Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Oconomowoc, WI

  • Published 2022/01/07

Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, may not be as popular as other cities in the United States.

It is a rising tourist attraction worth a visit, despite its size.

You’re in for a treat with the best things to do in Oconomowoc and the best attractions.

Oconomowoc is part of Waukesha County.

This place’s name comes from the Potawatomi word for waterfall, “Coo-no-mo-wauk.”

Oconomowoc began as a trade center but has become a popular summer vacation destination.

In the 1870s, wealthy people from the Midwest moved to the area and constructed huge homes on the lakes.

Walking tours of the city now include these residences.

The city is adjacent to the town of Oconomowoc and the hamlet of Oconomowoc Lake.

Explore Oconomowoc by bike, motorbike, or on foot and discover everything to see and do here.

Here are the 15 best things to do in and near Oconomowoc:

Embark on a Historic Walking Tour of Downtown Oconomowoc

Downtown Oconomowoc

Aaron of L.A. Photography / shutterstock.com

The self-guided tour of downtown Oconomowoc and the Fowler Lake area in Oconomowoc takes place on tree-lined pathways.

It takes roughly an hour and a half to walk the 2-mile route.

Oconomowoc’s ‘Newport of the West’ era, from the 1870s to the 1930s, focuses on a historical walking tour around Fowler Lake.

downtown Oconomowoc view of road

Aaron of L.A. Photography / shutterstock.com

The Oconomowoc Historical Society first devised the walking tour to preserve and disseminate information about the town’s past.

It’s a fun exercise for the whole family to participate in.

You will learn the city’s rich cultural and social past during the tour, including looking back at various architectural styles.

Bring Out Your Kid’s Creativity at The Imagination Station at Roosevelt Park

Children of all levels may enjoy Imagination Station Playground, developed by the local community.

An enclosed play area, plush carpeting, and other unique, accessible features are all part of the package.

It is located in Roosevelt Park, a 99-acre community park in the city’s southern central region.

Most of the area is still undeveloped and covered with trees.

The park has a baseball field with lights, a playground with a swing set, and more to ensure your kids have a fun time.

Learn about the City’s History at Oconomowoc Historical Society and Museum

This community museum lies inside the Historic National Guard Armory.

The museum’s collection dates back to the 1920s, but the exhibits span periods as far back as pre-settlement and as far forward as more recent times.

The structure, dedicated in December of 1921, was originally built in the architectural style called Spanish Colonial and has since been utilized for various functions.

Oconomowoc Historical Society and Museum started welcoming visitors in June 1991.

The Armory building that houses the museum was added to the National Register of Historic Places in December of 1984.

Bike Through Nature Hill Nature Center’s Trail

Nature Hill is the starting point of this bike trail. Oconomowoc can be seen from the hill’s summit, accessible by hiking paths.

Lapham, Washington, Oakwood, and Pleasant Streets form the 2.1-mile course.

On the way to Nature Hill Spoke, take Lapham Street to the south.

Lake Street is the first stoplight.

The Stone Bank, North Lake, and Bug Line Trails may be reached by turning left onto the lake.

Continuing south on Lapham Street, turn right at the Washington Street intersection and go to Oakwood Street, where Washington meets.

Oakwood will be on your left as you exit the intersection.

Fowler Park, a bike rack, a playground, and bathrooms, is on your right as you travel south on Oakwood.

After crossing the bridge, stay on Oakwood and make a right into Pleasant Street.

The Fowler Lake parking lot is about one block along Pleasant Street from City Hall and the police station.

Try Different Activities at Pabst Farms

About 35 miles (56 kilometers) west of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, lies Pabst Farms, a 1,500-acre (6.1 km2) redevelopment of former farmland.

This area is home to the YMCA and several supermarkets, including Pick n Save, numerous restaurants, and motels.

The Lake Country DockHounds’ new home, Wisconsin Brewing Company Park, was built in 2021.

Founded in 1844 by Jacob Best, Pabst Brewing Company was renamed in 1889 after Frederick Pabst.

The first land acquisition for Pabst Farms was made in 1906 by Fred Pabst in what was then the town of Summit, Wisconsin.

Pay Tribute to the Country’s Heroes at Veterans Memorial Park

Veterans Memorial Park  gate

Aaron of L.A. Photography / Shutterstock.com

Veterans Memorial Park has been established to celebrate veterans’ service.

Located in Oconomowoc on the shores of Lake LaBelle, it is an ideal spot for a relaxing vacation.

Because of its proximity to the former Oconomowoc Library, the area was once known as “Library Park.”

Veterans Memorial Park lake view

Aaron of L.A. Photography / Shutterstock.com

Take a break and salute the courage of those who fought for the country’s freedom on the park’s seats.

The names of Oconomowoc-area veterans who died while serving in any military branch are inscribed on the memorial wall.

The city’s Veterans Group is behind the foundation and managing of the park.

Veterans Memorial Park

Aaron of L.A. Photography / Shutterstock.com

Go Fishing at Lac La Belle

The lovely 1154-acre lake called Lac La Belle is a famous fishing spot in the city.

It reaches a depth of 45 feet at its deepest point.

There is a public boat dock where visitors may go to the lake.

People come to fish for panfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and walleye, and northern pike in this lake.

Fishermen are only allowed to keep huge fish from the lake and must return the remainder.

The lake’s water is pretty clean, and there are some shallow places just waist-deep with a hard sandy bottom where you may play in the water.

A weed-free lake makes boating both enjoyable and safe.

See Stunning Stained Glass Art at Oakbrook Esser Studios

Oakbrook Esser began when Oakbrook Studios of Oconomowoc purchased Esser Stained Glass of Milwaukee in 1986.

