Departments

Recreation

Seven Ways to Play

Stroll the streets on a historic walking tour. 

Grab a coffee from Twister’s espresso bar and dive deep into Princeton’s history on this self-guided tour of more than 50 plaques which detail the histories of iconic buildings throughout the city. The plaques, found mounted on the buildings or on freestanding pedestals, also mark historic sites such as the location of Princeton’s original brewery, Tiger Brew, and the site of Princeton’s Cattle Fair Day which began in 1869. Many stops are concentrated in the city’s downtown retail district which adds a fun twist to your shopping day. For a map of the locations, visit princetonhistorictour.com. 

Take a river adventure. 

With no shortage of rivers and streams to traverse, canoeing, kayaking and tubing are popular pastimes in the Princeton area. Whether you are seeking adrenaline-inducing rapids or something a little more peaceful, many area outfitters offer equipment for rent. New this season, Fox River Ratz offers kayaking and tubing trips for a leisurely float or challenging run. Mecan River Outfitters provides canoes or kayaks and their guides will help you plan the trip of your dreams, whether it be two hours or overnight. The Ice Bowl ice cream shop also rents tubes and kayaks. On the basic trip, you’ll be dropped off on Lock Road and enjoy a leisurely float down the Fox River before finishing at The Ice Bowl for a sweet refreshment. For a trip with an educational twist, book a ride on the Fox of the River Voyageur Canoe, a 28-foot multiperson canoe. Local historians portray early settlers and guide you on points of significance in Princeton history. 

Explore Amish country.

Step back in time and spend a day exploring Amish specialty shops featuring quality, handcrafted furniture, homemade pies and hand stitched quilts. One of the state’s largest Amish communities exists just south of Princeton in Green Lake County near the towns of Kingston and Dalton. The settlement was founded in 1977 and consists of nine congregations today. Take Highway 44 to discover a variety of Amish bakeries, markets, greenhouses, cheese shops and more. A map of nearby Amish country shops can be downloaded at princetonwi.com. 

Go bird watching.

Designated as a “Bird City,” Princeton’s pristine natural beauty is home to many species of birds which in turn attract bird watchers from near and far. One favorite birding location is the Black Bridge Nature Trail between County Road D and North Farmer Street where you can enjoy all types of wildlife including the beloved Whooping Crane. Along the Fox River keep an eye out for eagles, hawks, Blue Heron and Sandhill Cranes. For even more birding opportunities, head just outside of town to the White River Marsh Wildlife Area north of Princeton or the Grand River Wildlife Area west of Kingston. The 12,000-acre White River Marsh Wildlife Area serves as a summer pit stop for the endangered Whooping Crane.

Swing some clubs.

Princeton is centrally located in the middle of five picturesque golf courses. Between Tuscumbia Country Club and The Golf Courses of Lawsonia in Green Lake, Mascoutin Golf Club in Berlin, Two Oaks North Golf Club in Wautoma and White Lake Golf Course in Montello, golfers come from far and wide to experience what these different courses have to offer. 

Go on a drive-thru safari. 

Just five miles north of Princeton on Eagle Road, an exotic adventure awaits at Shamba Safari. Visitors to Shamba (which means “farm” in Swahili) Safari will be able to drive through approximately two miles of recently revamped pastures to see African animals such as giraffes and rhinoceroses as they graze. Alice Schoebel owns the farm with her son Matt, who is the family’s third generation to work with the animals. Alice says the Schoebel family has operated the farm since 1969 and houses exotic animals as part of a breeding program. The Schoebels also operate Timbavati Wildlife Park in Wisconsin Dells. Shamba Safari is located at W535 Eagle Road. For more information, call 920-295-4024.

Drop a line.

If fishing is what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place. Princeton is located within Green Lake County which boasts 36 lakes and hundreds of miles of rivers within its borders. Locals enjoy fishing the Fox River, Mecan River, Green Lake and Lake Puckaway for small and largemouth bass, bluegill, perch, white bass, northern pike, walleye, trout and catfish. The Mecan River and Green Lake, the deepest inland lake in Wisconsin, are known for great trout fishing. Launch your boat into the Fox River at the handicap accessible Hiestand Park just off Hwy 23/73 on Mechanic Street, at the Princeton Dam on Lock Road or at the White River Dam off County Road J on Huckleberry Road. The Princeton Locks and St. Marie Locks are popular places to cast from. 

“Just driving some of the backroads out here is amazing. If you go north, you encounter some dirt and gravel roads that take you to some really lonely, gorgeous places. My favorite one must have been a farm 100 years ago because there’s a silo still standing. The entire field is planted in sunflowers. You go out there and you just hear birdsong and nothing else.” – Laura Skalitzky, Princeton Public Library Director

Events

Hot Events 

Your Princeton datebook

Sip & Shop on the Fox

August 14

Take in the sights of historic downtown Princeton and the Fox River while embarking on this self-guided wine tasting journey. Tickets include a signature tasting glass and a map of wine stops within local businesses. Downtown streets will be closed so participants can safely roam about tasting wine, shopping in one-of-a-kind shops and listening to music. 3-6pm. Water Street, downtown Princeton. 295-3877.

Suds, Speakeasies and Scofflaws

August 28

Join the Princeton Historical Society to learn about Wisconsin’s organized crime connections, mobsters and some of Princeton’s notorious past. A speaker will present on the topic while guests enjoy 1920s-themed hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Tickets required. Knickerbocker Landing. 295-9008. 

Whooping Crane and Nature Festival

September 11

Support ongoing efforts to save the endangered Whooping crane from extinction at this free annual event. Activities include Princeton Schools famous continental breakfast, arts and crafts show, guest speakers, live bird demonstrations and children’s programs. 9am-3pm. Princeton Public School Grounds. 295-3877. 

From the Land Folk Art Festival

October 16-17

This celebration of all things “from the land” features products, demonstrations and techniques by artisans, farmers and crafters. Discover wooden furniture, produce, meats, canned goods, pottery, handmade soaps, jewelry and much more. Music by folksinger/songwriter Jim Anger. 16, 10am-4pm. 17, 10am-3pm. Toll/Londowski Family Farm, one mile west of Hwy 49/County Rd J intersection. 216-1729.

Christmas in Princeton

November 26-28

Kick off the Christmas season with three days of merrymaking throughout Princeton. The weekend includes the Lights on Water Street Electrical Parade, Unity’s Festival of Trees, breakfast with Santa, craft fairs, shopping specials, a build-your-own hot chocolate bar and more! For more details, visit princetonwi.com or call 295-3877.