Long Weekend Getaway to Oshkosh, Wisconsin

 

Looking for a spot for a quick, long weekend getaway far enough away from home to feel like we truly got away yet close enough that we did not spend too much time on travel, my daughter and I honed in on Oshkosh, Wisconsin and Lake Winnebago for a summer adventure. On a recent June weekend, we made the drive up to Oshkosh and enjoyed a few days full of beautiful views, hiking, adventuring, great food, and restoration. Below is a snapshot of our exploration:

Gentle waves on Lake Winnebago during a sunny summer day.

Lake Winnebago

Upon arriving in Oshkosh, we immediately made a beeline for Lake Winnebago. I absolutely love lake views, so a meander along the lake at Menominee Park quickly rewarded with spectacular vistas. The 131,939 acre Lake Winnebago offers a range of recreational opportunities including boating, swimming, and fishing. A zoo within Menominee Park features animals native to the region. While we pleasured in a little walk, we also observed others partaking in other recreational opportunities at the lake.

Interesting Fact: Lake Winnebago is Wisconsin's largest inland lake and possibly its most important fishery.

Chicago & Northwestern Railway Bridge No. 339 perched over the Fox River

The Fox River 

We enjoyed evening walks along the Fox River spotting ducks, gulls, and geese. Boats and jet skis livened up the river even more. Of course, who can resist checking out the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Bridge No. 339 which opened in 1899 and was replaced in 2012. The bridge was in operation for 113 years!!!

Oshkosh Murals

Oshkosh welcomes visitors to snap photos with vibrant and playful murals throughout the downtown area. My daughter and I had fun locating a few and taking photos and videos.

Vibrant and playful murals offer spots for photo fun in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Oshkosh Eats

Breakfast at Thunderbird Bakery and Cafe

We began Saturday morning in Oshkosh with a stop at Thunderbird Bakery and Cafe for a little coffee, lemonade, and baked goodies. Who can forgo made-from-scratch bakery items while on vacation? Add on the fact that Thunderbird utilizes locally grown grains and we knew we had to visit. Spoiling ourselves, I enjoyed a delicious almond croissant and my daughter devoured a chocolate chip cookie. For beverages, I opted for a coffee from Ruby Coffee Roasters and my daughter had a fresh strawberry rhubarb lemonade. The cafe also features a variety of breakfast and lunch items and fresh baked breads such as sourdough. We highly recommend this spot for your next Oshkosh trip.

Delicious baked-from-scratch items, fresh lemonade, and coffee
from Thunderbird Bakery and Cafe.

Dinner at Bar 430

My daughter studied the menus of a number of Oshkosh restaurants in the lead up to our trip. She zeroed in on Bar 430 for dinner on our first evening. Bar 430 features gastro pub cuisine and a full bar with a wide range of wines and beer on tap. With a menu full of international flavors highlighting locally sourced items, choosing from the menu can be difficult. My daughter and I began with tuna Bao Buns. Desiring a lighter dinner, I ordered a 430 Salad with balsamic dressing. My daughter enjoyed a pork Bánh mì. We loved our meal and would not hesitate to return to Bar 430.

Flavors of the Oshkosh gastro pub Bar 430.

Gardina's Kitchen & Bar

For our second dinner in Oshkosh, we headed to Gardina's Kitchen & Bar which features innovative flavors, eclectic cuisine, craft beer, signature cocktails and more. For my dinner, I chose the Crab Cakes which were delicious. My daughter savored the Baked Goat Cheese Salad. We loved our meals! Since we did eat on the lighter side, we would like to return to try an entree.

Sunday Brunch at Gabe's Wisconsin Kitchen

Before heading back to the Chicago area, we grabbed a delicious and filling brunch at Gabe's Wisconsin Kitchen. Gabe's features a scratch kitchen, makes accommodations for a variety of dietary restrictions, and highlights local ingredients. My daughter and I both devoured Spinach N' Mushroom Omelets. I had a side of French fries with mine while she went with the French toast sticks. A fantastically delicious way to start the day!

Hearty omelets at Gabe's Wisconsin Kitchen.

Road Trip for Ice Cream in Fond Du Lac: Kelley Country Creamery in Fond Du Lac

We made a trip to the farm to enjoy locally churned ice cream at Kelley Country Creamery. The creamery and 163-year-old farmstead is family run. Inside, you will find not only ice cream but a variety of dairy products. We ordered our ice cream and opted to enjoy our treats in chairs on the veranda. 

Nothing like locally churned ice cream on the farm
from Kelley Country Creamery!

High Cliff State Park

One morning of our getaway found us embarking on a 35-minute drive around part of Lake Winnebago to hike at High Cliff State Park. High Cliff State Park features limestone cliffs (part of the Niagara Escarpment), views of Lake Winnebago, and effigy mounds. Trails ranged from easy to more difficult, so there is an adventure for everyone. I will detail High Cliff State Park in another post but it is definitely a spot to add to your Oshkosh, Wisconsin itinerary.

Moss, ferns, and ivy naturally adorn limestone cliffs at High Cliff State Park.

High Cliff State Park offers an incredible Oshkosh, Wisconsin hiking experience.

Oshkosh, Wisconsin as a Quick Getaway Location

My daughter and I barely scratched the surface of discoveries to be made in Oshkosh during our visit. We did find our escape to be restorative and loved exploring the shores of Lake Winnebago, the river walk along the Fox River, the trails of High Cliff State Park, vibrant murals, and a delicious food scene. Oshkosh has the right mix of the things to do and is the right distance from home to provide a nice getaway.