Oshkosh

The community of Congress Field rests a few blocks from the eastern bluffs of the Fox River. Midcentury homes orient around Congress Avenue Athletic Park, a sprawling field that hosts youth sports leagues and neighborhood dog walkers. The local elementary and middle schools are equally as walkable, while locally owned shops and big box stores are within a mile radius. Residents can hit the water for a day or head a mile south to Main Street, where boutiques and vintage shops help create a small-town atmosphere. Slightly more affordable homes are paired with the benefits of lake life and proximity to the downtown scene, making Congress Field a sought-after destination in Oshkosh. The homes in Congress Field were primarily constructed between the early to mid-20th century. The residential enclave features a mix of traditional architecture and bungalows priced between $100,000 and $250,000, slightly below average in Oshkosh. Residential streets with sidewalks outline the central Congress Avenue Athletic Park, an open field space frequented by locals and visitors alike. The homes next door are granted privacy from park-goers thanks to fences and vegetation blocking the line of sight. Though street parking is available, it’s rarely utilized as most homes provide ample driveway space leading to detached garages. Towering pine and oak trees shade backyards with above-ground pools, trampolines and patios, contributing to the family-friendly ambiance. Students are zoned for the Oshkosh Area School District, beginning at Read Elementary, which earns a C-plus on Niche and is located just a few blocks from most homes. Vel Phillips Middle School is brand-new, opening its doors for the first time in 2023. The school is located on Jackson Street next door to its predecessor, Merrill Middle, meaning it’s still relatively walkable for families to the east of Congress Avenue Athletic Park. Oshkosh North High School earns a B on Niche and notably provides alternative education programs. Students seeking more robust community engagement in and outside the classroom can participate in “Communities” leadership courses. The school district also provides an eAcademy online program, allowing students to earn their diplomas virtually or in a hybrid setting. Though it’s common for residents to gather at Congress Avenue Athletic Park for the tot lot playground or a casual pick-up game, the field occasionally hosts practices for the Oshkosh Raptors Youth Football Club. “There are actually two teams in Oshkosh, but I have to laugh because they’re not allowed to compete against each other anymore,” says Eric Lichterman, a local Realtor with Century 21 Ace Realty. “There were some brawls; everyone heard about it, and they stopped competing. But the leagues are pretty popular overall because if you want to play in high school, you have to get involved early.” Most practices, however, take place at East Hall Park, which also features four baseball diamonds and a soccer field. On the western banks of the Fox River, Rainbow Park is popular for its boat launch and casting docks, as well as a playground and seasonal ice rink. Residents of Congress Field are largely car-dependent, but public transit and bike lanes aren’t hard to come by since Downtown Oshkosh is only 1 mile south. “You do see a lot of people using the buses even though they have cars,” Lichterman says. “They even have bike racks on the front of the buses so you can bring your bike.” GO Transit bus stops are widely available along New York Avenue and Jackson Street, while Elmwood Avenue is the closest bikeable thoroughfare. The nearest emergency room is at Aurora Medical Center Oshkosh, about 3 miles west on State Route 21. Commuters can hop on Interstate 41 when heading 21 miles to Appleton or, even farther, Green Bay—a 51-mile commitment. Though Wittman Regional Airport is only 3 miles south, it’s considered a public-use strip. Most opt to fly out of Appleton International Airport instead. The Pick ‘n Save on Jackson Street is where residents might bump into each other, as it’s the nearest grocery store to Congress Field. Casual fast food options surround the shopping center, including Starbucks and Leon’s Frozen Custard. Wagner Market on Main Street is a go-to butcher and grocer known for uniquely flavored brats—including gummy bear and raspberry chipotle. Wagner’s regulars flock to the shelves seven days a week, browsing more than 100 Wisconsin cheeses and a broad craft beer selection. Down the street are boutiques and shops selling art supplies, vintage items, records and pastries. Closer to home, the Fox River Brewing Company boasts a lively patio with scenic views of the Oshkosh Avenue Bridge. Just below, boaters park at the establishment’s dock for a drink or two at the tiki bar. The Congress Field Neighborhood Association is known to host community clean-up events from time to time. But Oshkosh offers a wide array of events and activities beyond neighborhood beautification. The Paine Art Center & Gardens are right around the corner, a preserved estate on the National Register of Historic Places featuring art galleries and botanic exhibits throughout the year. Every Saturday morning from June through October, Main Street hosts swarms of visitors gathering for the Oshkosh Farmer’s Market. Guests peruse over 150 vendors selling local produce and handmade crafts while a rotating roster of live musicians plays each week. February ushers in the famous Battle on Bago, where hundreds of contestants ice fish on Miller’s Bay for a chance to win $300,000 in cash and prizes. Meanwhile, EAA AirVenture is the world's largest gathering of aviation enthusiasts. Held each July at Wittman Regional Airport, guests can check out air shows, workshops and interactive displays throughout the week.

