FDL Guide 2019

THE LAKESIDE DISTRICT

The “Foot of the Lake” is an expansive area at the southernmost point of one of the largest inland lakes in the U.S., the mighty Lake Winnebago. GENERAL LOCATION: Lakeside Park West across the Fond du Lac River, through Lakeside Park, heading east over to Roosevelt Park, and continuing north along Lake Winnebago’s east coast to Columbia Park. WHAT YOU’LL FIND: The Children’s Museum; acres of beautiful parks; “Pete’s Beach,” the local’s favorite swimming spot and a place to drop anchor and float in the sun; the Marina; the Lakeside Park canals; the lighthouse; restaurants and taverns; Jim & Linda’s Supper Club; Wind Power Surf Shop. WHAT YOU CAN DO: Ride a historic merry-go-round. Launch your boat. Windsurf and ice kite. Take in a national softball tournament. See the joy on your children’s faces as they experience the region’s awesome Children’s Museum. Conclude a day of ice kiting or SUPing on Lake Winnebago with a tasty Bloody Mary at Sunset on the Water Grill & Bar. Stroll Art on the Island during the summer weekend-long art festival, Art All Around.

Photo courtesy of John Sibilski.

THE DOWNTOWN DISTRICT

A resurging region within the community where historic meets contemporary and green space sidles up to urban hip in a vibrant mashup of fun. GENERAL LOCATION: Main Street through the heart and soul of the community. WHAT YOU’LL FIND: The Roaring Twenties-era Hotel Retlaw, meticulously and elegantly restored to its original splendor; the stunning Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, or THELMA as the locals call it; boutiques; jewelers; taverns and eateries; Hamilton Park; and the Lake Winnebago Region Visitor Center. WHAT YOU CAN DO: Stroll the many art galleries during the summer weekend-long art festival, Art All Around. Check out Wisconsin’s State Snow Sculpting Championship, curling, live concerts, and pub specials during February’s Sturgeon Spectacular Winter Festival. Take in a live act by a nationally touring group or stunning visual art at THELMA. Find all of your Christmas gifts. Fine dine at Theo’s 24. Take in a romantic weekend of affordably elegant pampering, including a day in the spa at Hotel Retlaw. Drop by one of the locals’ favorite pizza joints— Joe’s Fox Hut—and enjoy a draught Schlitz Beer while you shoot a round of pool.

THE FAIRGROUNDS DISTRICT America’s heartland is defined by the County Fair, and few places in the U.S. rival the authentic charm and fun of the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds. GENERAL LOCATION: Sprawling out over dozens of acres of the southeast quadrant of our town. WHAT YOU’LL FIND: Blue Line Family Ice Center, featuring three sheets of ice under one roof; 32,000 square feet of modern Expo Center convention space; Fairgrounds Aquatic Center/ Waterpark; and the County Fairgrounds. WHAT YOU CAN DO: Attend an exciting Bears Hockey game. Let the kids entertain themselves in the waterpark. Be amazed at the skill and precision of the Foot of the Lake Synchronized Skating competition. Roller skate at the Spectrum Roller Rink. Attend the best County Fair this side of the Mississippi, featuring a one-of-a-kind livestock birthing center, rodeo, and awesome live music.

Fond du Lac County Fair.

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