We decided to take a little downtime and catch up on business in Fond du Lac. Well, to be honest, we were worried that we couldn't find a campground for Labor Day Weekend, so we hunkered down at the Fond du Lac County Fairground for a week and toured the area. There is some great history all around this area of Wisconsin, many towns built on the riches of the lumber industry. Fond du Lac is not that far west of Lake Michigan, so we hit Sheboygan, Manitowoc, then over to Lake Winnebago, and more.
Hayton, WI - Barn Near HaytonA barn near Hayton, Wisconsin. Photo by Kathy Alexander.
Barn Near Hayton
Fond Du Lac, WI - Architecture - 2Fond du Lac, Wisconsin was a trading post in its earliest days before the city was formed, serving the Winnebago tribe and other Native Americans from around the area. It was once considered as a State Capital, but Madison was chosen instead. Photo and enhancement by <a href="http://aboutus.html/" target="_blank">Kathy Weiser-Alexander.</a>
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin was a trading post in its earliest days before the city was formed, serving the Winnebago tribe and other Native Americans from around the area. It was once considered as a State Capital, but Madison was chosen instead.
Fond Du Lac, WI - Architecture - EnhancedDowntown Fond du Lac has a lot of great architecture of days past and seemed vibrant during our visit.<br/> <br/> Photo and enhancement by <a href="http://aboutus.html/" target="_blank">Kathy Weiser-Alexander.</a>
Downtown Fond du Lac has a lot of great architecture of days past and seemed vibrant during our visit.
Fond Du Lac, WI - ArchitectureFond du Lac has 20 listings on the National Register of Historic Places, including four historic districts: the South Main Street Historic District, the North Main Street Historic District, the Linden Street Historic District, and the East Division Street-Sheboygan Street Historic District.<br/> <br/> Photo by <a href="http://aboutus.html/" target="_blank">Kathy Weiser-Alexander.</a>
Fond du Lac has 20 listings on the National Register of Historic Places, including four historic districts: the South Main Street Historic District, the North Main Street Historic District, the Linden Street Historic District, and the East Division Street-Sheboygan Street Historic District.
Fond Du Lac, WI - Gilles Drive-InGilles Drive-In has been serving up their famous Gilliesburger (Sloppy Joe) and more for over 60 years. Good stop for great service and tasty treats. Photo by Kathy Alexander.
Gilles Drive-In has been serving up their famous Gilliesburger (Sloppy Joe) and more for over 60 years. Good stop for great service and tasty treats.
Fond Du Lac, WI - Octogon HouseMost of the buildings in Fond du Lac listed in the National Register of Historic Places were built after the lumber industry boom in the Fox Valley created wealth, including this Octagon House. Photo by <a href="http://aboutus.html/" target="_blank">Kathy Weiser-Alexander.</a>
Most of the buildings in Fond du Lac listed in the National Register of Historic Places were built after the lumber industry boom in the Fox Valley created wealth, including this Octagon House.
Fond Du Lac, WI - Main StreetAlthough the population of Fond du Lac County was only about 140 white settlers in 1840, growth came quickly after as expansion from the East brought settlers by the thousands. By 1870, Fond du Lac was the state's second largest city, a major railroad hub, and second only to Dane county in wheat production. Today the city has a population over 43,000. Photo by Kathy Alexander.
Although the population of Fond du Lac County was only about 140 white settlers in 1840, growth came quickly after as expansion from the East brought settlers by the thousands. By 1870, Fond du Lac was the state's second largest city, a major railroad hub, and second only to Dane county in wheat production. Today the city has a population over 43,000.
Fond Du Lac, WI - ColiseumThe Coliseum in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. Photo by Kathy Alexander.
The Coliseum in Fond Du Lac
Fond Du Lac, WI - LighthouseLighthouse on the Winnebago Lake Harbor in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. Photo by <a href="http://aboutus.html/" target="_blank">Kathy Weiser-Alexander.</a>
Lighthouse on the Winnebago Lake Harbor in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin.
Fond Du Lac, WI - Winnebago Lake HarborThe county of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin was created in 1836, and the city was laid out shortly after. Originally founded on speculative purposes, James Duane Doty had the idea to construct a canal from the adjacent Lake Winnebago to Rock River, and another to Sheboygan on Lake Michigan, for transportation of goods.<br/> <br/> Photo of Winnebago Lake Harbor from the top of the Lighthouse by <a href="http://aboutus.html/" target="_blank">Kathy Weiser-Alexander</a>
The county of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin was created in 1836, and the city was laid out shortly after. Originally founded on speculative purposes, James Duane Doty had the idea to construct a canal from the adjacent Lake Winnebago to Rock River, and another to Sheboygan on Lake Michigan, for transportation of goods.
Manitowoc, WI - Budweiser ElevatorsKathy seemed surprised to find Budweiser Elevators in Manitowoc. The city does have a history in beer, with the Oshkosh Brewing Company around 1900 and its slogan "By Gosh It's Good". Its Chief Oshkosh became distributed nationwide.<br/> <br/> Photo by <a href="http://aboutus.html/" target="_blank">Kathy Weiser-Alexander</a>.