The residential enclave of Ferry Crossing surrounds Teichmiller Park, a walkable green space with family-friendly amenities. Midcentury homes flank modern builds situated 2 miles from Downtown Oshkosh’s locally owned businesses and annual events. Though the neighborhood is priced slightly higher than the city’s average, residents are close to a public high school and up-and-coming spaces like Akan Acres Park. From gummy bear brats at Wagner Market to dockside dining at the Fox River Brewing Company and well-maintained sidewalks for post-dinner strolls, Ferry Crossing offers the perks of the city without the accompanying buzz. Ferry Crossing’s laid-back residential streets are lined with ranch-style homes, Cape Cods, split levels and snout houses constructed between the midcentury and early 2000s. Sidewalks weave throughout the community, passing modest lawns with gardens and flags out front. Teichmiller Park rests at the heart, accessible from the cul-de-sac on Crane Street. Residents expect park-goers to utilize street parking since a general lot is not provided. But the neighborhood’s mix of attached and detached garages means spots out front are rarely competitive. Those surrounding the park’s perimeter might have views of the green space from the back porch or even a gate in the fence for easy access. Above-ground pools and patios only contribute to the communal, neighborly atmosphere. Home prices are slightly above average for Oshkosh, ranging from $285,000 to $350,000. Students are zoned for the Oshkosh Area School District, beginning at Read Elementary, which earns a C-plus on Niche. Vel Phillips Middle School is brand-new, opening its doors for the first time in 2023. The school is located on Jackson Street, next door to its predecessor, Merrill Middle. Oshkosh North High School earns a B on Niche, situated on Morgan Avenue within walking distance of many residences. The high school notably provides a handful of alternative education programs. Students seeking more robust community engagement in and outside the classroom can participate in “Communities” leadership courses. The school district also provides an eAcademy online program, allowing students to earn their diplomas virtually or in a hybrid setting. Though Ferry Crossing itself is highly walkable, residents are largely car-dependent for commuting and shopping for necessities. Cycling is an option for some, but there are few dedicated bike lanes around the community. “The city has started adding more designated bike lanes in the last few years,” says Eric Lichterman, a local Realtor with Century 21 Ace Realty. “Either way, you might see some people biking, but it isn’t huge around here.” GO Transit bus stops on Linwood and Smith Avenues link riders about 2 miles south to jobs, restaurants and shops in Downtown Oshkosh. The closest emergency room is located at Aurora Medical Center Oshkosh, 3 miles west across the Oshkosh Avenue Bridge. Commuters can hop on Interstate 41 when heading 21 miles to Appleton or, even farther, Green Bay—a 50-mile commitment. Though Wittman Regional Airport is only 4 miles south, it’s designated as a public-use airstrip for charter flights and hobbyists. Most travelers opt to fly out with common airlines such as Allegiant Air and United Express out of Appleton International Airport instead. Teichmiller Park sits in the center of Ferry Crossing. The playground, ball fields and tennis courts are walkable for residents both in and outside the community, making it the most convenient spot for relaxing on sunny afternoons. Also walkable is Akan Acres Park, an up-and-coming green space behind Oshkosh North High School. In 2024, students planted trees in the park for Arbor Day after many were chopped due to a pest infestation. The space features a walking path and a small pond where visitors can watch the restoration projects evolve over time. On the other side of the Fox River, Rainbow Park is popular for its boat launch and casting docks, as well as a playground and seasonal ice rink. “When my kids were younger, a lot of times I would fish, and the kids would play in the park,” Lichterman says. “The docks get really busy during the Walleye tournaments.” The