Dodge County
Air Date: 04/04/2020 - 04/05/2020
Welcome to Dodge County: a sprawling, peaceful part of Wisconsin that’s within an hour’s drive for most of the state’s population. With three major rivers, including the Rock River National Water Trail, it’s easy to find a launch point for canoeing or kayaking, while a number of trail systems, like the Wild Goose State Trail, Glacial River Trail and Gold Star Memorial Trail, crisscross the county. Located in the northern part of Dodge County, Horicon Marsh is the largest, freshwater, cattail marsh in the country and is home to thousands of plant and animal species. Mariah heads to Waupun, where she makes a few new feathered friends at Marsh Haven Nature Center, before experiencing history come alive at The Octagon House Museum and a performance by the 1st Brigade Band. Marie heads to Beaver Dam, where murals by Wall Dogs artists brighten up the downtown buildings, and Edwin Brix Vineyard, Dodge County’s only winery, opens its doors to the public during the harvesting season. With its charming communities, unique attractions and wide-open natural spaces, Dodge County is an unforgettable destination.
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Places in this Episode
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The Discover Wisconsin crew films with the Johnson and Gassen families, who were crucial in creating the Gold Star Memorial Trail in Dodge County.
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Horicon Marsh is the largest, freshwater, cattail marsh in the country and is home to thousands of species of plants and animals.
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The Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center offers programs for kids, like guided hikes along the marsh's walking trails.
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The Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is accessible via the auto tour or its many hiking trails just off Highway 49 outside of Waupun.
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Mariah visits Marsh Haven Nature Center in Waupun.
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The Discover Wisconsin crew gets a few shots of Peek-A-Boo the owl, one of the Animal Ambassadors at Marsh Haven Nature Center.
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Waupun is known as the City of Sculpture due to the collection of sculptures throughout the city created or commissioned by native entrepreneur, Clarence Shaler.
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Visitors can pick up a pamphlet at City Hall and take a self-guided tour of the sculptures.
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In 2017, artists from the international group of artists known as the Wall Dogs painted over a dozen murals on buildings around Beaver Dam.
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During the second weekend of June every summer, the Great Beaver Paddle Festival offers free kayak, canoe and stand up paddle board rentals and lessons on Beaver Dam Lake!
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Watertown's history is evident throughout the community.
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With nearly 30 acres of green space and the Rock River flowing through its heart, Riverside Park is a major hub for recreation in Watertown.
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Built in 1854, the Octagon House was one of the largest, single-family homes in Wisconsin prior to the Civil War.
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Visitors can tour the home's five floors to see artifacts from the 19th century - many of them original to the home itself.
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The Discover Wisconsin crew films during the 1st Brigade Band's concert in Watertown.
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Civil War-era costumes are on full display at the 1st Brigade Band concert in Watertown!
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Mariah interviews 1st Brigade Band Director, Jon Condon, in Watertown.
Dodge County
Home to winding rivers, seemingly endless trails and plenty of wide open spaces, Dodge County is the ideal place to escape from the busyness of everyday life. The Beaver Dam and Crawfish Rivers, along with the Rock River National Water Trail are perfect for paddlers of all skill-levels. The Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area is the country’s largest, freshwater, cattail marsh and is home to thousands of plant and animal species, including rare migratory birds that nest in the marsh in the spring. With over 900 square miles filled with charming communities and an abundance of outdoor recreation, Dodge County is waiting to be discovered!
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Dodge County
Browse our Photos
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Horicon Marsh is the largest, freshwater, cattail marsh in the country and is home to thousands of species of plants and animals.
-
The Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center offers programs for kids, like guided hikes along the marsh's walking trails.
-
The Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is accessible via the auto tour or its many hiking trails just off Highway 49 outside of Waupun.
-
Waupun is known as the City of Sculpture due to the collection of sculptures throughout the city created or commissioned by native entrepreneur, Clarence Shaler.
-
Visitors can pick up a pamphlet at City Hall and take a self-guided tour of the sculptures.
-
In 2017, artists from the international group of artists known as the Wall Dogs painted over a dozen murals on buildings around Beaver Dam.
-
During the second weekend of June every summer, the Great Beaver Paddle Festival offers free kayak, canoe and stand up paddle board rentals and lessons on Beaver Dam Lake!
-
With nearly 30 acres of green space and the Rock River flowing through its heart, Riverside Park is a major hub for recreation in Watertown.
-
Watertown's history is evident throughout the community.
-
Built in 1854, the Octagon House was one of the largest, single-family homes in Wisconsin prior to the Civil War.
-
Visitors can tour the home's five floors to see artifacts from the 19th century - many of them original to the home itself.
Events in THE AREA
No events scheduled.
