Friends from Chicago often ask, “What’s happening in Beaver Dam” when they come for the weekend.
I usually say, “Not much,” or “Nothing.”
It may be a pat answer, but it’s far from the truth. There’s always a lot going on here in Dodge County, and all it takes is a little initiative to find it and join in the fun.
Take any weekend and the possibilities are nearly endless.
If a person likes to eat — and there are few I know who don’t — there are always scores of church suppers, fundraising breakfasts and weekend specialties at restaurants and taverns. And even though not too many people do it, there’s always the chance of a dinner party or pre-game feast at home.
How about taking a picnic somewhere, or just taking a drive and sampling whatever one finds along the way?
Keeping on the edible track, how about a trip to a farmer’s market where the bounties of fall are plentiful? There are lots of local orchards and farms that offer not only a great product, but the whole fall experience as well. Some places offer wagon rides, hot cider and other attractions to make the experience all the more memorable.
Food may be a priority, but there’s so much more. How about a walk through Ledge Park or some other natural area? Heck, even a walk or bike ride through a city offers exercise and a fun experience into the bargain.
Although some area museums are closed for the season, the Dodge County Historical Society is open every Saturday. If not there, one can experience the same kind of fun walking through an antique shop or specialty store in any area downtown. How about a stroll through downtown Beaver Dam, where large investments have definitely had an impact. The same can be said of Fox Lake, Mayville, Horicon, Columbus and even some of the smaller burgs. Horicon and Beaver Dam have changed the most in the past year, but work in Waupun, Mayville and Columbus is ongoing and extensive. Columbus even gained national attention with the filming of the movie, “Public Enemies.” It’s beautiful place to visit and offers a lot for anyone who wants to see how preservation can help a community.
Speaking of movies, Beaver Dam has a great theater, and the price of admission is a bargain for the entertainment received.
The same goes for community theater and school productions. Almost every school has a fall production, and Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre also arranges musical performances and readers theater that provide a lot of bang for the entertainment buck.
And with entertainment, there’s nothing more diverse and inexpensive than the public library.
Holiday home tours and business open houses are on the way, and offer a lot to those who take advantage of those offerings.
There is the element of water as well. It may be getting a little cold for a canoe paddle, but lots of people still go fishing in area lakes and streams. The piers may be coming in, but the banks are still there for those who want to use them.
And I dare not forget all the hunters for whom this is their favorite time of year. They can choose from hunting deer, turkeys, geese, bears and all kinds of little critters that may find their way into freezers and cooking pots.
A guest can also have fun shooting with a camera at the Horicon Marsh International Education Center between Mayville and Horicon. After a multi-million dollar redo, it is a place no one should miss. Now that the geese are here, a visit is all the more thrilling.
Marsh Haven near Waupun is also a fun option, with the nearby trail system one of the secret treasures of the area, and the world.
If you’re into fitness, there are plenty of places in the larger cities of our county that provide everything one might need for a fairly reasonable fee. They’re ready to “pump you up” after you eat a tasty fish fry or a fantastic shake.
I’ve focused on fall entertainment, but there is always plenty going on, regardless of the season.
So the next time someone asks you what’s going on in Dodge County, think a little harder. Just because you’re not doing it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
Assistant editor Ken Thomas can be contacted at:
kthomas@madison.com