Pick ‘n Save on Jackson Street is the nearest grocery store to Ferry Crossing. Located in the Airacres Shopping Center about a mile to the east, the supermarket is next to a local 24-hour gym, an independently owned pharmacy, a couple of fast-food restaurants, vehicle service centers and some other retail stores. But Wagner Market on Main Street in the downtown area is a go-to butcher and grocer known for uniquely flavored brats. “I’ve never had the guts to try the gummy bear brat,” Lichterman says. “But they carry a lot of stuff your typical grocery store wouldn’t carry. That’s the nice part, all kinds of take-and-bake pizzas and soda alternatives.” Wagner’s regulars usually flock to the shelves for their authentic Wisconsin cheeses and a broad craft beer selection. Down the street are boutiques and shops selling art supplies, vintage items, records and pastries. Closer to home, the Fox River Brewing Company boasts a lively patio with scenic views of the Oshkosh Avenue Bridge. Just below, boaters park at the establishment’s dock for a drink or two at the tiki bar. Every Saturday morning from June through October, Main Street hosts swarms of visitors for the Oshkosh Farmer’s Market. Guests peruse over 150 vendors selling local produce and handmade crafts while a rotating roster of live musicians plays each week. February ushers in the famous Battle on Bago, where hundreds of contestants ice fish on Miller’s Bay for a chance to win $300,000 in cash and prizes. Meanwhile, EAA AirVenture is considered the largest gathering of aviation enthusiasts in the world. Held each July at Wittman Regional Airport, guests can check out air shows, workshops and interactive displays throughout the week. “People will start coming the weekend before,” Lichterman notes. “Policemen have to control all the lights because it gets so backed up. It’s quite the ordeal when it comes to town.”

Lumber River is home to the original Paine Lumber Company, a 19th-century lumber factory that still towers over the neighborhood today—only now it’s known as the River Mill Condominiums. Below, River Mill Road is lined with homes offering private docks and access to the Wiouwash State Trail. Local haunts, like the Fox River Brewing Company, pair with big-box shops along nearby thoroughfares for a convenient suburban lifestyle along the banks of the Fox River. About a mile south, Downtown Oshkosh hosts lively events throughout the year accessible by public transit and bikeable routes. From water recreation to dockside dining and nearby amenities, Lumber River offers a taste of almost everything Oshkosh has to offer. The River Mill Condominiums offer scenic views of the Fox River, with units varying in price from $190,000 to $450,000. But prices could soon be rising, as the penthouse of the converted four-level warehouse went on the market for $1 million in 2024. The property additionally features a private pool, tennis courts, a marina and individual garages. “Million-dollar condos in Oshkosh are not a common occurrence,” says Eric Lichterman, a local Realtor with Century 21 Ace Realty. “You don’t see them go up for sale because people choose to stay there.” Farther inland, residents on River Mill Road have a view of the towering condos in the distance. The street flaunts traditional architecture and Colonial Revivals, some with private docks. Multi-car garages accompany long driveways and manicured gardens. These builds range in price from $350,000 to $650,000. East of Algoma Boulevard, Cape Cods and bungalows dominate the market. Priced between $150,000 and $200,000, these midcentury homes exchange waterfront living for proximity to nearby thoroughfares and amenities. On the western banks of the Fox River, Rainbow Park is popular for its boat launch and casting docks, as well as its playground and seasonal ice rink. But many residents in Lumber River have docks and boat sheds of their own. “The nice thing about living on the river is it connects to both Lake Butte des Morts and Lake Winnebago,” Lichterman says. “Not all buyers want that waterfront property for watersports, but it’s cool to have easy access to the lakes.” Though boaters should note the Winnebago Pool’s no-wake