Have an event for this area that you would like featured on DiscoverWisconsin.com?
Let us know or Find other events of interest.Featured in THE BOBBER
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Waupun
At the very top of Dodge County on the northwest side of the Horicon Marsh, you’ll find the city of Waupun. With the popular auto tour of the Horicon Marsh just three miles outside of town, plus a floating boardwalk and miles of other trails, the country’s largest, freshwater, cattail marsh is accessible to everyone here! Plus, Marsh Haven Nature Center welcomes visitors looking to learn more about the plants and animals that call the area home. Known as The City of Sculpture thanks to a collection of sculptures scattered throughout the city, Waupun boasts the highest concentration of public art per capita in the United States. Visitors can see all these sculptures on a self-guided walking or driving tour. After a long day of hiking and sightseeing, grab a meal or treat at local hotspots like The Brittain House Supper Club or Guth’s Candy Shop!
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City of Waupun
Browse our Photos
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The Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is accessible via the auto tour or its many hiking trails just off Highway 49 outside of Waupun.
-
The Discover Wisconsin crew gets a few shots of Peek-A-Boo the owl, one of the Animal Ambassadors at Marsh Haven Nature Center.
-
Mariah visits Marsh Haven Nature Center in Waupun.
-
Waupun is known as the City of Sculpture due to the collection of sculptures throughout the city created or commissioned by native entrepreneur, Clarence Shaler.
-
Visitors can pick up a pamphlet at City Hall and take a self-guided tour of the sculptures.
Events in THE AREA
No events scheduled.
Have an event for this area that you would like featured on DiscoverWisconsin.com?
Let us know or Find other events of interest.Featured in THE BOBBER
-
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Beaver Dam
Surrounded by lush farmland and located on the edge of one of the largest lakes in Wisconsin, Beaver Dam is the largest city in Dodge County. Downtown is bustling and colorful thanks to the internationally renowned Wall Dogs organization. Artists from all over the world came to Beaver Dam in 2017 and painted more than a dozen murals on buildings throughout the city. This community’s beauty isn’t just contained to downtown. Beaver Dam Lake is one of the largest, man-made lakes in Wisconsin and is easily accessible for fishing, paddling, water sports or simply enjoying a sunset from Waterworks Park. After a day of exploring, unwind with a glass of wine at the area’s only winery: Edwin Brix Vineyard. Overlooking the rolling glacial drumlins of the region, Edwin Brix serves a wide variety of wine made from Wisconsin-grown grapes in a one-of-a-kind setting!
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Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce
Browse our Photos
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During the second weekend of June every summer, the Great Beaver Paddle Festival offers free kayak, canoe and stand up paddle board rentals and lessons on Beaver Dam Lake!
-
In 2017, artists from the international group of artists known as the Wall Dogs painted over a dozen murals on buildings around Beaver Dam.
Events in THE AREA
No events scheduled.
Have an event for this area that you would like featured on DiscoverWisconsin.com?
Let us know or Find other events of interest.Featured in THE BOBBER
-
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Watertown
There are so many reasons to visit Watertown: beautiful parks, a rich and vibrant history, and of course, the Double Cheeseburger at Zwieg’s Grill – voted one of the best burgers in America! Tivoli Island offers a peaceful nature walk with an added bonus for architecture buffs: a historic, iron-arched bridge unlike any others in the state. With the Rock River flowing through its nearly 30 acres, Riverside Park serves as a gathering place for the community with a weekly farmers market, aquatic center, playground and Riverfest – Watertown’s biggest party of the year with live music, rides, food and more! Watertown’s history is on full display throughout the community from the timeless downtown, to historic sites like the Octagon House and America’s first kindergarten, and even the 1st Brigade Band. This group of musicians dates back to the Civil War, and today, the band continues to play 19th century music on antique instruments from the 1800s. Whatever the reason, Watertown’s small town hospitality and charm are sure to enchant every visitor!
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Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce
Browse our Photos
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Watertown's history is evident throughout the community.
-
With nearly 30 acres of green space and the Rock River flowing through its heart, Riverside Park is a major hub for recreation in Watertown.
-
Built in 1854, the Octagon House was one of the largest, single-family homes in Wisconsin prior to the Civil War.
-
Visitors can tour the home's five floors to see artifacts from the 19th century - many of them original to the home itself.
-
The Discover Wisconsin crew films during the 1st Brigade Band's concert in Watertown.
-
Civil War-era costumes are on full display at the 1st Brigade Band concert in Watertown!
-
Mariah interviews 1st Brigade Band Director, Jon Condon, in Watertown.
Events in THE AREA
No events scheduled.
Have an event for this area that you would like featured on DiscoverWisconsin.com?
Let us know or Find other events of interest.Featured in THE BOBBER
-
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