Beaver Dam is a hub for recreation & countywide events
Located on the eastern shore of Beaver Dam Lake, the city of Beaver Dam is a hub for outdoor recreation, county-wide events and regionally-acclaimed healthcare facilities. “What’s nice about Beaver Dam is that we have that small-town feel but with all the shopping and entertainment you’d want in a community,” says Tracy Propst, the executive director of the Beaver Dam Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. “We’re so close to larger cities that if you want a big concert or game, you’re only an hour away—and you get a lower cost of living.”
Vendors come together in Beaver Dam, WI to sell fresh food, produce, and hand crafted products.
The downtown Beaver Dam area has seen new deveopment to add to its charm.
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From kayaking to ice racing on Beaver Dam Lake
While Beaver Dam is known for its long, snowy winters, residents have ample recreational opportunities year-round. From kayaking and canoeing to swimming and jet skiing, residents and tourists often spend sunny afternoons on Beaver Dam Lake. “On Sunday nights, you can watch the waterski team,” Propst says. “We also have a big fishing culture. The lake is shallow, but you can still catch some walleyes. In the winter, there’s ice fishing and even ice racing, where cars race on the lake.” She notes that outdoor enthusiasts can also head to Horicon National Wildlife Refuge for immersive trails and hunting.
As for indoor recreation, the Beaver Dam Family Center’s ice arena hosts local leagues through the Beaver Dam Hockey Association. Others head to the Dodge County YMCA for its gym and indoor pools.
The overlook at the scenic Horicon National Wildlife Refuge is a short drive from Beaver Dam.
Lake front homes on Beaver Dam Lake are sought after by home buyers in the area.
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Home of the Dodge County Fair
Beaver Dam might be 45 miles from the Dodge County seat of Juneau, but the city prides itself on hosting the annual Dodge County Fair. “It’s more of a country-style fair, so there’s a rodeo, tons of animals and carnival rides, a tractor pull and a demo derby,” Propst says. “We also have five days of music, which brings in a lot of people.” The fair’s past performers include Smash Mouth, LANCO and Luke Bryan. Each June, guests flock to Rotary Riverwalk Park for the original Taste of Wisconsin. Over 100 samples of Wisconsin beer pair with local food vendors on the shore of the Beaver Dam River.
Each summer the Dodge County Fair draws crowds from Beaver Dam to enjoy its festivities.
Check out the Beaver Dam, WI Farmers Market every Tuesday and Saturday in the summer months.
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Downtown Beaver Dam is a colorful walker’s paradise
Downtown Beaver Dam is a walkable strip surrounding the intersection of Front Street and South Spring Street, where shops and restaurants occupy historic storefronts. “For the last decade, there’s been a real effort to revitalize the downtown,” Propst says. “Ooga Brewing Company and Art on the Town really brought it back to life. Now we have restaurants, cocktail bars and even a music venue.” Colorful murals breathe life into century-old buildings across the area, where staples like Dam Chicken, Dragons Den Lounge and Palenque Mexican Bar & Grill draw in locals and tourists throughout the year.
As for standard amenities, residents head to North Spring Street for Kohl’s, Marshalls and Food Pride, the local grocer. Others rely on Highway 151 for Walmart Supercenter, Menards and Piggly Wiggly.
Walmart is among other larger retailers that are close to Beaver Dam.
Stop in at Nunatak Coffee Roasters in Beaver Dam for a premium cup of coffee.
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New construction & century-old homes near the waterfront
Beaver Dam's gridded residential streets wind between Highway 151 and Beaver Dam Lake. Though new construction has increased along the city's outskirts— and occasionally closer to the water— most homes date back to the midcentury. New traditional builds neighbor ranch-style homes, bilevels and custom homes with traditional architecture. Those along the waterfront typically feature private docks and scenic lake views. Closer to Front Street, it's common to find century-old homes constructed in the early 1900s. Altogether, the median price in Beaver Dam sits around $265,000—below the national average and that of nearby Madison.
Property and violent crime rates are also below national averages, according to FBI crime data and information sourced from the Beaver Dam Police Department.
The housing options in Beaver Dam include bilevels homes.
Midcentury ranch style homes are seen throughout the Beaver Dam neighborhoods.
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The Beaver Dam Unified School District
Local students attend the Beaver Dam Unified School District, which encompasses the greater Leipsig and South Beaver Dam communities. The district ranks No. 2 in Dodge County with a B on Niche. The city is also home to Wayland Academy, a private college prep boarding school enrolling around 200 high school students each year. Graduates can attend Moraine Park Technical College-Beaver Dam Campus, which offers specialized training in engine technology and infrastructural trades.
Beaver Dam High School scores a B by Niche.
Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam is a a private college prep boarding school.
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Marshfield Medical Center is regionally acclaimed
Beyond outdoor recreation and county-wide festivals, Beaver Dam is widely known for its healthcare system. “People actually move here to access our medical centers,” Propst says. “There’s a number of specialists you can find here without having to go to a larger city.” She cites Marshfield Medical Center as a top employer. Recently merged with Sanford Health, a national corporation, the center employs hundreds of medical professionals across the region.
As for commuting, residents rely on Highway 151 to reach the nearby hubs of Columbus and Madison, about 45 miles south. There, travelers fly commercially from Dane County Regional Airport. Milwaukee commuters can expect a 67-mile drive on Interstate 41, accessible via Route 33, which runs through the city's heart.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
