Explore the outdoors in Dodge County this spring & summer

When the weather warms up, a whole new world of adventure opens in Dodge County. Spring and summer are the perfect time to visit this central Wisconsin vacation destination, whether you’re interested in fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, or anything in between.

Here’s a quick weekend itinerary you can use to plan your next trip to Dodge County.

Friday night

Arrive in Dodge County and find a place to stay at friendly lodging properties and campgrounds in the welcoming communities on the western side of the county, including Fox Lake, Randolph, Beaver Dam, and Columbus.

After you check into your hotel, explore the shopping and dining options in downtown Fox Lake, Beaver Dam, or Columbus.

Saturday morning

Spring and summer are prime fishing seasons in central Wisconsin—the general inland fishing opener is on the first Saturday in May, and great fishing can be found in Dodge County’s lakes throughout the fishing season. Fox Lake in the northwestern part of the county is one of the area’s more popular fishing destinations and is home to walleye, northern pike, bass, bluegill and crappie. Public fishing piers and boat launches make lake access easy.

Beaver Dam Lake is just a short drive from Fox Lake, is home to six public boat landings, public fishing docks, county and city parks, and kayak launches. The lake is stocked annually with walleye, panfish, and other species, making it a great destination for anglers.

If you’re not in the mood to cast a line, Dodge County’s lakes are great for boating and watersports, too. Beaver Dam Lake covers more than 6,700 acres, so it’s a great place to go waterskiing and tubing, and Lake Emily in the far northwestern corner of the county is an ideal destination for more laid-back boat tour.

Saturday afternoon

After a morning on the water, take time to explore some of Dodge County’s abundant natural areas, parks, and trails. The Mud Lake State Wildlife Area west of Watertown in southwestern Dodge County includes two lakes (Mud Lake and Chub Lake) and a mix of habitats that provide excellent birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities. The 169-acre Brandt-Quirk Park in Watertown offers miles of hiking trails and a 21-hole disc golf course, as well as baseball, soccer, and softball fields and tennis courts.

If summer is in full swing, it’s a great time to visit one of Dodge County’s pools and aquatic centers. Don’t miss aquatic adventures at the Watertown Aquatic Center, the Horicon Aquatic Center in Discher Park, the Fox Lake Aquatic Center, the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center in Hartford, or Swan Park Splash Pad in Beaver Dam. (If the weather isn’t cooperating, the Mayville TAG Center includes an indoor aquatic center.)

Saturday evening

Return to your hotel or rental property and rest up for another day of adventure—or, if you’ve got some extra energy, find a fun summer event or find a spot for dinner and a drink.

Sunday morning

If you’re up for another boating or fishing excursion, head to Lake Sinissippi in Hustisford in the middle of Dodge County. Part of the Horicon Marsh Watershed and fed by the Rock River, Lake Sinissippi is a great place for fishing, as it’s home to healthy populations of walleye, pike, bass, bluegill, and crappies. It’s also surrounded by several parks, including the Sinissippi Point Wildlife Area, which offers hiking trails and a good habitat for birdwatching. (If you’re visiting in July, don’t miss Lake Fest, which features live music, kids’ activities, lake events, and a fireworks show).

Nitschke Mounds Park between Beaver Dam and Horicon is home to 37 preserved mounds believed to have been constructed between 900 and 1200 years ago. A network of natural trails winds through the park, providing a great opportunity to spend the day learning about the area’s history.

Grab a bite to eat at a restaurant in Beaver Dam, Horicon, or one of the other local communities and hit the road—we’ll be waiting for your next trip to Dodge County!