The rural town of Dale is filled with the familiar faces of those who chose to stay awhile. Turn-of-the-century homes on spacious lots line country roads that meander around the neighborhood’s central thoroughfare: Highway 96. “I grew up in Dale, and it still has the same feeling now that it did back then,” says Grace Powell, a Realtor with Century 21 Ace Realty. “The town itself does a lot: We get together to clean the park; the fire department hosts fireworks for Independence Day. You get that country atmosphere, but you’re still sort of close to everything.” The neighborhood sits 13 miles west of Appleton, where suburbia ends, and farmland begins. There, vibrant annual festivities and a longstanding diner on the main strip cultivate a strong sense of tradition and culture.
The land of Dale was originally part of the neighboring town of Hortonia.
The town of Dale along Highway 96 has restaurants and stores for locals.
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Familiar faces in Dale
Highway 96 runs straight through town, lined with turn-of-the-century farmhouses and traditional architecture. Country roads diverge from the main strip, where plots of land and rural properties range in price from $230,000 to $400,000. “The homes have a country kind of feel, even though there are sidewalks in town,” Powell says. “Everyone knows each other, and that makes you want to maintain your land.” Despite living so close to the house she grew up in, Powell notes that it’s normal to get to know folks even if they weren’t lifelong neighbors. “If you go on a walk, you meet everyone else walking,” she says.”If you know someone on the fire department, you know everyone on the fire department.” Though travelers passing through are more likely to see cornfields and silos than homes, residents take pride in the appearance of their properties if only to maintain an attractive curb appeal.
Homes in Dale sit on cozy, well maintained lots.
Owners take great pride in maintaining their homes in Dale.
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Flags and flower baskets along Highway 96
American flags and flower baskets decorate Dale’s strip of Highway 96, where Still Wally’s Still is one of the few restaurants in town. The shingle-style architecture, vintage still logo and rusty knick-knacks out front offer an old-timey feel even before stepping inside. From there, guests are greeted by an art deco-inspired bar serving shrimp bloody marys and classic, greasy American fare. “Right next door, a guy on the fire department opened up a distillery called Old Station 31,” Powell says. “That’s Dale’s fire number—the building is actually the old fire station.” Built in 1938, the station closed back in the 1980s and is now open for tastings, tours and friendly gatherings. Jimmers is down the street, a townie bar with string lights and regulars aplenty. As for everyday errands, most residents head 6 miles north to Hortonville where Gilbert’s Sentry Foods sits less than a mile from Kwik Trip, a Wisconsin staple.
Local honey is available for purchase in the Dale neighborhood.
There is a wide array of architectural styles found in Dale.
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The New London School District
A majority of families in Dale are zoned for the New London School District. Readfield Elementary School earns a B on Niche, only enrolling about 150 students each year. Overseen by the school’s 25 staff members, the Readfield After School Program includes homework and snack time for working parents who commute for pick-up. New London Middle and New London High School earn the same grade. The high school’s Career Academy Model offers students opportunities to earn dual credit, independent study and partnership opportunities with Catalyst Academy, a nearby charter school. The remainder of families are zoned for the Hortonville Area School District, which overall earns an A-minus on Niche. While New London provides bus service, those zoned for Hortonville can expect a 7-mile commute to school.
Older Dale students can enjoy learning in the inspiring atmosphere of New London High School.
Children in Dale can start their education at Readfield Elementary School.
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Strolling around at Daufen Park
Daufen Park is Dale’s only recreational space, where the community comes together every so often for park clean-ups. A walking trail spans the park’s perimeter, crossing a tranquil creek and interconnecting the playground and baseball field. “Honestly, I’m looking out my window right now and I see a giant farm field,” Powell says. “You see a lot of wildlife regardless of where you are, and hunting is more so a big deal here. A lot of times you can get permission from the farmer’s to hunt on their land.” Situated 28 miles east on the shoreline of Lake Winnebago, the aptly-named High Cliff State Park is comprised of limestone cliffs sacred to the Native American tribes who once inhabited the land. From biking to boating and fishing, the park offers an array of outdoor activities alongside seasonal hunting and trapping.
Dog owners in Dale can find ample walking spots at Daufen Park.
Daufen Park features many areas perfect for walking dogs in Dale.
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Dale's Fireworks Extravaganza
The Dale Fire Department hosts a Fireworks Extravaganza every last weekend of June, where a parade, live music, carnival rides and fireworks attract guests from across town. About 10 miles west, Fremont hosts its annual Fremont River Days on Independence Day weekend. The bars and restaurants downtown are packed with folks preparing to catch fireworks on the Fremont River Deck. Farmer’s markets held in Oshkosh and Neenah accompany a handful of pick-your-own farms nearby that keep local shoppers and farmers in the loop. When autumn rolls around, “Everyone trick-or-treats in Dale,” Powell says. “New London even has a big Halloween parade where all the kids dress up and walk down 96. They shut the road down and everything.”
