Autumn Exploration in Fond du Lac
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Registration deadline is Monday, October 13
Since the hotel’s opening in 1923, Walter Schroeder (the original owner of the hotel) had a vision to create the Hotel Retlaw as one of the finest hotels in the State of Wisconsin. The eight-story neoclassical hotel in red brick with its cornice and façade detailing shows the attention to detail that was not overlooked in buildings of the era. It’s no coincidence that the name Retlaw, if you haven’t guessed it yet, is his first name backwards. While little has changed on the exterior of the hotel over the past 90 years, the interior has undergone several transformations. Hotel Retlaw has been restored to its former historical significance with a remarkable renovation completed in 2019. To view some images of the interior click on https://www.thehotelretlaw.com/gallery. The building has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service. Hotel Retlaw stands today as one of the most richly historic hotels in Wisconsin.
Schroeder developed several other noteworthy hotels in Wisconsin, which included: The Schroeder Hotel (now the Hilton Milwaukee), The Astor on the Lake (now The Astor Hotel), and Hotel Wisconsin —all in Milwaukee. In addition, he was the driving force behind Hotel Northland in Green Bay; Hotel Loraine (now Loraine Condominiums) in Madison; Hotel Wausau (now the Landmark Building) in Wausau and the Hotel Duluth (now called Greysolon Plaza) in Duluth, MN.
Our next stop will be at Faris Gourmet Popcorn & Treats which produces over 350 varieties of gourmet popcorn flavors and mixes. Their products are available in their brick & mortar outlet store, online store, as well as approximately 3,000 box stores nationwide. With no other companies like it in Southeastern Wisconsin, Faris Gourmet Popcorn & Treats was created with the intent to introduce the community to new, unique, and delicious flavors available at an affordable price, so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy it!
At Lakeside Park you can enjoy a magnificent view from the 40-foot-high observation deck of the lighthouse! Climb your way to the top for a spectacular view of Lakeside Park and Lake Winnebago. The Lighthouse is the city’s signature attraction and most photographed structure in town. Built in 1933 during the Great Depression, the bottom 10 feet consists of a flagstone covered base, while the upper section of the tower is of frame construction. By 1965, the lighthouse had fallen into disrepair. After the lighthouse was restored, a celebration was held on July 3, 1968. A plaque on a stone near the lighthouse reads: “Saved 1967, Restored 1993. Fond du Lac Evening Optimist Club". A wooden staircase attached to the interior walls of the lighthouse winds up through the tower, permitting visitors to reach the observation deck, where an amazing view of Lakeside Park awaits you.
Finally The Kristmas Kringle Shoppe is an enchanting two-story Bavarian-style shop with an interior resemblance to quaint European shops. It is a Midwest favorite and has long been a destination for shoppers of all ages! . The shop has more than 70 themed trees and gifts for all occasions. A perfect place to start your holiday shopping!
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Lunch
Family-style luncheon of baked ham, roast turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans and beverage.
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PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity. Pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips. You will be required to fill out the 2025 Verona New Member Form (no charge) and 2025 Verona trip waiver Form. You can fill out these forms in advance or on the day of the trip.
Schedule: (Return times are approximate)
TRAVELERS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE 15-20 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
8:15 a.m. Depart Verona Park & Ride
8:35 a.m. Depart (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot)
5:00 p.m. Return Dutch Mill Park & Ride
5:30 p.m. Return Verona Park & Ride
Departure Locations:
New Verona Departure Location!
Verona Park & Ride - 2585 Old PB, Verona, WI
East Side (Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot))
Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow. (east of Arby's)
Cost: $75 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meal, taxes, and gratuities.
Seating is limited, so register today! Registrations must be received no later than noon on Monday, October 13, 2025.
Mail-In Registration Form: Download, Print, and Mail-in-Form for those who wish to register off-line and by check
Refund Policy: PLATO refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline. Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend. Refunds made by check.
PLATO Membership: PLATO membership is $60.00/year and all memberships renew on July 1.
For further information, contact PLATO trip coordinator, Bob Shaw, robert.e.shaw@gmail.com , 608-255-3486.
