Fond Du Lac County is best explored through its trails and natural areas. The county maintains six recreational trails totaling about 50 miles. They offer opportunities for hiking, biking and walking, nature observation, as well as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Which activities are suitable also depends on the particular trail and the season.
Trails for Different Seasons
The northern 12 miles of the Eisenbahn State Trail’s 22 miles lie in Fond Du Lac County. The trail has a crushed limestone surface and is suitable for walks, runs, and bike rides. In the winter months, it is also used for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The different uses make the trail an example of how the experience on the same route changes with the season.
Twenty-two of the Mascoutin Valley State Trail’s 32 miles are in the county. Its trailhead is at N6980 Rolling Meadows Drive in Fond du Lac. The section between Rosendale and Fond du Lac passes through Eldorado Marsh, which is managed by the DNR. There is also a seasonal detail to consider when planning a trip: horseback riding is allowed on the trail in Fond Du Lac County from May through October.
The Wild Goose State Trail also has a trailhead in Fond du Lac, at 370 W. Rolling Meadows Drive. In spring, summer, and fall, biking and hiking are the main activities; in winter, the route is used for snowmobiling. Together, the three trails showcase different combinations of trail surface, season, and activity.
Prairie, Forest, and Shaped Landscapes
At the Gottfried Arboretum, you can explore a native prairie along an educational trail. The area covers 53 acres and contains 55 species of native wildflowers and six species of native grasses. Twelve signs introduce visitors to the prairie community and provide a theme for the walk: the focus is not just on the landscape, but also on the plants that shape it.
The Laudolff Ledge Conservation Area offers a different landscape: a 965-foot wooded section of the Niagara Escarpment stretches across the site, with exposed rock rising 45 to 60 feet. Possible activities include hiking, wildlife observation, and picnicking. Hobbs Woods, meanwhile, is a 60-acre county park dedicated to hiking and studying nature. A large gorge formed by Parsons Creek runs through the woodland; brook trout naturally reproduce in the stream. A brochure provides access to about three miles of nature trails for self-guided exploration.
Wetlands, lakeshore, forest, and prairie come together in the 100-acre Shaginappi Park. It borders Columbia Park, and the two share Calumet Harbor. Shaginappi Park has hiking and cross-country ski trails, a snowmobile trail, and a restored lodge. Central Fond Du Lac County is also home to the 6,381-acre Eldorado Wildlife Area. The Oakfield Railroad Prairie preserves, on ten acres, a remnant of the deep mesic and wet-mesic prairies once found in the region; it was designated a State Natural Area in 1998.
Those interested in landforms will find Dundee Kame, a cone-shaped hill that rises 250 feet above the surrounding landscape. A hiking and horseback riding trail leads north into the Milwaukee River Tamarack Lowlands & Dundee Kame area. The heart of the Milwaukee River and Swamp area can be reached by canoe via the Milwaukee River.
Places, History, and Culture
The Raube Road Historical Site preserves an intact, 123-foot section of the Old Military Road from the territorial era. It was part of the first road built through Wisconsin. The site is also known as The Old Road and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. The surviving section makes the historic route tangible, without requiring a long tour.
At the Historic Galloway House and Village, small museums such as a schoolhouse and a general store offer a glimpse into Wisconsin’s economic life and everyday life in the 19th century. Local artifacts and special exhibits also convey local history spanning several centuries. Tours of the house are offered during the seasonal opening period on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, every hour between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., or by appointment. Check the visiting dates before your visit.
The Downtown Historic Walking Tour is self-guided and runs through Downtown Fond du Lac and the North Main Street Historic District. It focuses on the architectural diversity and historical significance of the selected sites. For a different cultural experience, the THELMA Sadoff Center for the Arts in Downtown Fond du Lac hosts concerts, music, film, classes, and art exhibitions; it is part of the Arts and Entertainment District.
LaClare Creamery also combines a visit with a look at cheesemaking: visitors can watch goats climb on the silo, have a sandwich in the café, and learn more about how the cheese is made. For camping, Fond du Lac County offers the two county parks, Columbia Park and Waupun County Park. Waupun County Park covers 103 acres; its northeastern 40 acres are a State Scientific Area with hiking and cross-country ski trails. The options range from nature trails and historic sites to cultural attractions and camping, without requiring a single set itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Fond Du Lac, Rosendale, Waupun, Brandon, Chippewa County, Monroe, Brown, Dane.
Return to the main travel overview: Wisconsin.
