Oshkosh is a beautiful city in Winnebago County, Wisconsin, USA. It is the county’s seat. It recorded a population size of 66,607 people in 2021.
Oshkosh is popular for being the abode of the largest airshow in the world, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The city is also home to OshKosh B’Gosh, which produces children’s clothing, work clothing, and overalls.
There are lots of fun things to do in Oshkosh, WI, as it features lost of attractions to ensure you never run out of ideas for things to do while you explore the city with your family and friends.
There are historical locations, gorgeous parks and green areas, art galleries, education centers, museums, etc. So you are sure to find outdoor and cultural activities for your pleasure.
Are you planning an exploration of Oshkosh? Here are the best things to do in Oshkosh, WI.
Things to Do in Oshkosh, WI
1. The Asylum Point Lighthouse
Asylum Point Lighthouse
The Asylum Point Lighthouse is a popular lighthouse situated on a mini island in Lake Winnebago’s Asylum Bay, just a few distances from the mainland.
The tower was erected in 1937 as a separation point between the North and South Asylum Bays. It is also part of Winnebago County’s historic landmarks.
The lighthouse can be reached through a wooded bridge, and despite not being available for tours, the surrounding areas of the lighthouse are an ideal site for picnicking, having astounding views of the gorgeous Lake Winnebago.
If you intend to picnic when you visit, ensure to come with a blanket or lawn chair since there are no benches or picnic tables in the area. It is also a good site to enjoy bird watching.
Address: 3300 Sherman Rd, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA
2. Wiouwash Trail
The Wiouwash Trail cuts through Shawano, Waupaca, Outagamie, and Winnebago counties. There are lots of activities to do here, depending on the season you visit. If you visit during the summertime, you can opt for horseback riding, walking, and biking.
Interestingly the name Wiouwash was derived from the first two letters in the counties, as mentioned earlier, to create the name for the Trail.
Hikers can enjoy a great deal of hiking on the 41-mile Trail. The Trail also provides plenty of opportunities for viewing native wildlife and plants.
Address: Oshkosh, WI, USA
3. Menominee Park
The Menominee Park is an ideal place to visit if you are looking for a place to have some fun together moments with friends and family.
There are many things to do here because Menominee Park is one of the largest parks in Oshkosh, WI.
Head to the Eastern part of the park to appreciate the magnificent beauty of Lake Winnebago. You will also be opportune to capture sunrise views when you visit during the early morning hours.
An ideal way to relax at the park is to go boating from Miller’s Bay. You can row the boat all day or more and still throw your lines inside the waters.
You can also go jogging and biking using the many available trails or drop by the free zoo and beach. The zoo accommodates 30 to 59 animals and receives over 100,000 guests annually. Also, it features four permanent exhibits comprising elk, wolf, eagle, and otter. Admittance into the park does not cost a dime.
4. Military Veterans Museum & Education Center
Military Veterans Museum & Education Center
History buffs interested in military history can stop at the Military Veterans Museum & Education Center in Oshkosh.
Exhibits here are about military war crafts used in wars in present-day American history. You will find the stories explained by the veterans in the area quite interesting and saddening.
Artifacts in the museum include military vehicles, different types of artillery and small arms, personal gear, and a 50-caliber Browning machine gun.
You can also take some time to pay your last respects to the veterans, which the museum permits. As years went by, the museum transformed from what was usually a museum that houses vehicles into a museum that shares the history of military veterans.
Address: 4300 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902, USA
5. EAA Aviation Museum
EAA Aviation Museum
If you are a fan of aviation history, one of the best things to do in Oshkosh, WI, is to check out the EAA Aviation Museum.
The EAA Aviation Museum was previously known as the EAA Air Venture Museum or Air Adventure Museum. It is devoted to maintaining and showcasing experimental and historical airplanes with warbirds, antiques, and classics.
If your children or yourself are aircraft enthusiasts, this should be a must-see destination. The EAA Aviation Museum displays over 200 aircraft with a history that stretches back to the initial era of aviation.
You can tour the area and see the vintage war planes and unique airplanes used in combat. Your kids will be overwhelmed due to the many different hands-on experience activities in the kiddies area.
Address: 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902, USA
6. Originals Mall of Antique
If you are searching for a very peculiar souvenir or a fascinating gift, one of the top things to do in Oshkosh, WI, is to stop by the Originals Mall of Antiques. Every antique lover would want to stop by this place.
The Originals Mall of Antiques accommodates over 100 antique merchants that provide varieties of special items to choose from.
If you are a fan of firearms, then ensure to visit this Mall. The government authorizes the Antique Mall to trade guns.
Some merchants sell precious rocks and minerals, or you can be part of the Mall’s vegan Blake sale or flea market that occurs seasonally. They have a super friendly staff readily available to assist you in finding that piece you have in mind.
