Winnebago County, located in east-central Wisconsin, is known for its scenic lakes, rivers, and rich history. Established in 1840 and named after the indigenous Ho-Chunk people, also known as the Winnebago, the county covers an area of about 579 square miles and is home to around 170,000 residents. Winnebago County’s economy has been traditionally based on agriculture, paper production, and manufacturing, but it has also become a center for education, healthcare, and tourism in recent years.
The county is home to several vibrant cities and towns, with Oshkosh being the largest city and county seat. Other notable communities include Neenah, Menasha, and Omro. Winnebago County is well-known for its waterfront activities, thanks to Lake Winnebago, the largest lake in the state, and its many parks and natural areas that draw outdoor enthusiasts.
Oshkosh
Geography and History
Oshkosh is the largest city and the county seat of Winnebago County, situated on the western shore of Lake Winnebago. Founded in 1853, the city was named after Chief Oshkosh, a leader of the Menominee tribe. In the 19th century, Oshkosh became a major lumber center, benefiting from its location along the Fox River and Lake Winnebago. This led to rapid industrial growth and the development of manufacturing, particularly in the production of wood products and, later, clothing and machinery.
Today, Oshkosh is known for its aviation heritage, largely due to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and its annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, one of the largest aviation events in the world. The city’s economy is diverse, with education, healthcare, and manufacturing playing central roles.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Wisconsin’s Event City”
- Area: 26.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 67,000
- Elevation: 774 feet
- Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT)
- ZIP Codes: 54901, 54902, 54903, 54904
- Area Code: 920
Transportation
Oshkosh is well-connected by several major highways, including U.S. Highway 41, which runs north to Green Bay and south to Milwaukee, and Wisconsin State Highway 21, which connects the city to central Wisconsin. The Wittman Regional Airport, located in Oshkosh, serves general aviation and is home to the EAA AirVenture event. Commercial flights are available at nearby Appleton International Airport. Oshkosh is also served by the Oshkosh Transit System, providing public transportation throughout the city.
Famous Landmarks
- EAA Aviation Museum: A world-renowned museum showcasing the history of flight and aviation
- Grand Opera House: A historic theater offering cultural performances and events
- Paine Art Center and Gardens: A museum and botanical garden featuring art collections and historical exhibits
Neenah
Geography and History
Neenah is a city located in the northeastern part of Winnebago County, along the northern shore of Lake Winnebago and adjacent to the Fox River. Established in 1843, Neenah quickly developed as a paper manufacturing hub due to the abundance of water from the river and lake. The city’s name, derived from the Ho-Chunk word for “water,” reflects its deep connection to the surrounding waterways, which have shaped its history and economy.
Today, Neenah is known for its strong industrial base, with several paper mills and manufacturing plants continuing to play an important role in the local economy. The city is also recognized for its high quality of life, offering a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, making it an attractive place to live and work.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Paper City”
- Area: 9.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 26,000
- Elevation: 760 feet
- Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT)
- ZIP Codes: 54956, 54957
- Area Code: 920
Transportation
Neenah is well-served by major roadways, including U.S. Highway 41, which provides easy access to Appleton, Green Bay, and Oshkosh, and Wisconsin State Highway 114, which connects the city to nearby Menasha. The closest commercial airport is Appleton International Airport, located about 10 miles north of Neenah, providing regular flights to major U.S. cities. The city is also served by Valley Transit, offering bus services throughout the Fox Cities region.
Famous Landmarks
- Riverside Park: A scenic park along the Fox River, featuring walking paths and a bandshell for outdoor events
- Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass: A unique museum with a collection of glass art and paperweights
- Kimberly Point Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse located at the entrance of Lake Winnebago
Menasha
Geography and History
Menasha is located on the northern shore of Lake Winnebago and the Fox River, adjacent to Neenah. Established in 1848, Menasha’s early history is tied to the development of the paper industry and its strategic location along the Fox River, which provided power for the city’s mills. The name Menasha comes from the Ho-Chunk word meaning “thorn” or “island,” as the city was built near Doty Island, a key geographical feature in the area.
