Destination Lake Winnebago Region
August 20, 2026
Destination Lake Winnebago Region Marks a Decade of Waupun Partnership, Turns Focus to Its Next Chapter
Organization to direct full attention to Fond du Lac and communities throughout Lake Winnebago’s East Side as Waupun launches its own tourism entity
FOND DU LAC — The Destination Lake Winnebago Region (DLWR) Board of Directors announced this week that the organization will conclude its decade-long role as the official Tourism Entity for the City of Waupun, effective August 31, 2026. The City of Waupun has established its own tourism entity to guide the community’s promotional efforts going forward.
For ten years, DLWR—based in and serving Fond du Lac—has served as the official visitors bureau for both Fond du Lac and Waupun, promoting the two communities’ shopping districts, public sculptures, dining, and outdoor attractions to visitors across the region and beyond.
“The DLWR and Waupun relationship has been an absolute success over the last ten years. We were honored to play even a small role in the community’s growing vibrancy,” said Craig Molitor, President and CEO of Destination Lake Winnebago Region. He added, “Our team has always been blown away by the work ethos and shared vision found in the Waupun business community, and boy do we love shopping and dining there!”
As Waupun’s tourism needs have grown more locally focused, the City determined that a dedicated, Waupun-based entity is the best way to guide the community’s next chapter. DLWR applauds the City’s move to chart its own course and will now direct its full energy and resources toward Fond du Lac and communities throughout Lake Winnebago’s East Side, an area that continues to see rising interest in its shops, restaurants, and one-of-a-kind businesses.
“Destination Lake Winnebago Region, serving in the capacity of Waupun’s official Visitors Bureau, made great sense for the longest time. Our organization could scale Waupun’s destination marketing on a regional level, and Fond du Lac benefited in turn from being part of a bigger, more diverse regional story. We’ll miss spending as much time with our friends in Waupun, but celebrate the community’s new direction,” Molitor stated.
Jim Misudek, DLWR Board Chair, added, “We remain grateful for the decade-long partnership with Waupun and wish the community continued success!”
“We’re grateful for DLWR’s partnership over the past decade and the role they played in raising Waupun’s regional profile,” said Kathy Schlieve, City Administrator for the City of Waupun. “As our community continues to grow, we’re excited to build a tourism strategy shaped specifically around Waupun’s priorities and voice.”
Looking ahead, DLWR plans to expand its promotional efforts in Fond du Lac and along Lake Winnebago’s East Side by investing in new digital marketing campaigns, emphasizing the region’s shopping and dining scene, and deepening its collaboration with local businesses and attractions. The organization remains committed to showcasing the area’s charming, quirky, and authentically Wisconsin character to visitors from across the state and beyond.
About Destination Lake Winnebago Region
Destination Lake Winnebago Region (DLWR) is the official destination marketing organization based in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, promoting tourism, shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation throughout Fond du Lac and Lake Winnebago’s East Side. Learn more at www.fdl.com.