zones, recreation like water skiing is still encouraged. On land, dog walkers can check out Hiker Park, a small green pocket with gardens and a shaded path at the intersection of Algoma and Congress. The Paine Art Center & Gardens are right next door. This preserved estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring 3 acres of art galleries and botanic gardens. Students are zoned for the Oshkosh Area School District, beginning at Read Elementary, which earns a C-plus on Niche. Vel Phillips Middle is brand-new, opening its doors for the first time in 2023. The school is located on Jackson Street, next door to its predecessor, Merrill Middle, and is currently unrated by Niche. Oshkosh North High School earns a B on Niche. Students seeking more robust community engagement in and outside the classroom can participate in “Communities” leadership courses. The school district also provides an eAcademy online program, allowing students to earn their diplomas virtually or in a hybrid setting. Martin Luther Church and School is a walkable private option, enrolling around 100 K-8 students. The scenic building sits next to the Paine Art Center & Gardens on Algoma Boulevard. The Pick ‘n Save on Jackson Street is the nearest grocery store to Lumber River. But Wagner Market on Main Street is a go-to butcher and grocer known for uniquely flavored brats—including gummy bear and raspberry chipotle. Wagner’s regulars flock to the shelves seven days a week, browsing more than 100 Wisconsin cheeses and a broad craft beer selection. Down the street are boutiques and shops selling art supplies, vintage items, records and pastries. Closer to home, the Fox River Brewing Company boasts a lively patio with scenic views of the Oshkosh Avenue Bridge. Just below, boaters park at the establishment’s dock for a drink or two at the tiki bar. While Northside Bar & Grill may not offer its own marina, this hole-in-the-wall is well-loved for cornhole tournaments and a weekly Friday Fish Fry. Every Saturday morning from June through October, Main Street hosts swarms of visitors gathering for the Oshkosh Farmer’s Market. Guests peruse over 150 vendors selling local produce and handmade crafts while a rotating roster of live musicians plays each week. During the off-season, the city hosts an indoor market at the Oshkosh Arena with around 30 weekly vendors and a novelty Holiday Bazaar in December. February ushers in the famous Battle on Bago, where hundreds of contestants ice fish on Miller’s Bay for a chance to win $300,000 in cash and prizes. Meanwhile, EAA AirVenture is considered the largest gathering of aviation enthusiasts in the world. Held each July at Wittman Regional Airport, guests can check out air shows, workshops and interactive displays throughout the week. Residents of Lumber River are largely car-dependent, but public transit and bike lanes aren’t hard to come by since Downtown Oshkosh is only a mile or so south. GO Transit bus stops are widely available along Oshkosh and Murdock Avenues, while River Mill Road and Summit Avenue are both bikeable. The nearest emergency room is at Aurora Medical Center Oshkosh, about 2 miles west on State Route 21. Commuters can hop on Interstate 41 when heading 20 miles to Appleton or, even farther, Green Bay—a 50-mile commitment. Though Wittman Regional Airport is only 3 miles south, it’s considered a public-use strip. Most opt to fly out of Appleton International Airport instead. The Riverside Cemetery was first established in 1850. Considered one of Oshkosh’s oldest cemeteries, it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Oshkosh Public Museum down the road sometimes hosts walking tours, as many of the city’s historic leaders are laid to rest on its grounds. Residents of Lumber River may pass Riverside on their daily commutes, but those dwelling near the grounds are separated by the Wiouwash State Trail. Extending from Downtown Oshkosh to Hortonville, the trail runs the perimeter of the cemetery and yields expansive views of the river. “It’s actually a pretty popular trail, but I’ve never biked the whole thing,” Lichterman says. “It’s super convenient when you live right there. You can literally walk to it from your house.”