Menasha is part of the larger Fox Cities metropolitan area and shares much of its history and industry with neighboring Neenah. The city has retained its industrial heritage, with paper manufacturing remaining a significant economic driver. Menasha is also known for its parks and outdoor recreational areas, offering residents access to the water and natural beauty.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Heart of the Fox Valley”
- Area: 7.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 18,000
- Elevation: 758 feet
- Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT)
- ZIP Codes: 54952
- Area Code: 920
Transportation
Menasha is conveniently located along U.S. Highway 41, which connects the city to Neenah, Appleton, and Oshkosh. Wisconsin State Highway 47 also runs through the city, providing access to other parts of the Fox Valley. The nearest airport is Appleton International Airport, located just a few miles away, offering regular commercial flights. Valley Transit provides public transportation services, connecting Menasha to other communities in the Fox Cities region.
Famous Landmarks
- Doty Island: A scenic island shared by Menasha and Neenah, featuring parks and historic homes
- Smith Park: A large city park known for its summer concerts and community events
- Menasha Lock and Dam: Part of the historic Fox River navigation system
Omro
Geography and History
Omro is a small city located west of Oshkosh along the Fox River. Founded in the 1840s, Omro developed as an agricultural and industrial center, with the Fox River providing power for mills and factories. The city’s early economy was based on farming, with grain and other crops being transported via the river. Omro’s downtown district still retains many of its historic buildings, reflecting the town’s 19th-century roots.
Today, Omro is a peaceful, small-town community known for its natural beauty and access to outdoor activities, particularly along the Fox River. The city’s proximity to Oshkosh allows residents to enjoy a rural lifestyle while benefiting from the amenities of a larger city nearby.
City Facts
- Nickname: “A Community on the Fox”
- Area: 2.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,500
- Elevation: 778 feet
- Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT)
- ZIP Codes: 54963
- Area Code: 920
Transportation
Omro is located along Wisconsin State Highway 21, which connects the city to Oshkosh and other towns in the region. For air travel, residents typically use Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh for general aviation or Appleton International Airport for commercial flights. The city’s small size means that most transportation is by car, with easy access to nearby highways.
Famous Landmarks
- Scott Park: A riverside park offering boat access, playgrounds, and picnic areas
- Omro Historical Museum: Showcasing the history of Omro and the surrounding area
- Fox River Boardwalk: A scenic walking path along the Fox River
Winneconne
Geography and History
Winneconne is a village located on the Wolf River, just northwest of Lake Winnebago. The village was settled in the mid-19th century and developed around fishing, farming, and small industries. Winneconne is best known for its brief “secession” from Wisconsin in 1967, when the village was mistakenly left off the state’s official road map. This event sparked the creation of the “Sovereign State of Winneconne” as a humorous protest, which continues to be celebrated today.
Winneconne’s location along the Wolf River makes it a popular destination for fishing, boating, and outdoor activities. The village has retained its small-town charm while offering residents and visitors access to water recreation and scenic views of the surrounding lakes and rivers.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Sovereign State of Winneconne”
- Area: 1.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,400
- Elevation: 764 feet
- Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT)
- ZIP Codes: 54986
- Area Code: 920
Transportation
Winneconne is accessible via Wisconsin State Highway 116, which connects the village to Oshkosh and other nearby communities. The closest commercial airport is Appleton International Airport, about 30 miles away. The village’s proximity to major highways and waterways makes it an ideal location for outdoor recreation and easy access to surrounding areas.
Famous Landmarks
- Sovereign State Days Festival: An annual celebration marking the village’s brief secession from Wisconsin
- Winneconne Bridge: A historic lift bridge over the Wolf River
- Marble Park: A popular park offering swimming, picnic areas, and playgrounds