From Esser’s 85-year heritage, traditional European religious glass was combined with Oakbrook’s cutting-edge skills to create a unique studio.

Oconomowoc is home to a museum-style exhibition and a 10,000-square-foot workshop where clients can see the process in action.

Many pleased clients around the country have entrusted their stained glass projects to its trained artisans.

The latter combine master design, the best materials, and great craftsmanship in this ancient traditional art form.

Stencil artistry has been passed down for generations, and the company’s ultimate purpose is to carry on the tradition of excellence in workmanship and professional service.

See the Works of Young Artists at The Children’s Play Gallery

The Children’s Play Gallery’s assets were up for sale in June, and Bob and Denise Mantz took advantage of the chance.

Since 2007, it had been a constant presence in Delafield’s downtown area.

Ron and Sarah Sullivan founded it to provide a place where children could grow, families could spend more time together, and a sense of community could form.

After visiting the gallery with their grandkids, Bob and Denise Mantz fell in love with the concept.

As a result, they took the displays designed to encourage exploration and creativity in youngsters and turned them into something entirely different.

They found a new place in Oconomowoc’s downtown district.

They want it to become a place where children and their parents may come together and form a close-knit community.

It’s a gathering spot for new families and a place for kids to expand their creative potential.

They want to keep the gallery up-to-date and interesting for the many youngsters that visit it.

Gaze at Local Art at Oconomowoc Arts Center

Oconomowoc’s Arts Center provides local artists and patrons with the best possible possibilities for professional, cultural, and educational experiences.

There are year-round events at the Oconomowoc Arts Center, including concerts, cabarets, theatrical performances, visual art exhibitions, and author visits.

A primary goal of the Oconomowoc Arts Center (OAC) is to serve the Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) and its surrounding communities by providing the finest quality arts programs possible.

There are no terrible seats in OAC’s stunning venue to be found.

We strongly encourage you to attend a play or performance at this location!

Celebrate Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts

Every year, the Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts attracts hundreds of artists and art-lovers worldwide Sunshine Magazine has repeatedly ranked it one of the country’s top 100 greatest art fairs.

It all takes place in a charming park setting.

Fowler Park on the banks of Fowler Lake in Oconomowoc has hosted the event for more than three decades.

Annual since 1970, the Festival exhibits the work of 110 juried artists from throughout the United States on display during the third weekend of August.

Volunteers from the local community plan and run the Festival, and they are committed to making it a positive experience for everyone involved, including the attendees and artists.

Explore the Fowler Lake

Fowler Lake

Aaron of L.A. Photography / shutterstock.com

Fowler Lake is modest compared to other lakes in the region, yet it offers numerous advantages.

Fowler Lake is 97 acres in size and has a 2-mile walk around it. A tranquil and picturesque lake surrounded by restaurants, stores, and coffee houses.

Stunning mansions and buildings line its shoreline.

The water is noticeably clear.

Fowler Lake

3barn / shutterstock.com

You’ll love the nice weather and the peaceful surroundings.

Spend your afternoon enjoying a cup of ice cream as you relax and take in the views.

This lake’s sunset is stunning.

Explore the City with Electric Bikes from Moboevo

Shoppers at this Oconomowoc location are enthused about the importance of accessibility, convenience, and a great shopping experience for everybody.

Our communities have many complicated challenges that they feel electric bikes can solve.

Using a bicycle is a win-win situation for your health and the environment’s welfare.

Bikes are a cost-effective mode of transportation that can also be a source of joy for you and your loved ones as you travel together for miles upon miles.

All sorts of cyclists are welcome here, whether they are novices or experts, roadies or mountain bikers, or those riding for fun or transportation.

It’s here to assist you with your riding requirements, whether you want to purchase online or visit its brick-and-mortar location.

Discover what makes Mobeovo special and look at the great range of products it offers.

Bowl and Eat at Mapleway Bowl & Restaurant

If you’re in the city and have nothing else to do, Mapleway Bowl and Restaurant is a terrific location to unwind and have fun.

There is something for everyone here.

Great pizza, affordable beer prices, and eight bowling lanes that are easy to use are just some of the amenities at this bowling alley.

The staff was accommodating and pleasant.

One piece of advice is to phone beforehand, as leagues are common.

In addition, reserving a seat in advance is recommended, but the experience is well worth it since you will have a great time.

Sip and Chill at Splash Martini Bar

Aside from the handcrafted martinis, Splash Martini Bar also features a lovely terrace with views of Lac La Belle.

Martinis of the greatest caliber are the specialty of this establishment.

Daily, Splash prepares hand-pureed fresh fruit purees for customers.

Also, during the warmer months, it cultivates its herbs to produce seasonal concoctions.

Relaxed and friendly, it’s the perfect place to have a martini with a dash of refinement.

Consider it if you’re seeking a spot to relax.

Go Winetasting at Wine Maniacs Wine Bar and Bistro

Oconomowoc’s first locally owned and run wine bar and seller, Wine Maniacs, is perfect for your date night.

It aims to bring the greatest wine and food to the neighborhood, and they’re working hard to make it happen.

Their wine list is always expanding and improving.

A fireplace, walls paintings, and a classy but not stuffy dining room will help you enjoy some of the area’s best wines and food.

Farm-to-fork cuisine makes delicacies like Shrumy Duck or Where’s Walleye.

Salads and sandwiches are also best-sellers at this restaurant.

Final Thoughts

Taking a break and relaxing in Oconomowoc may be something you’d like to do again.

We believe that if you decide to visit this city, you’ll be glad that you did so.

Use our list of the best things to do in Oconomowoc, WI, on your next adventure.

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