Green Lake Conference Center
Located on the beautiful waters of Green Lake, GLCC is a Christian conference center that operates year round. Eight years ago, they formed a partnership with Northern Pines that was an answer to the prayers of both ministries. Now they share a common vision of reaching families and providing a fantastic "Vacation with a Purpose".
There are a variety of things to do at the conference center or nearby towns. Many people enjoy the beach, fishing, boat rides, biking, taking walks, golf, tennis, basketball, horseshoes, volleyball, horseback rides, or antiquing in Princeton, a nearby town. Some find the Troster Art Studio on the Green Lake campus a great place for ceramics, china decorating, jewelry making, and stained glass. Others find exploring some of the back roads and seeing what is around the bend relaxing. Around one of those bends is a delicious Mennonite bakery. Some have even ventured further to see a Milwaukee baseball game or a float trip on a river.
Green Lake Conference Center has a wonderful website, glcc.org. Go to "Things To Do and Explore". It has a number of tabs and links for you to click on and learn more. Further information can be found on the website travelwisconsin.com.
Extra Activities
The following links offer more information about the Green Lake Conference Center and activities in the area.
Getting here by car:
Northern Pines hosts its conferences at Green Lake Conference Center each summer. Green Lake is conveniently located in beautiful central Wisconsin.
W2511 State Road 23, Green Lake, WI 54941
By Plane
The nearest airport is Outagamie County Regional Airport (ATW) located in Appleton, about 1 hour away.
Conferees may also choose to fly into Milwaukee, Madison, or Green bay and rent a car to get to Green Lake. Each of these airports are 1½ hours away. Chicago O'Hare is three hours away. See Green Lake's travel page .
About Green Lake, WI
Green Lake has 27 miles of shoreline and a depth of approximately 237 feet, and is the deepest inland lake in Wisconsin. Green Lake was originally known as the Village of Dartford.
Green Lake is the County Seat for Green Lake County.
Surrounding Cities at a Glance
Green Lake
The oldest resort area west of Niagara Falls, Green Lake boasts of fine dining and unique shops. Discover the many parks and outdoor activities that Green Lake has to offer. Turn Right (east) when leaving GLCC to go to Green Lake.
Princeton
Located 6 miles west of Green Lake, Princeton is enjoying a “renaissance” and its revitalization effort has made everything that was old new again. The Water Street Shops and Eateries offer the unusual. Princeton is host to the state’s largest weekly outdoor flea market each Saturday, with over 175 booths. Bicyclists can choose from over 150 miles of mapped routes on secluded back road tours that originate from downtown.
Ripon
Located 6 miles east of Green Lake, Ripon is the birthplace of the Republican Party and the home of the Rippin’ Good Cookies! Visit the Little White Schoolhouse and Ripon’s antique stores and specialty shops.
Berlin
Located 8 miles north of Green Lake, Berlin is home to 47 acres of park land and a variety of unique shops and antique malls.
Oshkosh
Located 30 miles northeast of Green Lake, Oshkosh is most known as home of the Experimental Aircraft Association and outlet shopping!
Click to zoom in to view map at full size
Things to Do in the Area
Biking · | · Bowling · | · Fishing · | · Mini Golf · | · Hiking · | · Horseback Riding · | · Ice Cream · | · Movie Theaters · | · Shopping · | · Parks · | · Recreational Rentals · | · Spa · | · Zoos & Farms · | · Other Activities
Biking
Green Lake
Green Lake biking maps
The varied terrain of the Green Lake area offers a perfect palette for a variety of unique biking experiences. From the lakeshores of Green Lake and Lake Puckaway to the White Marsh, Princeton Prairie State Natural Area with river bends including the Amish Country. There is a route for every level of cyclist.
Heidel Hike Illinois Avenue in Highknocker Park
Phone: 920-294-3344
Website
Terrain Level: 3/4 to 1-3/4 mile hiking trails through woods w/ markers and benches
PrincetonWebsite
Bicycling enthusiasts can choose from over 150 miles of mapped biking routes on eight back-road tours that begin in downtown Princeton. The routes, which range from 8 to 34 miles, and from flat to quite hilly, will take you through some of the most beautiful countryside in central Wisconsin.
Ripon
Website
Meandering country roads and gravel trails make for fun, challenging and breathtaking rides. Grab your road bike and access Ripon's back roads to Green Lake.
