McFarland: History, Lakeside Parks, and Events

You can explore McFarland during a stay through three distinct areas of interest: local history, waterfront recreation, and recurring events. When planning a hotel stay, timing is a useful starting point: the McFarland History Museum has a clearly defined seasonal Sunday schedule, and two events are specifically associated with April and October. Parks and lakeside locations offer separate recreational options. First, consider whether you’d like to plan your trip mainly around a museum visit, an event date, or waterfront activities.

History and Architecture

The McFarland History Museum is open to the public every Sunday afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m., from Memorial Day through September. This seasonal schedule gives you a concrete point of reference: if the museum is part of your plans, schedule your visit for a Sunday during this period and check the opening hours before you travel.

The Larson House offers a different perspective: it is a restored 1898 Queen Anne house in McFarland with gingerbread details. Its year of construction, architectural style, and ornamentation offer an architectural point of reference for local history. The two sites appeal to different historical and cultural interests: set public museum hours on the one hand, and a house’s construction date and design on the other.

Parks and Waterfront Recreation

McDaniel Park is on the shore of Lake Waubesa in McFarland. Fishing is possible on Lake Waubesa in McFarland.

The Village’s Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan for 2025–2029, adopted on May 13, 2025, lists recreational water access, a boat launch, playground equipment, and camping opportunities for sections of Babcock County Park along US Highway 51 in McFarland. This distinction can help you choose: McDaniel Park’s defining location is its lakeside setting on Lake Waubesa, while the plan lists several recreational options for Babcock County Park.

The community-wide inventory includes 16 parks, two tot lots, and eight conservation areas. This inventory may change as facilities are added or reclassified; check the latest information if you’re using it to plan your visit.

Events Throughout the Year

The McFarland Bird Festival is an annual event held in April at Lewis Park, on the shore of Lower Mud Lake in McFarland. Dates and programming may change; check the specific details if you’re planning your stay around this event.

Scarecrows in the Park is an annual event held in October at Arnold Larson Park. This tradition, hosted by the McFarland Chamber of Commerce, invites visitors to view creative scarecrows on display throughout the month and vote for them. Dates and programming may vary here, too.

A direct seasonal comparison puts the Bird Festival in April and Scarecrows in the Park in October; the locations also differ, with the former at Lewis Park on Lower Mud Lake and the latter at Arnold Larson Park. Dates and programming may vary for both events, so check the relevant details before you travel.

Food Truck Frenzy, also known as Food Cart Frenzy, is an annual food truck event hosted by the McFarland Lions Club at Arnold Larson Park. Participating vendors may change.

Explore more destinations: Sun Prairie, Verona, Monona, Mount Horeb, Waunakee, Madison, Stoughton, Deforest

For the broader travel overview: Dane.