Winnebago County's great outdoors are truly spectacular. A wealth of lakes, streams and rivers, quiet woods, winding trails and wide-open spaces offer abundant recreational opportunities during all four of Wisconsin's unique seasons.
Scenic waterways cover almost one-quarter of the county, making the area a sought-after boating and fishing destination. Popular fish species including walleye, bass, catfish, perch and musky inhabit the waters. Numerous birds, including several species of waterfowl, and a variety of other wildlife, nest and feed in the area.
The County's Community Park offers baseball, soccer, rugby, disc golf, archery, horseshoes, a dog park, fishing ponds, outdoor fitness equipment, and playgrounds. Some of the more unique offerings within the county parks system include a cross-country skiing trail, snowshoe trails, snowmobile trails, the Tribal Heritage Crossing and a historic archaeological site.
Multi-purpose recreational trails are available year-round for outdoor enthusiasts to hike, bike, horseback ride, jog, walk dogs and snowmobile.
Events and other attractions at the Sunnyview Exposition Center provide entertainment offerings throughout the year.
PARK & EXPO NEWS
Butte des Morts Boat Landing Improvement Project
The parks department is planning to do improvements at the Butte des Morts Boat Landing in 2026. We will be having a public input meeting at the J.P. Coughlin Center on February 4, 2025 at 6 p.m. to discuss the project. A visual of the initial concept plan can be found here.
NFL Draft Camping
Camping is available at Sunnyview for the NFL Draft from April 20-28.
Park Shelter Renovations
Winnebago County Community Park shelters 1 & 2 will be under construction and unavailable until May 27.
Where can I find that?
Our new Winnebago County Recreation StoryMap helps you find all our parks, trails, boat landings, and nature preserves in one easy location. Check it out!
Boat Launch Use Permit Fees
The Winnebago County Board of Supervisors approved modifications to Chapter 19.24(11) "Boat Landing Trailer Parking Permit Fees" to Include the proposed modifications by replacing Boat Landing Trailer Parking Permits with Boat Launch Use Permit Fees.
THE ADVENTURE BLOG
Check out the latest blog posts written by our outdoor experts!
Playing Outside: Night Edition - The time change in fall can be difficult for people, especially kids who like to play outside. Don't let less sunlight stop you or your kids from spending time outdoors. This blog features great ideas for spending time outdoors in the dark.
Snowshoeing in Winnebago County - Winnebago County is a great place for snowshoeing. From the WIOUWASH Trail to the Waukau Creek Nature Preserve, you will find terrain that is perfect for all ages and abilities. Learn about these great trails and other popular snowshoeing trails in this wintery blog.
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP)
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2024-28
Winnebago County Community Park Phasing Plan
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2019-23
