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Dodge County

  • Episode Info
  • Dodge County
  • Waupun
  • Beaver Dam
  • Watertown

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.

Destinations in
this Episode
Dodge County
Waupun
Beaver Dam
Watertown

Places in this Episode

  • Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area

    N7725 WI-28
    Horicon, WI 53032
    Phone: (920) 387-7890

    Website

  • Marsh Haven Nature Center

    W10145 WI-49
    Waupun, WI 53963
    Phone: (920) 324-5818

    Website

  • City of Sculpture

    201 E Main Street
    Waupun, WI 53963
    Phone: (920) 324-7900

    Website

  • Guth's Candy

    928 E Main Street
    Waupun, WI 53963
    Phone: (920) 324-3331

    Website

  • Great Beaver Paddle Festival

    800 Denning Avenue
    Beaver Dam, WI 53916
    Phone:

    Website

  • Edwin Brix Vineyard

    N4595 Welsh Road
    Juneau, WI 53039
    Phone: (920) 219-4249

    Website

  • Zwieg's Grill

    904 E Main Street
    Watertown, WI 53094
    Phone: (920) 261-1922

    Website

  • Riverfest

    812 Labaree Street
    Watertown, WI 53098
    Phone:

    Website

  • Octagon House Museum

    919 Charles Street
    Watertown, WI 53094
    Phone: (920) 261-2796

    Website

  • Rock River National Water Trail


    Dodge County, WI
    Phone: (920) 386-3700

    Website

  • Wild Goose State Trail


    Dodge County, WI
    Phone: (920) 386-3700

    Website

  • Glacial River Trail


    Dodge County, WI
    Phone: (920) 386-3700

    Website

  • Gold Star Memorial Trail


    Dodge County, WI
    Phone: (920) 386-3700

    Website

Submit a Photo

Want to submit a photo of this area of the state? Awesome!
  • Accepted file types: jpg, png, jpg, png.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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  • Gold Star Memorial Trail

    The Discover Wisconsin crew films with the Johnson and Gassen families, who were crucial in creating the Gold Star Memorial Trail in Dodge County.

  • Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area

    Horicon Marsh is the largest, freshwater, cattail marsh in the country and is home to thousands of species of plants and animals.

  • Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center

    The Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center offers programs for kids, like guided hikes along the marsh's walking trails.

  • Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

    The Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is accessible via the auto tour or its many hiking trails just off Highway 49 outside of Waupun.

  • Mariah at Marsh Haven Nature Center

    Mariah visits Marsh Haven Nature Center in Waupun.

  • Filming Peek-A-Boo the Owl

    The Discover Wisconsin crew gets a few shots of Peek-A-Boo the owl, one of the Animal Ambassadors at Marsh Haven Nature Center.

  • End of the Trail 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.

  • City of Sculptures Tour

    Visitors can pick up a pamphlet at City Hall and take a self-guided tour of the sculptures.

  • Wall Dogs Murals in Beaver Dam

    In 2017, artists from the international group of artists known as the Wall Dogs painted over a dozen murals on buildings around Beaver Dam.

  • Great Beaver Paddle Festival

    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!

  • Watertown, Wisconsin

    Watertown's history is evident throughout the community.

  • Riverside Park

    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.

  • The Octagon House Museum

    Built in 1854, the Octagon House was one of the largest, single-family homes in Wisconsin prior to the Civil War.

  • The Octagon House

    Visitors can tour the home's five floors to see artifacts from the 19th century - many of them original to the home itself.

  • Filming at the 1st Brigade Band

    The Discover Wisconsin crew films during the 1st Brigade Band's concert in Watertown.

  • Civil War-Era Costumes

    Civil War-era costumes are on full display at the 1st Brigade Band concert in Watertown!

  • 1st Brigade Band Interview

    Mariah interviews 1st Brigade Band Director, Jon Condon, in Watertown.