Bowling
Green Lake
Howie's Green Meadow Lanes
Hwy 23 @ 1802 Country Road A Green Lake, WI 54941 920-294-3314
- Automatic scoring
- Cosmic bumpers
- Pub-style menu
- Pizza
- Arcade
- Call for open bowling
Ripon
Faris' Restaurant/Plaza Bowl/Plaza Putt
1216 W. Fond du Lac St, Ripon, WI 54971
Phone: 920-748-2100
Bowling and 27-hole mini golf along full-service restaurant - serving breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Fishing
Lakes
Big Green Lake
Bordered by Highways 73 & 23, County Roads K & A, Green Lake, WI 54941
Grid Location : F5-G4
Acreage : 7346
Maximum Depth : 236 feet
Type of Fish : Walleye, muskie, bass, bluegill, lake trout, northern pike, brown trout
Little Green Lake
Highway 44 north of Markesan, Green Lake, WI 54941
Grid Location : H5
Acreage : 466
Maximum Depth : 28 feet
Type of Fish : Walleye, muskie, northern, panfish
License, Tackle, Bait
North Bay Sport & Liquor 501 South St., Green Lake, WI 54941 Phone: 920-294-6462 Tackle; Live Bait; licenses
Princeton Do-It-Best Store 429 W. Water , Princeton, WI 54968 Phone: 920-295-8832 Fishing Equipment
Big K-Mart Store 1200 W. Fond du Lac, Ripon, WI 54971 Phone: 920-748-2688 Fishing Equipment
Holiday Food & Sport 101 Eureka St., Ripon, WI 54971 Phone: 920-748-6262 Tackle & Live Bait
Gypsy Rose Bait & Tackle Hwy 49 & Cty A, Berlin, WI 54923 Phone: 920-361-7707 Tackle & Live Bait
Malchetske's On Broadway 265 Broadway, Berlin, WI 54923 Phone: 920-361-3711 License
Riverside Bait Shop 209 Water Street, Berlin, WI 54923 Phone: 920-361-1917 Tackle & Live Bait/24 hr bait vending machine
Rental/Guide Service
Dennis Walker’s Guide Service
370 Palmer Avenue, Green Lake, WI 54941
(920) 294-0611
Website
Charter fishing on Green Lake – tackle furnished; Spring/Summer 40 ft. pontoon w/gas grill
Captain Mike Norton's Fishing & Hunting Adventures, Inc.
Princeton, WI, US, 54968
(920) 295-3617
Fish Big Green Lake Summer & Winter for Lake Trout, Brown Trout, White Bass & Cisco.
Mini Golf
Green Lake
Nordic Hill Mini-Golf
W1917 Highway 23, Green Lake, WI 54941
Phone: (920) 295-6730
The Nordic Hill Mini-Golf course offers patrons 18 holes of putting practice.
Far View Golf
N5709 St. Marie Road,Green Lake, WI 54941
Phone: (920) 294-6454
Located three miles west of Green Lake, Far View Golf offers an 18-hole miniature golf course, as well as a golf practice range. A pro shop, concessions, repair shop and golf club rentals are also available on-site.
Ripon
Faris' Restaurant/Plaza Bowl/Plaza Putt
1216 W. Fond du Lac St, Ripon, WI 54971
Phone: (920) 748-2100
Bowling and 27-hole mini golf along full-service restaurant - serving breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hiking
Green Lake
Daycholah Lookout
Located at 361 Lake Street (the corner of Lake Street & Illinois Avenue).
From this vantage point you’ll see native plantings, a meandering path, memorial benches and stunning lake views.
Dawson Prairie
Dawson Prairie encompasses 54 acres of restored land. Mowed trails wind through over 100 species of native grasses and wildflowers, blooming late spring through September. Abundant wildlife including deer, birds and butterflies inhabit the prairie.
Hammer's Trail
A .6 mile public trail located within the Assembly Creek and Springs conservancy property built in memory of Brian Hamming. Walk the trail and enjoy its beautiful surroundings as your time permits.
Prairie Trail
Located off Hwy. 23 on the Green Lake Conference Center grounds. Wander through native prairie while viewing diverse plantings complete with blooming flowers from late spring through September. Get maps of the area at the Green Lake Chamber Office and Roger Williams Inn (Green Lake Conference Center). There is an entrance fee at the gate to get onto the grounds.
Winnebago Trail Reserve
A beautiful, steep shoreline trail travels along the West end of the lake. Once used by the Winnebago Indians, stroll down this historic lakeside path.
Snake Creek Wetlands Trail
Located off St. Marie Road & Swamp Road between Princeton Road and Co Hwy J.
Take a leisurely walk through a rare and breathtaking habitat. Trail head stands are located at both entrances. Further information and a map are available at the Chamber Office.
Heidel Hike
Located off of Illinois Ave in Highknocker Park. Enjoy prime views of nature via the woods, complete with mile markers to gauge your progress, and benches so you can take five.
