Oshkosh Travel Guide

Explore the best of Oshkosh, including culturally important attractions, natural wonders, hiking routes, delicious food, and much more.


Introduction to Oshkosh

Oshkosh is a picturesque city located in Northeast Wisconsin, United States of America. Renowned for its outdoor fun and adventure, Oshkosh boasts of a rich history, cultural attractions, and delicious cuisine. The city offers an array of activities to indulge in, making it the perfect getaway destination for families, solo travelers, and even couples.

List of Places to Visit in Oshkosh

Below are the must-visit places in Oshkosh:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Paine Art Center and Gardens - A beautiful 20-room mansion set amidst stunning gardens and an art collection comprising over 4,000 objects.
  • EAA Aviation Museum - The premier aviation museum known for its collection of 200 historic airplanes and spacecraft.
  • Oshkosh Public Museum - A three-story historical museum that chronicles the history and culture of Oshkosh, featuring exhibits such as “Life in Oshkosh” and “The Civil War”.
  • Menominee Park Zoo - A 8-acre zoo with over 50 species of animals native to the region.

Natural Attractions of Oshkosh: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Winnebago - The largest inland lake in Wisconsin, known for its excellent fishing and boating opportunities.
  • Oshkosh Riverwalk - A scenic walkway along the Fox River with a mix of wildlife, waterfalls, and historic buildings.
  • Grand Opera House - A restored landmark building that hosts performing arts events in a beautiful setting.
  • Plamann Park - A popular year-round park with 257 acres of recreational space and natural beauty, featuring hiking trails, fishing ponds, and more.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Oshkosh

Oshkosh offers numerous hiking and biking trails for nature enthusiasts:

  • Wiouwash State Trail - A 20-mile trail along an abandoned rail corridor, great for hiking, biking, and snowmobiling.
  • Lake Butte des Morts Trail - A scenic 4-mile trail for biking or walking that takes you through some of Oshkosh’s most beautiful neighborhoods.
  • Menominee Park Trails - A series of trails winding through the park that offer great views of Lake Winnebago and the surrounding wildlife.

Best Things to Do in Oshkosh: Activities and Tours

Experience the best of Oshkosh through these fun activities and tours:

  • Downtown Oshkosh Farmer’s Market - A weekly farmer’s market made up of 130+ vendors selling local produce, flowers, herbs, and handmade crafts.
  • Shamrock Heights Golf Course - A well-manicured and challenging golf course.
  • Oshkosh Paintball - A thrilling outdoor activity that involves teams capturing a flag while dodging paintballs.
  • EAA AirVenture Oshkosh - The world’s largest aviation event with over 10,000 aircraft arriving from all over the world.

Week-Long Itinerary for Oshkosh

Here’s a week-long itinerary for the quintessential Oshkosh experience:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Paine Art Center and Gardens, dine at Opera House Steak and Seafood
Day 2 Explore Oshkosh Riverwalk and Menominee Park Zoo, hike the Wiouwash State Trail
Day 3 Discover the history of Oshkosh at the Oshkosh Public Museum, dine at Gardina’s
Day 4 Go golfing at Shamrock Heights Golf Course, visit Farmers Market
Day 5 Experience the thrill of Oshkosh Paintball or go on a fishing expedition on Lake W
Day 6 Visit EAA Aviation Museum, dine at Fox River Brewing Company
Day 7 Attend the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh or relax at Plamann Park

Food and Drink Scene of Oshkosh

Oshkosh has many delightful gastronomic options to choose from:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cheese Curds - A beloved Wisconsin staple, these deep-fried cheesy bites are crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
  • Bratwurst - A Wisconsin classic, these char-grilled sausages are served in a bun and are a perfect lunch or snack.
  • Fish Fry - A traditional Friday night dinner, usually consisting of fried fish, coleslaw, and fries.

