Lakeside Park Fond Du Lac

It has been a deep freeze of a week so again I am going to talk about a place I went during the summer. Lakeside Park in Fond Du Lac is a place I have visited often. From boating trips with my family as a kid to taking my kids to the petting zoo. There are many things to do in Lakeside Park.

Key Features

• Waterfront outdoor area: Enjoy the beautiful views of the lake and the refreshing breeze while relaxing on the grass or taking a walk along the shoreline.
• Quaint lighthouse: Climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the park and the surrounding area.
• Carousel & mini train ride: Take a spin on the vintage carousel or enjoy a ride on the miniature train for some family fun.
• Boat rentals: Rent a paddle boat, kayak, or canoe to explore the lake at your own pace.
• Playground and picnic areas: Let the kids play and burn off some energy at the playground, while you enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade trees.
• Amphitheater: Attend concerts, festivals, and other events at the outdoor amphitheater.
• Fishing pier: Try your luck at fishing from the pier and catch some delicious fish for dinner.
• Swimming beach: Cool off on a hot summer day at the swimming beach.
• Trails: Hike or bike along the scenic trails that wind through the park.

Review

August 6th 2024 I received news that I was laid off from my position at Fleet Farm. It was not a great day. My wife and kids were in Michigan at a camp ground we visit each year. As usual I took them up to the camp ground the weekend before and returned to spend a couple days as a bachelor at home. On that day I had to call my wife and tell her that I no longer had a job.

So to say it was not a good day would be an understatement. To change my mood I took a drive around the lake to think. Appleton, where I live sits on the north end of Lake Winnebago. Fond Du Lac sits on the southern end. Round trip would usually take about two hours. But that day I had my camera and remembered Lakeside Park.

When I arrived in the park I decided to park at the light house. The light house sits at the end of the north west break water to the harbor. The flags blew straight from the wind. Waves crashed against the stones along the beach. Stones placed there to protect the beach from eroding away at the furry of the wind and waves. Sea Gulls soared above me on the wind.

I started walking along the beach on the paved walkway. Spray from the waves splashed across the path. Pools of water have built up from the splashing waves.

Two roads run north and south into Lakeside Park, North Park Ave and N Main St. Harbor View Dr creates the southern boarder of the park. A trail by the name of Harbor View Trail runs along the drive. But that day I stayed on the north end of the park.

Promen Dr runs parallel to the beach and over one of the man made channels that circle the park. The channels flow around man made islands in the park which walking bridges give access. Fountains and ball parks fill the islands. But again I stayed north of this area of the park.

I stayed between the beach and Promen Drive. The walking trail here stretches from the lighthouse all the way to the Fond Du Lac River. Another bridge allows foot access across the river to the west side of the park and the dog park. I walked this trail from the light house to the crossing of the first channel. After crossing the bridge I walked the western edge of the channel toward the lake. Here there is a point reaching north into the lake.

My reason for visiting last August was to take pictures. So after snapping pictures I returned to my vehicle. Please enjoy the photos I took that day.

To review the park and the trails, there is lots to see and do at Lakeside park. With a petting zoo and some minor amusement park rides, this park is more than the common parks I have reviewed. But the park is busy. The looping roads create a great place for vehicles to cruise. So if your looking for a place to get away from people this is not the spot. The lake is beautiful and the Marina is great if you’re a boater.

Let me know if you have any memories or plans to visit this park in the comments. And thanks again for reading.