Fond Du Lac County: Discover Nature Trails and History

Fond Du Lac County maintains six recreational trails totaling about 50 miles. Possible activities include hiking, biking, walking, wildlife watching, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. When planning your trip, you can therefore decide how to balance trails, natural areas, and cultural sites, and shape your stay around what you want to experience.

Trails for Different Seasons

The northern 12 miles of the 22-mile Eisenbahn State Trail lie in the county. Its crushed limestone surface is suitable for walks, runs, and bike rides; during the winter months, the trail is used for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The Mascoutin Valley State Trail is 32 miles long in total, 22 of which lie in Fond Du Lac 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, managed by the DNR. Horseback riding is permitted on the county section of the trail from May through October.

The Wild Goose State Trail is a route that can be used year-round: in spring, summer, and fall it is used for bike rides and hikes, and in winter for snowmobiling. Its trailhead is at 370 W. Rolling Meadows Drive in Fond du Lac. The details for the three trails also differ in their geographic scope: 22 of the Mascoutin’s 32 miles lie in the county, while the county section of the Eisenbahn comprises its northern 12 of 22 miles.

Prairie, Forest, and Distinctive Landscapes

The native prairie at Gottfried Arboretum covers 53 acres. It is home to 55 species of native wildflowers and six species of native grasses. An interpretive trail with 12 signs introduces visitors to the prairie community. The arboretum thus combines views of different plant species with information about the landscape they shape.

Laudolff Ledge Conservation Area encompasses 965 linear feet of the wooded Niagara Escarpment. The exposed bedrock is 45 to 60 feet high. Possible activities there include hiking, wildlife watching, and picnicking. Shaginappi Park offers a different landscape: the 100-acre natural area includes wetlands, lakeshore, forest, and prairie. It borders Columbia Park; the two parks share Calumet Harbor. Shaginappi includes 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. A brochure provides self-guided access to about three miles of nature trails. Parsons Creek cuts through the park in a large gorge; naturally reproducing brook trout live in the creek. Central Fond Du Lac County is also home to the 6,381-acre Eldorado Wildlife Area. It is distinct from Eldorado Marsh, which the previously described section of the Mascoutin Valley State Trail passes through.

Oakfield Railroad Prairie and Dundee Kame offer other types of landscapes. Oakfield Railroad Prairie is a 10-acre remnant of deep-soil mesic and wet-mesic prairies that once occurred in this region; it was designated a State Natural Area in 1998. Dundee Kame is a conical 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.

History, Culture, and Local Experiences

Raube Road Historical Site preserves an intact, 123-foot section of Wisconsin’s territorial-era Old Military Road. The road 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.

Historic Galloway House and Village includes small museums, including a schoolhouse and a general store. They offer insights into Wisconsin’s economic life and way of life in the 19th century. Local artifacts and special exhibits also tell the story of local history across several centuries. During the season, tours are offered on the hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, or by appointment; check the schedule before your visit.

In Downtown Fond du Lac, THELMA Sadoff Center for the Arts offers music and film, as well as concerts, art exhibitions, and art classes. It is part of Fond du Lac’s Arts and Entertainment District. If you want to combine architecture and city history, you can take the self-guided Downtown Historic Walking Tour through Downtown Fond du Lac and the North Main Street Historic District. It highlights the architectural diversity and historical significance of the selected sites.

LaClare Creamery offers a distinctive experience of its own: you can watch goats climb on the silo, have a sandwich in the café, and learn more about cheesemaking. When choosing where to stay, it may help to first decide on the main focus of your trip—for example, outdoor activities, history, culture, or a visit centered on cheesemaking.

Discover more destinations: Fond du Lac, Rosendale, Waupun, Brandon, Racine County, Juneau County, Washington, Outagamie.

For the broader travel overview: Wisconsin.