesidespirit.com (site link)

Mascoutin Valley State Park Trail
This 31-mile recreation trail will extend from Fond du Lac to Berlin. Completed portions run from Fond du Lac to Rosendale and from Ripon to Berlin. Open for bicyclists, walkers, runners and equestrian use. Winter months the trail is part of the countywide snowmobile trail system. Trail passes through the Eldorado Marsh and the Rush Lake Wildlife area. Trail is near Hwy 23 from FDL to Ripon and Hwy 49 from Ripon to Berlin. 920-929-3135.

Northwestern Trail
This 2.8-mile recreation trail begins at the Ripon Public Library and extends west to the county line through a mix of city neighborhoods and rural countryside. Open year round for walking, running and bicycling. 18 miles W of FDL, Hwy 23 920-929-3135

Siberian Outpost
Tailor-made dog sled rides. Demonstrations and tours for all ages. Visit with the dogs while you learn about sledding and the history of an antique sled. 10 miles E of FDL. N9103 Cty Hwy W, Malone. Reservations required 920-960-4252

Talking Country Roads
Unique rural driving tour of Fond du Lac County. Set of four CDs guide motorists to see and learn about the rich history and points of interest. Map/brochure and driving directions included. $10. Fond du Lac Tourist Information Center, 171 S Pioneer Rd 800-937-9123. www.fdl.com/talking_roads (site link)

Wild Goose State Biking & Hiking Trail
A haven for bird watchers, the trail borders the famous Horicon Marsh with more than 260 bird species. Used spring, summer, and fall by bicyclists and hikers (68 miles round trip). Snowmobilers connect with 300 miles of trails. Rolling Meadows Dr, S of Hwys 41 & 151. 920-929-3135

Agriculture/Animals Glacier Ridge Animal Farm
Spend a day where the buffalo roam. Visit Chloe the camel, feed the goats and the deer, see water buffalo, feed the ducks and the swans and see over 30 different species of animals. Say "hi" to Speedy the African tortoise. Stroll around the farm, enjoy refreshments and shop at The Trading Post. Visit the farm store for gifts, bison meat, and many other items. During our Fall Festival, pick your own pumpkin, enjoy a caramel apple and go for a hayride. Open weekends May-Oct. Adults $6, children $5, 2 & under free. Physically & mentally disabled free. Schools, groups and tours welcome by reservation during the week. N9458 Ridge Road, Van Dyne. Halfway between Oshkosh & Fond du Lac, E of Hwy 41 between Cty Rd N & Hwy 26. 920-688-3488 www.glacierridgeanimalfarm.com (site link)

Larson's Famous Clydesdales
See Famous Reggie, who won the Anheuser Busch Best American Bred Gelding at the National Clydesdale Show. Get a chance to pet the baby Clydesdale, which is very rare. Visit the ranch where the gentle giants live. See an entertaining demonstration of a cart class in costume and full harness, antique hitch wagons and show preparation. Museum and gift shop. Open mid-May - mid-Oct Mon-Sat. 1pm tour and grandstand show. Adults $10, children $5. Reservations preferred. Located 17 miles W of FDL. Hwy 23-W to KK (follow signs). W12654 Reeds Corner Rd 920-748-5466. www.larsonsclydesdales.com (site link)

Little Farmer Orchard
Fresh apples, cider, caramel apples muffins and pies. Goat feeding corral, hayrides, corn maze, play area, apple/pumpkin picking. Gifts in the Craft Barn or the Apple House. Fall weekend special events. Aug-Oct. Mon-Fri 8-6pm, Sat & Sun 10-6pm. Nov closed Mondays and at 5pm daily. 10 mi N of FDL on Hwy 151. 920-921-4784 www.mytlf.com (site link)