Cuff Farms' Pumpkin Season offers locals the chance to enjoy many fun events in Dale.
Dale's Mini Monster Mash event features a cute pumpkin painting activity.
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Heading into town on County Road T
Residents of Dale are accustomed to driving for work and errands, especially since the rural nature of the area means public transportation is not provided. Appleton commuters can expect a 13-mile trip on Highway 96, while those heading to Oshkosh drive 25 miles west on Interstate 45. Hortonville and New London are the most frequented town centers in the area, both accessible via County Road T. New London’s ThedaCare Medical Center is the nearest emergency room, 10 miles north along the thoroughfare. Appleton International Airport is a generally preferred destination for flights, as Oshkosh’s Wittman Regional Airport is mainly used for charter trips and hobby flying.
Dale residents can expect a 13-mile drive on Highway 96 to reach Appleton.
It's only a 15-minute drive for Dale residents to reach Appleton International Airport.
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Photography Contributed By
Matt Doe
Video By
Danica Neddenien
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Dale, WI sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Dale, WI over the last 12 months is $275,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Build your dream home on this scenic 1.12-acre country property. With municipal sewer available, this lot offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern convenience. Enjoy peaceful surroundings and plenty of space for your home and outdoor living. Additional lots are also available! A rare opportunity to create the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of! *Lot lines on photos may not be exact.
Build your dream home on this scenic 1.05-acre country property. With municipal sewer available, this lot offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern convenience. Enjoy peaceful surroundings and plenty of space for your home and outdoor living. Neighboring Lot #26 is also available! A rare opportunity to create the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of! *Lot lines on photos may not be exact.
Discover the perfect spot to build your dream home on this beautiful 1.07-acre country lot! Offering peaceful surroundings with the convenience of municipal sewer, this property combines country living with modern amenities. Enjoy peaceful surroundings and plenty of space for your home and outdoor living. Additional lots available! – bring your vision and choose the one that’s right for you, or
Builder Special- 9 lot ready for new construction! Each lot is a minimum of 1 acre, some lots have shared ponds; others have pond views. Municipal Sewer, electricity and natural gas all available to the lot lines. HOA Fee is $200 annually per lot.
Build your dream home on this scenic 1.05-acre country property. With municipal sewer available, this lot offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and modernconvenience. Enjoy peaceful surroundings and plenty of space for your home and outdoor living. Neighboring Lot #25 is also available! A rare opportunity to create the lifestyle you’vebeen dreaming of! *Lot lines on photos may not be exact.
Build your dream home on this scenic 1.08-acre country property. With municipal sewer available, this lot offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern convenience. Enjoy peaceful surroundings and plenty of space for your home and outdoor living. Additional lots are also available! A rare opportunity to create the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of! *Lot lines on photos may not be exact.
Build your dream home on this scenic 4.39-acre country property featuring a beautiful pond! With municipal sewer available, this lot offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern convenience. Enjoy peaceful surroundings and plenty of space for your home and outdoor living. This listing is for Lots 3 & 4 (Lot 2 is also available, MLS #50325695) A rare opportunity to create the lifestyle
Looking for land, look no further! No Covenants! No HOA! Build your dream home on this beautiful 5.04 Acre parcel with plenty of space for outbuildings. Property is located 12 minutes from the Fox River Mall, 38 minutes from Lambeau Field and 30 minutes from the Oshkosh Outlet Mall. A Certified Survey Map has been completed and recorded. A Soil Evaluation Test has been completed and can be
Build your dream home on this scenic 3-acre country property featuring a beautiful pond! With municipal sewer available, this lot offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern convenience. Enjoy peaceful surroundings and plenty of space for your home and outdoor living. A rare opportunity to create the lifestyle you've been dreaming of! *Lot lines on photos may not be exact.
Your own perfect slice of paradise can be found in this spectacular walkout home nestled on an awe inspiring 1.25 +/- acres w/premier tiered landscaping. The covered front porch opens to 2 Story foyer flanked w/hrdwd floors. The main level features: front FR washed w/windows, formal DR, kitchen stocked w/2 tone cabinetry, walk-in pantry, & ss appliances, GR w/FP, patio doors to covered deck,
If you’re looking for a serene setting to call home, this is it! Nestled on approximately 4.97± acres, this property features a gentle slope—ideal for building your dream home. The land has perked for a conventional septic system, and allows for an additional outbuilding if desired.
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