Fowler Lake
Nestled in the heart of Waukesha County’s scenic Lake Country area, is the City of Oconomowoc offering an exceptional quality of life in a laid back small-town setting. Located about 30 miles west of Milwaukee, Oconomowoc has something for everyone including picturesque scenery, a historic downtown area, fun festivals year-round, delicious dining, and a myriad of recreational opportunities.
For those dreaming of an idyllic lakeside lifestyle, Oconomowoc has an extensive variety of homes highlighted by stunning lake vistas. Located within walking distance of Downtown Oconomowoc, Fowler Lake offers lakeside living. A blend of single-family homes and condominiums can be found along Fowler Lake’s shoreline, offering abundant choices for prospective buyers.
Interested in homes for sale in Fowler Lake, Oconomowoc, WI? On this page, you’ll get to learn more about the area’s history, lifestyle, real estate options, the best activities and attractions, and everything that makes Fowler Lake an outstanding place to call home.
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OVERVIEW OF FOWLER LAKE, OCONOMOWOC, WI
History of Fowler Lake and Oconomowoc at a glance
- Fowler Lake was formed in 1837 when a dam was constructed across a tamarack swamp where the Oconomowoc River flowed into Lac La Belle. The manmade lake spans 97 acres and has a maximum depth of 50 feet.
- The area’s rich natural resources attracted members of the Winnebago and Potawatomi tribes, its first recorded settlers. The lakes and woodlands were a good source of fish, wild game, and raw materials for building houses and equipment for the tribes. The name of the city – “Oconomowoc” – is derived from “coo-no-mo-wauk,” the Potawatomi term for waterfall.
- In 1837, Phil Brewer and Charles Sheldon built many log cabins throughout the area. Word quickly spread about the area’s picturesque surroundings and abundant natural resources, attracting more settlers. One of them was John S. Rockwell, a young entrepreneur who played a significant role in establishing the town. Rockwell built a gristmill and the town’s first store, library, hotel, and fire department. His contributions and accomplishments led to him being acknowledged as “the father of Oconomowoc.”
- Oconomowoc was incorporated as a town in 1844 and eventually as a city in 1875. At the time of its incorporation, its population increased to nearly 3,000.
- With its natural beauty and the expansion of the Milwaukee and Watertown Railroad Company’s Milwaukee and Mississippi line, Oconomowoc became a popular summer resort town in the 1870s. Many affluent families from Milwaukee, Chicago, and St. Louis arrived by train in the summer and built palatial estates on the lake shores.
Transportation
The main highways providing access to Oconomowoc are highways 16, 67, and Interstate 94. The city is served by Waukesha Metro, which operates bus routes 904 and 905 between Oconomowoc and Milwaukee.
The Empire Builder passenger train from Amtrak passes through Oconomowoc. The train does not stop in the city, but the nearest station is the Milwaukee Intermodal Station, which is about a 35-minute drive away.
Education
Public schools in the Fowler Lake area are administered by the Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD).
Schools in the city include:
- Greenland Elementary School
- Ixonia Elementary School
- Meadow View Elementary School
- Park Lawn Elementary School
- Summit Elementary School
- Nature Hill Intermediate School
- Silver Lake Intermediate School
- Oconomowoc High School
For families looking for private education, several top-rated private schools are located nearby such as:
- St. Paul’s Lutheran School
- Lake Country Classical Academy
- St. Jerome Parish School
- St. Matthew’s Lutheran School
HOMES FOR SALE IN FOWLER LAKE, OCONOMOWOC, WI
Those interested in homes for sale in Fowler Lake, Oconomowoc, WI will be able to choose from a diverse selection of properties that can fulfill nearly any type of need and preference.
As one of the fastest-growing cities in Waukesha County, Oconomowoc has experienced a surge in development, all while preserving a laidback atmosphere. According to data from Metro MLS, Fowler Lake and other Oconomowoc communities have had historic appreciation rates, with home averages marking a 45% increase in appreciation since 2018.
Real estate options in the Fowler Lake area primarily consist of condos and single-family homes. Vacant lots and land are also available for those planning to build a custom home. Prospective buyers will be able to choose from many elegant architectural styles including Cape Cod, Colonial, ranch, and a variety of contemporary styles. Many residences provide a seamless blend of privacy, comfort, and livability, offering an exceptional quality of life in a picturesque, idyllic setting.
For those looking forward to an unparalleled lifestyle by the water, many properties take full advantage of the breathtaking lake views. You’ll find many homes equipped with features like floor-to-ceiling windows, indoor-outdoor living spaces, spacious balconies, covered sundecks, and lakeside patios perfect for entertaining.
