Discover Fond Du Lac County
Accommodation in Fond Du Lac County
Fond Du Lac County combines expansive nature with diverse trails, historic sites, and cultural experiences. Those looking for a vacation rental or vacation home can make their preferred travel pace the starting point: active days on State Trails, nature observation in distinctive landscapes, or excursions to museums, art venues, and regional history.
Trails for Different Kinds of Vacation Days
In Fond du Lac County, the administration maintains six recreational routes with a total length of about 50 miles. The trails offer opportunities for hiking, cycling, walking, nature observation, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. This allows travel plans to be tailored differently depending on the season and preferred activity.
The Eisenbahn State Trail is 22 miles long in total; the northern 12 miles are located in Fond du Lac County. Its crushed limestone surface is suitable for walking, running, and cycling. During the winter months, the trail is used for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The 32-mile Mascoutin Valley State Trail also runs partly through the county: 22 miles are located here. Its starting point is at N6980 Rolling Meadows Drive in Fond du Lac. Between Rosendale and Fond du Lac, the trail passes through Eldorado Marsh, which is managed by the DNR. From May through October, horseback riding is also permitted on the section in the county.
The Wild Goose State Trail has a starting point at 370 W. Rolling Meadows Drive in Fond du Lac. The route is usable year-round; it is designated for cycling and hiking in spring, summer, and fall, while snowmobiling is possible in winter. When choosing your accommodation, it may be helpful to first consider whether you are planning cycling and hiking days, winter activities, or a mix of different experiences.
Nature Among Prairies, Wetlands, and Ridges
The Gottfried Arboretum features 55 different species of native wildflowers and six species of native grasses across 53 acres of native prairie. An interpretive trail with 12 signs introduces visitors to the prairie community. In the Laudolff Ledge Conservation Area, wooded Niagara Escarpment extends for 965 linear feet. The exposed bedrock there reaches a height of 45 to 60 feet. Hiking, wildlife observation, and picnicking are among the activities listed.
Shaginappi Park also adds its own distinctive landscape feature. The 100-acre natural area includes wetlands, lakeshore, forest, and prairie and borders Columbia Park; the two share Calumet Harbor. The park has hiking and cross-country ski trails, a snowmobile trail, and a restored lodge. Hobbs Woods is a 60-acre county park dedicated to hiking and the study of nature. Parsons Creek cuts through the area with a large gorge and is home to naturally reproducing brook trout. About three miles of nature trails are made accessible for self-guided exploration through a brochure.
History, Art, and Regional Impressions
The Raube Road Historical Site preserves an intact, 123-foot section of Wisconsin’s territorial-era Old Military Road, which was part of the first road built through Wisconsin. The site, also known as “The Old Road,” was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. At the Historic Galloway House and Village, small museums, including a schoolhouse and a general store, focus on economic life and ways of living in 19th-century Wisconsin. Local artifacts and special exhibits offer insights into local history spanning several centuries.
For cultural days, the THELMA Sadoff Center for the Arts in Downtown Fond du Lac offers music, film, concerts, art exhibitions, and art classes. The self-guided Downtown Historic Walking Tour leads through Downtown Fond du Lac and the North Main Street Historic District and highlights the architectural diversity and historical significance of selected sites. At LaClare Creamery, you can watch goats climb on the silo, eat a sandwich in the café, and learn more about cheesemaking.
Choose the Right Base for Your Trip
Fond Du Lac County offers camping at Columbia Park and Waupun County Park. Waupun County Park covers 103 acres; its northeastern 40 acres are designated as a State Scientific Area and feature hiking and cross-country ski trails. For a vacation rental or vacation home, you can therefore weigh a nature-focused trip against a cultural program in Fond du Lac or a combination of both. Other places for your regional search include Fond du Lac, Rosendale, Waupun, and Brandon.
For the overarching travel overview: Wisconsin.
More Destinations
More places within the same destination:
