Its name derived from the Potawatomi word that means “gathering of the waters,” Oconomowoc and its lakes became a tourist attraction in the 1870s for wealthy Midwesterners. Today, locals still love boating, kayaking and swimming – and embrace their thriving downtown, which draws families, foodies and shoppers of all kinds.
1. Modtique
122 N. MAIN ST.
In this boutique for the home, owner Katie Jones, who was inspired by her old Victorian house renovation, creatively groups her wares, both old and new. For example: vintage coffee grinder alongside a mug by local potter Shelby Page and a bar of (also local) Fern & Nettle soap made with Anodyne coffee beans. Find decorative items, textiles, vases, candles, art prints, greeting cards and more.
2. Lago Su Bella
128 W. WISCONSIN AVE.
While Oconomowoc has no dearth of casual dining spots, it’s not a destination for fine dining. Enter Lago Su Bella, a high-end regional Italian restaurant that opened four years ago next to City Beach along Lac La Belle. Standout dishes include chicken piccata, salmon puttanesca and the butcher’s ragu with pappardelle. Even better than the food is the effort they put into their hospitality.
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3. Oz Plaza
168 E. WISCONSIN AVE.
Commemorating the “world premiere” of The Wizard of Oz in 1939 – purportedly at Oconomowoc’s long-gone Strand Theatre – this public square has a curved yellow brick road and seven statues depicting Dorothy, Toto and other characters from the movie. There are plans to grow the popular selfie site in 2024 (for the 85th anniversary), including extending the road and adding a Glinda the Good Witch statue.
4. Golosi Gelato Cafe
162 E. WISCONSIN AVE.
While frozen custard is the domain of The Kiltie, a beloved Oconomowoc drive-in, Italian gelato – made with local dairy – is the realm of Golosi, opened in 2006 by Marina Degiovanni, who comes from a town in Italy’s Piedmont region. Her dense, milky frozen dessert – in flavors from hazelnut to passion fruit – is just the treat to enjoy on a stroll around Fowler Lake.
Insider Tips
5. The Interlaken
This refers to a group of four small lakes – Upper and Lower Nashotah, and Upper and Lower Nemahbin – just west of town that are perfect for kayaking. “They’re connected and you can just paddle right through all of them. The water is just really pretty.” And it’s relatively quiet, too, a contrast from the bigger boating lakes like Okauchee.
6. Wine Maniacs
114 N. MAIN ST.
Along with hosting dinners for oenophiles, the wine bar-restaurant hybrid serves an evolving evening menu (fresh fish, pasta) that complements the curated list of wines. “Basically, every single thing on their menu is awesome.”
7. Moonlit Movies
The family-friendly summer event in Fowler Park offers more than an outdoor movie. There’s a waterski show (on Fowler Lake), live music, food and activities for kids.
