A Little Green Lake History...

Where we come from
Green Lake has an interesting and dramatic history that makes it what it is today. The following timeline tells the story:

1632

Green Lake is inhabited by the Winnebago (Ho-Chunk) who lived in peace with early settlers in the area.

1832

A treaty by the tribe ceded their lands east of the Fox River and most were removed to reservations.

1835

The first settler in the area is thought to be James Powell.

1847

The area begins to grow in population and Anson Dart and John Sherwood plot the “Village of Dartford.”

1862

The Village of Dartford becomes the County Seat and today is home to County Government offices.

1867

The first summer resort, Oakwood Lodge, was built by David Greenway. It is believed to be the first summer resort West of Niagara Falls. Other resorts soon followed.

1871

Trains arrive often bringing Midwestern visitors who rented cottages on the grounds so they could spend the entire summer season there.

1907

To end confusion caused by the rail station being called Green Lake and the village being called Dartford, the Village of Dartford officially changed its name to Green Lake.

1911

The last Chief to rule the Green Lake Area is Chief Highknocker who died in 1911.

1940s

Most of the large wooden hotels are destroyed by fire or torn down. Only a few original cottages exist today. One, the Oakwood Lodge, is now operated as a bed and breakfast. A reminder of times gone by.

Today

Visitors continue to be drawn to the cool inviting waters of Green Lake.

Wisconsin’s treasure
The waters of Green Lake play host to every water sport imaginable like fishing, boating, sailing, swimming, diving or just simply floating on the water enjoying the area’s abundant nature and wildlife.