Cities and Towns in Winnebago County, Wisconsin
Founded in 1840, Winnebago County is one of 72 counties in the state of Wisconsin. Historically, Winnebago County was formed from Brown, Calumet, and Fond du Lac Counties. The city of Oshkosh is the county seat. With FIPS code of 139, Winnebago County has a population of 171,623 and area of 434.49 square miles (1,125 km²).
List of all cities in Winnebago County, WI alphabetically
- Butte Des Morts, WI
- Eureka, WI
- Larsen, WI
- Menasha, WI
- Neenah, WI
- Omro, WI
- Oshkosh, WI
- Pickett, WI
- Waukau, WI
- Winnebago, WI
- Winneconne, WI
Major Cities and Towns in Winnebago County, Wisconsin
1. Oshkosh
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 26.61 square miles
- Population: 66,816 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 54901, 54902, 54903, 54904
- Latitude: 44.0247° N
- Longitude: 88.5426° W
Location and History
Oshkosh is located in the heart of Winnebago County along the western shore of Lake Winnebago. The city, often referred to as the “Sawdust City,” developed rapidly during the mid-19th century due to its strategic location on the Fox River, which facilitated the transportation of lumber, a key industry at the time. Incorporated in 1853, Oshkosh became known for its lumber mills and later for its manufacturing industries, including the Oshkosh Corporation, a leading manufacturer of specialty vehicles. The city’s history is also marked by significant events like the Great Fire of 1875, which led to extensive rebuilding and modernization.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Oshkosh is home to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, one of the largest universities in the state, and several high schools including Oshkosh West and Oshkosh North. Major landmarks include the EAA Aviation Museum, hosting the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s largest aviation gathering, and the historic Grand Opera House. The city’s rich heritage is also reflected in the Paine Art Center and Gardens, a preserved estate that offers insights into the region’s history and culture.
2. Neenah
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 9.65 square miles
- Population: 26,420 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 54956, 54957
- Latitude: 44.1858° N
- Longitude: 88.4626° W
Location and History
Neenah is situated along the northern shore of Lake Winnebago, adjacent to the city of Menasha. The city was named after the Winnebago word for water or running water, reflecting its connection to the Fox River and Lake Winnebago. Neenah’s early economy was driven by the paper industry, with the Kimberly-Clark Corporation establishing its first plant here in 1872. The city’s development was significantly influenced by the paper mills and related industries, which attracted workers and facilitated the growth of a thriving community. Over the years, Neenah has maintained its historical charm while adapting to modern economic trends.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Key educational institutions in Neenah include Neenah High School and several well-regarded elementary schools. Major landmarks include Riverside Park, known for its picturesque views of the Fox River, and the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass, which houses an impressive collection of glass art. The historic downtown area of Neenah, with its 19th-century architecture, also serves as a reminder of the city’s rich industrial past and cultural heritage.
3. Menasha
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 7.52 square miles
- Population: 18,568 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 54952
- Latitude: 44.2025° N
- Longitude: 88.4468° W
Location and History
Menasha is located along the Fox River and borders the city of Neenah to the south and the city of Appleton to the north. The name “Menasha” is derived from the Native American word meaning “thorn” or “island.” Like its neighbor Neenah, Menasha’s history is closely tied to the paper industry, which dominated the local economy for much of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Incorporated in 1874, Menasha also benefited from its location at the northern end of Lake Winnebago, which allowed it to become a transportation and commercial hub in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Menasha is home to several schools, including Menasha High School and Banta Elementary School. Key landmarks include Jefferson Park, which offers beautiful views of Lake Winnebago and a variety of recreational activities, and the Menasha Lock, part of the historic Fox River lock system. The Smith Park Historic District is another significant area, showcasing late 19th and early 20th-century architecture, reflecting the city’s prosperous past.
4. Town of Menasha (Now Fox Crossing)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 12.23 square miles
- Population: 19,029 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 54952, 54956
- Latitude: 44.2183° N
- Longitude: 88.4628° W
Location and History
The Town of Menasha, now known as Fox Crossing, was incorporated as a village in 2016 after separating from the city of Menasha. It is located along the western shore of Little Lake Butte des Morts, northwest of the city of Menasha. The area’s history is intertwined with that of Menasha, sharing the same roots in the paper and lumber industries. Over time, as residential and commercial areas expanded, the community evolved into a distinct entity, culminating in the establishment of Fox Crossing to better represent its unique identity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Fox Crossing boasts several schools, including Maplewood Middle School and Taft Elementary. Key landmarks include Fritse Park, which provides access to the scenic Friendship Trail, a popular walking and biking path along the lake. The Stroebe Island neighborhood is another notable area, offering picturesque views and a peaceful suburban atmosphere. The incorporation of Fox Crossing reflects the community’s growth and its residents’ desire to foster a distinct identity within the region.
5. Winneconne
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.97 square miles
- Population: 2,383 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 54986
- Latitude: 44.1097° N
- Longitude: 88.7158° W
Location and History
Winneconne is a small village located on the Wolf River, just north of Lake Butte des Morts. It is known for its peaceful setting and close-knit community. The village was established in the mid-19th century, with its name derived from the Native American word “Winneconne,” meaning “place of the skulls” or “place of fish.” Historically, Winneconne was a center for logging and sawmilling, similar to other communities in the region. In 1967, the village made national headlines during the “Winneconne Republic” incident, where the town humorously declared secession from Wisconsin to draw attention to a map error that omitted it.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Winneconne’s schools include Winneconne High School and Winneconne Elementary School. The village is known for the annual Sovereign State Days celebration, commemorating the 1967 “secession.” Major landmarks include the Winneconne Bridge, which spans the Wolf River, and the adjacent Wolf River Resort, a popular destination for fishing and boating. The village’s historic downtown and the natural beauty of the surrounding waterways make it a unique and attractive place to live and visit.
6. Omro
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.66 square miles
- Population: 3,581 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 54963
- Latitude: 44.0397° N
- Longitude: 88.7434° W
Location and History
Omro is a small city located along the Fox River, west of Oshkosh. The city was established in the mid-19th century and became an important milling center due to its location on the river, which provided both transportation and power for the mills. The name “Omro” is believed to be derived from an indigenous word meaning “place of the beaver.” Omro’s early growth was driven by agriculture and the milling industry, which attracted settlers and led to the development of a thriving community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Omro Area School District serves the community, with Omro High School being the primary secondary education institution. The city is known for Scott Park, which hosts various community events and provides access to the Fox River. Other landmarks include the historic Omro Village Hall and the Omro Historical Museum, which offers insights into the city’s rich history. The annual Omro Dairy Days festival is a major event, celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage and bringing together residents and visitors alike.
