6 Best Things to Do in Waupaca, WI

By VI Staff on December 23, 2019 - Updated

soupstock/stock.adobe.com

Waupaca is a small city in Waupaca County in Wisconsin, on the banks of the Chain O'Lakes. The area was populated by Native American mound builders, who left 72 earthwork mounds in the area, some of them prehistoric. The Waupaca Historical Society, located on Main Street, works on preserving the city’s rich history and educating and informing the public. Waupaca has a wonderful 30-acre dog park funded by private donations and residents’ fund raising. The Hutchinson House, built in 1854, is, a great example of New England-style architecture. Railroad Depot is one of Waupaca's historical landmarks and city icon.

1.Waupaca Historical Society

The Waupaca Historical Society was established in order to preserve the history of the Waupaca area. The Society owns, maintains and operates four historic buildings: the Holly History and Genealogy Center, the former Waupaca library building; the Hutchinson House Museum, the King Cottage and the Waupaca Railroad Depot. The Holly History & Genealogy Center was built as a Carnegie library opened on July 1, 1914 as the Waupaca Public Library. It was used as the library until 1993. In 2001, the Waupaca Historical Society bought the building, which now houses the Society’s offices, historic collections, artifacts, documents, photos, maps, manuscripts and family histories, a research library, the genealogical materials of the Waupaca Area Genealogical Society and a small gift shop.

321 S Main St, Waupaca, WI 54981, Phone: 715-256-9980

2.Tails and Trails Off-Leash Dog Park

Located on County Road Q just west of County Road QQ, Waupaca, Wisconsin, Tails & Trails is a 30-acre enclosed, off-leash park where people and dogs can safely hike and play without the worry of traffic.. The park’s construction started in 2016 as initiative of ToTo Foundation in answer to the need of many local dog owners who had no place to take their dogs. The construction of the park was funded by private donations and community fundraising activities . Now, after a long day, dog owners can relax in a pleasant, nicely landscaped park and hike along the trail while their dogs run free, play fetch or swim in the pond.

E1595 County Road Q, Waupaca, WI 54981

3.Hutchinson House

The Hutchinson House, built in 1854, is a beautifully preserved farmouse in Waupacca, Wisconsin, a great example of New England-style architecture. The farmhouse was originally built by Chester and Susannah Hutchinson on the corner of West Fulton and Franklin Streets but was moved to South Park in 1956. The Hutchinson House still contains its original vintage furniture and artifacts from the Victorian era, together with numerous objects from the area early settlers. The home was opened as house museum by the Waupaca Historical Society in 1957. The house is open to the public and tours take visitors through the home’s beautifully furnished rooms with antique furnishings, glassware, textiles and clothes.

921 S Main St, Waupaca, WI 54981, Phone: 715-258-5958

4.Railroad Depot

Located at the top of a hill in Waupaca, Wisconsin, is one of Waupaca's historical landmarks and city icon – beautifully restored former Soo Line railroad depot. The depot was an important part of the city’s life through much of its history. In 1907, after a fire destroyed the original building, the Wisconsin Central built the current structure, considering Waupaca an important tourist and shipping location. In January of 1965, Soo Line passenger ended its service in Waupaca. The station served various purposes for a while and then was abandoned until the Waupaca Historic Society purchased it, restored it and converted it into a museum.

525 Oak St, Waupaca, WI 54981

5.T-Dubs Public House

The beautifully restored 1868 field stone structure that houses T-Dubs Public House is a cozy, inviting space, with stone walls, lot of gleaming wood, 140-year old wooden posts and beams and warm light, a perfect gathering place for family and friends. This charming small-town Irish pub has an eclectic menu that includes everyone’s favorites, from Fish and Chips and Meatloaf to Ravioli and BBQ ribs. Besides an incredible selection of beers, from local craft brews on tap to beers from all over the world, T-Dubs offers a variety of Irish whiskeys, scotch, house-infused vodkas, specialty martinis, a nice selection of wines, and spirits.

111 Cooper St, Waupaca, WI 54981, Phone: 715-942-0499

6.Wheelhouse Restaurant

From the time it opened in 1978, Wheelhouse was a favorite spot for Waupaca, Wisconsiin folks for a lunch or dinner on the lake. Cozy, wood-paneled dining room is homey and welcoming and the large porch overlooking the lake is always crowded on warm summer days. The menu is large and eclectic, having something for everyone, from pizzas and pastas to great burgers and house special The Bomber, housemade Italian sausage on French bread, soaked in the house Bomber sauce. Check the daily specials – there can be a Fish Fry, The Famous Pizza Buffet or other treats.

E1209 County Q, Waupaca, WI 54981, Phone: 715-258-8289