Is Fond du Lac Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, means “bottom of the lake” in French and refers to the city’s location at the southern tip of Lake Winnebago.

As the largest inland lake in Wisconsin, Lake Winnebago plays a central role in the area’s culture and recreation.

It’s known for year-round activities like boating, fishing, ice fishing, and sailing.

Most Wisconsin cities start with the same history – Indigenous people lived off the land for centuries before fur traders arrived.

Then came settlers, and Fond du Lac was settled in 1836.

Fond du Lac is split into different districts.

The heart of Fond du Lac is downtown, known for its vibrant local businesses, restaurants, and cultural landmarks, like the Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts.

In the Lakeside District, enjoy the parks, marina and amenities of Lake Winnebago.

The Conference District centers around key meeting spaces and hotels.

It caters to both business and event visitors with convenient access to amenities.

Home to Marian University and Moraine Park Technical College, the Campus District has a youthful energy with cafes, student hangouts, and green spaces.

The Historic Village District does so much more than preserve history; it offers an immersive experience of bygone eras.

This district is filled with well-maintained historic homes, antique shops, and museums that capture the city’s heritage.

Would you really be in a popular Wisconsin city without a Fairgrounds District?

Hosting events year-round, from county fairs to large-scale festivals, it’s a hub of community gatherings and entertainment.

Shoppers will enjoy the Mall District, which includes Forest Mall and a variety of retail outlets that offer shopping, dining, and everyday conveniences.

You’ll also be about an hour from either Madison or Milwaukee.

Warnings & Dangers in Fond du Lac

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's an average risk on Fond du Lac, but that really means a low risk as long as you use proper safety precautions. Plus, there's a lot to do for families and visitors of all ages, indoors and outdoors.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Check the Fond du Lac Area Transit map to see if the routes suit your needs. I also recommend looking at the specifics of the shared ride taxi, which is designed in tandem with those using the transit system. Rideshares and rental cars are also available. All options are low risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

No pickpockets or purse snatchings were reported in 2023, which means there's a low risk. However, that shouldn't give you a false sense of safety. Keep your belongings secured and only carry what you need.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The medium risk is due to year-round weather potential that could be anywhere from inconvenient to disruptive. Spring thunderstorms can spawn tornadoes, and flooding is a risk anytime there's heavy rain. Winter can bring ice storms, snow storms, blizzards, and dangerously low wind chills.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

No highway robberies were reported in 2023, and in the previous three years, just four happened. The robbery rate is also much lower than the national average. The risk is low, but use standard precautions like not walking around at night in unlit areas.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is another low risk, but any local emergency management website will address the "what if" scenarios in the disaster planning report. The best help you can offer is to report suspicious activity to the local police.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local police department and sheriff’s office social media sites for the latest scams. That will help keep the risk low. I looked through social media for the county, village, and town, and there seem to be mostly common scams focused on residents and the elderly.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

This is another low risk for visitors. Most crimes against women are domestic. You'll find plenty of places to visit no matter what your age or interest level is, from robust nightlife to relaxing activities with kids.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The 2023 report shows full compliance and no violations.

Safest Places to Visit in Fond du Lac

You’ll see Fond du Lac referred to as FDL a lot, which is why the name of the tourism website is fdl.com.

One thing I like about that site is that each business has a short video.

That helps you learn more about the places you might want to visit.

Downtownfdl.com is the website for the downtown area, complete with parking information, a list of businesses, and an events calendar.

Follow them @DowntownFDL on social media.

The Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac includes exhibits for all ages and a great way to explore imagination.

From a wall of Light Brite pegs to Wisconsin-centric farm experiences, something is interesting around every corner.

The Fond du Lac Historical Society runs the Historic Galloway House & Village.

This living history museum centers around the Galloway House, a Victorian-style mansion built in the late 1800s.

The village features over 20 historical buildings, including a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and church, all showcasing life from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Fond du Lac is home to several parks, including the popular Lakeside Park on the shores of Lake Winnebago, featuring walking trails, picnic areas, and a petting zoo.

Be sure to soak in the views at the Frazier Point Lookout.

Lakeside Park also has a 40-foot tall lighthouse with an observation deck open seasonally.

Pay special attention during the holiday season when it is lit up in colorful lights.

Buttermilk Creek Park is another favorite, known for its amphitheater that hosts summer concerts and performances.

Taylor Park, with its historic pavilion and large pool, is a relaxing spot for families.

Enjoy a bike ride on the nearly six-mile-long Peebles Trail that goes between Fond du Lac and St. Peter on a former railroad route.

In winter, this trail turns into a cross-country skiing and show-shoeing route.

Places to Avoid in Fond du Lac

Fond du Lac isn’t really big enough to have bad parts of town.

In addition, most of the hotels and tourist attractions are within designated areas.

Hotels are off the interstate, and downtown is near the lake.

These areas are all safe to visit, and the only thing you want to avoid is letting your guard down.

If you aren’t familiar with Wisconsin winters, you might want to brush up on that before visiting in January or February.

While the locals are used to the cold weather and have all the attire to adjust to while doing things outside, it’s far more than a coat and gloves needed to stay safe in winter weather.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Fond du Lac

So... How Safe Is Fond du Lac Really?

In 2023, the 159 violent crimes in Fond du Lac ended up being 3% lower than the national average.

What’s more?

Just 11% of violent crimes in that year were against strangers, which means even with an average risk, the risk of a stranger being a victim of a random act of violence is rather low.

Theft rates are about 20% higher than the national average and twice the Wisconsin average.

That number is fed by shoplifting, which accounts for 44% of all thefts.

Another large chunk falls into the “other” category.

Car break-ins are low-risk here, with just a little more than one per week, according to 2023 crime data.

Fond du Lac is also seeing an increase in juvenile crime or suspicious behavior, which is a trend happening nationwide.

“Our youth and our teens are finding a new place to hang out,” Police Chief Aaron Goldstein said.

“We’re seeing things like bike thefts. We’re seeing some fights. We have some check welfare incidents.”

The rise in juvenile issues has led to cameras being installed at parks for safety reasons.

It’s also worth noting that Fond du Lac gets a lot of visitors annually, but exact numbers aren’t available.

Those visitor numbers aren’t figured into the crime rates, so at least we know that, in reality, the crime rate is much lower when you consider the tourist crowds.

How Does Fond du Lac Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app for help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.

Weather

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, experiences bitterly cold winters and warm (but not hot), humid summers. Winter temperatures often dip below freezing, with snowfall averaging 40–45 inches annually. Snow can begin anytime in October. Rain is most common in spring and summer, totaling around 30 inches yearly. Fall offers crisp, clear days.

Airports

The nearest commercial airports to Fond du Lac are Appleton International Airport (ATW), about 45 minutes away, and General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) in Milwaukee, roughly an hour's drive away.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.

Fond du Lac Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Wisconsin - Safety by City