Villa Loretto Tours
Pet a llama or see the fainting goats at this unusual ranch run by nuns -- part of the retirement complex they operate. More than 200 animals to pet and photograph. Peacocks to Clydesdales and llamas to emus. Beautiful gardens and fish ponds. Gift shop. Public lunchroom, snack bar, and "Nun Better Bakery" stocked with homemade cookies and pizza. Customized pre-arranged group tours may include nun-driven hayrides, spinning and weaving demonstrations, games, lunch, and more. Public events scheduled. Group guided tours April-Oct. Adults $7, children $3. Unguided tours year round are free. 13 miles NE of FDL. Hwy 23-E, left on Hwy W, right on CCC to Hwy WW (N8114 Calvary St), Mt. Calvary. 920-753-3211 www.villalorettonh.org (site link)

Arts and Culture Buttermilk Performance Center Outdoor Concerts
Enjoy Monday and Wednesday night free concerts at one of Fond du Lac's nicest parks. Music Under The Stars features local bands every Monday night at 7pm. Buttermilk Festival Concerts feature the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band and guest performers each Wednesday at 7:15pm. June-August. Buttermilk Creek Park. S Park Ave. Free.

Kristmas Kringle Shoppe, Ltd
This Midwest favorite has long been a destination for shoppers of all ages. The two-story Bavarian style shop boasts an interior that resembles streets of quaint European shops, lined with more than 70 themed Christmas trees, collectibles, animated figures, and imported ornaments. Group tours welcome. Mon-Thur 9-6pm, Fri 9-8pm, Sat 9-6pm, Sun 10-5pm. Special holiday hrs. 1330 S Main St, Hwys 41 & Main St Exit. 800-721-2525 or 920-922-3900 www.kristmaskringle.com (site link)

Performing Arts Center
State-of-the-art 1032-seat theater offers community plays, concerts, and national traveling shows. Hosts Fond du Lac Community Theater www.fdlct.com, Fond du Lac Concert Association www.fdlconcert.com, and Fond du Lac Symphonic Band www.fdlsymphonicband.org. FDL High School, 801 Campus Dr. 920-929-2740 ext 3131

Prairie Theater Performing Arts Center
Local theater productions, concerts and national touring groups perform at this state-of-the-art, 340-seat theater. UW-FDL campus, 400 University Dr 920-906-6350. www.fdl.uwc.edu (site link)

Windhover Center for the Arts
(clip coupon) Experience all areas of the arts at Windhover. Visit the Art Gallery free of charge Mon-Sat or participate in a wide range of programs for children and adults, including Jazz, Acoustic, and Classical Music, Poetry Collective, classes, workshops, Children's Chorale and other special events. (See calendar of events and website.) Gallery hours Mon-Fri 9-5pm, Thurs until 8pm, Sat 10-2pm. Gallery admission is free. 51 Sheboygan St. 920-921-5410 www.windhovercenter.com (site link)

History and Museums Blakely Museum
Experience history and culture of the area. Collections and artifacts date from pre-historic to early Native American through modern times. Museum included in Galloway House & Village tour. Memorial Weekend through Labor Day. Weekends in Sept 10-4pm. Adults $7.50, Seniors 62 & over $6.50, Child 5-17 $5, age 4 and under free, Family (2 adults & dependent children) $25, Season Pass (Memorial Day-Sept) $25. 336 Old Pioneer Rd 920-922-1166 www.fdl.com/history (site link)

CCC Barracks Museum
Learn about the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps)workers in the 1930s. CCC was President Roosevelt's most successful "New Deal" program, designed to put young men to work during the Great Depression. Museum, flanked by a bronze lifesize CCC worker statue, included in Galloway House & Village tour. Memorial Weekend through Labor Day. Weekends in Sept. 10-4pm. Adults $7.50, Seniors 62 & over $6.50, Child 5-17 $5, age 4 & under free, Family (2 adults & dependent children) $25, Season Pass (Memorial Day-Sept) $25. 336 Old Pioneer Rd 920-922-1166 www.fdl.com/history (site link)

Children's Museum of Fond du Lac
Interactive environment where children connect with people, places and things in their world. Wed & Fri 9-5pm, Thurs 9-7pm, Sat 9-4pm, Sun 10-3pm. $4 ages 1-101, under 1 free. 51 Sheboygan St 920-929-0707 www.childrensmuseumfdl.org (site link)

