Whether Oshkosh is a travel destination or a place to call home, the city and region offer abundant events and activities. Individuals and families of all ages can enjoy a variety of artistic to adventurous places, enjoyable during our diverse seasons.

Below are just a few of the attractions found in Oshkosh. For more information on places to go and things to do, check out the latest Oshkosh Events calendar of regional activities, or year-round attraction information provided by the Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau.
 
 
Pollock Community Water Park sits on more than three acres next to Red Arrow Park.  Oshkosh residents are proud of the water park, which boasts an 8,000-square-foot pool with zero-depth entry, a lazy river, a tube and body slide, dumping buckets, wall sprays, waterfalls and a large water playground.

The water park opened in 2006, thanks to both anonymous donors and donations from community residents.


 
 
Visit an authentic "American Castle" in all its splendor!  The Paine Art Center and Gardens features a regal Tudor Revival mansion with art galleries and more than three acres of breathtaking display gardens.  The magnificent manor house was constructed in 1927 for lumber baron Nathan Paine and his wife, Jessie Kimberly Paine.

Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this exceptional home houses collections of American and European paintings and outstanding decorative arts.  New in 2003, the Family Discovery Gallery features more than a dozen hands-on exhibits that encourage family participation in focused activities about art, gardens and architecture.


 
 
A restored Victorian theater, the Grand Opera House was built in 1883 and renovated during the 1980s.  It is one of the oldest theaters in the state of Wisconsin and a centerpiece of downtown Oshkosh.

As a performing arts center, "The Grand" presents a season of national touring acts, an educational Student Discovery Series and is host to community performances, school performances, meetings and even weddings!


 
 
The Menominee Park Zoo opened in 1945 and is situated on eight of the park's 109 acres.  It is open May through September.  Animals, including monkeys, goats, prairie dogs and wolves, are just some of the attractions the zoo has to offer.  Open to the public for a nominal fee, the zoo is an Oshkosh treasure and a wonderful family excursion.

Educational programs change yearly and include:

  • Animal enrichment activities
  • Feeding demonstrations
  • Informational docents
  • Group programming
  • Tours
  • Educational birthday parties