Oshkosh's aptly-named Marina District marries the waterfront lifestyle with access to downtown's restaurants, shops, and businesses located 2 miles east. Running alongside the Fox River, the Marina District allows residents to enjoy the river's bluffs, lined with green spaces, fishing docks, boat rentals, and marinas. Farther inland, midcentury homes are walkable to nearby public and private schools. Beyond the neighborhood, Interstate 41 to the west provides access to big-box retail, while Main Street sits east and hosts many of Oshkosh’s bustling annual events. The Marina District’s homes range from traditional architecture to raised ranches and bungalows. Properties bordering the Fox River feature riverfront views, while others offer peeks of Lakeside Marina beyond the brush of the river corridor. Homes vary widely in age compared to the city’s otherwise midcentury-dominated neighborhoods. Homebuyers will find builds dating back to 1915 alongside those constructed as recently as 2023. Prices range from $150,000 to $260,000, with homes on the lower end requiring more attention. Sidewalks run along the residential streets, where minimalist gardens, basketball hoops and boats parked in driveways are common sights. Garage space is dependent on the age of the property, though some residents have added detached garages over the years. Closer to Campbell Creek, condominiums offer units for between $150,000 and $200,000. The Oshkosh Sports Complex is an ever-present fixture in the community area. After all, J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium is hard to miss—the Olympic-quality outdoor track pairs with a state-of-the-art football field utilized by the local high schools. The main attraction here, however, is the Fox River. Kubasta’s Landing sits at the mouth of Campbell Creek, providing personal boat storage, hoists for launching and standard boathouse rentals. Less than a mile downstream, William A. Steiger Park features two launch sites and a fishing dock. The park itself has been a go-to fishing spot for years. “There’s always some boat traffic on the river, and there's a sandbar that a lot of people hang out at called Streich’s; they do a lot of boat poker runs over there,” Lichterman says. On land, Bauman Park is almost 10 acres, walkable from many homes and houses playgrounds, basketball courts and space for running and walking. Pollack Community Water Park is a hot spot in the summer for its waterslides, splash pads and lazy river. The Fox River Brewing Company is located on the eastern corridor of its titular river. The lively patio sports scenic views of the Oshkosh Avenue Bridge. Just below, boaters can dock and enjoy the tiki bar. The city loves this decades-old establishment, from live music to yard games and dockside dining with seasonal American fare. Oshkosh Avenue intersects with Interstate 41 to the west, which provides access to Walmart Supercenter, Festival Foods, Menards and Lowe’s. Casual dining options line the thoroughfare’s exits, including Midwest favorites like Culver’s. Closer to home, Thunderbird Bakery & Café is a new addition to the intersection of 6th Avenue and Knapp Street. Originally a vendor at the Oshkosh Farmer’s Market, Thunderbird opened its brick-and-mortar bake shop in 2023 in the former Reichenberger Meat Market building. Marina District locals can grab a coffee, donut or sandwich less than a mile from home. Every Saturday morning from June through October, Main Street hosts 150 vendors selling local produce and handmade crafts while a rotating roster of live musicians plays at the Oshkosh Farmer’s Market. During the off-season, the city hosts an indoor market at the Oshkosh Arena with around 30 weekly vendors and a novelty Holiday Bazaar in December. February ushers in the famous Battle on Bago, where hundreds of contestants ice fish on Miller’s Bay for a chance to win $300,000 in cash and prizes. Meanwhile, EAA AirVenture is considered the world's largest gathering of aviation enthusiasts. Held each July at Wittman Regional Airport, guests can check out air shows, workshops and interactive displays throughout the week. “It’s very chaotic in Oshkosh; people arrive the week before, and you can tell because you’ll see out-of-town plates starting to pop up,” Lichterman says. “The college even rents dorms for people to stay in; they’re full of EAA people every summer.” Families in the Marina District are zoned for the Oshkosh Area School District. Roosevelt Elementary sits in the heart of the