Only in Oshkosh: 10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Visit
- Adri & Kam
- Sep 21, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Looking for the best things to do in Oshkosh, Wisconsin? This vibrant city on the shores of Lake Winnebago is packed with one-of-a-kind attractions, local events, and outdoor adventures you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or building your Oshkosh travel guide, these 10 unique experiences will help you make the most of your visit. Discover what makes these Oshkosh attractions truly unforgettable.
Top Attractions in Oshkosh, Wisconsin
This restaurant is the city's newest hot spot, and it's all the locals can talk about—for good reason. The vibe makes you feel as if you were in Italy, and the dining options are delicious. They also have a bar where you can grab a fancy cocktail before dinner. I personally loved their wood-fired pizza, which made my taste buds very happy. Reservations are highly encouraged!
With its lighthouse and stunning views, this spot is perfect for a quick walk, a longer, relaxing visit, or even some fishing. Locals mention it is one of the best spots for fishing. Either way, the lighthouse makes for an awesome photo opportunity. 😊
Did you know that Oshkosh hosts one of the largest airplane gatherings? It is a week-long event that sees more airplane traffic than anywhere else in the world! How wild is that?! If you’d like to learn more about the history of aviation and see where the festival takes place, make sure to take your time here. You can easily spend a couple of hours, and for those who are 17 or younger, there may even be a chance to fly in one of their planes for free! We saw a couple of kids go on this adventure, which makes for the perfect family-friendly activity.
Whether you are visiting the gardens in the morning or evening, they will not disappoint. Now through October 26th, they are hosting The Nature of Light exhibit, which is a MUST! Sculptures and lights intertwine, forming mesmerizing shapes that will leave you in awe the entire time. If you do anything in Oshkosh, this place must be it!
Now that it is fall, it’s the perfect season for apples. Even though you cannot pick your own apples here, you can still purchase freshly picked ones, and they are delicious! This orchard is family-owned, and they also grow their own pears, which are just as great. Check out their little shop and pick up a peck of apples this season!
We love a good winery, and this place delivers some of the best wines we have ever tried. The winery is set on a family farm 30 minutes out of downtown Oshkosh and is perfect for casual visitors or wine lovers. The tasting room offers all kinds of wines, including ciders, which pair amazingly with their Neapolitan-style pizzas baked in a brick oven. The staff is superb and eager to share everything they know about their wines. So, enjoy a glass of wine or a flight if you’d like to try more, and relax with the great scenery this place offers.
Photo ops are what we love about any city, allowing us to capture colorful content to showcase! Oshkosh is full of fun and creative art that can be found all over the city. Some of our favorite murals can be found at the following addresses:
Emma Daisy Mural – 440 N Main St
Algoma Alley – 110 Algoma Blvd
Greetings from Oshkosh – 571 N Main St
Fifth Ward – 1009 S Main St
We believe a good day starts with a great breakfast, and Golden Nest made sure ours was off to the perfect start for exploring. Their pancake flight was divine and everything I have been dreaming about since we came back. Kam had a South of the Border skillet, and he left no crumbs behind. Even though they were super busy, we did not have to wait long for our food and enjoyed every bit of it.
Gardina’s is located right in the middle of everything, making it the perfect spot to grab lunch or dinner and walk around from there. It’s not only a restaurant but also a wine market with a vast variety to choose from to take home. The restaurant’s warm and welcoming vibe creates an ideal setting for a date night or a family get-together. I highly recommend ordering their Strawberry Chamomile Paloma and Prime New York Strip, along with Beet and Whipped Feta Dip as an appetizer.
If you are looking for a nightcap or a cocktail before dinner, this place is perfect. We loved the cozy ambiance, and the staff was lovely as well. They have a full bar and a wide variety of wines that you can try in a flight or a glass. We certainly enjoyed our beverages after driving from Chicago and right before dinner.
We hope this quick guide will help with planning your getaway to Oshkosh!
XoXo
Adri & Kam
