The first light of dawn hits the water’s surface, and welcomes optimistic fishermen to Lake Winnebago. A cup of coffee among friendly strangers turns into a recommendation for the just-perfect lakeside dinner later that night. A bike ride through picturesque rural country, past idyllic barns and over rolling hills, ends with a story-filled lunch at an outdoor café. An afternoon on the water is made even better with a must-stop ice cream treat. An evening stroll through a resurgent downtown reveals art galleries, shops and boutiques to reward the cultured eye, culminating in satiating that well-earned appetite at a classic Wisconsin supper club.

All of this and much, much more awaits you in Fond du Lac.

With its convenient, easy-to-reach location at the base of Lake Winnebago and surrounded by Kettle Moraine State Forest and the Horicon Marsh, Fond du Lac welcomes outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, any time of the year. And, "welcome" is not taken lightly here, by the way. You'll be hard pressed to find a more welcoming community in Wisconsin.

From fishing guides to museum docents, hoteliers to shopkeepers, a warm, genuine welcome is extended to all visitors. Our secret? The high quality of life enjoyed by those lucky enough to live and work here translates to a versatile, affordable quality of experiences for those fortunate enough to visit. And those experiences also await the business traveler looking to seal the deal on the back nine, the traveling teams in a statewide tournament, and the family reunions where no one arrives tired from the drive.

The friendliness of home. A lakeside location central to most of Wisconsin’s population. And the perfect balance of downtown hip and rustic charm; of cheering fans and reflective solitude; of historical restoration and modern art. Whatever your passion is, you’ll find it here, in Fond du Lac.

Fond Du Lac restaurants, don't leave without tasting...

Kelley Country Creamery ice cream and Schreiner's homemade pie. It was USA Today's pick for Best Ice Cream Shop in Wisconsin! Did someone say life is short, eat dessert first? Well it just so happens that Schreiner’s Restaurant did because it is the only restaurant in Fond du Lac where you can treat yourself to a fresh slice of pie with a hand-rolled pie crust and made from scratch filling. Need we say more?

Mark these events on your calendar:

• Walleye Weekend
• Fondue Fest
• Edge the Ledge
• Foot of the Lake Synchronized Skating Competition
• Prairie Fest
• Sturgeon Stampede
• Race the Lake
• Tour of America's Dairyland Bike Race

You’ll catch the big one if you...

Hook up with Fond du Lac area experts through the local chapters of Sturgeons for Tomorrow, Walleyes for Tomorrow club and fishing guides! Lake Winnebago, the largest freshwater lake in Wisconsin, is one of the more heavily fished state lakes and considered to be one of the nation's top walleye fisheries. Year round fishing includes the annual sturgeon spearing in February with its rich history and traditions, ice fishing and don’t forget the annual Walleye Weekend tournament.

Explore your adventurous side

Jump in the lake or go fly a kite...or put both together and go wind kiting on Lake Winnebago. The wind is just right for kiting and windsurfing in the summer or on the ice in the winter. Bring your bike and weave through the trails in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Got a kayak? You can travel to a county park accessible only by waterway with canoe or kayak. You must love dogs at the Siberian Outpost. Learn about an antique sled and have the huskies mush through the snow.

Must see attractions:

• Explore hidden passageways used on the Underground Railroad at the Historic Octagon House
• Walk through the past at the Galloway House and Village
• The Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac
• Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern
• Kelley Country Creamery
• Lakeside Park/Lake Winnebago
• Do-It-All Sports/Fondy Sports Park