neighborhood, a walkable distance for students. It earns a B-minus on Niche. About a mile south, Perry Tipler Middle School shares a campus with the Advanced Learning Program (ALP) Charter School. The school requires an application process for students enrolling in the fast-paced charter program, which earns a C-plus. Oshkosh West High School earns a B-plus. The school’s swimming pool, three gymnasiums and auditorium accommodate extracurriculars, including athletics and music. Lourdes Academy is a walkable private, spiritual option enrolling kindergarten through Grade 12. The academy provides its own roster of athletic leagues, including a football team that plays at the J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium. The Marina District sits about 2 miles from Downtown Oshkosh. Temporary closures on the Wisconsin Street Bridge are expected throughout 2024. Alternatively, the Oshkosh Avenue Bridge is a reliable route to the downtown scene via Oshkosh Avenue. GO Transit bus stops are provided along Sawyer Street, Campbell Road and Witzel Avenue. Though designated bike lanes are rare, Josslyn, Taft and Campbell Streets are each available to cyclists. The nearest emergency room is at Aurora Medical Center Oshkosh, 2 miles west on State Route 21. Commuters can hop on I-41 when heading up to Appleton or, even farther, Green Bay—a 52-mile commitment. Despite a more convenient 3-mile drive to the county-owned, public-use Wittman Regional Airport, most residents opt to fly out of Appleton International Airport, 20 miles north. The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh borders the Marina District to the east. The Fox River flows between them, but those with riverside homes may still discern a few university buildings in the distance. “You get a fair amount of people that go to games and stuff, but it’s not like a Wisconsin Badgers game,” Lichterman says, referring to the university’s central campus in Madison. “You might know some grumpy old people who don’t like the college kids, but we were all kids once! They just like to party and have a good time.” Of note is the university's rapid decline in enrollment, particularly after Menasha’s satellite campus saw a 67 percent drop between 2014 and 2024. Having already discontinued in-person courses at its Fon du Lac location, the university has instilled curiosity in Oshkosh residents regarding its future in the city.

Menominee North sits mere blocks from Downtown Oshkosh, but the community’s biggest draw is its next door neighbor: Lake Winnebago. Residents are within walking distance of Menominee Park, a sprawling lakeside green space packed with family-friendly destinations, including an 8-acre zoo. Premier access to the park’s events is made easy by ample sidewalks and bikeable streets. But Independence Day fireworks on Miller’s Bay are still visible from many a front yard, allowing residents to enjoy the lakeside fun from the comfort of their own homes. Though Main Street’s attractions may not be walkable, the thoroughfare’s shopping and dining options are only a mile or so from the neighborhood. From front row seats to Battle on Bago, to a brand-new walkable elementary school and a massive, lakeside park next door, Menominee North may as well be Oshkosh’s very own beating heart. Homes in Menominee North were largely constructed in the early to mid-20th century. Sidewalks outline residential streets, where new and old growth trees denote the community’s history and continued growth. Ranch-style homes and bungalows are prominent, along with traditional architecture and custom builds with unique features. Some flaunt steep-pitched roofs while others boast sunrooms or spacious front porches. Uniformity is found in neatly trimmed lawns, paved driveways and walkways connecting to the sidewalk out front. Prices range from $120,000 to $300,000, with many homes providing added amenities like detached garages out back. Though most properties are well kept, the historical nature of the neighborhood means many require some additional work prior to move in. On Broad Street, Oshkosh's Boys & Girls Club offers after-school and summer programs in various disciplines, from arts to athletics. But between Hazel Street and Miller’s Bay sits Menominee Park, Oshkosh’s largest green space spanning 109 acres. “The bay is actually part of the park, so that’s where they do Fourth of July fireworks every year,” says Eric Lichterman, Oshkosh native and Realtor with Century 21 Ace Realty. “They host tons of fishing