Address: 1475 S Washburn St., Oshkosh, WI 54904, USA
7. Winnebago County Community Park
Besides having a great history, Oshkosh is filled with beautiful outdoor places. You can fish or ride a boat at the lakes, rivers, and streams that wind through the County Community Park.
Moreover, you can take a peaceful walk in the wooded areas or enjoy the breeze. You can also engage in the many sports activities in the Winnebago County Community Park.
Visitors can participate in rugby, golf, and ping pong. They can also explore the Park’s archery range, 18-field soccer complex, and 36-hole disc golf course. You can also bring your pet with you, as they have a dog park. The kids are not left out of the fun as a playground is available.
Other facilities in the park include a large private pavilion, two lighted ball diamonds, rugby fields, three picnic shelters that can be reserved, and three fishing lakes. If you visit during winter, you can explore the snowmobile and snowshoe trails.
Address: 625 E. County Rd. Y, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA
8. Oshkosh Farmers Market
Oshkosh Farmers Market holds its yearly farmers market each summer and winter. The market houses approximately 165 local dealers who sell handcrafted souvenir pieces.
You can stop by every Saturday morning to purchase fresh products from their 40 vendors. Regarding entertainment, the Oshkosh Farmers Market even organizes themed concerts and live concerts.
Everything to buy in the market is fresh, so that you can bank on them. You can purchase locally grown meats, greenhouse-raised vegetables and fruits, artisan bread, and numerous handmade foods.
This family-friendly market also offers themed events, and music and products are sold at affordable prices to visit if you are looking forward to stocking up on your groceries at home.
Address: 547 N Main St., Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA
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9. Allan Priebe Gallery
If you are an art enthusiast, one of the places you want to check out is the Allan Priebe Gallery.
The Allan Priebe Gallery was established in 1971, and its primary objective is to promote education and enrich the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Art Department, faculty, and students via the provision of art exhibitions of exceptional national and international standards.
What makes the Allan Priebe Gallery even more unique is that a board organizes every of its art exhibitions made up of chiefly students from the Art Department with guidance from a faculty director or advisor.
Address: 1001 Elmwood Avenue, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA
10. Morgan House
Morgan House
The Morgan House still retains its original woodwork appeal. The museum is the abode of the Winnebago County Historical and Archaeological Society.
Guided tours are available in the museum and are provided by the group. You get to learn about the Victorian era during your tour through the original furnishings in the house and period artwork.
The Morgan House is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It spices up the historical flavor that spreads through Oshkosh.
Address: 234 Church Avenue, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA
11. Ardy & Ed’s Drive-In
Ardy & Ed’s Drive In
Ardy & Ed’s Drive-In is a family-fun restaurant and quaint drive-in that provides its customers with excellent American dishes, fountain favorites, and beer. The restaurant was established in 1948.
Ardy & Ed’s Drive-In has stewards on roller skates, providing customers with a food menu of grilled cheese sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, seafood baskets, and their weekly favorites with milkshakes, floats, fountain sodas, and root beer.
There is a gift shop in the restaurant where visitors can make purchases of beer glasses, souvenirs, clothing, and other products. The restaurant is available for lunch and dinner from Tuesdays till Sundays.
Address: 2413 South Main Street, Oshkosh, WI 54971, USA
12. The New Moon Café
The New Moon Café features an artistic, relaxing space that provides visitors with tasty vegetarian dishes, locally produced Wisconsin beers and desserts, and gourmet coffee over a backdrop of live musical performances, poetry, open-air mic concerts, and other forms of entertainment.
The restaurant is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It serves its patron’s juicy sandwiches and wraps, salads, burritos, decadent desserts, and soups.
Their foods are freshly cooked with locally gotten ingredients and are served to its customers with a range of local beers, soft drinks, and beverages.
They offer excellent customer service, and the environment is neat and well-maintained. It is a nice place to hang out with loved ones and friends.
Address: 401 N Main Street, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA
13. Hughes’ Home Maid Chocolates
Hughes’ Home Maid Chocolates is a Native establishment in Oshkosh that manufactures handcrafted chocolates prepared from the finest locally gotten ingredients.
This chocolate shop produces various types of chocolate treats, including milk, dark, and white chocolates, creams, oysters, cherry cordials, Easter eggs, and many others.
The chocolate shop is available for the entire public from Monday to Saturday. Hughes’ Home Maid Chocolates is one of the best chocolate shops to find in the area and is a must-see.
Address: 1823 Doty St, Oshkosh, WI 54902, USA
14. Oshkosh Public Museum
Oshkosh Public Museum
The Museum features artifacts that showcase the history of the many immigrants and Europeans searching for a new place to reside. As a result of its history, the Oshkosh Public museum was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Amidst the artifacts are the folk-art clock called the Apostle’s Clock and a Regina music box. There are original articles to see inside as well.
