The Tribal Heritage Crossing offers runners, walkers, bikers and in-line skaters the ability to cross Lake Butte Des Morts on a paved trail, which connects to the WIOUWASH State Trail on the north end and the Oshkosh Riverwalk on the south end. The trail provides access to fishing and info kiosks for all 11 of Wisconsin's Native American Tribes including the history of those tribes.
The info kiosk overlooks an open window to the water system with a remarkable history. It is the ancestral home of Native Americans who have been here forever. Lake Butte Des Morts is described as a vibrant river channel winding through a vast expanse of wild rice with fish, fur-bearing animals and waterfowl. In the 1850's the waterway changed dramatically with an influx of new settlers and industry, including two dams on the twin lower Fox River outlets of Lake Winnebago.
Overlook Names
#1 - Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
#2 - Stockbridge - Munsee Band of the Mohicans
#3 - Oneida Nation of Wisconsin
#4 - Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin
#5 - Lac Du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
#6 - Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
#7 - Ho-Chunk Nation
#8 - Lac Court Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
#9 - Sokaogon Mole Lake Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
#10 - St. Croix Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
#11 - Forest County Potawatomi
#12 - Lake Butte Des Morts History
#13 - Offering Fire
Trail Rules
Dogs are allowed on the Tribal Heritage Crossing Trail but must remain on a maximum 8-foot leash, please clean up after your pet.
Horses are not allowed on the Tribal Heritage Crossing Trail.
Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the Tribal Heritage Crossing Trail with the exception of those used for ADA accessibility.
Snowmobiles and ATVs are not allowed on the Tribal Heritage Crossing Trail.
There is a seasonal porta-potty located on the Tribal Heritage Crossing Trail.
All trails are "carry in - carry out" so no refuse containers will be positioned along the crossing.
You can park at the Westwind Trail Head parking lot, or along Marine Drive on the north end of the crossing, or along Rath Lane and Butte Des Morts Drive on the south end of the crossing.
All other ordinances in place for Winnebago County's Recreational Trails are enforced.