tournaments, too, like ice fishing in the winter and then smaller bass tournaments in the summer. A lot of big-name people come out for them.” While Pratt Trail runs the park's perimeter, Siewert Trail borders the bay, stretching to Ames Point. Competitors line the trail for Battle on Bago, the iconic ice fishing tournament held annually in February. A boat park and modest beach area accompany ball courts and the Little Oshkosh Playground closer to the park’s southern entrance. The Menominee Park Zoo rests at the center, granting free admission thanks to a generous community donation. New animals are leased yearly for a unique viewing experience from May through September. Main Street sits 4 blocks west of Menominee North, lined with locally-owned shops and eateries that comprise the downtown scene. Pilora’s Café is laid-back, serving light Mediterranean brunch plates paired with fresh coffee and kombucha bottled in-house. Less than a mile south, Elsewhere Market and Coffee House promotes sustainability with thoughtfully selected makers. From housewares like linens and lotion to grab & go lattes, the market sells products inspired by their signature vacation homes in Wisconsin, Georgia and Massachusetts. Wagner Market is a go-to butcher and grocer known for their uniquely flavored brats—including gummy bear and raspberry chipotle. Browsing more than 100 Wisconsin cheeses and a broad craft beer selection, Wagner’s regulars flock to the shelves seven days a week. Over on Murdock Avenue, Oshkosh Mediterranean Food Market offers spices, pitas and other goods. Pick ‘n Save covers the basics, along with Red’s Piggly Wiggly across the street. Every Saturday morning from June through October, Main Street hosts swarms of visitors gathering for the Oshkosh Farmer’s Market. Guests peruse over 150 vendors selling local produce and handmade crafts while a rotating roster of live musicians plays each week. During the off-season, the city hosts an indoor market at the Oshkosh Arena with around 30 weekly vendors and a novelty Holiday Bazaar in December. Around the same time is Menominee Park’s annual Celebration of Lights, a drive-thru holiday exhibit featuring more than a million twinkling lights. February ushers in the famous Battle on Bago, where hundreds of contestants ice fish on Miller’s Bay for a chance to win $300,000 in cash and prizes. But arguably the largest event in the state is EAA AirVenture, considered the largest gathering of aviation enthusiasts in the world. Held each July at Wittman Regional Airport, guests can check out air shows, workshops and interactive displays throughout the week. “They say Wittman is the busiest airport in the world for the whole week,” Lichterman says. “It draws a lot of famous people; movie stars like Tom Cruise, who’s there almost every year, and Harrison Ford goes a lot. I think John Travolta, too. They’re not even paid to go; they just want to.” Families in Menominee North are zoned for the Oshkosh Area School District, where students will attend brand-new Menominee Elementary beginning in the 2024-2025 school year. Though transportation will not be provided, the institution is within walking distance of most residences. Earning a C-minus on Niche, Vel Phillips Middle School opened in 2023, replacing Webster Stanley and Merrill Middle Schools, to the dismay of many residents. “I think a lot of the reason people wanted to save Merrill was because it was there for so long,” Lichterman says. Initially constructed in 1901, Merrill Middle is slated for demolition in fall 2024. “It was a fixture in the community but falling apart.” Transportation is not provided to Vel Phillips Middle, a 2-mile commute from the neighborhood. However, bus service is provided at Oshkosh North High School, earning a B on Niche. Downtown Oshkosh is a mere mile from Menominee North. GO Transit bus stops are provided along Irving Avenue, Bowen Street and New York Avenue for an easier commute to the Main Street hub. Though designated bike lanes are rare, New York and Irving Avenues’ wide streets allow cyclists to easily reach Menominee Park to the east or Main Street to the west. The nearest emergency room is at Aurora Medical Center Oshkosh, 5 miles west on State Route 21. Commuters can rely on Interstate 41 when heading up to Appleton or, even farther, Green Bay—a 52-mile commitment. Despite a more convenient 4-mile drive to the county-owned, public-use Wittman Regional Airport, most residents opt to fly out of Appleton International Airport, 19 miles north.