Kathy seemed surprised to find Budweiser Elevators in Manitowoc. The city does have a history in beer, with the Oshkosh Brewing Company around 1900 and its slogan "By Gosh It's Good". Its Chief Oshkosh became distributed nationwide.
Manitowoc, WI - Church Clock SteepleThe First German Evangelical Lutheran Church in Manitowoc was built in 1873. The area of Manitowoc was first settled in 1820, with land sales opening around 1835. Today the city has over 50,000 residents. Photo by <a href="http://aboutus.html/" target="_blank">Kathy Weiser-Alexander</a>.
The First German Evangelical Lutheran Church in Manitowoc was built in 1873. The area of Manitowoc was first settled in 1820, with land sales opening around 1835. Today the city has over 50,000 residents.
Manitowoc, WI - County CourthouseManitowoc County Wisconsin derives its name from the Anishinaabe language and either the word manidoowaak(wag) (meaning spirit-spawns) or manidoowaak(oog) (meaning spirit-woods).
Manitowoc County Wisconsin derives its name from the Anishinaabe language and either the word manidoowaak(wag) (meaning spirit-spawns) or manidoowaak(oog) (meaning spirit-woods).
Manitowoc, WI - Lake MichiganManitowoc, on Lake Michigan, is home to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, and is an endpoint of the ferry route of the SS Badger, connecting U.S. Route 10 to Ludington, Michigan.<br/> <br/> Photo by Kathy Weiser-Alexander.
Manitowoc, on Lake Michigan, is home to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, and is an endpoint of the ferry route of the SS Badger, connecting U.S. Route 10 to Ludington, Michigan.
Manitowoc, WI - Yacht ClubPhoto by Kathy Alexander.
Manitowoc, WI - Yacht Club
Oshkosh, WI - DowntownThe city of Oshkosh, current population around 66,000, is named after Menominee Chief Oshkosh (meaning claw). It was incorporated as a city in 1853, although European settlers were in the area as early as 1818. Photo by Kathy Alexander.
The city of Oshkosh, current population of around 66,000, is named after Menominee Chief Oshkosh (meaning claw). It was incorporated as a city in 1853, although European settlers were in the area as early as 1818.
Oshkosh, WI - Fahrnwald Farm BarnThis area near Oshkosh has history dating back to the mid 1800's, including the short lived town of Perryville, which was gone by the Civil War.
The land wound up in the hands of brothers Ezra and Homer Fahrney around the turn of the 20th Century. Heirs to Chicago Patent Medicine entrepreneur Dr. Peter Fahrney, the brothers established adjoining summer estates on Lake Winnebago, planting thousands of trees. By 1910 the property was referred to by locals as "Fahrnwald", or "Fahrney's Woods".
Nearby this barn you'll find the Jesuit Treat House, which is in part made up by a 30 room mansion originally built by Ezra Fahrney in 1918. The Jesuit Retreat was established in the early 1960s. Photo by Kathy Alexander.
This area near Oshkosh has a history dating back to the mid-1800s, including the short-lived town of Perryville, which was gone by the Civil War.
The land wound up in the hands of brothers Ezra and Homer Fahrney around the turn of the 20th Century. Heirs to Chicago Patent Medicine entrepreneur Dr. Peter Fahrney, the brothers established adjoining summer estates on Lake Winnebago, planting thousands of trees. By 1910 the property was referred to by locals as "Fahrnwald", or "Fahrney's Woods".
Nearby this barn you'll find the Jesuit Treat House, which is in part made up by a 30 room mansion originally built by Ezra Fahrney in 1918. The Jesuit Retreat was established in the early 1960s.
Oshkosh, WI - ArchitectureThe city of Oshkosh, on the western shore of Lake Winnebago, has 33 listings on the National Register of Historic Places. Like Fond du Lac and many other cities in this area, fortunes were made in the Lumber industry in the 1800's. The city also has six historic districts and 27 historic buildings.<br/> <br/> Photo by <a href="http://aboutus.html/" target="_blank">Kathy Weiser-Alexander</a>.
The city of Oshkosh, on the western shore of Lake Winnebago, has 33 listings on the National Register of Historic Places. Like Fond du Lac and many other cities in this area, fortunes were made in the Lumber Industry in the 1800s. The city also has six historic districts and 27 historic buildings.
Oshkosh, WI - Blue Bulding - enhancedPhoto and enhancement by Kathy Alexander.
Feeling Blue in Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI - Downtown BuildingPhoto by Kathy Alexander.
Downtown Buildings in Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI - Buildings (Enhanced)Downtown buildings in Oshkosh, photo and enhancement by Kathy Alexander.
Oshkosh, WI - South Main Street BuildingPhoto by Kathy Alexander.
Oshkosh, WI - Street PubBarley & Hops Street Pub in Oshkosh, photo and enhancement by Kathy Alexander.
