by The OSH is buzzing with EAA AirVenture. While you enjoy the fly-in, here are some other ways to enjoy Oshkosh with these highlights around town on your visit!
EAA AirVenture offers seven straight days of world-class aerobatics, history coming alive through airplanes from all eras of flight filling the skies, fun into the night, camaraderie with fellow aviation enthusiasts, and plenty more. It runs all week from Monday, July 21st through Sunday, July 27th at Wittman Regional Airport (which becomes one of the world’s busiest airports in terms of takeoffs and landings that week) and adjacent Pioneer Field. Both airports are located on the southwest side of Oshkosh, just a few miles west of Lake Winnebago.
I-41 runs right past EAA; Highways 26, 44, and 91 bring you right to the grounds, too. U.S. 45 and Highways 21 and 76 also bring you to Oshkosh – many options for road tripping to town!
Here are some fun options for you and the fam at EAA AirVenture:
Daily Air Shows
The world’s best aerobatic pilots make Oshkosh a priority for their air show performance schedule because they have the opportunity to strut their stuff in front of their peers in the aerobatic community, as well as perhaps the most aviation-savvy audience on the planet. That’s why every afternoon during the convention you’ll see scores of faithful fans numbering in the thousands lining the flightline, making sure they have a good viewpoint of their favorite performers. AirVenture’s daily air shows feature a vast variety in today’s world of flight — precision aerobatics, the latest innovations, rare and unique flying examples, and history coming alive through warbird and vintage showcases.
Nightly Air Shows
Running Wednesday and Saturday from 8-10pm, the Nightly Air Shows light it up!
KidVenture
Plenty of activities for the kids await at EAA AirVenture. Located at Pioneer Airport directly north of the EAA Aviation Museum, KidVenture encourages youth to explore aviation through many fun activities including getting hands-on with building projects, learning how to fly radio-control and control-line airplanes, experiencing flight simulators, learning aviation and space history, and so much more! KidVenture is open through Saturday from 9am-3:30pm, and Sunday from 9am-2pm. Buses run throughout the day between the Bus Park and KidVenture and the Museum.
Get the full schedule of events for EAA AirVenture here
And here are some more places to explore to enjoy Oshkosh!
Wisconsin Military Veterans Museum
Right next to Wittman Regional Airport along I-41, the Wisconsin Military Veterans Museum collects and displays donated military artifacts to showcase American military history. The new John E. Kuenzl Motor Pool makes this the largest military vehicle museum in Wisconsin. There is also a Brutus Gun Truck replica and a LCVP Higgins boat to see and explore. The museum is FREE but donations are greatly appreciated. The museum is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am-5pm all year, and every day 10-5 during EAA AirVenture. You’ll find it on Poberezny Road, a frontage road along I-41, between Highway 26 and Highways 44/91, just south of the airport where EAA AirVenture takes place. More…
Ardy & Ed’s Drive-In
Want a true throwback experience at a real American drive-in? Ardy & Ed’s opened way back in 1948 on U.S. 45 and continues to serve up burgers, fries, rings, sodas, shakes and malts, and more on a tray that hangs off your car window. Car hops who sometimes still skate bring the food to you. The music brings you back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s. The food is straight-up tasty, which you can enjoy in your car or picnic tables that are available on the lot. The blue waters of Lake Winnebago provide a beautiful backdrop. They’re just east of Wittman Regional Airport along U.S. 45, south of downtown.
Paine Art Center Museum & Gardens
Originally a country estate inspired by those in England, the Paine Art Center & Gardens is a beautiful art and history museum amidst spectacular botanical gardens. A mix of rotating and permanent exhibits inside the home on multiple levels lets you dive into history, architecture, art, and horticulture. The Gardens features a series of interconnected gardens inspired by English country estates. Botanical and sculptural focal points lead you to various areas, where some surprising combinations await.
Through October, they have the Nature of Light exhibit, an immersive, nighttime experience harmonizing light, art, and nature. Whether inside or out in the gardens, the show lets you view, touch, explore, and play with the nature of light itself.
The Paine Art Center & Gardens is on the north side of Oshkosh, barely east of Fox River Brewing where Highway 21 turns to meet with U.S. 45. You can access it minutes off I-41, or ride Algoma Blvd straight up out of downtown to get there. Highly recommended! More…
Menominee Park & Zoo
One of the best free zoos in Wisconsin, Menominee Park Zoo occupies just under 4 acres on the shores of Lake Winnebago. Nearly 50 animals are cared for and on display in the zoo, which includes permanent and rotating exhibits. Native species available to see and learn about include Elk, River Otter, Bald Eagle, Grey Wolves, Red Fox, Skunks, Ring-necked Pheasant, and Rio Grande Turkey – plus some exotic species, including a Chinchilla, Peacock, and various domestic animals. A local favorite is Dash, the African Spurred Tortoise who likes to roam the zoo. There is also a new Bear and Fox Exhibit to enjoy. The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is FREE. More…
Craft Breweries: Fox River Brewing, Bare Bones, Fifth Ward
Oshkosh is flush with craft breweries, including two in town and one on the edge.
Fox River Brewing Waterfront Restaurant is on the city’s north side on Highway 21, perched right along the Fox River. Famous for their Blu Bobber Blueberry Ale, they are a full restaurant offering riverside dining with a big, beautiful patio. Watch boats go by, occasionally necessitating the opening and closing of the drawbridge that Highway 21 uses to cross the river. They’re open every day from 11am-9pm, and their address is 1501 Arboretum Drive, Oshkosh.
Bare Bones Brewery opened a decade ago on the northwest edge of Oshkosh, visible along the U.S. 45 freeway along County S by Sunnyview Road, northwest of I-41. With the motto of “Fear No Beer,” they have a nice little tap room with some outside tables and games to enjoy. They’re open 3-9pm Tuesday – Thursday, Noon to 10pm Saturday, Noon to 7pm Sunday; closed Monday. Their address is 4362 County S, Oshkosh.
Fifth Ward Brewing Company is right in the city, just south of downtown Oshkosh along U.S. 45. They get adventurous with their craft brews. For example, a new release date coming August 16th called the Frootenanny Hootenanny will include beers like a Cran-Raspberry Lemonade beer. They have plenty of variety anytime. Their address is 1009 S. Main Street (U.S. 45)
Sturgeon Spirits Distillery
Oshkosh got Sturgeon Spirits Distillery in late 2022. The distillery is in a south side neighborhood wedged between Wittman Region Airport and Lake Winnebago, which is famous for sturgeon fishing and spearing. Sturgeon Spirits began with a single vodka and now has over 10 varieties and flavors of vodka along with a Gins flavored with Blood Orange and Mushroom, a Rum, Whisey, Bourbon, even the Osh-Gave [pronounced “OSH-gah-vey”], distilled from agave plants but it’s not technically tequila because it’s not from Mexico. You can try them in their tasting room on Oregon Avenue, just east of Wittman Region Airport. More…