One of the best things about living near Fowler Lake is the excellent walkability, putting many of downtown Oconomowoc’s finest attractions at your fingertips. You’re always minutes away from a vibrant array of shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, parks, and cultural destinations, offering unmatched convenience and an enjoyable lifestyle. Most of the communities are located along the famous Fowler Lake loop, creating terrific opportunities for residents to enjoy leisurely walks, stay active, and relax by the water.
If you want to browse some of the best homes for sale in the Fowler Lake area, take a look at The Spheeris Team’s exclusive listings.
LIVING IN FOWLER LAKE
Dining
Whether you’re meeting friends for brunch, dining out with the family, or just looking to treat yourself to a tasty snack, the restaurants in and around Fowler Lake are sure to delight.
Here are some of the top-rated restaurants for you to check out in the area.
Lago Su Bella128 West Wisconsin Ave., Oconomowoc, WI
Lago Su Bella – Italian for “beautiful lake” – is an exclusively Italian ristorante featuring breathtaking lake views and a menu celebrating Italy’s diverse and eclectic cuisine.
Lago Su Bella specializes in classic Italian fare. Some of their standout dishes include truffle ravioli, eggplant parmigiano al forno, spaghetti and meatballs, Scottish salmon puttanesca, and chicken picatta. Their enticing entrees are complemented by a wide variety of appetizers and an extensive list of wines from all over the world.
Lake House Cafe662 E. Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc, WI
Come to Lake House Cafe for flavorful comfort food that tantalizes your taste buds. The casual small-town restaurant serves a delectable selection of dishes for breakfast and lunch in a cozy, family-friendly setting.
Lake House Cafe is a fantastic choice if you’re looking to start your day with a hearty breakfast. Their breakfast menu is filled with surefire palate pleasers! Take your pick from three-egg omelets, house skillets, breakfast sandwiches and burritos, and a variety of pancakes and waffles.
Craving a nice, juicy burger? Their half-pound burgers are hard to top! Be sure to try their famous Lone Star Burger. Made with a Black Angus patty cooked to perfection and served on grilled Texas toast with bacon, BBQ sauce, and melted cheddar jack cheese, this blissful burger is sure to send your taste buds into overdrive
Taqueria Doblado212 E. Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc, WI
Opened in 2018, Taqueria Doblado is a taco truck serving authentic Mexican fare including tortas, tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, all made with fresh high-quality ingredients.
It’s the perfect choice if you’re craving delicious Mexican cuisine! Everything’s worth a try, but if you had to choose just one dish, their Enchiladas Supreme is highly recommended. You get four enchiladas with ground beef, chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and beans, all covered in a warm blanket of melted cheese and served with sour cream and green salsa.
Nightlife
You can find many nightlife venues catering to a variety of tastes. From lively pubs to vibrant bars to chic lounges, Oconomowoc’s nightlife scene provides abundant options for those looking to enjoy a fun-filled evening.
The Cornerstone Sports Pub & Eatery24 S. Main St., Oconomowoc, WI
If you’re looking for a nice spot to catch the big game or just want to savor some delicious food, The Cornerstone is the perfect choice.
Their menu features a slew of homemade pub grub favorites including hamburgers, sandwiches, salads, mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, and pizza. Remember to save room for dessert! The Cornerstone’s pear crumble is the perfect way to cap off your meal, with its sweetened pears served in a crisp buttery biscuit topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel.
Brewfinity Brewing CompanyN58W39800 Industrial Rd., Suite D., Oconomowoc, WI
There’s always something happening at Brewfinity, the only onsite brewery in Oconomowoc. They have 16 artisan craft beers brewed onsite, which guests can enjoy in their taproom together with their delicious snacks.
Come to Brewfinity to enjoy weekly events like trivia nights, cribbage tournaments, bags and shuffleboard leagues, Friday food specials, and chili cook-offs.
The Etcetera118 East Wisconsin Ave., Oconomowoc, WI
Located in the heart of downtown Oconomowoc, The Etcetera is a bar and grill serving an extensive array of draft beer on tap, specialty cocktails, margaritas, and spirits, alongside mouthwatering American-style dishes.
Guests can savor The Etcetera’s tasty offerings at their spacious rooftop bar overlooking Fowler Lake – a perfect setting for a romantic date or a gathering with friends. Be sure to check out some of their special events including Sip and Paint sessions, Music Bingo, Bourbon Fest, DIY Cocktail nights, and the Books & Bubbles book swap night.
