Oconomowoc, located in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, is a small city with an interesting history. The city was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi tribe and was known as “Kąkąnówaki” or “shallow waters” in their language. The first European settlers to arrive in the area were the French-Canadian brothers Jacob and Joseph Guilmette in 1836. They built a log cabin on Lac La Belle near what would become Oconomowoc.

In 1851, Moses Robards purchased land from the Potawatomi tribe and settled there with his family. His log cabin became the center of a small settlement which eventually grew into modern-day Oconomowoc. During this time, several prominent hotels were built which drew visitors from around the state for its scenic lakeshore and recreational activities.

Local scuba diver discovers a piece of history in Oconomowoc.

In 1868, Oconomowoc was officially incorporated as a village and many more settlers began calling it home. The town saw major growth throughout the 19th century due to its booming agricultural industry, but also gained notoriety for its high-quality water supply which had been named one of the finest in Wisconsin by early brewers.

The city continued to grow steadily through the decades and into the 20th century when it underwent extensive development to accommodate growing population demands. Today, Oconomowoc is home to a vibrant downtown area with local shops and restaurants, many parks and trails for outdoor recreation, and a variety of entertainment options available year-round. It has also become an increasingly popular destination for tourists looking to explore its rich cultural heritage and enjoy all that this charming city has to offer.