Waupun
Travel Guide
![When in Central Wisconsin take time for the Horicon Marsh.
The Horicon Marsh area has been inhabited by humans, including the Paleo-Indians, the Hopewellian people and the Mound Builders, since the ending of the last Ice Age. Dozens of 1200 year old effigy mounds were built by the Mound Builders in the surrounding low ridges.[1] Arrowheads have been found dating to 12,000 years ago. Later the region was inhabited by the Potawotomi, primarily to the east of the marsh, and the Ho-Chunk to the west. Seven well-traveled Native American foot trails met at the southern end of the marsh at the present location of Horicon.
When Europeans first arrived in the area, they named the marsh "The Great Marsh of the Winnebagos". The first permanent modern settlement along the marsh was the town of Horicon. In 1846, a dam was built to power the town's first sawmill. The dam held the water in the marsh, causing the water level to rise by nine feet. The "marsh" was called Lake Horicon, and was, at the time, called the largest man-made lake in the world.[citation needed]
In 1869, the dam was torn down by order of the State Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of landowners whose land had been flooded.[3] The area became a marsh once more. In 1883, two sportsmen's clubs reported huge flocks of geese in the marsh, and stated that 500,000 ducks hatched annually, and 30,000 muskrats and mink were trapped in the southern half of the marsh.[4] Both birds and hunters flocked to the area, and the local duck population was devastated. From 1910 to 1914, an attempt was made to drain the marsh and convert it into farmland; these attempts failed, and afterwards the land was widely considered to be useless.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/184221/f493abcd-8f31-420c-9b0c-51acc9693923.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Visit Waupun
AmericInn by Wyndham Waupun
Nice rooms - nice pool and hot tub - nice breakfast
Reviewed on Mar 16, 2026
Baymont by Wyndham Waupun
Lots of things were great. Non warm breakfast was ready at 4am. Pool was perfect 88 degrees. No hair or other surprises in our room. Staff was nice, helpful. We enjoyed our stay
Reviewed on Mar 14, 2026
Cobblestone Suites Oshkosh
Checkin staff could be a little friendlier and not so rude. The morning staff was very friendly and sweet.
Reviewed on Mar 3, 2026
Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
Long check in line - staff was nice. Water park and rooms outdated. It was fine for 2 night but any longer than that the kids would have been bored.
Reviewed on Mar 18, 2026
Scandinavian Lodge
Room was very nice and clean, staff was very friendly. We had a great stay.
Reviewed on Feb 17, 2026
The Dylin
Well-decorated, coffee/kitchenette setup was great!
Reviewed on Mar 13, 2026
Popular places to visit
Rock River Country Club
Enjoy a round of golf in Waupun at Rock River Country Club. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.
Waupan Dog Park
After visiting Waupan Dog Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Waupun. Make some time to visit the shops while you're in the area.
Waupun Heritage Museum
You can spend time studying the exhibits at Waupun Heritage Museum in Waupun. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.
Shaler Memorial Park
Explore the great outdoors at Shaler Memorial Park, a lovely green space in Waupun. Make some time to visit the shops while you're in the area.
End of the Trail Statue
Find out about the history of Waupun when you take a trip to End of the Trail Statue. Make some time to visit the shops while you're in the area.
Waupun Veterans Memorial
You can learn about the history of Waupun with a stop at Waupun Veterans Memorial. Make some time to visit the shops while you're in the area.
