Winnebago is best explored along trails that bring together shorelines, open landscapes and seasonal activities. The section of the Wiouwash State Trail in Winnebago County starts in downtown Oshkosh on the Fox River and heads north through Winnebago and Outagamie counties to Hortonville. Along the way, you’ll encounter river and Lake Butte des Morts landscapes, prairie grasslands, wooded areas and farmland. The route offers a changing mix of landscapes.
Trails for Summer and Winter
In summer, the Wiouwash State Trail is open to walking, hiking, biking and horseback riding. In winter, it is used for snowmobiling, fat biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The seasonal offerings differ considerably: visitors who want to explore the area on foot or by bike will find different options here than in the cold season.
The Mascoutin Valley State Trail runs for 5.3 miles through southwestern Winnebago County and continues into Green Lake and Fond du Lac counties. Another notable connection is the Tribal Heritage Crossing: this one-mile paved causeway trail crosses Lake Butte des Morts. At its northern end, it meets the Wiouwash State Trail; at its southern end, the Oshkosh Riverwalk. The lake crossing and the connections to two other trails define the route.
Visitors interested in specific natural areas will find a range of landscapes and scales. The Coughlin Community Natural Area includes about one mile of grass trails through a 35-acre prairie. The Waukau Creek Nature Preserve covers 64 acres and is home to the only flowing stream in Winnebago County. The Waukau Dam Mountain Bike Trail, by contrast, features three miles of singletrack with steep slopes and deep ravines. It is open for riding year-round; however, in winter conditions, only fat bikes are permitted, and use is weather-dependent.
Shorelines, Wetlands and Wildlife
Asylum Point Park is on Lake Winnebago and includes a shoreline landscape with wetlands and prairie. The park has a boat launch; kayaking is possible there in summer, and ice fishing in winter. The Asylum Point Lighthouse stands on a small island. A pedestrian bridge leads to it, but the lighthouse itself is closed to the public.
Winnebago County’s nature preserves also offer a range of activities, including hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, birdwatching, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Winnebago County Community Park covers nearly 245 acres and offers recreational activities in every season. At Deppe Wildlife Area in western Winnebago County, wetlands and grasslands alternate across 373 acres; about 80 acres of the area are restored prairie. Visitors can watch birds and wildlife, canoe, fish and kayak. Hiking and cross-country skiing are also possible, but there is no designated trail.
Lasley Point Archaeological Site offers a special combination of nature and history. It marks the site of an Oneota village that existed between 1200 and 1500 AD. Interpretive trails lead through the woods, and the area provides habitat for wildflowers, small game, songbirds and mammals. A visit connects the site’s history with its natural surroundings today.
Museums and Culture in Oshkosh and Neenah
In Oshkosh, the Historic Sawyer Home represents a distinct chapter in architectural and museum history: the English Tudor Revival-style house was built in 1908. Tiffany Studios of New York designed and furnished the interiors; since 1924, the house has been home to the Oshkosh Public Museum. The Grand Opera House opened on August 9, 1883, and was designed by local architect William Waters. The Grand presents public and educational performances, community theater, youth events and free community events. Its annual season includes 125 days of performances; check current show dates before your trip.
The EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh features more than 200 historic aircraft and exhibits spanning every era of aviation. The KidVenture Gallery adds 16 interactive exhibits and a half-scale, true-to-scale model of an F-22. The Paine Art Center and Gardens offers a different way to experience art: it displays more than 1,000 works, including many pieces from Nathan and Jessie Kimberly Paine’s collection of fine art and decorative objects. The Children’s Garden gives families a botanical setting to explore and play.
In Neenah, the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass presents glass paperweights, Germanic drinking vessels, Victorian art glass, contemporary glass sculptures and temporary exhibitions. The Glass Studio offers glass classes and camps for teens and adults. The architecture also tells the story of the area: historic paper barons’ mansions around Riverside Park and Kimberly Point Park form an architectural tour along Lake Winnebago and the Fox River.
In Oshkosh, the Farmers Market is also part of local life. It operates as an outdoor market in summer and an indoor market in winter. Offerings include seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, artisan bread, crafts and ready-to-eat foods. Live music and themed events add to the markets; the selection and event program may vary by season, vendor and market day. Check current dates when planning a visit.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Oshkosh, Neenah, Dane, Price County, Pierce, Dunn County, Calumet County, Richland County.
For the main travel overview: Wisconsin.
