Lainek

Your Guide to the World

Waupun, WI

Waupun, known as the "City of Sculptures," is a small industrial and agricultural city in Wisconsin with a rich history and unique outdoor art collection.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The full official name of the city is Waupun, Wisconsin. It is a city located in both Dodge and Fond du Lac counties in the state of Wisconsin . It is not a state capital, but it holds a significant position as a key city in the region, often referred to as "Wisconsin's Center of Opportunity" due to its central location .

Date of Foundation and Age

Waupun was founded in 1839 by Seymour Wilcox, the first settler along the Rock River in this area . Wilcox first surveyed the land in late 1838 and returned in February 1839 with two men to build a cabin. He brought his family to their new home on March 20, 1839, marking the city's founding . The city was officially chartered on March 15, 1878, with John N. Ackerman elected as its first mayor . As of 2026, the city is 187 years old. The city's name comes from the Ojibwe word "Waubun," meaning "dawn of day" . According to local lore, the state of Wisconsin made a spelling error when commissioning the name, and Waupun never changed it .

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Waupun is located at the geographic coordinates 43.6314° N, -88.7381° W . The city sits at an elevation of approximately 272 meters (892 feet) above sea level, with the highest point reaching 941 feet . It is nestled on the southern branch of the Rock River and lies near the edge of the Horicon Marsh, the largest cattail marsh in the United States . This is a small, inland city characterized by moderate relief, from the river level to its highest elevations .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Waupun is a small city with a diverse economic base. Historically, it has been an industrial and agricultural center, with key industries including food processing (especially frozen vegetables and cheese), manufacturing equipment, and auto parts manufacturing . Its economy is also significantly influenced by the presence of state correctional facilities, giving it the nickname "Prison City" . In recent years, it has also cultivated an identity as a cultural and tourist destination, branded as the "City of Sculptures" .

Population and Demographics

According to the 2020 census, the population of Waupun is 11,344 . This figure includes approximately 2,867 people incarcerated in adult correctional facilities within the city limits . By population, it is considered a small city. The population density is about 2,455 people per square mile . The racial makeup of the city (including both Hispanic and non-Hispanic groups) is 80.7% White, 12.8% Black or African American, 1.4% Native American, 0.6% Asian, and 3.3% from two or more races. Ethnically, 4.8% of the population is Hispanic or Latino .

City's "Visiting Card" (In Short)

Waupun is a small Wisconsin city with a big personality, known as the "City of Sculptures" for its remarkable collection of public art, including the world-renowned "End of the Trail" . Visitors come to explore its unique outdoor gallery, discover its rich pioneer history along the Rock River, and use it as a gateway to the vast natural beauty of the Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge .

Geography

Water Features (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)

The city's primary water feature is the Rock River. Waupun is situated on the southern branch of the Rock River, which was a key reason for its founding due to the "powerful river and fertile land" . The river shapes the local landscape and provides opportunities for recreation.

National and State Parks

The most significant natural feature in the area is the Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. Waupun is the principal access point for wildlife viewing in this refuge, which is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States . It offers an array of outdoor recreational opportunities, including bird watching, hiking, and hunting.

Unique Natural Landscapes and Features

On the edge of Waupun, the Fond du Lac County Park preserves a remnant stand of old-growth southern mesic forest. This type of forest once covered over 3 million acres of southern Wisconsin, making this park a unique and important natural area . The park also provides camping facilities for visitors .

Landmarks

[End of the Trail]

Waupun's most famous landmark is the "End of the Trail" sculpture. Created by renowned sculptor James Earl Fraser, this world-famous piece depicts a weary Native American man on horseback, symbolizing the plight of Native Americans . It is the centerpiece of the city's impressive outdoor sculpture collection, much of which was gifted to the city by Waupun industrialist Clarence Shaler .

[Firemen and Legion Park]

Firemen and Legion Park is a central hub for recreation and remembrance in Waupun . The park features sports facilities, including baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, a skate park, a playground, walking trails, and a disc golf course . Within the park, visitors will find two significant points of interest:

[Historic City Hall Auditorium]

The Historic City Hall Auditorium is a building known for its old-world charm and incredible acoustics . It serves as a venue for regular live events, bringing both music and theater to the community.

Transport

Major Airports

While Waupun has a small, private airport with a 3,200-foot paved runway, most commercial traffic uses larger regional airports . Within an hour's drive, residents and visitors can access:

Both Appleton International and General Mitchell International have customs facilities . The Dodge County Airport, for smaller aircraft, is also nearby .

Major Highways and Roads

Waupun is strategically located with excellent road access. It has three access points to Highway 151, a major artery that runs through Iowa and Wisconsin, connecting the city to Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Madison, and Fond du Lac . The city also has access to three state highways. Interstate 41 (I-41) is located about 15 miles east of the city, providing a high-speed connection to the greater Fox Valley and Milwaukee areas .

Long-Distance Bus Service

Waupun is served by intercity bus transportation. Coach USA/Megabus (operated by Van Galder) includes Waupun on its route from Madison to Green Bay, with stops in Columbus, Beaver Dam, Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, and Appleton .