Local Beverages

  • Beer - Oshkosh has many craft breweries, including Bare Bones Brewing Company and Fifth Ward Brewing Company.
  • Wine - Enjoy a glass of wine at Vines and Rushes Winery, a picturesque vineyard.

Where to Stay in Oshkosh: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Oshkosh offers many accommodation options, from budget to luxury:

  • Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel - Located downtown on the scenic Fox River, offering stunning river views and contemporary amenities.
  • Brayton Bed and Breakfast - A charming 1870s Victorian-style mansion with six rooms, a parlour, and a sunroom.
  • Motel 6 - An affordable option with clean rooms and modern amenities.

What to Buy in Oshkosh: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Take a piece of Oshkosh with you by buying local souvenirs and products such as:

  • Wisconsin cheese products - A delicious variety of cheeses made locally that serve as a perfect gift.
  • Handmade crafts and pottery - Purchase unique handcrafted items by local artisans from Downtown Oshkosh’s Main Street Marketplace.
  • Wisconsin-themed clothing and accessories - Look for T-shirts, hats, and jewelry with Wisconsin logos and emblems.

Local Culture and Customs of Oshkosh

Oshkosh has a friendly and down-to-earth culture. The locals are known for being welcoming and hospitable. Visitors are expected to be respectful of the local culture and customs, primarily during religious and cultural festivals.

Best Time to Visit Oshkosh

The ideal time to visit Oshkosh is during the summer months, starting from May to September. The warm and sunny weather provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities and exploring the natural attractions that Oshkosh has to offer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Oshkosh

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Explore Oshkosh’s outdoors through hiking, biking, or sports.
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks.
  • Take home some souvenirs.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural or historical sites.
  • Ignore safety instructions.
  • Be loud and disruptive in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Oshkosh

Oshkosh is a safe city, with low crime rates. As a precaution, always be aware of your surroundings, especially in isolated areas.

Health in Oshkosh

Oshkosh has a good healthcare system, including hospitals and clinics. It is always wise to have travel insurance in case of any health emergency.

Getting to Oshkosh: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Oshkosh

  • Wittman Regional Airport, located three miles south of downtown Oshkosh. It is the site of EAA Airventure Oshkosh, and a small regional airport served by two airlines.

Bus Stations Near Oshkosh

  • Greyhound Bus - the nearest location is in Appleton, 18 miles south of Oshkosh.

Other Options

  • Car rental - Major car rental companies, such as Hertz, Budget, and Enterprise, have branches in Oshkosh.
  • Taxi - Taxis are available in Oshkosh from companies like City Cab and Eagle Cab Company.

How to Get Around in Oshkosh

Oshkosh is easily accessible and has good transportation options:

  • Car Rental - Car rental companies such as Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget are available in Oshkosh.
  • Public transportation - GO Transit operates bus services throughout Oshkosh.
  • Biking and Walking - Oshkosh is an excellent city for walking and biking, thanks to its numerous trails and bike lanes.

Where to Go Next from Oshkosh: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Oshkosh acts as a great base point for exploring the surrounding regions:

  • Appleton - A city located 18 miles south of Oshkosh, with attractions such as the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and the Building for Kids Children’s Museum.
  • Green Bay - A city located 50 miles north of Oshkosh, known for its world-famous Green Bay Packers football team and the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.
  • Wisconsin Dells - A city located 110 miles south of Oshkosh, known for its beautiful natural formations, such as waterfalls and rock formations, as well as thrilling theme parks and attractions.

Conclusion

Oshkosh is the perfect destination for those seeking a mix of history, culture, and outdoor fun. With incredible natural beauty, from the Fox Riverwalk to Lake Winnebago and Plamann Park, the city has a lot to offer. Discover the state’s rich history and aviation heritage at the EAA Aviation Museum and the Oshkosh Public Museum, or indulge your taste buds with a slice of Wisconsin cheese or a bratwurst. Plan your trip to Oshkosh today and experience the best it has to offer.