Wiouwash State Trail: Larsen to Oshkosh

The section of the Wiouwash State Trail from Larsen to Oshkosh features many picturesque views, including ones of Lake Butte des Morts and the Fox River. The trail runs 13.6 miles from Trailhead Park in Larsen to Carl E. Steiger Park in downtown Oshkosh. The surface is crushed limestone except the last mile, which is paved.

Trailhead Park in Larsen is behind the Clayton Town Hall. It can be reached from U.S. Highway 45 by exiting onto County Road II/M and driving east 2.7 miles. Drive through Winchester until reaching County Road T. Turn right (south) onto County Road T and go 0.3 mile. Turn left (east) into the town hall/fire department driveway. The parking lot is behind the town hall. Trailhead Park has a playground, athletic field, picnic tables, and park benches. A vending machine and restrooms are located next to the park by the town hall.

The spur trail on the east side of the park leads north to the Wiouwash State Trail. Signs and directional markers at the trail intersection inform cyclists to turn right (east) to head toward Oshkosh. Continuing straight takes trail-goers north to Hortonville.

The trail goes east, then turns south as it crosses the Arrowhead River (Larsen Drainage Ditch). After crossing County Highway T, the trail heads through farmland, with the river close by. With several turns, the trail bypasses Larsen.

The Wiouwash State Trail travels south through farmland. A thin corridor of trees and bushes often surrounds the trail. Two miles from Larsen’s Trailhead Park, the path crosses Oakridge Road. A small trailhead here has only a parking lot.

A half mile further, the trail goes by a native tallgrass prairie area. A mile south of Oakridge Road, the trail crosses Breezewood Lane. Another small trailhead here has a parking lot.

After Breezewood Lane, the trail cuts 1.5 miles through farmland, passing another native prairie area. Before reaching Allenville and County Highway G, the trail gradually ascends 30 feet. In Allenville, a trailhead parking lot is located aside ther county road.

The trail bends slightly to the southeast after leaving Allenville. It runs straight for 3 miles. The countryside is farmland, with groves of quaking aspens or paper birch. An occasional oak savanna appears along a low rising ridge. The trail also passes a third prairie area.

These three natural areas along the trail are named the Oshkosh-Larsen Trail Prairies. This wet-mesic prairie remnant is uniquely located at the northeastern edge of Wisconsin’s prairie-oak savanna region. Grasses include little blue-stem, Indian grass, prairie drop-seed, and prairie cord grass. Prairie plants include heath aster, shooting-star, sunflowers, blazing-star, rattlesnake root, prairie dock, and Riddell’s goldenrod.

After passing the third prairie remnant area, the trail crosses County Highway GG. Trailhead parking lots are located here and at the next intersection with Brooks Road. Between the two roads, the trail bridges sluggish Daggett Creek.

A short distance after Brooks Road, the trail runs next to U.S. Highway 45. It then passes under the highway alongside County Highway Y (Sunnyview Road). A trailhead on the south side of the U.S. highway has a paved parking lot, information kiosk, park bench, and bicycle self-service station. This trailhead is at the junction of County Highways S and Y. To reach it by car from U.S. Highway 45 north of Oshkosh, exit onto County Highway T and go west a short distance. Turn right (north) on County Highway S and travel 0.6 mile to the trailhead.

Cyclists wanting a break from the trail and enjoy a craft brew may visit Bare Bones Brewery. This local microbrewery has a great public taproom, and features a large selection of beers. It is located across County Highway Y from the trailhead.

From the trailhead, the path crosses County Highway S. The road is busy, and cyclists should use caution when crossing. Because of this and other road crossings, bright shirts and helmets are highly recommended for cyclists on this trail.

After one mile, the southern view opens up to Sunset Bay on Lake Butte des Morts. The trail parallels the bay, offering spectacular views of the water. Shangri La Point to the west and Sunset Point to the east are clearly visible from the path.