Gold Star Memorial Trail

The Discover Wisconsin crew films with the Johnson and Gassen families, who were crucial in creating the Gold Star Memorial Trail in Dodge County.

Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area

Horicon Marsh is the largest, freshwater, cattail marsh in the country and is home to thousands of species of plants and animals.

Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center

The Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center offers programs for kids, like guided hikes along the marsh's walking trails.

Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

The Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is accessible via the auto tour or its many hiking trails just off Highway 49 outside of Waupun.

Mariah at Marsh Haven Nature Center

Mariah visits Marsh Haven Nature Center in Waupun.

Filming Peek-A-Boo the Owl

The Discover Wisconsin crew gets a few shots of Peek-A-Boo the owl, one of the Animal Ambassadors at Marsh Haven Nature Center.

End of the Trail 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.

City of Sculptures Tour

Visitors can pick up a pamphlet at City Hall and take a self-guided tour of the sculptures.

Wall Dogs Murals in Beaver Dam

In 2017, artists from the international group of artists known as the Wall Dogs painted over a dozen murals on buildings around Beaver Dam.

Great Beaver Paddle Festival

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!

Watertown, Wisconsin

Watertown's history is evident throughout the community.

Riverside Park

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.

The Octagon House Museum

Built in 1854, the Octagon House was one of the largest, single-family homes in Wisconsin prior to the Civil War.

The Octagon House

Visitors can tour the home's five floors to see artifacts from the 19th century - many of them original to the home itself.

Filming at the 1st Brigade Band

The Discover Wisconsin crew films during the 1st Brigade Band's concert in Watertown.

Civil War-Era Costumes

Civil War-era costumes are on full display at the 1st Brigade Band concert in Watertown!

1st Brigade Band Interview

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!

  • Dodge County

    127 E. Oak Street
    Juneau, WI 53039

    P: (920) 386-3700
    Website


    Questions? Let us know!

Submit a Photo

Want to submit a photo of this area of the state? Awesome!
  • Accepted file types: jpg, png, jpg, png.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Browse our Photos

  • Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area

    Horicon Marsh is the largest, freshwater, cattail marsh in the country and is home to thousands of species of plants and animals.

  • Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center

    The Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center offers programs for kids, like guided hikes along the marsh's walking trails.

  • Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

    The Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is accessible via the auto tour or its many hiking trails just off Highway 49 outside of Waupun.

  • End of the Trail 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.

  • City of Sculptures Tour

    Visitors can pick up a pamphlet at City Hall and take a self-guided tour of the sculptures.

  • Wall Dogs Murals in Beaver Dam

    In 2017, artists from the international group of artists known as the Wall Dogs painted over a dozen murals on buildings around Beaver Dam.

  • Great Beaver Paddle Festival

    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!

  • Riverside Park

    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, Wisconsin

    Watertown's history is evident throughout the community.

  • The Octagon House Museum

    Built in 1854, the Octagon House was one of the largest, single-family homes in Wisconsin prior to the Civil War.

  • The Octagon House

    Visitors can tour the home's five floors to see artifacts from the 19th century - many of them original to the home itself.

Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area

Horicon Marsh is the largest, freshwater, cattail marsh in the country and is home to thousands of species of plants and animals.

Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center

The Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center offers programs for kids, like guided hikes along the marsh's walking trails.

Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

The Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is accessible via the auto tour or its many hiking trails just off Highway 49 outside of Waupun.

End of the Trail 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.

City of Sculptures Tour

Visitors can pick up a pamphlet at City Hall and take a self-guided tour of the sculptures.

Wall Dogs Murals in Beaver Dam

In 2017, artists from the international group of artists known as the Wall Dogs painted over a dozen murals on buildings around Beaver Dam.

Great Beaver Paddle Festival

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!

Riverside Park

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, Wisconsin

Watertown's history is evident throughout the community.

The Octagon House Museum

Built in 1854, the Octagon House was one of the largest, single-family homes in Wisconsin prior to the Civil War.

The Octagon House

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?

Suggest An Event

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Let us know or Find other events of interest.

