Nestled Between Madison And Green Bay Is Wisconsin's Affordable Gateway Village For Outdoor Fun

There's a reason Wisconsin is experiencing record levels of visitors these days. What was once a Northern Midwest secret is becoming common knowledge: America's Dairyland is loaded with hidden gems. The state's picturesque farmland, interrupted by deep green forests, inland lakes ringed with trees, rolling vineyards, and shoreline along not one but two world-class Great Lakes, offers a level of natural beauty everyone should appreciate. 

The state's populated areas are worth visiting, too. Milwaukee's stylish neighborhoods mix historic charm, river views, and walkable arts scenes, while Madison, one of the biking capitals of the Midwest, and football-crazy Green Bay all have a lot to offer. Of course, Wisconsin is also loaded with unpretentious small towns whose primary offerings are friendly people, great burgers, and access to unfettered nature. One such example is the village of Oakfield. 

Located a little over an hour between both Madison and Green Bay, it's a wonderful stop in Fond du Lac County with quiet streets and year-round outdoor activities. This tiny town of just over 1,000 residents, according to the School District of Oakfield, is located smack dab in the middle of premier Wisconsin nature. There are endless opportunities for camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, or boating in the warmer months until the leaves burst with color and drift to the forest floor. In winter, you can cruise the silent trails with cross-country skis or strap on some snowshoes for the day before tucking into a cozy restaurant in the evening to warm up with a hearty meal. For those visiting Wisconsin or cruising the Upper Midwest, a swing through Oakfield and its nearby parks offers an under-the-radar, affordable escape.

Part of the Niagara Escarpment runs through Oakfield. The same geological feature that constitutes the world-famous Niagara Falls on the border between the United States and Canada, Ontario, also created the Bruce Peninsula in Lake Huron. From there, it arches over Michigan's Upper Peninsula and then turns south into Wisconsin, creating the stunning rock formations found in Door County and a line of jagged cliffs that can be found in Fond du Lac County. Here, those cliffs are called the Oakfield Ledge.

More resistant to erosion than the surroundings, slowly but surely, time created the 40-foot dolomite walls. In the mid-19th century, the ridge was a source of minerals, and the town took the name "Lime" as a result, but was renamed Oakfield in 1847. These days, the Oakfield Ledge is a designated state natural area, which is slightly different from a state park. The area is open to the public, but there are no facilities, and therefore no entrance fees, so visitors are free to roam the forest and admire the stunning cliffs. Hike the well-maintained, 2.5-mile Oak Ledge Trail in any season and enjoy the views atop the rocky cliffs. It's an easy family stroll through basswood, elm, and sugar maple trees, and it's secluded, quiet, and dog-friendly.

Whether wandering the area of Oakfield Ledge in the lush green summer, vibrantly colorful autumn, or with snowshoes during a quiet winter afternoon, the best thing to do after is head to downtown Oakfield and stop at Katy's Log Cabin. It's a homey, inexpensive restaurant with a classic American menu of salads, sandwiches, steaks, and pizza, offering a perfect patty melt and pint after an active day in nature.

The village of Oakfield is a worthwhile stop for a hike and a burger, and when combined with surrounding attractions, it makes for a pristine Wisconsin retreat. The town of Fond du Lac is 15 minutes down the road and has hotel options for all budgets at the southern end of Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin's lake paradise for windsurfing, adventure, and world-class fishing. There are also high-quality campgrounds nearby, like Breezy Hill and Hattie Sherwood. Wherever you choose to sleep, the area has a lot to offer.

The Kettle Moraine State Forest, which is around 30 minutes from Oakfield, offers miles of trails through rolling pines, open meadows, and hardwood forests. With a lot more space than the Oakfield Ledge, it's an easy place to spend a day going deep into the seclusion of the dozens of well-marked hiking trails and picnicking atop Bald Bluff. About 20 minutes away is Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac, an excellent destination for family fun. This 400-acre park on Lake Winnebago has everything for a fun day out: a walk-up lighthouse, picnic area, pavilion, playground, splash pad, zip line, petting zoo, a marina, boat launches, and more. Rent a kayak or paddle boat to cruise on the water, and then take a ride on the mini train or the antique carousel.

Another spot about 20 minutes from Oakfield is the ​​Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area. This 33,000-acre wetland is open to hiking, paddling, foraging, and fishing. Thousands of Canadian geese and sandhill cranes migrate through the park every year, offering plenty of birdwatching opportunities. It's another affordable nature getaway, a short drive from Oakfield, and a worthy stop nestled between Madison and Green Bay.