Fond du Lac WI

Fond du Lac – Nestled at the foot of Lake Winnebago, Fond du Lac is a charming Wisconsin city where small-town warmth meets natural beauty. Whether you’re casting a line on the lake, biking the scenic trails, or exploring historic downtown, this city invites you to slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. It’s a place where community matters, seasons come alive, and every sunset over the water feels like home.

• Population: ~44,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; snowy winters, mild springs, warm summers (60–85°F), and colorful falls.
• Places To Visit: Lakeside Park, Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac, Galloway House and Village, Historic Downtown District.
• Top Activities: Boating on Lake Winnebago, exploring local shops, attending summer festivals, biking the Eisenbahn Trail, ice fishing in winter.
• Famous Food: Old-fashioned Wisconsin fish fry, custard from local creameries, juicy brats, and cheese curds you won’t forget.

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin blends small-town charm with a strong workforce and industrial economy. Located near Lake Winnebago, the city has a solid base in manufacturing, healthcare, education, and utilities. Whether you're starting a career or looking for a change, Fond du Lac offers promising job prospects in stable industries.

Fond du Lac, WI might not be a huge city, but it's full of hidden gems where students can unwind, catch up with friends, and just enjoy life outside of class. With its small-town charm and scenic spots, there’s always something chill to do—even on a budget!

Lakeside Park – Right on the shores of Lake Winnebago, this park is perfect for biking, walking, or just laying out in the sun. There’s a lighthouse you can climb for views, and paddle boat rentals for days when you feel like being a little adventurous.

Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts – Whether you're into art, music, or just want a cozy indoor space to explore creativity, THELMA is a cool cultural spot. They often host concerts, film nights, and gallery openings—great for a low-key night out.

C.C. Willi North & South – These quirky downtown cafes are student favorites. With comfy vibes, brunch dishes, and solid coffee, they’re ideal for study breaks or catching up with your crew.

Downtown Fond du Lac – It’s small, but don't underestimate it! Local shops, a farmer’s market (in season), and events like Fondue Fest make it a fun stroll zone. Grab some ice cream or try local bites like Brick House or Urban Fuel.

Coliseum Sports Bar & Grill – When you want to watch the game, shoot some pool, and chill with good food, this place hits the spot. It has a laid-back student-friendly atmosphere and regular events like trivia night.

Red Cabin at Green Acres – A little out of town, but worth it for students with cars. This rustic-chic restaurant is perfect for a group dinner or a date night when you want to escape campus for a bit.

Fondy Sports Park – When the weather's nice, grab a few friends and head here for go-karting, mini-golf, or batting cages. It’s fun, active, and definitely not just for little kids.

The Sweet & Salty Pig – Dessert lovers and brunch fans will adore this cozy spot. It’s an Instagram-worthy place with waffles, bacon, and lots of chill vibes for weekend mornings.

Fond du Lac may be small, but it’s packed with spots for students to relax, recharge, and have some fun. Whether you’re watching a lake sunset, sipping a latte downtown, or rocking out at a local concert, there’s always something cool happening if you know where to look.

Fond du Lac, WI, is a beautiful city offering a welcoming educational environment. Whether you are seeking a flexible community college or a private institution fostering personal growth, Fond du Lac and its nearby areas feature excellent options for higher learning.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Fond du Lac

Moraine Park Technical College – One of the city’s flagship public institutions, Moraine Park Technical College offers a wide range of associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates. Popular programs include nursing, IT, manufacturing, and business management, preparing students for promising careers.

University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, Fond du Lac Campus – This branch campus provides the benefits of a University of Wisconsin education close to home. Students can complete their first two years here before transferring to a four-year campus or pursue a full associate degree with small class sizes and dedicated faculty.

University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh (Main Campus) – Located about 20 miles from Fond du Lac, UW Oshkosh is a comprehensive public university offering a variety of bachelor’s and graduate degree programs. It is well-regarded for its strong business, education, nursing, and science departments.

Fox Valley Technical College – While based in Appleton, this public college serves Fond du Lac students with accessible technical and career-focused programs in areas like health, business, hospitality, and skilled trades.

Lakeshore Technical College – Situated within an easy drive of Fond du Lac, this college is known for its practical, hands-on learning and strong graduate employability in fields including healthcare, agriculture, and transportation.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Fond du Lac

Marian University – Located right in Fond du Lac, Marian University offers a nurturing Catholic educational experience. Known for its excellent nursing, education, business, and social work programs, Marian emphasizes both academic achievement and service to the community.

