Fond du Lac

The Fond du Lac Lighthouse is located at the north end of North Park avenue, in Lakeside Park. It was built in 1933 and restored in 1993. It marks the harbor entrance for the Fond du Lac Yacht Club. It has become iconic in the city, being incorporated into the city's official seal. Visitors may climb to the top of the lighthouse for a spectacular view of Lake Winnebago.

The Octagon House was built as the residence of Isaac Brown, a trader and carpenter. It was built with nine secret passageways and spaces, including a tunnel to the woodshed. The house was used as a safe house on the Underground Railroad; a small storage space beneath the porch was used to hide runaway slaves. It was the home of Civil War Major Edwin Brown, who was killed at the battle of Antietam in 1862. Some modern visitors report hearing sounds of small children playing and laughing, and feeling cold hands touching them; these are believed to be the spirits of Edwin Brown's children. The house was featured on the History Channel's show Hidden Passages, as "the second-most haunted house in Wisconsin." The house is not open to the public, but may be seen from the exterior.

Built in 1884 to replace the previous cathedral, which had been destroyed by fire, the Cathedral of Saint Paul is the seat of the Episcopal Archdiocese of Fond du Lac, which includes the northeastern third of Wisconsin. The interior of the cathedral features exquisite wood carvings of the Apostles, Saint Paul, and about 25 angels. St. Michael's Chapel contains the sarcophagus of Bishop Charles Grafton, the bishop at the time of the completion of the present building.

Operated by the Fond du Lac Historical Society, the Galloway House and Village is a recreation of a small Wisconsin village of the 1800s. Included are a print shop, a chapel, and a railroad station. The centerpiece of the village is the Edwin Galloway Mansion, home of the Galloway family from 1820 to 1926. The mansion is well restored and staffed with costumed guides. The Blakely Museum is also on the grounds.

Fond du Lac's showcase park, at the southern end of Lake Winnebago. The park includes the historic Fond du Lac lighthouse, which is open to visitors, from 8AM to dusk from April 15 to October 15. There is a small amusement park, including a rebuilt historical merry-go-round and a train ride. There are two separate boat launches. There is a system of lagoons in the park, with a canoe rental concession. There is an old covered bridge, a fountain, and several pavilions which can be rented for special occasions.
Every June Fond du Lac's Walleye Weekend is held at Lakeside Park.
The city's Fourth of July fireworks display is held at Lakeside Park.
During the Christmas season Lakeside Park is transformed into a breathtaking scenario of holiday lights and displays, which can be seen by motorists driving through.

A large grassy park featuring a sledding hill and an outdoor amphitheater. It is the home to the Buttermilk Creek Festival concerts of the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band (W 7:15PM through the summer) and Music Under the Stars.

The Fairgrounds Aquatic Center is operated by the Fond du Lac Recreation Department, and is just north of the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds. It features zero depth entry, two tube slides, two drop slides and interactive water play features. Other amenities include a concession stand, a sand play area and bermed grassy areas around the pool for picnics and enjoying the sunshine.

Hiking and bike trails: Just west of Fond du Lac are two state bike and hiking trails. The Wild Goose Trail begins on County Highway VV just west of the Hickory Street roundabout, crosses I-41 on a pedestrian overpass, and goes southwest 34 miles, skirting the northern edge of the Horicon Marsh, and going through Oakfield and Juneau, WI. The Mascoutin Valley State Trail begins on Rolling Meadows Drive, just north of Scott Street, and continues across Eldorado Marsh about 8 miles west to Rosendale.