Picnic Point Park - Oshkosh, WI
In early October, my sister and I took a drive north on Hwy 41 towards Oshkosh, looking for some fall color. We stopped first at Asylum Point Park & Lighthouse, to take in the lighthouse view, and surrounding Lake Winnebago. Colors were changing, but not near peak, yet. Next stop was at Picnic Point Park, just down the road from Asylum Point. Located along Lake Winnebago, Picnic Point Park features walking trails through old woodlands. The land was transferred from the Department of Health Services to the Department of Natural Resources back in 2008, in an effort to keep it in a natural state for future generations.
As we wandered the woods, we came across a clearing with four small cabins and a larger lodge building. This is known as Picnic Point Camp.
I'm not certain whether or not the camp is still in use, but the buildings are intact. They are just a small part of the history of this land. The Winnebago Mental Health Institution (WMHI) has facilities on the property, with a history going back many decades. Over time the land was farmed by residents of the facility and staff members. At one point there was even a small zoo on the property. A private cemetery belonging to WMHI resides in the area as well. Reaching further back, the land was in use by local indigenous peoples including Menominee and Ho-Chunk tribes.
In present day, recreational activities permitted in the area include: hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Picnic tables are also scattered throughout the roadside part of the park. The walking trails meander through woodlands and among prairie, but signage is limited. The trail in and back is about 2 miles.
Hours: Open Daily
Dogs are permitted on the trails, on-leash.
Owners must clean up after their pets.
Location: 1901 Picnic Point Trail, Oshkosh, WI (Winnebago County)
For more information, click here.
As we wandered the woods, we came across a clearing with four small cabins and a larger lodge building. This is known as Picnic Point Camp.
I'm not certain whether or not the camp is still in use, but the buildings are intact. They are just a small part of the history of this land. The Winnebago Mental Health Institution (WMHI) has facilities on the property, with a history going back many decades. Over time the land was farmed by residents of the facility and staff members. At one point there was even a small zoo on the property. A private cemetery belonging to WMHI resides in the area as well. Reaching further back, the land was in use by local indigenous peoples including Menominee and Ho-Chunk tribes.
In present day, recreational activities permitted in the area include: hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Picnic tables are also scattered throughout the roadside part of the park. The walking trails meander through woodlands and among prairie, but signage is limited. The trail in and back is about 2 miles.
Hours: Open Daily
Dogs are permitted on the trails, on-leash.
Owners must clean up after their pets.
Location: 1901 Picnic Point Trail, Oshkosh, WI (Winnebago County)
For more information, click here.
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