Outdoor activities and destinations
Fowler Lake is a terrific place to live for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its serene lake vistas, first-rate waterfront amenities, and scenic community spaces.
You’ll be able to find many destinations where you can relax, enjoy the outdoors, and take in the picturesque scenery.
Hang out at Fowler Park
Fowler Park is a ten-acre community park nestled on the eastern shores of Fowler Lake. It’s a popular place for families as it features extensive amenities including sports courts, picnic areas, a playground, and a fishing pier and shoreline fishing area.
Enjoy a scenic walk around Fowler Loop
Immerse yourself in nature and take in breathtaking views by exploring Fowler Loop, a walking trail that follows the perimeter of Oconomowoc’s Fowler Lake. It takes around 30 to 45 minutes to walk the entire loop, which passes through downtown Oconomowoc and many of the city’s historic neighborhoods.
Along the way, you’ll be able to pass by lush parks, the stately mansions on Oconomowoc’s Isthmus, the City Beach Band Shell, the historic Oconomowoc Depot, and the boardwalk. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the way too, in case you need to take a break. You can also stop by the downtown boardwalk, get some food and drinks from nearby vendors, and relax while enjoying views of the lake’s tranquil waters.
Want to explore more of the area? You can extend your journey by going on a self-guided historic walking tour which also takes you to several destinations along Lac La Bell. The two-mile walk takes about an hour to complete and will give you a glimpse into the city’s past, back when it was known as the “Newport of the West”
Spend a day at the beach
Oconomowoc is home to two public beaches perfect for relaxing and spending quality time with the family. City Beach is terrific if you’re looking forward to enjoying activities on the water. It’s a popular spot for families with young children, as it features a swim area supervised by lifeguards. There are many watersports rental shops as well where you can rent canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks. Pontoon boats are available as well, which you can rent for two to six hours.
Play 18 holes at the Oconomowoc Golf Club
Established in 1916, the Oconomowoc Golf Club is a private golf club featuring world-class amenities and a variety of programs and tournaments.
Members get access to a classic 18-hole Donald Ross-designed course shaped to accentuate the natural terrain and the extraordinary ground formations left by the Wisconsin Glacier millennia ago. The result is a stunning course that takes advantage of the unique topographical features while offering playability to golfers of all skill levels. The course features perfectly contoured fairways and meticulously maintained greens designed to challenge players with changing elevations and steep slopes.
Players can perfect their swing at the practice facility, which boasts practice chipping and putting greens and a state-of-the-art driving range with a laser-determined distance measurement system.
Local events
There’s plenty to look forward to when you’re living in Fowler Lake, Oconomowoc, WI! Every year, residents enjoy a stellar lineup of fun-filled events and celebrations such as:
- Bands at the Beach. Head to the City Beach Band Shell to witness spectacular performances by local artists and musicians during Bands at the Beach, a free summer concert series. Check Buddy’s Beach Bungalow’s Facebook page for upcoming schedules.
- Badgerland Waterski Show and Moonlit Movies. Watch high-flying waterski stunts and daring maneuvers at the Badgerland Waterski Show at Fowler Park. Stick around after the show for an outdoor screening of beloved family-friendly classics.
- Oconomowoc American Legion Band Concert Series. For more than a century, the Oconomowoc American Legion Band has captivated audiences with their masterful performances. Catch a performance from this renowned group by dropping by the City Beach Band Shell every Wednesday evening during the summer.
- Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks. Oconomowoc celebrates the Fourth of July with a parade through downtown presented by the Oconomowoc Rotary Club. After sunset, the crowd gathers at Fowler Lake to catch the spectacular fireworks display.
- Kids Day at the Beach. Organized by the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department, this exciting event treats families to a fun-filled day at the beach together with the City Beach lifeguards. Enjoy a variety of activities and competitions including arts and crafts sessions, relay races, tug-o-war, and the annual sand castle building. Kids Day at the Beach is held every second or third Tuesday in August.
- Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts. The Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts is an annual celebration of fine art held at Fowler Park during the third weekend of August. Visitors can enjoy a wide array of activities including art workshops for kids, live entertainment, a silent art auction, and more.
FIND YOUR DREAM HOME IN FOWLER LAKE, OCONOMOWOC, WI
Want to find the best homes for sale in Fowler Lake? The Spheeris Team is ready to assist! As one of the top real estate teams in the Lake Country area, you can count on The Spheeris Team’s elite agents to go above and beyond to help you navigate the market with ease.
Get in touch with The Spheeris Team today by visiting this page. We’d love to hear from you!