Ripon College – Just a short drive away in Ripon, this distinguished private liberal arts college provides a vibrant academic and campus life. Ripon is celebrated for its small classes, faculty engagement, and strong pre-law, pre-med, business, and humanities offerings.

Concordia University Wisconsin – Based in Mequon but offering online and outreach programs statewide, Concordia is a Lutheran institution known for its commitment to ethics-driven education. Popular fields include healthcare, education, and business.

Carroll University – About an hour from Fond du Lac, Carroll is Wisconsin’s oldest private college. It excels in the health sciences, humanities, and business, with a focus on individualized student support and immersive learning experiences.

Lawrence University – Located in Appleton, Lawrence is nationally recognized for its innovative liberal arts curriculum and outstanding music conservatory. The university is dedicated to intellectual curiosity, diversity, and close faculty-student mentorship.

Fond du Lac offers a remarkable range of higher education options to fit every learner’s goals, passions, and future ambitions. From technical skills to the liberal arts, there is an educational path in this community that can help you succeed and thrive.

Fond du Lac, WI might be a smaller city, but when it comes to education, it offers exceptional options for students and parents alike. Whether you're looking for an academically rigorous public school or a faith-based private institution, this charming Wisconsin city has a lot to offer. Here's a look at the top 5 public and private high schools in Fond du Lac, WI.

Top Public High Schools in Fond du Lac, WI

• Fond du Lac High School – Known simply as "Fondy High," this large public high school offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career and technical education programs. The school has a strong focus on college preparatory classes and extracurricular involvement.
• Horace Mann High School (North Fond du Lac) – Located in the neighboring village of North Fond du Lac, this public high school is praised for its close-knit community, arts programs, and dedicated staff. Students benefit from smaller class sizes and tailored academic support.
• Moraine Park Technical College High School Programs – While not a traditional high school, this partnership allows high school students to take career-oriented classes for college credit, making it an excellent public option for students looking for hands-on experience in healthcare, technology, and trades.
• STEM Academy & STEM Institute (Lakeshore area) – Though operated regionally, local students can access the STEM Academy programs. These schools emphasize science, technology, engineering, and math through a project-based curriculum and real-world applications.
• eAcademy (Online Option through Fond du Lac School District) – Perfect for students seeking a flexible learning environment, the eAcademy offers quality instruction delivered virtually. It caters to a variety of learning styles and schedules while maintaining strong academic standards.

Top Private High Schools in Fond du Lac, WI

• St. Mary’s Springs Academy – A well-respected Catholic college-preparatory school for grades PreK–12. Their high school division offers strong academics, spiritual development, and competitive sports. The school is known for its high graduation and college placement rates.
• Winnebago Lutheran Academy – This private high school is rooted in Christian faith and offers a strong liberal arts education. With small class sizes and a mission-centered approach, WLA provides a supportive environment for both academic and character growth.
• Faith Lutheran School – Though smaller in size, Faith Lutheran provides a personalized faith-based education. High school students enjoy individualized instruction, religious studies, and service-learning opportunities.
• Abundant Life Christian School (Nearby in Oshkosh) – Just a short drive away, this private school offers a Christ-centered education with a balance of academics, spiritual life, and extracurriculars. It's a popular choice for families in the greater Fond du Lac area.
• Theisen Middle/High School Hybrid Programs – While part of the public system, Theisen offers custom learning tracks through partnerships with private groups, giving students more flexibility while maintaining academic rigor and support.

Choosing the right high school is a big decision, but Fond du Lac offers a variety of excellent public and private options to meet your family’s needs. With strong academic programs, caring educators, and rich extracurricular opportunities, students here are well-prepared for college, careers, and life beyond graduation.

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, might not be a major metropolitan center like Los Angeles, but it has a passionate sports culture that thrives through local teams, community support, and nearby access to professional franchises. While Fond du Lac itself doesn’t host top-tier pro teams like those in the NFL or NBA, the city is deeply rooted in sports—from minor league teams to collegiate programs—and proudly supports Wisconsin’s professional teams just a short drive away.

