The towns around Lake Winnebago offer some of Wisconsin’s most scenic, lakefront adventures—blending natural beauty, small-town hospitality, and family-friendly attractions. As Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, Lake Winnebago anchors a collection of charming communities that promise quaint landscapes, outdoor fun, and local flavor for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re planning a weekend retreat with the kids, a solo journey into nature, or a memorable Midwest road trip, exploring the towns around Lake Winnebago is a rewarding off-the-beaten-path experience.
Fond du Lac: Gateway to the South Shore
At Lake Winnebago’s southern edge lies Fond du Lac, a welcoming city filled with lakeside charm and recreation. Its crown jewel, Lakeside Park, spans more than 400 acres and includes walking trails, shaded picnic spots, and playgrounds. Families can enjoy a seasonal carousel and mini train ride, while solo travelers may find peace paddleboarding along quiet southern bays.
Don’t miss the climbable lighthouse offering panoramic lake views, or a visit downtown to the Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts—home to engaging exhibits and regular live performances. For dining with a view, Salty’s Seafood & Spirits serves up local walleye and Wisconsin Old Fashioneds just steps from the water.
Insider Tip: Visit in August to catch the Wisconsin State Ag Museum Tractor Show at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds—a celebration of vintage farming charm and rural ingenuity.
Oshkosh: Where Aviation and Waterfront Culture Soar
Driving north brings you to Oshkosh, one of the most vibrant towns around Lake Winnebago. Famous for hosting EAA AirVenture Oshkosh—the world’s premier aviation event—this city also shines well beyond July. Year-round highlights include the Fox River Riverwalk and a bustling downtown packed with shops, restaurants, and museums.
The EAA Aviation Museum is a can’t-miss stop filled with hands-on exhibits and flight simulators for kids and airplane aficionados alike. Along Lake Winnebago’s western shore, Menominee Park offers kayak rentals, a small zoo, and a sandy beach—perfect for summer afternoons with the family.
Dining options include Gardina’s Wine Bar & Café for brunch lovers and Fifth Ward Brewing Company, a taproom with rotating craft brews and frequent food truck visitors.
Must-Do Outdoor Activity:
- Rent a kayak at Menominee Park and paddle north to Monkey Island—a tiny, quirky landmark with a loyal local following.
Neenah and Menasha: Quiet Corners with Big Character
Just north of Oshkosh, the neighboring towns of Neenah and Menasha feel like hidden gems among the towns around Lake Winnebago. Riverside Park in Neenah is picture-perfect for a lakefront picnic, offering breezy gazebos and shaded tables. Tucked into older neighborhoods, historic homes along East Wisconsin Avenue wow architecture enthusiasts with their late-1800s craftsmanship.
The Loop the Lake trail, a 3.3-mile path crossing bridges and circling the Fox River, invites families and bikers to enjoy a scenic ride or stroll between the twin towns. It’s an ideal way to explore the area without needing to drive.
Local favorite Lion’s Tail Brewing Co. pours small-batch beers inside a repurposed power plant, while families can walk to the waterfront Dairy Queen afterward for soft-serve cones with a lakeside sunset.
Hidden Gem:
- Head 10 minutes east to Appleton’s Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass. With free admission, colorful exhibits, and hands-on glass workshops, it’s a hit for visitors of all ages—especially on rainy days.
Calumet County Towns: Nature on the Eastern Shore
The east side of Lake Winnebago is less developed, and that’s exactly the point. Towns like Stockbridge, Pipe, and Hilbert offer outdoor adventures in a peaceful, authentic setting. High Cliff State Park, just outside Stockbridge, sits atop the Niagara Escarpment and is a must for hikers and nature lovers. Spanning over 1,200 acres, the park features dramatic limestone cliffs, deep forests, and extensive hiking trails.
The Red Bird Trail loops through woods and along the cliffs, while the Chief Red Bird statue commemorates the area’s Native American heritage. Families love the on-site beach, marina, and expansive campground perfect for weekend escapes.
After your hike, head to Mud Creek Coffee in Stockbridge for a casual recharge or catch lake views during a Friday fish fry at Jim and Linda’s Lakeview Supper Club—an East Shore institution.
Local Tip:
- Bring binoculars during spring or fall migrations. Calumet County Park and High Cliff are hotspots for spotting bald eagles, pelicans, and other coastal birds along Lake Winnebago.
North Shore Communities: Backroads and Bucolic Vibes
The northern edge of Lake Winnebago offers some of the coziest small-town stops in all of Wisconsin. Chilton, in particular, is a friendly community with a walkable downtown, local diners like Hilde’s Deli and Bakery, and easy access to scenic country drives. Here, you’ll find dairy farms, barn quilts, and plenty of roadside stands selling Wisconsin cheese and produce.
Vern’s Cheese Inc. fills Highway 57 with cheesy pride and plentiful samples—don’t miss it. Nearby, Schuette Park provides a quiet retreat with trails along the South Branch of the Manitowoc River. It’s a favorite for walkers, birdwatchers, and readers looking for simple serenity.
These lesser-known towns around Lake Winnebago are perfect for couples and solo travelers interested in authentic rural life with nature always within reach.
Planning Your Visit to Lake Winnebago’s Towns
The towns around Lake Winnebago promise more than scenic views—they offer a rich escape where tradition meets adventure. Families revel in paddleboarding, petting zoos, and charming train rides. Solo travelers and couples can explore hidden hiking trails, drink craft beer in converted power stations, and enjoy peaceful sunsets with pelicans soaring overhead.
Set your base in Oshkosh for central access, or create a lakeside loop through Fond du Lac, Neenah, and Calumet County for the full experience. With a sense of curiosity, an appetite for local fare, and your trusty binoculars in hand, discovering the towns around Lake Winnebago might just become your favorite Midwest getaway tradition.