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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!

  • City of Waupun

    201 E Main Street
    Waupun, WI 53963

    P: (920) 324-7900
    Website


    Questions? Let us know!

Submit a Photo

Want to submit a photo of this area of the state? Awesome!
  • Accepted file types: jpg, png, jpg, png.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Browse our Photos

  • Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

    The Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is accessible via the auto tour or its many hiking trails just off Highway 49 outside of Waupun.

  • Filming Peek-A-Boo the Owl

    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 at Marsh Haven Nature Center

    Mariah visits Marsh Haven Nature Center in Waupun.

  • End of the Trail 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.

  • City of Sculptures Tour

    Visitors can pick up a pamphlet at City Hall and take a self-guided tour of the sculptures.

Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

The Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is accessible via the auto tour or its many hiking trails just off Highway 49 outside of Waupun.

Filming Peek-A-Boo the Owl

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 at Marsh Haven Nature Center

Mariah visits Marsh Haven Nature Center in Waupun.

End of the Trail 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.

City of Sculptures Tour

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?

Suggest An Event

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Let us know or Find other events of interest.

Featured in THE BOBBER

  • 10 Top Stops When You’re In Dodge County

    10 Top Stops When You’re In Dodge County

    Smack dab in the middle of the Madison-Milwaukee-Fox Valley triangle, Dodge County is an easy drive to a place that’s...

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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!

  • Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce

    127 S Spring Street
    Beaver Dam, WI 53916

    P: (920) 887-8879
    Website


    Questions? Let us know!

Submit a Photo

Want to submit a photo of this area of the state? Awesome!
  • Accepted file types: jpg, png, jpg, png.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Browse our Photos

  • Great Beaver Paddle Festival

    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!

  • Wall Dogs Murals in Beaver Dam

    In 2017, artists from the international group of artists known as the Wall Dogs painted over a dozen murals on buildings around Beaver Dam.

Great Beaver Paddle Festival

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!

Wall Dogs Murals in Beaver Dam

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?

Suggest An Event

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Let us know or Find other events of interest.

Featured in THE BOBBER

  • 10 Top Stops When You’re In Dodge County

    10 Top Stops When You’re In Dodge County

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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!

  • Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce

    519 E Main Street
    Watertown, WI 53094

    P: (920) 261-6320
    Website


    Questions? Let us know!

Submit a Photo

Want to submit a photo of this area of the state? Awesome!
  • Accepted file types: jpg, png, jpg, png.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Browse our Photos

  • Watertown, Wisconsin

    Watertown's history is evident throughout the community.

  • Riverside Park

    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.

  • The Octagon House Museum

    Built in 1854, the Octagon House was one of the largest, single-family homes in Wisconsin prior to the Civil War.

  • The Octagon House

    Visitors can tour the home's five floors to see artifacts from the 19th century - many of them original to the home itself.

  • Filming at the 1st Brigade Band

    The Discover Wisconsin crew films during the 1st Brigade Band's concert in Watertown.

  • Civil War-Era Costumes

    Civil War-era costumes are on full display at the 1st Brigade Band concert in Watertown!

  • 1st Brigade Band Interview

    Mariah interviews 1st Brigade Band Director, Jon Condon, in Watertown.

Watertown, Wisconsin

Watertown's history is evident throughout the community.

Riverside Park

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.

The Octagon House Museum

Built in 1854, the Octagon House was one of the largest, single-family homes in Wisconsin prior to the Civil War.

The Octagon House

Visitors can tour the home's five floors to see artifacts from the 19th century - many of them original to the home itself.

Filming at the 1st Brigade Band

The Discover Wisconsin crew films during the 1st Brigade Band's concert in Watertown.

Civil War-Era Costumes

Civil War-era costumes are on full display at the 1st Brigade Band concert in Watertown!

1st Brigade Band Interview

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?

Suggest An Event

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Let us know or Find other events of interest.

Featured in THE BOBBER

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