Things to Do in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Beaver Dam is a city in Dodge County, Wisconsin, United States, along Beaver Dam Lake and the Beaver Dam River. The population was 16,291 in 2012, making it the largest city in Dodge County.
Beaver Dam was first settled by Thomas Mackie and Joseph Goetschius in 1841, and by 1843 had a population of almost 100. The city was named for an old beaver dam located in a stream flowing into Beaver Dam River. The area had also been known as Okwaanim, Chippewa for “beaver dam.” The community was incorporated as a city on March 18, 1856. That same year the Milwaukee Railroad reached the area, encouraging further growth.
Beaver Dam is also home to the Williams Free Library (Dodge County Historical Society), the first public library in the United States to have open stacks.
Arts
Dodge County Historical Society Museum
www.dodgecountyhistorical.org
A museum that documents local history, including military displays, a one-room schoolhouse, and a caboose, among others.
Dodge County Center for the Arts
130 W. Maple Avenue, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
www.dodgecountyarts.org/
Hosts six-plus major art exhibits each year.
Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre
117 W. Maple Avenue, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
www.bdact.org/
Producing three or four productions a year since 1964, this company also includes programs for children and other art and education opportunities.
Outdoor Activities
Waterworks Park
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Waterworks-Park-Beaver-Dam-Wi/1887343128185449
Tahoe Park
West Water Street, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
https://www.cityofbeaverdam.com/eGov/apps/locations/facilities.egov?view=detail&id=22
Swan Park
https://www.cityofbeaverdam.com/egov/apps/locations/facilities.egov?view=detail&id=16
Beaver Dam Country Club
W8884 Sunset Drive, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
www.beaverdamcountryclub.com/
Golf course, restaurant, and bar.
Old Hickory Country Club
W7596 Highway 33 East, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
www.oldhickorycc.com/
18-hole golf course.
Wisconsin Dells “The Water Park Capital of the World”
www.wisdells.com/wisconsin-dells.htm
This town has more water parks per capita than any other place on earth.
Horicon Marsh
N7725 Wisconsin 28, Horicon, WI 53032
dnr.wi.gov/topic/lands/wildlifeareas/horicon/
Visit the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the US, home to all kinds of wildlife. You can bike, canoe, fish, and hike in the marsh, among other activities.
The Beaverland Must-Skis Water Ski Show Team
West Water Street, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
www.mustskis.com/
Water ski shows are held at Tahoe Park throughout the summer and are free.
Shopping
Beaver Dam Antique Mall
Nearby antique mall with a great selection.
Nancy Zieman Sewing Studio
120 Front Sreet, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
https://nancyzieman.com/blog/community/
Sells patterns, fabric, thread, kits, and so much more!!!!
Columbus Antique Mall
239 Whitney Street, Columbus, WI 53925
Wisconsin’s largest antique mall with 78,000 square feet of retail space.
Other Attractions
Wayland Academy
Madison, WI
www.visitmadison.com/
Wisconsin’s State Capitol, Madison, offers a host of attractions, such as galleries, nightlife, sports, and restaurants.
Columbia/Green Lake Counties Amish Communities
Take a 30 drive to Wisconsin’s Amish country, where you will see and visit Amish businesses and farms.
Restaurants
Benevento’s Italian Grill**
831 Park Avenue, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
www.benvenutos.com/beaver-dam
Locally owned and operated and serving Italian food, including famous meatballs.
Sake House**
Palenque's Mexican Bar & Grill**
210 S. Spring St.
Facebook.com/Palenqueresturant
Mexican Food
Bayside Supper Club
W9231 County Road G, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
www.facebook.com/BaysideSupperClub?rf=120326171318188
Banquet facility, open on Thur–Sun, or open to groups of 30 or more for scheduled events. Full menu with a prime ride, fish, chicken buffet, and a Sunday brunch.
Ming’s Garden Restaurant
150 Front St, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
plus.google.com/117635808884172631766/about?gl=us&hl=en
Chinese buffet.
La Tapatia Mexican Restaurant
1105 N Spring St, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
https://www.latapatiamexicangrill.net/
Mexican food with all-you-can-eat specials.
**our favorites