Zobel Park
Located one mile north on Hwy 49.
Enjoy a luxurious hiking experience by walking the mowed trails winding throughout these dramatic woods.
Horseback Riding
Cedar Ridge Ranch
W14471 Dartford Rd, Ripon, WI 54971
Phone: 920-748-8405
Website
Horse adventures for all ages. Catered events, elegant surrey and covered wagons availble to rent. Trail rides and other horse experiences available.
King Farm Riding Stable
N62307 County Road J, Princeton, WI 54968
Phone: 920-293-8102
Guided trails through beautiful woodlands. 7 days a week.
Edgewater Farms
N638 County Hwy X, Berlin, WI 54923
Phone: 920-361-4923
Website
Horse adventurse for all ages. Riding lessons.
Ice Cream
Green Lake
Bay View Landing
496 Bay View Court, Green Lake, WI 54941
Phone: 920-294-3066
Website
Cones, sundaes, boats, yogurts - scooped the old fashioned way. Shakes, Malts, floats, sodas, gourmet candy, gift items and antiques. Open April through September.
Pump House Parlor at Heidel House
643 Illinois Avenue, Green Lake, WI 54941
Phone: 920-294-3344
Website
Featuring Cedar Crest Ice Cream and Blumer's sodas. Sundaies, coanes, malts, shakes, floats, and many specialties
Princeton
A&W Fox River Travel Plaza
811 Green Lake Road, Princeton, WI 54968
Phone: 920-295-3564
All in Good Taste
725 W. Main Street, Princeton, WI 54968
Phone: 920-295-0344
A recycled gas station right by the bridge. Fill up with a choice from 16 flavors of "Cedar Crest" hand dipped ice cream.
Ripon
Culvers
1086 W Fond Du Lac St, Ripon, WI
(920) 748-8099
Goosebeary's
200 Watson Street, Ripon, WI 54971
Phone: 920-748-1233
Coffee, cappuccino, latte and a variety of specialty drinks in a unique gift shop. A great place to 'take 5' while you're shopping.
Movie Theatre
Campus Theatre
103 Watson Street, Ripon, WI 54971-1326
Phone: (920) 748-2506
Website
Outlet Shopping
The Outlet Shoppes @ Oshkosh
3001 S. Washburn, Hwy 41, Exit 116, Oshkosh, WI 54904
Phone: (877) 916-7467
Website
Monday - Saturday - 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday - 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Parks
The Green Lake area has many quality parks. Playground equipment, fishing, outdoor grills, restrooms, and large open areas will greet you at many of the parks. Pack your cooler and pick a spot for a quiet lunch or get-together.
Dodge Park
Located on the Southwest end of Green Lake. Boat launch, swimming beach, restrooms, picnic area and pier.
Deacon Mills Park
Located on South Lawson Drive at the Marina. Band shell, picnic facilities, toilets, temporary boat tie-up and ice skating.
Friday Club Park
Located on Mill Street across from the dam.
Dartford Historical Society Depot Museum. Tennis courts and good bluegill and sunfish fishing spot.
Highknocker Park
Highknocker Trail and Anchor Road
(From Illinois Ave, turn North on Union, then West on Highknocker). Baseball field, playground equipment in a quiet and out-of-the-way park.
Hattie Sherwood Park
South Lawson Drive on the north lakeshore. Sand, swimming beach, pier, restrooms and camping.
Playground Park
Mill Street near the dam. Shelter, restrooms, picnic area and playground.
Sunset Park
East end of Green Lake on County Trunk A. Boat launch, swimming beach, restrooms, picnic area and pier.
Zobel Park
One mile north of Hwy. 49. Picnic area with grills, woods.
Recreational Rentals
Green Lake Conference Center
Phone: 920-294-7363
Website
Rentals Offered : Boat/Recreational Rentals
Bay View Motel & Resorts
Lake Street, Green Lake, WI 54941
Phone: 920-294-6504
Email: bayview@vbe.com
Rentals Offered : Boat/Recreational Rentals
Bob's Private Charter Boat Service
PW3611 Orchard Avenue/P.O. Box 356, Green Lake, WI 54941
Phone: 920-295-4815
Email: rdnelson@charter.net
Rentals Offered : Deluxe Pontoon; Sailboat for 4; All gear provided for fishing, sightseeing, swimming and waterskiing
Escapade Lake Cruises
643 Illinois Avenue, Green Lake, WI 54941
Phone: 920-294-3344 or 800-444-2812
Website
Email: info@heidelhouse.com
Rentals Offered : Public sight-seeing breakfast and cocktail cruises aboard a 60' yacht running May thru Oct. Private charters also available for up to 60 people.
