Looking for lakeside fun, aviation history, and small-city charm? Head to Oshkosh! Located on the western shore of Lake Winnebago, Oshkosh is known for its rich aviation culture, family attractions, and vibrant festivals. Whether you're catching the world’s largest air show or strolling the riverwalk, Oshkosh is a welcoming destination in eastern Wisconsin.
Oshkosh, WI Highlights:
- For Families: Visit the Menominee Park Zoo – Free zoo with animal exhibits, playgrounds, and a scenic location on Lake Winnebago.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Bike or walk the Wiouwash Trail – A peaceful crushed-stone path that connects Oshkosh to rural countryside and beyond.
- For Kids: Explore the Children’s Museum of Oshkosh – Hands-on exhibits, play zones, and interactive learning experiences for young minds.
- For an Adventure: Attend EAA AirVenture Oshkosh – The world’s largest aviation event with air shows, workshops, aircraft displays, and flight excitement.
- For Shoppers: Browse The Outlet Shoppes at Oshkosh – Find deals on top brands just minutes from downtown.
Best Time to Visit Oshkosh, WI
The best time to visit Oshkosh is in the summer months (June–August), when festivals, lake activities, and outdoor events are in full swing. Spring and fall are great for hiking and enjoying colorful foliage. Winters are cold and snowy—perfect for cozy indoor attractions and nearby ice fishing or cross-country skiing.
How to Get to Oshkosh, WI
- By Car: Oshkosh is located off I-41, about 1.5 hours north of Milwaukee and 1 hour south of Green Bay.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Appleton International Airport (ATW), about 25 minutes away. General aviation flights use Wittman Regional Airport.
- By Bus: Intercity bus service is available via Amtrak Thruway and other regional carriers.
Where to Stay in Oshkosh, WI
- Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel – Scenic location on the Fox River with modern rooms, a restaurant, and downtown access.
- Comfort Suites Oshkosh – Family-friendly option with free breakfast and easy access to EAA and university events.
- Brayton Bed & Breakfast – Stylish and cozy B&B in a restored 1920s home near the heart of Oshkosh.
Best Things to Do in Oshkosh, WI
⮕ Climb to Lakeside Views at Asylum Point Lighthouse
The Asylum Point Lighthouse is a famous lighthouse located on a small island in Lake Winnebago’s Asylum Bay, just a few feet away from the mainland.
Built in 1937, the tower marks the separation between North and South Asylum Bays and is one of Winnebago County’s historic landmarks.
The tower is accessed via a wooden bridge, and although it is not open for tours, the area around the tower is an excellent spot for picnics, with beautiful views of beautiful Lake Winnebago.
3300 Sherman Rd, Oshkosh, WI 54901
⮕ Soar Through Aviation History at EAA - The Spirit of Aviation
The EAA - The Spirit of Aviation is dedicated to the preservation of historical and experimental aircraft.
Situated next to Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, the EAA Aviation Museum is home to over 200 aircraft, ranging from antiques and classics to warplanes, as well as a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibitions and activities.
The museum features a children’s section, which has several interactive aviation-related exhibits and events, along with a “control tower” observation platform overlooking the old-time grass airstrip of Pioneer Airport behind the museum.
Visitors can enjoy a range of aircraft rides at Pioneer Airport or at the adjoining Wittman Field, which hosts the annual AirVenture Fly-In and Airshow every summer.
3000 Poberezny Rd, Oshkosh, WI 54902, Phone: 920-426-4800,
⮕ Honor Heroes at the Military Veterans Museum and Education Center
The Military Veterans Museum and Education Center is dedicated to preserving the story of the country’s citizen soldiers and recording their military experiences.
Established in 1991 by a group of World War II veterans, the center features a variety of exhibits and displays of artifacts, artworks, books, documents, photographs, and personal items relating to military veterans and their families.
The center is also home to the John E. Kuenzl Motor Pool, which houses a collection of military vehicles and pieces of particular interest, such as a piece of the Battleship USS Arizona, a WWII Soviet-built T34-85 tank, and a “Quad 50? anti-aircraft mount.
4300 Poberezny Rd, Oshkosh, WI 54902, Phone: 920-426-8615
If you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Meet Animal Friends at Menominee Park Zoo
Stretching 109 acres along the shores of Lake Winnebago, Menominee Park Zoo is a seasonal zoo that boasts a rotating roster of 50 endemic and exotic animals each year.