Address: 1331 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA
15. Caramel Crisp and Cafe
Caramel Crisp and Cafe is the one place to visit if you want to satisfy your tooth cravings for sweet treats and also get to sample the very best of locally crafted sweet treats within Oshkosh, WO.
Despite starting as a mini popcorn store in 1933, this place has become a lovely establishment for many years, providing its patrons with delicious edibles and the community.
Do well to stop by and try their handcrafted cookies, gourmet popcorn, pies, and other tasty edibles.
For guests who would love to have something sumptuous for breakfast or lunch, the Caramel Crisp and Cafe also provides deli-style foods. You can drop by the gift shop when leaving to collect your special treats.
Address: 200 D City Center, Oshkosh, WI 54971, USA
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16. Tribal Heritage Crossing
Hiking at Tribal Heritage Crossing is one of the fun things to do in Oshkosh, WI. Tribal Heritage Crossing of the Wiouwash trail is a newly constructed causeway.
This causeway enables tourists using various transport mediums such as bicycles, roller skates, or foot to pass the Lake Butte Des Morts while moving to Wiouwash.
The Tribal Heritage Crossing offers easy access to fishing and an info kiosk that tells the history of all eleven Native American tribes in Wisconsin.
You also get the opportunity to catch some fish even as you learn something new and significant concerning the history of America.
Address: Marine Drive, Oshkosh, WI 54971, USA
17. Bare Bones Brewery
If you love great beer or are a beer enthusiast, one of the top things to do in Oshkosh, WI, is to check out the Bare Bones Brewery.
Despite the competitive beer scene in Northeast Wisconsin, the Bare Bones Brewery was able to strife through and gain popularity as a result of the innovative and traditional range of brews.
The Bare Bones Brewery is famous for being the first to operate in Oshkosh in 20 years. It was opened on May 29th, 2015.
The brewhouse produces various types of beers on tap or by bottle. You can also check out their American IPA, amber ales, seasonal beers, and American lagers. You also get to sample some local beer.
Upon entering the brewery, you will see a tasting room and covered patio, where you can relax and enjoy your drink.
Address: 4362 County Hwy S, Oshkosh, WI 54904, USA
18. The Grand Oshkosh
Grand Oshkosh
The next item on our list of what to do in Oshkosh, WI, is to visit The Grand Oshkosh, a historic building that has maintained its original charm for many years. The building was constructed in 1883 and was designed by a local architect named William Waters.
It underwent a thorough renovation from 2009 to 2010, costing about two million dollars. The ceilings were changed, the large chandelier was fixed, and the roof trusses were strengthened.
The building bore the name “The Grand Opera House ” when it opened in 1883 and has since been hosting interesting productions. During each performance season, this destination holds over 25 live productions. In addition, about ten youth events are on their schedule as well.
Other special events are held in the theatre, like weddings, community shows, and corporate meetings. In 1974, the Grand opera house was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Address: 100 High Avenue, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA
19. On the Loos Cruises
This family-owned and run establishment in 1989 has been offering comfortable cruises to visitors using a gorgeous paddlewheel riverboat.
Loos Cruises is devoted to providing boating services to see stunning views and sights on Lake Winnebago, Fox River, and Lake Butte des Morts. Boat cruises range from customized tours to standard trips.
The beautiful paddlewheel riverboat has a large upper and lower deck seating space, present-day bathroom facilities, full catering and bar services, and magnificent views of Fox River and its waterways.
This company even provides guests with private charter cruises for special events like corporate meetings: family reunions, wedding parties, and many more. Going on an adventure with On the Loos Cruises is one of the fun things to do in Oshkosh, WI.
Address: 1 N. Main St., Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA
20. Paine Art Center and Gardens
Paine Art Center and Gardens
If you love flowers, one of the best places to visit in Oshkosh, WI, is the Paine Art Center and Garden.
This destination is one of the many astounding conserved historic properties. The main highlight here is the Tudor Revival-style mansion constructed in 1925.
The founders of this magnificent destination were wealthy industrialists named Nathan Paines and Jessie Kimberly.
Part of their aim was to display gorgeous artworks, nature in its beauty, and wonderful architecture. When you enter the museum, you will see different art pieces that Paine purchased.
It also has public galleries that feature varieties of exhibits. You will find twenty well-manicured gardens graced with different species of trees, shrubbery, and wildflowers.
The Paine Art Center and Gardens have also earned a place in the National Register of Historic Places. It is available for visitors throughout the year.
Address: 1410 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA
21. Stevens Park
If you are searching for a place to relax and have a great deal of fun, then one of the best places to visit in Oshkosh, WI, is Stevens Park.
