6 things to do this spring & summer in Dodge County - Dodge County, WI

Head to Dodge County in central Wisconsin this summer for days filled with outdoor adventures, engaging history, fun events, lakes and rivers open to exploration, and much more.

Here are six things to put on your spring and summer itinerary for Dodge County this year.

Get on (or in) the water

Anglers, boaters, paddlers, and aquatic enthusiasts of all stripes will find plenty of waterways to explore in Dodge County. Popular lakes like Beaver Dam Lake, Lake Emily, Lake Sinissippi, Lost Lake, and Fox Lake offer great opportunities for fishing and watersports. The Rock River cuts through the middle of Dodge County, and the Rock River Water Trail is a great way to explore this waterway in a canoe or kayak. Other popular rivers for fishing and paddling include the Crawfish River and the Beaver Dam River, both located in the western part of the county.

Dodge County is also home to several pools and aquatic centers that are ideal for a family outing when the weather is warm. You’ll find aquatic adventures at the Horicon Aquatic Center in Discher Park, the Fox Lake Aquatic Center, the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center in Hartford, the Watertown Aquatic Center, or Swan Park Splash Pad in Beaver Dam. (The Mayville TAG Center features an indoor aquatic center for those rainy days.)

Visit the area’s historical attractions

Take a trip through the past on your next visit to Dodge County by learning the stories of the people and events that shaped this part of central Wisconsin. History enthusiasts have a lot of unique museums to choose from, including the Dodge County Historical Society, the Mayville Limestone School Museum, the Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford, the Hollenstein Wagon & Carriage Museum in Mayville, and the Octagon House Museum in Watertown.

Learn more about Dodge County’s attractions here.

See stunning public artwork

Art lovers will find some unique attractions on their trip to Dodge County this spring and summer. Wapun is known as the “City of Sculptures” and boasts more than a dozen works, including pieces by artists Lorado Taft and James Earl Fraser (look for Fraser’s iconic “The End of the Trail” in Shaler Park). Downtown Beaver Dam is home to more than 20 murals that depict the city’s history and community spirit.

Discover Dodge County’s parks and trails

Outdoors adventurers will find plenty to see and do on Dodge County’s wide array of parks, trails, and natural areas. The Horicon Marsh in northern Dodge County is a big draw for hikers, bikers, birdwatchers, paddlers, and hunters, and the county is also home to other wildlife areas like the Mud Lake State Wildlife Area and Theresa Marsh State Wildlife Area.

Community and county parks abound, offering great recreation and camping options. Don’t miss Ledge Park, located on the Niagara Escarpment near the Horicon Marsh, and Astico Park on the Danville Mill Pond east of Columbus.

Bikers, hikers, and winter sports enthusiasts will enjoy miles of well-maintained trail systems, including the Wild Goose State Trail, the Gold Star Memorial Trail, and the Glacial River Bike Trail.

Find fun community events

Dodge County’s cities, towns, and villages offer a full calendar of exciting events in the spring and summer months, from art festivals and farmers’ markets to community celebrations and the annual Dodge County Fair.

See some of the area’s featured events here.

Find shopping and dining options & places to stay

Dodge County’s welcoming communities offer a wide range of specialty stores, gift shops, family restaurants, breweries, and more, as well as comfortable lodging options from Waupun in the north to Watertown in the south.

Follow the links below to find information on shopping, dining, and lodging in specific communities.