Rail and Port Access

While there is no passenger rail directly in Waupun, freight rail services are provided by major carriers at nearby cities, including Union Pacific in Janesville and Canadian National in Waukesha . For freight and shipping, the Port of Green Bay and the Port of Milwaukee are each within a 90-minute drive .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Waupun's dining scene offers a blend of traditional Wisconsin supper club culture, sweet indulgences, and innovative new breweries.

Guth's End of the Trail Candy Shoppe

A renowned local institution, Guth's End of the Trail Candy Shoppe is a must-visit for those with a sweet tooth. It's described as the "cherry on top" of a visit to Waupun, offering a wide array of candies and treats .

Hoya Hop House Brewing

Opened in 2025, Hoya Hop House Brewing at 514 E. Main Street is Waupun's first craft brewery. It blends quality and creativity with a focus on sustainability, all within a unique, plant-filled space. The brewery offers a variety of beers with global inspirations and original cocktails, including a house old-fashioned. The food menu features sourdough soft pretzels, nachos, and a selection of flatbreads, designed to pair perfectly with their brews .

From Scratch Kitchen & Catering

Established in 2018, From Scratch Kitchen & Catering brings Southern-inspired cuisine to Waupun. Their specialties include pulled pork, ribs, rib tips, and classic Southern sides like collard greens, coleslaw, and cornbread, as well as desserts like Mississippi Mud Brownies .

Supper Club and Local Favorites

Waupun embraces the Wisconsin supper club tradition. The Brittain House Supper Club is a local spot known for serving a classic Old Fashioned cocktail. For a traditional Wisconsin Friday fish fry, residents and visitors head to establishments like The Goose Shot or Bridges at the Rock. Tony's Pizza is another popular choice for a casual slice .

Local Orchards

The area around Waupun is known for its apple orchards. Tom Dooley Orchards and Golz Apple Orchard, located on Highway 49 east of town, are popular family destinations. Visitors can enjoy caramel apples, baked goods, fresh cider, and select from over 20 different apple varieties. In the fall, they are also a prime spot to pick pumpkins and mums .

Museums

Waupun Heritage Museum

Housed in a historic Carnegie library built in 1904, the Waupun Heritage Museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the city and surrounding area. Located at 22 S. Madison St., the museum features exhibits on local industry, agriculture, and transportation, along with a collection of photographs, documents, and historical objects . Its location is near the city's most famous piece of art, the "End of the Trail" sculpture . Admission is free .

End of the Trail

This is not a museum, but a world-renowned sculpture and a must-see landmark in Waupun. "End of the Trail" is a sculpture by James Earle Fraser, depicting a weary Native American man on his horse, symbolizing the plight of Native Americans . It is located north of the Waupun Heritage Museum and is a significant work of art in the city's collection .

Sports and Sporting Legends

Waupun Warriors High School Softball

In 2024, the Waupun Warriors softball team achieved a historic milestone by winning the WIAA Division 2 State Championship, the first state title in program history. The team, led by sophomore pitcher Addi Braun and junior catcher Kailie Westphal, defeated top-ranked Mosinee 7-3 in the final. This victory was the culmination of a 48-year legacy of strong softball in the community, supported by the Waupun Softball Association and a new indoor training facility .

Top-Tier Disc Golf and Golf

Waupun is home to a nationally-ranked Disc-Golf course located within the scenic Waupun County Park . For traditional golf, The Rock Golf Club was recently ranked 14th in Wisconsin by Golf Advisor. Its course offers a unique mix, with a links-style front nine and a back nine that originally opened in 1927, featuring mature trees .

Sports Complexes and Recreation

The city boasts several modern athletic facilities. The newly constructed, state-of-the-art Waupun Baseball Complex hosts regional and national tournaments throughout the summer . Other amenities include the Waupun Aquatic Center, also in Waupun County Park, indoor virtual golf, and bowling . The community hosts various athletic events throughout the year, including the Wild Goose Chase run and the Kick'n for Kevin Kickball Tournament .

Universities and Educational Institutions

Advanced College of Cosmetology

This is the only college located directly within the city of Waupun. It is a private, for-profit institution offering programs in cosmetology .

Colleges and Universities Near Waupun

Several higher education institutions are located within a 30-mile radius of Waupun, providing options for residents and students .

Healthcare Facilities

SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital

Waupun is served by SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital, which provides a range of medical services to the community. A key feature is its 24/7 Emergency Room, staffed by in-house emergency physicians and nurses to handle emergency medical conditions at any time .

New Medical Center

Located at 160 Gateway Dr in Waupun, the New Medical Center is a multi-specialty practice. It includes practitioners in fields such as Anesthesiology, Chiropractic care, and Pain Medicine .

Nearby Healthcare

For specialized care not available in Waupun, larger medical centers are accessible in nearby cities like Fond du Lac, which is part of the greater SSM Health network .

Discover new destinations