Oconomowoc is a city in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, on the banks of Oconomowoc Lake and Lac La Belle, which give the area name Lake Country. Starting as a trading post, Oconomowoc became a summer resort town In the 1870s, attracting rich families from the Midwest, who built large houses by the lakes. Those houses are now part of a popular walking tour of the city. Learn about the city history at the charming Oconomowoc Historical Society and Museum. Visit Veterans Memorial Park, which honors Oconomowoc veterans from all branches of the service. For fishermen, Lac La Belle is the place to go in search of a specimen bass. For a small city, Oconomowoc has a surprising number of superb restaurants. Oconomowoc is a 45-minute day trip from Milwaukee by car (34.3 mi via I-94 W and WI-16 Trunk W) and 1.5 hours by bus via Waukesha County Transit.
Take a walk through Veterans Memorial Park
Veterans Memorial Park was established to honor veterans from all past wars and all branches of the service. It is located in downtown Oconomowoc, Wisconsin on Lac LaBelle, in a tranquil setting on the waterfront. The site used to be a boat causeway and lock for boats traveling from Lac LaBelle to Fowler Lake and then on to Oconomowoc Lake. The park is located next to the old Oconomowoc Library and for a while the locals called it Library Park. There are benches all over the park where the visitors can rest and reflect on the bravery of men and women who have fallen for our freedom. The memorial Wall has the name of fallen veterans from the Oconomowoc area who served all Armed Forces. The park was established and is managed by the Oconomowoc Area Veterans Group.
Address: N Lake Rd, Oconomowoc, WI 53066, Phone: 262-569-2199
Go fishing on Lac La Belle
Lac La Bellec is a beautiful 1154-acre lake in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Its maximum depth is 45 feet. Visitors can access the lake from a public boat landing. The lake is popular with fishermen who come searching for panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. The lake is considered a trophy lake so fishermen can only keep very large fish and have to release the rest. The lake's water is fairly clear and is great for playing in the water – it has several shallow areas only waste-deep with firm sandy bottom. Boating is also fun and safe since the lake is free of weeds.
See a historic exhibit at Oconomowoc Historical Society and Museum
Oconomowoc Historical Society and Museum is located inside the former National Guard Armory in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Housing a collection dating back to the 1920's, the exhibits at the museum vary from the pre-settlement era to the more contemporary times. Originally constructed using the Spanish Colonial architectural style and dedicated in December of 1921, the building has been used for many purposes over the years. The Armory building itself was added to the National Register of Historic Buildings in December of 1984 and the Oconomowoc Historical Society and Museum opened its doors to the community in June of 1991.
Address: 103 W Jefferson St, Oconomowoc, WI 53066, 262-569-0740
Order tasty ground duck sliders at Wine Maniacs Wine Bar and Bistro
Wine Maniacs Wine Bar and Bistro is Oconomowoc’s first locally owned and operated wine bar, bistro, caterer and wine market. Their goal is to provide the area with exceptional wines and the best food that accompanies them. Their wine selections is continually growing and being refined. Their dining room is charming and cozy, with a fireplace and art on the walls, a sophisticated environment without being stuffy where guests can enjoy some spectacular wines and great food. The menu is ‘farm to fork’, using as many local ingredients as possible, to create delectable dishes such as Shrumy Duck - ground duck sliders on grilled brioche bun with house made tangy yogurt mustard and mushroom compote or Where’s Walleye- pan fried walleye, house made caper mayo, fresh greens and veggie du jour. Their sandwiches and salads are also exceptional.
Address: W359N5002 Brown St #105, Oconomowoc, WI 53066, Phone: 262-244-0385
Order a cup of fair-trade coffee at Roots Coffee Bar
Roots Coffee Bar is a very popular spot in downtown Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where folks come for a cup of fair-trade coffee and stay for a slice of pizza, a hot soup and a chat with total strangers. The place has the atmosphere of a comfy club, with sofas and armchairs, a fireplace and a real gallery of local artworks. Wifi connection is free so many young people come to do some studying or a bit of work, or just to check their facebook. The smell of coffee is delicious. There are plenty of specialty coffee drinks, teas, smoothies but also craft beer and wine. The pastry and cake display is tantalizing. There are board games and space for a conference or book club meetings. Roots Coffee Bar can easily become your home away from home.
Address: 124 E Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc, WI 53066, Phone: 262-354-0705
Dine on Wood fired fare at Twisted Fire
Twisted Fire is a new, modern, spacious restaurant in Ocoomowoc, Wisonsin, with cool industrial vibe and open kitchen as the main attraction. There are chairs around the counter from which you can watch the kitchen magic at work. Cooking with wood in the six-foot high oven is what Twisted Fire is about. Wood fired cooking offers delicious charred texture and smoky flavor to everything: chicken, fish, steak, burger, bell peppers and just about anything else. They cook everything from scratch, from their delicious sourdough flatbread, roasted side dishes, ice cream, pasta, and everything else. They use fresh ingredients purchased from local companies and farmers. Their twelve beer taps offer the best Wisconsin craft breweries have to offer. The wine selection is not large but is meticulous.
Address: 515 E Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc, WI 53066, Phone: 262-354-3150
Book a private nook for a romantic dinner at Sobie's Restaurant
Sobie's Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, a small space with just a few cozy private nooks, warm and pleasant, featuring dishes made with locally sourced, sustainably grown ingredients. Sobie's menu is small but expertly crafted by chef/owner Michael Sobol. Lunch and dinner specials change daily, so you never know what you are going to find. If you are lucky, they will have pistachio encrusted salmon with lemon creme, seasonal vegetables and herbed basmati rice. Or one of their fabulous small plates such as Pommes frites topped with tender duck confit, smothered in duck gravy, with a sunny-side-up duck egg on top.
Address: 123 E Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc, WI 53066, Phone: 262-354-0812