Green Lake Action Rentals
463 Lake Street, Green Lake, WI 54941
Phone: 920-745-2600
Website
Email: byron@greenlakeactionrentals.com
Rentals Offered : Boats/jet skis/canoes/kayaks/bikes/mopeds/Recreational Rentals
Shoreline Water Sport Boat Rentals
509 Commercial Avenue, Green Lake, WI 54941
Phone: 920-294-3145
Website
Email: boats@shorelineboat.com
Rentals Offered : Boat/Recreational Rentals
Spa
Evensong Spa at the Heidel House Resort
410 Trillium Circle
Green Lake, WI
Phone: (920) 294-3344
Website
Zoos & Farms
Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Zoo
10001 W. Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226
Phone: (414) 771-3040
Website
Ripon
Glacier Ridge Animal Farm
N 9458 Ridge Road, Van Dyne, WI 54979
Phone: (920) 688-3488
Website
Come and spend a day where the buffalo roam! Head down the trail and begin your journey of animal discovery. Visit all of our farm friends including the pigs, goats, ducks, geese and chickens. Be sure not to miss our exotic friends, especially the camels. Behold the splendor of Elk and Deer. Experience the sight of Water Buffalo, Watusi Cattle and an array of exotic and domestic animals, reptiles and birds. Then, head up to the north pasture and see the magnificence of the Great American Buffalo
Larson’s Clydesdale Ranch
W12654 Reeds Corner Road, Ripon, WI 54971
Phone: (920) 748-5466
Website
One of the only places in the United States where visitors can see Famous Clydesdale's, close-up and personal. A truly exciting, entertaining, and fun 90 minute guided Tour with a short Grandstand Show. Included in the show is the newest mascot, MacGregor, a great Scottie dog.
Reservations Preferred to ensure availability.
Other Activities
Oshkosh Air Show
AirVenture 2014
July 28 – August 3, 2014 in Oshkosh, WI Each summer, the aviation world comes to the Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Everyone is welcome to be a part of the celebration, whether you're a pilot, builder, enthusiast, or a family looking for an affordable summer getaway.
You and your family can enjoy:
* Family fun for all ages including KidVenture
* Checkout the latest innovations from 800+ exhibitors
* Daily world-class air shows 2,500 show planes and over 10,000 aircraft to see
* Evening entertainment.
To get more information on event schedules, hours of operation, visit the AirVenture.org or call 1-800-JOIN-EAA. It’s approximately a 45 minute drive from the Green Lake Conference Center.
Baseball
Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park
Join the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park for an exciting day of baseball. Miller Park is located in the heart of Milwaukee and it’s approximately a 95 mile drive. For ticket information visit milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com or call 1-800-933-7890.
Canoe and Kayak Trips
Mecan River Outfitters & Lodge
W720 State Road 23, Princeton, WI 54968
Phone: 920-295-3439
Specialty Food
Princeton American Legion Brat Fry
"Voted Wisconsin's Best Brat Fry!", the American Legion Post 366 in Princeton serves up brats, burgers, pork chop sandwiches, potato salad and coleslaw - all cooked by "bratmeister chefs." Find them Fridays and Saturdays from April 22nd to October 15th at 853 W. Main St. by the bridge from early morning to 4 p.m.
Ripon Good Cookie Outlet Store
420 E. Oshkosh Street
Ripon, WI
Phone: (920) 748-0293
Hours of Operation
- Tuesday through Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Saturday 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Green Lake County Fair
July 31 - August 1, 2014
Schedule of Events
It’s truly a FREE Fair. No gate admission is charged and the idea here is to showcase the youth and their 4-H projects. See bunnies, chickens, ducks, pigs, sheep, cows, horses, cats and dogs. Watch the kids who range in age from elementary school to high school show the animals they have raised at home. See the Livestock Auction and find out who will get to take their animals to the State Fair in Milwaukee. Check out their projects in the Exhibition Building and marvel at how much talent these local kids have. It’s Wisconsin at its best and it happens all around the state in every one of our 72 counties. The Green Lake County Fair is known as “the best little Fair around” – come and see why!
Famous Princeton Flea Market
"Wisconsin's Largest Weekly Outdoor Flea Market" opens April 23 and runs through October 15th. This Saturday market begins at 6 a.m. in the City Park on Highway 23 on the east side of town and closes at 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Come and find antiques, homegrown produce, spices, baked goods, handmade creations, jewelry, cheese curds, T-shirts, plants and that special "find" for your collection.
Historical Sites
Ripon's Little White Schoolhouse
Birthplace of the Republican Party. Come and see the newly restored one-room Schoolhouse where the Republican Party was founded in 1854. Local, political and education history.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Website