The community of Butte des Morts rests on the northern bluffs of Lake Butte des Morts, the halfway marker between Lake Winneconne and Oshkosh. This census-designated place is often lumped together with its neighboring towns, but locals have their own sense of identity in the form of water recreation and casual supper clubs packed with regulars. “It’s a very small town with less than 1,000 people,” says Eric Lichterman, an Oshkosh Realtor with Century 21 Ace Realty. “A lot of people don’t even know it exists. But people from Oshkosh, including my uncle, go to the supper clubs sometimes, and there are bands playing or events. It’s really a nice little place.” Among the lakes and rivers of the Winnebago Pool, Butte des Morts offers its own architectural diversity, local haunts and opportunities for recreation far removed from its urban counterparts.
Architectural diversity on the lakefront
Midcentury ranch-style homes and split levels are common in Butte des Morts, but custom homes decorate newer stretches of the community such as Valentine Drive. Mostly constructed in the early 2000s, these estates flaunt traditional architecture on sizable acre-sized lots “The town really isn’t that big, so you’ll see a lot of pockets of older streets with smaller homes,” Lichterman says. “You have to assume the massive homes by the water were just lots that someone finally built on.” Older, more modest ranch-style homes and split levels around the Main Street corridor are the community’s most affordable homes, ranging from about $100,000 to $325,000. Larger waterfront homes and modern traditional builds, some from the past 20 years and spanning more than 3,000 square feet, range from $500,000 to $1.8 million.
Located in Butte des Morts, larger waterfront home prices range from $500K to $1 million.
Older, more modest split levels are Butte des Morts' most affordable homes.
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Lake Butte des Morts
Although Butte des Morts doesn’t have parks, the 8,581-acre lake next door more than compensates for local recreation. The Butte des Morts Boat Ramp is popular among those without private docks, and many use the pier to fish for bass, walleye and northern pike. Cyclists take advantage of the Wolf Wilderness Trail, a paved path that wraps around a central pond by Kolb Road. But those seeking a more scenic route can head to Terrell Island, where a 3.8-mile gravel trail called The Breakwall stretches into the lake. At any given point, hikers and cyclists are entirely surrounded by water. Farther inland, Lake Breeze Golf Club is situated on Ball Prairie Road with an 18-hole championship-style course. Members from Butte des Morts and beyond have frequented the club since 1991. Lake Winneconne Park is about 4 miles west, featuring traditional park amenities like a playground and ball fields.
Butte des Morts rests on the northern bluffs of Lake Butte des Morts.
Locals launch boats from the Butte des Morts Ramp and fish along the pier.
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Dining at “The White House”
Butte des Morts is well-known for its tight-knit supper clubs. The White House Inn, colloquially known as “The White House,” is one such club operating out of a 20th-century saloon on Main Street. The Civil War-themed haunt serves classic American fare, similar to the Butte des Morts Supper Club next door. Heading into Oshkosh on Country Road South, commuters will pass Nature’s Finest Foods, a berry farm owned by the local Koeppl Family. From fresh raspberries in June to strawberries in July, the farm invites guests to peruse and pick at their leisure. Bare Bones Brewery is a mile south, serving popcorn, pizza, cheese curds and beef sticks from local vendors. The brewery is known mainly for its unique beer flavors, including Cookies & Milk Stout. Winneconne is home to The Well, a walk-up window open in the summertime for ice cream and fried food. The StoneRidge Piggly Wiggly down the street is the nearest grocery store.
Butte des Morts supper club serves classic American fare.
Tilly's Too Tavern is in the heart of Butte des Morts, packed with regulars.
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Winneconne Community School District
The Winneconne Community School District stretches from Vinland to Lake Poygan, comprised of three schools enrolling less than 2,000 students. Winneconne Elementary earns a B-plus on Niche, providing early childhood classrooms for children ages 3-5. Fourth graders are invited to the Norbert Rich School Forest each year to celebrate Conservation Field Day. The 43-acre tree farm sits halfway between Winneconne and Omro, educating students on forestry, wildlife and water quality. Winneconne Middle School splits a campus with Winneconne High along Wolf Run. The institutions share athletic fields and other extracurricular facilities. The former earns an A on Niche, while the latter earns a B-plus and boasts an above-average graduation rate.
Students attend Winneconne Elementary School, which earns a B-plus on Niche.
Winneconne High School with a B-plus on Niche boasts above-average graduation rates.
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Fishing tournaments in the Winnebago Pool
Sponsored by the Butte des Morts Lion’s Club, Carp Fest is held annually on the second Sunday of August. Live music, raffles and family-friendly activities bring hundreds to Washington Street to drink and congregate on the lakefront. A few miles west in Winneconne, the Annual Winneconne Bass Open is a popular tournament on its namesake lake. The town’s Fall Fest features a kid’s fishing tournament, live music, a vendor fair, and Trunk or Treat. Down in Oshkosh, hundreds of contestants flock to Miller’s Bay for Battle on Bago, an ice fishing competition held each February. Menominee Park borders Lake Winnebago and is especially popular on Independence Day, as fireworks are visible from the trails and beach area. Further, Wittman Regional Airport’s EAA AirVenture is considered the world's largest gathering of aviation enthusiasts. Guests can check out air shows, workshops and interactive displays throughout the week.
Navigating Winneconne and Oshkosh
Public transportation isn’t available in Butte des Morts, and bike lanes are in short supply. Since the community has limited sidewalks, cyclists will find that roads are only wide enough for two lanes of traffic without additional space to ride. The nearest amenities are in Winneconne, a 4-mile drive west on State Route 116. But many opt to shop or hang out in Oshkosh instead, a 9-mile drive south on Country Road S. The nearest emergency room is also located in Oshkosh, at the Aurora Medical Center. This commute, however, is only 8 miles south on Route 45. Though Wittman Regional Airport is closer to the community, the airstrip is mainly used for charter trips and hobby flying.. Appleton International Airport is a more popular alternative, 20 miles north on Interstate 41.
Located on a beautiful channel of Lake Butte des Morts with 100 feet of frontage, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home spans 2,764 square feet and is fully renovated. Direct water access with your own private dock. The heated tandem garage fits up to 4 vehicles and a 2nd overhead door provides easy access to the backyard. Inside, you’ll find an open-concept kitchen, living, and dining area featuring
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Average Home Value
Source: Public RecordsDisclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