This part of the trail is an excellent spot for shoreline fishing. Pike, white bass, perch, and crappies are common. The area also provides opportunities for waterfowl and bird watching.

After following the shoreline for a half mile, the Wiouwash State Trail heads toward the large interchange of Interstate Highway 41 and U.S. Highway 45. Another trailhead is located alongside this major interchange at the corner of Lake Butte des Morts Drive and Westwind Road. It has a parking lot and information kiosk.

The trail surface changes from crushed limestone to pavement as it passes over the interchange next to Lake Butte des Morts Drive. The surface returns to crushed limestone on the east side of the overpass. The horseback riding section of the trail ends at this point. At this location, the Wiouwash State Trail meets the Tribal Heritage Trail. Running adjacent to the Interstate Highway 41 causeway and bridge, this 1.8 mile path over Lake Butte des Morts shares the history of Native American nations in Wisconsin on 13 different information kiosks. The paved trail also provides tremendous views of the lake.

Continuing on the Wiouwash State Trail, the path travels 1.3 miles along the banks of the Fox River toward downtown Oshkosh. After passing Riverside Cemetery, it arrives at River Mill Road. Trail signs direct cyclists to follow River Mill Road and Arboretum Drive to Wisconsin State Highway 21 (Congress Avenue). Congress Avenue is busy, and cyclists are advised to employ crossing lights to safely cross the street.

After continuing down Summit Avenue, the trail resumes and heads into a forest. Once out of the woods, it arrives at Meritor’s warehouse. The trail surface turns to paved asphalt as it makes its way around the massive blue building.

The Wiouwash State Trail then enters part of the campus of UW-Oshkosh. Park benches along the path provide places to take in views of the Fox River. There is just over a half mile of campus to bike through, past the Student Recreation and Wellness Center and the Culver Family Welcome Center, to reach Carl E. Steiger Park. This is where the trail ends.

Parking for Steiger Park is located within a much larger lot shared with the university, outside the Culver Family Welcome Center. A number of stalls in that lot are clearly designated for Steiger Park use. The lot is accessed by car from Pearl Avenue in Oshkosh. Turn northwest onto Pearl Avenue from Wisconsin State Highway 44 (Wisconsin Street) on the north side of the Fox River. At first glance, there seems to be many other parking lots near the trail, but the vast majority are reserved for university staff and students, and require specific parking permits.

Oshkosh is the seat of Winnebago County and home to a state university. The area has several regionally renowned museums, including the EAA Aviation Museum, Oshkosh Public Museum, and the Paine Art Center and Gardens. Trail-goers may pick from an assortment of hotels and restaurants, and beer enthusiasts may visit several microbreweries.

Oshkosh also is home to two historic drive-ins that are popular with both tourists and locals. Leon’s Frozen Custard is famous for its custard, with an old-school parlor storefront from which cones, custard, and drive-in food are doled out. Ardy & Ed’s Drive-In offers a fairly wide menu of tasty classic foods, and roller-skating car hops provide car-side service while classic 50’s & 60’s tunes play in the background. It’s not too far from Lake Winnebago.

^{Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.}

Named after a Menominee chief, Oshkosh developed on the Fox River between Lakes Winnebago and Butte des Morts. The lumber industry spurred its development, and it was incorporated as a city in 1853. Located on a navigable waterway, the mills of Oshkosh could process raw material from northern pineries and quickly get lumber products to market. The arrival of the railway in 1859 further expanded the industry in Oshkosh. At one time, the city was known as the “Sawdust Capital of the World” due to the number of lumber mills.

Oshkosh grew substantially in the 1870s. By 1874, it had 47 sawmills and 15 shingle mills. The city also attracted teachers, attorneys, doctors, and businessmen. In 1871, the Oshkosh State Normal School (now UW-Oshkosh) was established. The school’s purpose was to train teachers. Today over 15,000 students attend the university.

Trail last ridden and documented in September, 2021.