FDL Cty Historical Society Library & Archives
Located in the Blakely Museum on the grounds of the Galloway House and Village, trace your family roots at this resouce center. Historical information on Fond du Lac County and its residents, past and present. Open year-round Mon 9-noon, Wed 1-5pm, Fri 9-noon, 1st & 3rd Sat 10-2pm or call 920-922-0991 for special appointments. $2. The Blakely Museum is also open for an additional $2. 336 Old Pioneer Rd www.fdl.com/history (site link)

Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center
Learn how the glaciers of the last Ice Age shaped the landscape of the Kettle Moraine area. The history of glacial activity is depicted in film, exhibits, panoramas, and staff-led programs. Open year round Mon-Fri 8:30-4pm, Sat-Sun 9:30-5pm, winter hours vary. 20 miles SE of FDL, off Hwy 67 NE of Hwy 45. 920-533-8322 (site link)

Historic Galloway House & Village
(clip coupon) The 30-room mansion was the "farmhouse" of the Galloway family for three generations. Purchased from Salim Newton as a simple but decorative house, the Galloways built ornate additions to turn the house into a showplace of gracious living and entertaining. The hand-carved woodwork, etched glass, and hand-stenciled ceilings are a few of the marvels of the lifestyle of a bygone era. Each building of the village is its own step-back-in-time from a country church and one-room schoolhouse to a grist mill and more. Blakely Museum and CCC Barracks Museum also on site. Memorial Weekend through Labor Day. Weekends in Sept. 10-4pm. Adults $7.50, Seniors 62 & over $6.50, Child 5-17 $5, age 4 and under free, Family (2 adults and dependent children) $25, Season pass $25 (Memorial Day-Sept). 336 Old Pioneer Rd 920-922-1166 www.fdl.com/history (site link)

Historic Octagon House & Costume Closet
This National Registered Historic Home is first and foremost a private residence. Built in 1856 by Issac Brown, with the architectural design of Orson Fowler, it holds both mystery and fascination. Constructed on an established 1814 settlement and trading post, this 12 room grout home became the wedding gift to Edwin Brown (son of Isaac) and his bride Ruth Pier, as residence until his death in the battle of Antietam, in 1862. The Octagon House features 9 secret passageways including an underground tunnel used for a safe house in the "underground railroad." Today this house is at the head of Fond du Lac's Historic District, preserving history for generations to come. Showings may be arranged by calling 920-922-1608. Admission is charged. 276 Linden St www.octagonhousefdl.com (site link)

Jim Baldauf Collector Cars
Browse through a showroom of fully restored antique cars. Home of a 1949 Oldsmobile 88 Convertible -- one of only 5 known. Car collectibles, memorabilia, and more. Collector cars bought and traded. Collector car appraisals. Tours by appt. Free admission. Call for hours. 220 Morris Ct 920-923-2211

Silver Wheel Manor Doll Museum
See more than 3,000 dolls spanning 6 generations. Other collections include carriages, vintage china, Victorian hats, jewelry, quilts, crafts, horse saddles and trophies, and furnishings galore. New model railroad exhibit and village. Browse through more than 20,000 garments in our Costume Shop and Bridal Salon. Pet the horses in our stable. Reservations appreciated but not necessary. April-Sept on Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 9am-noon. Admission is charged. 1/2 mile E of FDL. 4th St Rd to N6221 Hwy K 920-922-1608 www.toomanydolls.com (site link)

St. Paul's Cathedral
View an outstanding collection of German and American woodcarvings in an English Gothic setting, 19th century stained/painted glass windows, marble statuary, endolithic marble frontal, oil paintings and frieze. Tours by appoint. $2. 51 W Division St stpauls@dotnet.com 920-921-3363 or 920-922-1833 (site link)

