Recreation
Explore, Play,
and Unwind
Our historic city, situated in both Dodge and Jefferson Counties, is located halfway between Madison and Milwaukee along the Rock River. Watertown features numerous recreational opportunities, along with numerous festivals and activities. Surrounded by small-town hospitality, visitors will feel right at home exploring all Watertown offers.
If an overnight stay is in order, guests can choose from several hotels throughout the city for the perfect way to end the day. Check our calendar of events for more activities and events held throughout the year.
Watertown Is a City
for All Seasons
Indoor Activities and Day Trips
Watertown has two bowling alleys and a movie theater if indoor activities are called for. For those looking for day trip activities, several tours will be taken, including the historic Octagon House and America’s First Kindergarten. Visitors can also stop by the Chamber to pick up any of the eight historic walking and driving tours of the city. The tours feature Main Street, Washington Street, Clyman Street, City Parks, and more
Outdoor Recreation and Parks
Kayakers will enjoy paddling the Rock River Trail, which extends the 11 counties of the Rock River (www.rockrivertrail.com). Watertown’s ample park system, with 30 parks covering over 330 acres, will impress visitors. Wooded walking trails, an 18-hole Frisbee golf course, a skate park, fishing areas, lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and playgrounds are many amenities offered.
Riverside Park, one of the largest in Watertown, contains the ever-popular Chamberland, a community-built children’s playground, scenic picnic sites along the Rock River, and the Watertown Aquatic Center. The park also hosts Riverfest, an outdoor music festival held in August, and Watertown’s long-standing Tuesday farmers’ market held May – November.
Self-Serve Rentals
Kayak and Bike Rentals
A partnership with Surf Shack Rentals LLC has made self-serve rentals available. The bike rental locker station on Clark Street at the Interurban Trail offers adult and children’s bikes for rent. Additionally, the kayak rental station at Riverside Park, located off Division Street, has single and tandem kayaks available for rent.
Take advantage of these two great opportunities to get out and explore our beautiful scenery.
Rental is by the hour through the InstaPaddle App.
Learn more about the self-serve rental program.
*To ensure everyone has same opportunity for recreation, codes are available free of charge at the Watertown Park and Rec Department or Watertown Public Library. **