Established in 1945, the zoo features several amusement rides, paddleboats on the lake, a miniature train, and a merry-go-round.
In addition to housing a variety of animals, the zoo features a wealth of hands-on exhibits and displays for all ages, plays an essential role in several educational activities and conservation programs, and hosts many of the city's annual events and festivals.
The Menominee Park Zoo is open from the first weekend in May until last week of September.
Menominee Park Zoo, 520 Pratt Trail, Oshkosh, WI 54901, Phone: 920-236-5082
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Sip, Snack, and Relax at New Moon Cafe
The New Moon Cafe is an artsy, comfortable space that serves delicious vegetarian cuisine, local Wisconsin-made beers and desserts, and gourmet coffee against a background of live music, open mic performances, poetry, and other entertainment.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the New Moon Café menu features hearty sandwiches and wraps, freshly made salads, homemade soups, burritos, quesadillas, and decadent desserts.
The cuisine is freshly prepared with locally sourced ingredients and served with a variety of beverages, local beers and wines, and soft drinks.
401 N Main St, Oshkosh, WI 54901, Phone: 920-232-0976,
⮕ If You Crave Nostalgia and Root Beer Floats, Pull Up to Ardy & Ed’s Drive-In
Established in 1948, Ardy & Ed's Drive-In is a family-friendly restaurant and old-fashioned drive-in that serves classic all-American cuisine, draft root beer, and fountain favorites.
The traditional drive-in has carhop servers on roller skates, offering a menu of hamburgers and hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, seafood baskets, and weekly specials along with milkshakes, root beer floats, and fountain sodas.
The restaurant also has a gift shop that sells souvenirs, beer glasses, clothing, and other items from the famous eatery and is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday through Sundays.
2413 South Main Street, Oshkosh, WI 54902-7244, Phone: 920-231-5455,
Where to Eat in Oshkosh, WI
- The Roxy Supper Club – Classic Wisconsin supper club serving steaks, seafood, and Friday fish fry in a nostalgic atmosphere.
- Becket’s – Contemporary American cuisine on the river with craft cocktails and stylish décor.
- Fox River Brewing Co. – Riverside brewpub offering house beers, burgers, and pub fare with outdoor seating in warmer months.
If you are interested in local events:
- EAA AirVenture Oshkosh (July) – The largest aviation gathering in the world featuring airshows, pilot forums, and thousands of aircraft.
- Oshkosh Irish Fest (June) – Irish music, food, and dancing on the riverfront at Leach Amphitheater.
- Oshkosh Celebration of Lights (November–December) – Holiday light display at Menominee Park with over a million lights and themed areas.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Oshkosh, Wisconsin:
- Neenah (20–25 min) – Charming small city with riverside parks, boutiques, and the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass.
- Appleton (30 min) – Visit the History Museum at the Castle, explore the Fox River Mall, or walk College Avenue.
- Fond du Lac (30 min) – Access Lake Winnebago’s southern shore, visit Lakeside Park, or tour Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts.
- High Cliff State Park (30 min) – Hike limestone cliffs and trails with views of Lake Winnebago and Native American effigy mounds.
- Omro (20 min) – Small-town escape with river views, fishing spots, and peaceful countryside drives.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Oshkosh located?
- Oshkosh is located at the point where the Fox River enters Lake Winnebago in Winnebago County, Wisconsin.
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What is the historical background of Oshkosh?
- Oshkosh has its origins in the lumber industry, which developed in the mid-1800s.
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What attractions can visitors enjoy in Oshkosh?
- The town offers a variety of historic sites and cultural activities.
- There are numerous outdoor recreation and sports opportunities.
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What are some popular activities in Oshkosh?
- Visitors can explore brewing companies and taste some of the region’s top craft beers.
- Beautiful parks and green spaces provide great spots for picnicking and outdoor fun.
- The town is home to art galleries, museums, and educational centers.
- Water parks offer exciting entertainment for families.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Ideal for outdoor exploration and fewer crowds.
Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel – A scenic stay with river views.
Visit Menominee Park – Enjoy lakeside walks and a small zoo.
Summer (June-August) – Peak season for festivals and outdoor activities.
Hilton Garden Inn Oshkosh – Convenient for event attendees and families.
Attend EAA AirVenture Oshkosh – The world’s largest aviation event.
Fall (September-November) – Beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures.
Braywood Inn – A charming boutique stay downtown.
Explore Paine Art Center and Gardens – A cultural and architectural gem.
Map:
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