Nearby Professional Football – Green Bay Packers (NFL)

• Green Bay Packers – Just over an hour north of Fond du Lac, the Packers are a cherished institution across the entire state. They have won an impressive 13 league championships, including four Super Bowl titles (1966, 1967, 1996, 2010). Known for legends like Vince Lombardi, Bart Starr, Brett Favre, and Aaron Rodgers, the team is owned by the fans—literally—through a unique public ownership model.

Nearby Professional Basketball – Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)

• Milwaukee Bucks – Located less than an hour from Fond du Lac, the Bucks are Wisconsin’s pride on the hardwood. The team has won two NBA championships (1971 and 2021), with a roster that’s included stars like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and current hero Giannis Antetokounmpo. They play their home games at the beautiful Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee.

Nearby Professional Baseball – Milwaukee Brewers (MLB)

• Milwaukee Brewers – Just down I-41, the Brewers play at American Family Field, known for its fan-friendly environment and retractable roof. While the team hasn’t yet won a World Series, they claimed an American League pennant in 1982 and regularly make playoff appearances. Iconic players like Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, and Christian Yelich have worn the Brewers’ uniform.

Nearby Professional Hockey – Milwaukee Admirals (AHL)

• Milwaukee Admirals – As the American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL's Nashville Predators, the Admirals are a top-tier minor league team based in Milwaukee. Many future NHL stars pass through their ranks. Fond du Lac hockey fans often support the Admirals for fast-paced and affordable professional hockey excitement.

Local & Semi-Pro Sports – Fond du Lac Dock Spiders (Collegiate Summer Baseball)

• Fond du Lac Dock Spiders – A beloved staple of the city, the Dock Spiders are members of the Northwoods League, a prestigious collegiate summer baseball league. Since their founding in 2017, they’ve quickly become one of the top teams, even winning the league championship in 2018. Games at Herr-Baker Field offer affordable, family-friendly fun all summer long.

College and Community Sports Culture

• Marian University – Located in Fond du Lac, Marian University competes in NCAA Division III across several sports. From basketball to baseball, their student-athletes represent the city with pride.
• High School Sports – Fond du Lac High School and St. Mary’s Springs Academy have rich histories in athletics. Friday night football games and regional matchups draw huge crowds and passionate support.

While Fond du Lac itself might not be home to a big-league franchise, the city lives and breathes sports in its own vibrant way. Whether you're catching a Dock Spiders game, cheering for the Packers every Sunday, or road-tripping to Milwaukee for a Bucks playoff run, Fond du Lac offers an energetic, community-driven sports experience that's truly Wisconsin proud.

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, might seem like a quiet lakeside city at first glance, but it’s full of character, charm, and some fascinating surprises. Whether you're a seasoned local or a curious visitor, there's more than meets the eye in this cozy Midwestern community. Here are some fun facts that make Fond du Lac a truly unique place:

1. Lake Winnebago Love – Fond du Lac sits at the southern tip of Lake Winnebago, the largest lake entirely within Wisconsin. It’s a hotspot for ice fishing, boating, and sunset watching.
2. The "Foot of the Lake" – The name "Fond du Lac" is French and literally means “bottom of the lake,” fitting for its location at the base of Lake Winnebago.
3. World's Largest Mercury Marine – It’s home to the global headquarters of Mercury Marine, a world leader in outboard motors and boat engines, founded right here in 1939.
4. Sturgeon Spectacle – Every spring, people gather along the lake to witness the incredible sturgeon spawning season. These prehistoric fish can grow up to 200 pounds!
5. A Windy Pastime – Fond du Lac hosts Windsurfing Regattas and is known for having some of the best windsurfing in the Midwest thanks to its steady lake winds.
6. Historic Galloway House – Step back in time at the Galloway House and Village, a beautifully preserved 19th-century estate complete with a blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and more.
7. Legend of the Fountain City – Fond du Lac was once nicknamed "The Fountain City" because of the large number of artesian wells and natural springs bubbling across the area.
8. Downtown Art Vibe – The city is known for its public art scene. You’ll find colorful murals, local galleries, and creative sculptures that bring life to its historic downtown.
9. Walleye Weekend – Every June, the community comes alive during Walleye Weekend, a free, family-friendly festival featuring fishing tournaments, live music, and over 70 food vendors!
10. The Marian University Impact – Founded in 1936, Marian University not only adds a youthful energy to the city but also contributes to education, healthcare, and community efforts in a big way.