Fond du Lac is a city in the state of Wisconsin, There are 43.558 people living there, making it the largest city in Fond du Lac County and the 18th largest city in the state. The population has been steadily increasing over the years.
Fond du Lac is part of the Wisconsin Central Plain, and the region experiences a humid continental climate typical of the Midwest. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold and snowy.
Fond du Lac is a city rich in culture. The Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts in Fond du Lac offers a wide range of artistic experiences and opportunities, as well as public displays and entertainment. The Fond du Lac Public Library also supports area cultural development by providing a variety of programming.
Some events include Fondue Fest, a four-day event that celebrates the region'Dutch heritage with cheese fondue, live music, and interactive family activities, and Walleye Weekend, which attracts over 50,000 people and features a variety of family-friendly activities. Other special annual events in the city include the Fond du Lac County Fair, the Fond du Lac Bluegrass Festival, and the Fond du Lac Festivals of Fairytales.
Fond du Lac has a wide variety of attractions. Big Cedar Lake, located just north of Fond du Lac,is a popular destination for fishing and water sports during the summer months, and skiing and snowboarding in winter. The University of Wisconsin- Fond du Lac offers a catalog of courses transferable to any University of Wisconsin institution, continuing education courses, and certificate programs.
The Fond du Lac Public Market is a popular venue for handcrafted artwork, specialty foods, fresh produce, herbs, and handmade jewelry, as is the Fond du Lac Performing Arts Center, which hosts special events and a variety of performances.
Fond du Lac is perhaps best known for its cheese production, as reflected in the Fond du Lac County Cheese-Making Trail. Local brews are available at Fond du Lac's only craft brewery, Butelmans' Brewing, while Lake Winnebago cruises are also popular.
In Fond du Lac County, 26.4% of the population is under the age of 18, 10.5% are between the ages of 18 and 24, 31.7% are between the ages of 25 and 44, 21.3% are between the ages of 45 and 64, and 10.5% are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. The city's median household income is $55,985, with a median house price of $177,800.
Fond du Lac (French for bottom of the lake) was named for one of the region's earliest explorers, Col. Jean Nicolet, who arrived by canoe with a crew of 400 in 1634.
The city's early history is commemorated via an historical marker located on the west lawn of the Courthouse. It was erected in 1934 by the Wisconsin Historical Society, related to the Landmarks Commission.
Fond du Lac has a long and storied history, and these are just some facts about it. For those visiting the city, Fond du Lac offers something for everyone, including activities on the lake, and cheese experiences.