Barley & Hops Street Pub in Oshkosh, photo and enhancement by Kathy Weiser-Alexander.
Sheboygan Falls, WI - StreetWith its grassroots dating back to 1835, Sheboygan Falls grew into a city in 1913 and today has a population of 7,500. Photo by Kathy Alexander.
With its grassroots dating back to 1835, Sheboygan Falls grew into a city in 1913 and today has a population of 7,500.
Sheboygan Falls, WI - 2Several Mills and other industries helped Sheboygan Falls grow throughout the years. Photo by Kathy Alexander.
Several Mills and other industries helped Sheboygan Falls grow throughout the years.
Sheboygan Falls, WI - Rochester InnThe Rochester Inn is housed in a restored 1848 Greek revival building. Photo by Kathy Alexander.
The Rochester Inn is housed in a restored 1848 Greek revival building.
Sheboygan Falls, WIFalls in Sheboygan Falls. Photo by Dave Alexander.
Sheboygan Falls
Sheboygan Falls, WI - Brickner Mill Apts-2Built in 1879, Brickner Woolen Mill produced woolen shawls, coatings, suiting, dress goods and blankets, using an average of 250,000 pounds of wool annually. Brickner Woolen Mills was renovated in 1992 into 34 affordable apartments. Photo by Kathy Alexander.
Sheboygan Falls, WI - Brickner Mill AptsBuilt in 1879, Brickner Woolen Mill produced woolen shawls, coatings, suiting, dress goods and blankets, using an average of 250,000 pounds of wool annually. Brickner Woolen Mills was renovated in 1992 into 34 affordable apartments. Photo by Kathy Alexander.
Built in 1879, Brickner Woolen Mill produced woolen shawls, coatings, suiting, dress goods, and blankets, using an average of 250,000 pounds of wool annually. Brickner Woolen Mills was renovated in 1992 into 34 affordable apartments.
Sheboygan, WI - Blue Harbor ResortSituated on Lake Michigan, Sheboygan is a favorite get away for many throughout the region.
With a population of over 49,000 today, Sheboygan's history dates back to the 1830's and was officially founded in 1846. Photo by Kathy Alexander.
Situated on Lake Michigan, Sheboygan is a favorite getaway for many throughout the region.
Sheboygan, WI - Bar Restaurant Near Harbor CentreThe area of Harbor Centre in Sheboygan has everything from Ice Cream to Bars. Photo by Kathy Alexander.
The area of Harbor Centre in Sheboygan has everything from Ice Cream to Bars.
Sheboygan, WI - Harbor Centre BeachPeople enjoy the swimming beach at Harbor Centre, in Sheboygan on Lake Michigan. Photo by Kathy Alexander.
People enjoy the swimming beach at Harbor Centre, in Sheboygan on Lake Michigan.
Sheboygan, WI - Harbor Centre Beach PierThis old beach pier has seen its better days. Photo by Kathy Alexander.
This old beach pier has seen its better days.
Sheboygan, WI - Harbor Centre Boats-2Boats dock at Harbor Centre in Sheboygan, on Lake Michigan. Photo by Kathy Alexander.
Boats dock at Harbor Centre in Sheboygan
Sheboygan, WI - Breakwater LighthouseThe Breakwater Lighthouse in Sheboygan stands 55 feet tall and was built in 1915. Photo by Kathy Alexander.
The Breakwater Lighthouse in Sheboygan stands 55 feet tall and was built in 1915.
Sheboygan, WI - Dairy Farm to the NorthDairy Farm north of Sheboygan, <a href="https://www.legendsofamerica.com/wisconsin/" target="_self">Wisconsin</a>. Photo by David Alexander.
Dairy Farm north of Sheboygan.
Winnebago Lake, WI - Friendship AreaThe largest lake that is 'entirely' in the state of Wisconsin, Lake Winnebago covers an area of about 30 by 10 miles. It's known for having "ice shoves" on windy days in March, with residents describing it as sounding like a freight train. The ice shoves can reach 25 feet high and have been known to destroy buildings along the shoreline.<br/> <br/> Photo by Kathy Weiser-Alexander.
The largest lake that is 'entirely' in the state of Wisconsin, Lake Winnebago covers an area of about 30 by 10 miles. It's known for having "ice shoves" on windy days in March, with residents describing it as sounding like a freight train. The ice shoves can reach 25 feet high and have been known to destroy buildings along the shoreline.
Winnebago Lake, WI - South of OshkoshThe average depth of Lake Winnebago is 15 feet, with its maximum only 21 feet. It is part of a larger system of lakes known as the Winnebago Pool.
The average depth of Lake Winnebago is 15 feet, with its maximum only 21 feet. It is part of a larger system of lakes known as the Winnebago Pool.
See Our Wisconsin Photo Galleries HERE
We'll set out Sunday to tour Milwaukee and Beer! Stay tuned for some history on suds :)
Kathy & Dave