Wade House Historic Site
Authentically costumed guides lead tours of the 27-room Stagecoach Inn, forge iron at the Dockstader Blacksmith Shop and demonstrate the sawyer’s craft at the Herrling Sawmill – the nation’s only working reproduction of a muley-type up-and-down sawmill. Visitors enjoy a relaxing horse-drawn carriage ride to the Wesley Jung Carriage Museum, featuring the state’s largest collection of horse-drawn wagons and carriages. Open May 12–October 19, 10am–5pm. Adults $10, Sr. 65 & over $9, age 5-17 $5, 4 & under free, family rate (2 adults & dependent children under 18) $27. Hwy 23-E - 18 mi to Hwy T, Greenbush. 920-526-3271. www.wisconsinhistory.org/wadehouse (site link)

Nature Eldorado Marsh
5,500 acres of primitive land, a habitat for many varieties of birds and game. Open to hikers and mountain bikers. Provides a 30-mile snowmobile trail and a challenging cross-country ski trail. 6.5 miles W of FDL, off Hwy 23-W on Hwy I or Heinrich Rd.

Horicon Marsh
With more than 260 varieties of birds including geese, herons, and egrets, the 32,000-acre Horicon Marsh is a bird-watcher's delight.

Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area
Located in the southern part of Horicon Marsh. Wildlife observation, trails, naturalist programs and other outdoor recreation opportunities. Weekend nature programs Sept-Oct at State DNR Offices, Mayville. 920-387-7877. Guided Pontoon Boat Tours depart from Blue Heron Landing 920-485-4663. Horicon. Approx 30 miles S of FDL on Hwy 33.

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge
Located in the northern part of the Marsh. Trails are open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, and wildlife observation. The Auto Tour Route and Dike Road, conditions permitting, are open from dawn to dusk year round. Old Marsh Road open for hiking and biking Sat & Sun during June, July, and August. Fishing available at selected sites. Tours, special events, and educational programs. Visitor Center open year round, Mon-Fri 7:30-4pm and weekends during fall. 23 miles S of FDL. Hwy 151 to Hwy 49 to Hwy Z. 920-387-2658 www.fws.gov/midwest/horicon (site link)

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit
30,000 acres of lush, dense forest, prairies and sparkling lakes formed by glaciers over 10,000 years ago. Recreation for horseback riders, campers, swimmers, hikers, bikers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers. Hunting and fishing available. Park sticker required. 18 miles SE of FDL. 920-533-8322 www.wiparks.net (site link)

Lakeside Park
Bring the family for fun in Fond du Lac's 400-acre Lakeside Park, on Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin's largest inland lake. Walk-up lighthouse. Picnic areas, shelters, playground, deer park, ball diamonds, marina, and boat launch ramps. Train ride, old fashioned carousel, bumper boats, aqua bikes, and canoes. (See Recreation section.) Petting Zoo open Memorial Weekend-Labor Day Mon-Thurs 10-4pm, Fri-Sat 10-6pm, Sun 10-5pm. Park glows with thousands of holiday lights and animated displays including holiday music each December. Located at end of N Main St and end of N Park Ave. 920-322-3460

Lighthouse & Observation Deck
Climb this 40-ft tall working lighthouse for a spectacular view of Lake Winnebago and Lakeside Park. The city's signature attraction and most photographed structure in town. Built in 1933 during the Great Depression, wooden Cape Cod style painted white with a flagstone base, free telescope views. Decorated and spotlighted for the holidays every December. Self-guided tours May 1-Oct 15, weather permitting. 8am to dusk. Lakeside Park, N end of Main St Free.

Marsh Haven Nature Center
Located at the Northern edge of the Horicon Marsh area. Provides a wildlife art gallery, gift shop, and educational marsh display. Self-guided nature trails and an observation tower. Open May to Mid-Nov. Mon-Fri 12-4pm, Sat-Sun 9-5pm. Adults $1, children under 14 $.50 cents. 16 miles S of FDL on Hwy 49. 920-386-2182

Fond du Lac Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
920-923-3010 • 1-800-937-9123 Ext. #71 • visit@fdl.com
171 S Pioneer Road, Fond du Lac, WI 54935
©2003, Fond du Lac Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

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