Heritage Trail Oshkosh 2025 07

Before I start I would like to apologize for the lack of photos in the last post. I had pulled my SD Card from my PC thinking the PC was off and there was something still holding onto the Hartman Creek photos folder. Because of that the pictures corrupted and I do not think I am going to be able to recover the photos.

So two weeks ago we once again had to decide where to walk. I thought maybe we would hike the Ice Age trail in Manitowoc. My wife wanted to walk somewhere near the water and remembered the Heritage Trail in Oshkosh. So we decided to make a loop out of the Heritage Trail and the Wiouwash Trail.

Key Features

The “Heritage Trail” in Oshkosh typically refers to the Tribal Heritage Crossing Trail, which is a significant part of the larger Wiouwash State Trail system. Here are 10 key facts about it:

• Focus on Native American Heritage: The trail is distinguished by its numerous interpretive signs that educate visitors about the history and culture of the Native American tribes that have historically inhabited the area of Wisconsin.
• Part of the Wiouwash State Trail: While often referred to as the “Heritage Trail,” it’s officially known as the Tribal Heritage Crossing, and it serves as a crucial section of the Wiouwash State Trail, which spans multiple counties.
• Crosses Lake Butte des Morts: A prominent feature of the trail is its paved causeway and bridge crossing over the scenic Lake Butte des Morts, offering stunning water views.
• Length: The Tribal Heritage Crossing portion of the trail is approximately 1 to 1.8 miles long.
• Paved Surface: The trail is paved, making it accessible for a variety of users, including walkers, runners, cyclists, and in-line skaters.
• ADA Compliant: It is designed to be accessible, with ADA-compliant pathways and facilities, ensuring it’s welcoming for individuals with disabilities.
• Connects to Other Trails: It seamlessly connects to the larger Wiouwash State Trail on its north end and the Oshkosh Riverwalk on its south end, creating a more extensive network for exploration.
• Educational Kiosks: Along the trail, there are informative kiosks, with some sources mentioning 11 or 13, that provide details about Wisconsin’s Native American tribes and local natural history.
• Activities: Popular activities on the trail include walking, running, biking, and fishing, with designated fishing spots available.
• Wildlife Viewing: Due to its location near Lake Butte des Morts, visitors can often spot a variety of wildlife, including birds like herons, pelicans, and eagles, enhancing the natural experience.

Review

As a reminder I generate the Key Features for my posts by asking Google Gemini AI. Most of the time my question is just give me ten key features of the Heritage Trail in Oshkosh WI. Then I take the 10 bullet points copy and past them to my post. I usually do not add any of the header information that Gemini responds with but this time it seemed important.

After my wife mentioned this trail we decided to make it a loop. So we parked at a roundabout at the north end of the trail. But instead of heading directly onto the Heritage Trail which follows Highway 41 across Lake Butte De Mortes. We instead started down the Wiouwash Trail as it heads into Oshkosh.

Starting down the trail we immediately were regaled by the calls of a cat bird perched high on a dead branch over the trail. The trail was gravel and ran along the northern edge of Lake Butte De Mortes. As we walked the lake transitions back into the Fox River as it heads through Oshkosh.

However before we got to the lake there was a small wooded area off of the trail. We found a few foot paths off of the trail leading down to the lake shore. One of which showed signs of a recent fire, most likely from partying college kids.

After some quick exploring we continued down the trail. The Wiouwash was busy that day. Other hikers and bicyclists passed us as we hiked.

Eventually we reached the Oshkosh Cemetery. Though small ponds and channels separated us from the property. The Wiouwash Trail runs along an old railway. The owners must have just filled in parts of the lake to make a straight line along the lake shore. To our advantage though it created these ponds where we were able to see Green and Blue Herons and even a Wood Duck hen.

Eventually the trail runs into a neighborhood. Signs indicate how to continue following the Wiouwash trail along the sidewalks. We continued past all of the beautiful homes until we came to Oshkosh Ave.

Though the trail continues into the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh campus, we turned right to cross the river. Crossing the bridge where we saw Barn Swallows swooping in and out from their nests under the bridge.

On the other side of the bridge we came to Rainbow Park. Turning right into the park we made our way to the Riverwalk which would bring us back to the Heritage Trail along the south side of Lake Butte Des Mortes.

There were less people on this section of the trail. Even though the Riverwalk follows the lake closely and its easier to see the normal wild life. Once again I though I saw a Osprey flying overhead but I could not get a good picture. However ducks and pelicans were all over the place.

There was one new addition though. We saw what we initially thought was a seagull. However we thought the wings looked a little different. Then my wife pulled out her trusty bird watching guide and we were able to identify it as a Tern. I had never identified a tern in Wisconsin before so it was nice to get some pictures.

The Riverwalk eventually leaves Rainbow Park but continues through an area that used to be the Oshkosh Lakeshore Municipal Golf Course. Several years ago Oshkosh Corp purchased the gulf course to build a new head quarters. Though the trail is open for the public to use.

Near the end of the Riverwalk the lake was covered with lily pads. Egrets and ducks could be seen in the shallow areas of the lake.

Eventually we made it to the Heritage Trail section of our hike. We turned north and started heading along the highway. More Bicyclists and hikers passed us as we walked. The loud highway sounds droned out any chance to hear the calls of birds flying around.

We saw more Terns and Pelicans flying over us. Redwing Black Birds called from the trees as we passed.

We could see sport fishing boats casting their lines out near the lily pads. They tried to coax out the sport fish from their hiding spots in the weeds. As we crossed the center bridge of the path a family who was previously fishing from the shore passed us. The eldest of them carried several large cat fish.

Every once in a while we stopped to rest from the sun in the shade of the kiosks. Getting close to the noon day and most of the clouds staying on the horizon I was getting a lot of sun. For those of you who know me I burn easily so these stops helped give my skin a little break.

Eventually we made our way back to our car. It was a good day for a hike and we enjoyed it. Even though I got a mild sunburn from the hike.

Most of the loop is paved with black top. Except for the section of the Wiouwash Trail along the old railway. There is very little change in elevation so it would be an easy trail to ride bikes.

But I must warn you that with the rise of electric bicycles that it is not legal to ride them on trails in Wisconsin. I just had an acquaintance die from an injury sustained by being hit by an electric bike. Biking or hiking, I want you to be safe when hiking.

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