This green zone is a place to go picnicking, cycling, biking, and jogging. Also, the park has a variety of outdoor sports facilities.
The baseball courts and diamonds are ideal places to sweat out your worrisome thoughts or have great moments with family and friends.
You can even play softball or tennis at the park. The Park has different open areas for visitors who want to enjoy the day’s warmth.
Address: 54 Frankfort, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA
22. Oaks Candy Corner
Satisfy your tooth cravings by visiting the Oaks Candy Corner. This candy shop was founded in 1890 and, over the years, has witnessed tremendous success and now prides itself as a top-tier destination for delicious hand-dipped chocolate treats.
Even today, their offerings are handcrafted to give you the best chocolate and sweet treats. Visitors can make purchases of their delicious chocolates, including their nut-rolled chocolates: Soft centered variants, hard and chewy variants, boxes of meltaway, and many others.
There are also sugar-free chocolates, nuts, and fudges for sale at this candy shop.
Address: 1206 Oregon Street, Oshkosh, WI 54902, USA
23. MToxins Venom Lab
If you’re wondering what to do in Oshkosh, WI, to satisfy your cravings for the unusual, then visit MToxins Venom Lab.
The MToxins Venom Lab will engage and teach you all of the things you need to know about snakes.
The MToxins Venom Lab was founded by a man named Nathaniel Frank. With his knowledge and work, he has been able to manufacture antivenoms that have proved helpful in saving many lives.
Over the years, Frank has worked on many research projects about large-scale venom. Upon visiting the lab, you will see his team and himself removing venom from reptiles.
They extract venom from spiders, scorpions, and snakes, and in turn, they transform the extracted venom samples to antivenom even as you watch. The team even engages you in all processes involved in extraction and tells you about other vital substances obtained after extraction.
Toxins Venom Lab even accommodates the Jack Facente Serpentarium, which caters to 85 reptiles from across the world.
Address: 717 Oregon St., Oshkosh, WI 54902, USA
24. The Pollock Community Water Park
If you are looking for a place to have some great family moments, then make sure to stop by the Pollock Community Water Park, as it promises to be fun and exciting.
The Park occupies a land area of 3.24 acres. It features Lazy River with overhanging water elements like silk sprays, water curtains, inflatable tubes that you can float on, inner tubing, winding water slides, and a playground area of 3,500 square feet that features water elements for pouring, dumping, and spraying.
The Pollock Community Water Park even features a 16,500-square-foot swimming pool with diving boards, deck chairs, umbrellas, sheltered structures, and sun decks.
The Pollock Community Water Park accommodates 40,000 to 50,000 visitors annually and is a part of the City of Oshkosh Parks Department.
Address: 1550 Taft Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54971, USA
25. Vines & Rushes Winery
Vines & Rushes Winery is nestled on the Prellwitz family farm in Ripon, Wisconsin, and is also the home of the Prellwitz Produce strawberry farm.
Their winemaking facility and tasting room are situated on the farm, so do well to stop by during your tour and sample their delicious wines.
They manufacture wine from grapes like St Pepin, Marquette, and Petite Pearl. The Winery is available all through the year, all through the week.
Wood-fired pizza, live music performances, and entertainment are offered on Friday and Saturday.
Address: 410 County Rd E, Ripon, WI 54971, USA
26. Friar Tuck’s
hamburger
FriarTucks has provided the local community with homemade foods for the past 30 years. It is a family-owned and run restaurant with three branches in the town, which are available to serve you lunch and dinner daily.
Their menu includes salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, quesadillas, hot dogs, soups, chicken wings, and lots more.
You can also try out their favorite dishes, such as their signature rib sandwiches, cheeseburgers, fries, footlong, and a club sandwich combination of turkey, Swiss cheese with a cold or hot croissant, and ham.
You can complement your meal with the many soft drinks and beverages available.
Address: 1651 W South Park Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54971, USA
27. Fifth Ward Brewing Company
This local brewhouse has been devoted to manufacturing beer via bottle and on tap for the local community for the past 160 years.
Fifth Ward Brewing Company is situated on Main Street and produces various types of beers all year round, including seasonal, barrel-aged, and sour beers.
Fifth Ward Brewing Company provides guests complimentary tours each Saturday afternoon, together with beer tastings throughout the week. It is in collaboration with Gardina’s Wine Bar and Café to provide you with tasty snacks and small bites.
They have a large taproom and a gorgeous outdoor beer garden to cater to your private events and meetings.
Address: 1009 S Main St, Oshkosh, WI 54902, USA
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Plan Your Trip to Oshkosh
Oshkosh is ideal if you plan to have a perfect getaway experience on your next vacation. It is graced with numerous popular attractions and natural sites.
Outdoor lovers are in for a treat in this city as it offers them many recreational opportunities to enjoy.
Have fun!