Nicknamed "The Fort," as U.S. military had an outpost here during the 1832 Black Hawk "war."* This Southern Wisconsin town of 12,368 bordering the Rock River, and just north of the region's largest lake, Lake Koshkonong is much more than just a visit to dinner and play at the famous, Fireside Dinner Theater. The river features prominently in the downtown and makes for a scenic backdrop for the town's historic mid to late 19th century architecture.  Fort Atkinson is synonymous with the Fireside Theater but consider that regional destination just one entry point to a great day trip destination.

Places to visit on your Daytrip to Fort Atkinson

Over the years Lakes Edition journalists have covered attractions, places to eat, and shops in Ft. Atkinson and much more. Below are some of just a few of our favorites. Please enjoy!

Have a place in Ft. Atkinson you would like to recommend? Send us a line info@lakesedition.com

*The last of three conflicts (occurring east of the Mississippi River) were named after the famed Chief Black Hawk (Ma-Kai-ta-me-she-kia-kiak), who sought with a team of 1500 non-combatants and warriors from three tribes, Meskwakis, Kickapoo, and Sauk, Black Hawk to peacefully regain territory taken from his people with the unauthorized signing of a treaty in 1804 in Saint Louis with the U.S. government.

Lake Koshkonong Effigy Mounds

Perched on o wooded hillside overlooking Lake Koshkonong, the Lake Koshkonong Effigy Mounds are a great way to spend the day around Fort Atkinson. This historic and spiritual site features 11 mounds dating between 600 - 1200 A.D.

The name used on the interactive map to the right is "Indian Mound County Park."

(Photo courtesy of Wisconsin Historic Society)

The Fireside Dinner Theater

No visit to Fort Atkinson would be complete without a visit to the region's famous Fireside Playhouse Theater.

From the theatre's website:  the Fireside Dinner Theater has been the premiere entertainment destination in the Midwest for superb musicals featuring Broadway performers, fine dining, and boutique shops in a one-of-a-kind setting. Consistently named as a top destination for travel tours across the United States.

For more information on The Fireside, visit firesidetheatre.com, or call .

Email: information@firesidetheatre.com

Phone: (920)-563-9505

LAKE KOSHKONONG

Wide-open walleyes on Koshkonong, Wisconsin's eighth largest lake

by Jeff Brown

Posted from past Lakes Edition article

One hundred and sixty-nine years ago Lake Koshkonong was a vast marsh. sac, Fox, Potawatomi and Winnebago (Ho-chunk) tribes lived along its' shores and paddled along meadows of wild rice in birch-bark canoes to harvest rice, lake fish, ducks, and clams.

The water level rose significantly after the first dam was installed along the Rock River at Indianford in 1846, and the marsh became Wisconsin's eighth largest lake and a prime fishery, with walleye its' bread-and-butter. (More...)

(The Buckhorn Supperclub at Sunset on Lake Koshkonong)

Ft. Atkinson Farmers' Market

19 East Milwaukee Avenue West, Ft. Atkinson, Wi. (between South Water and Milwaukee Avenue)