Exploring one of Wisconsin’s most significant water systems
The Fox-Wolf Watershed

William H.H. Robinson poses
with his day’s bag of game,
c. 1875. OPM #P1999.1.64

Oshkosh is located on the western shore of Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin’s largest inland lake and one of the state’s most significant water resources. The land surrounding Lake Winnebago and the Fox and Wolf Rivers is known as the Fox-Wolf Watershed.

The watershed is extremely large, encompassing 6,430 square miles. Water from rain and run-off, streams, marshes, rivers and all other sources, flows into the Wolf and Fox Rivers. The two rivers meet near Oshkosh and form three interconnected lakes. These bodies of water, lakes Butte des Morts, Winneconne and Poygan, are collectively known as the “upriver lakes.” From there, the water flows past Oshkosh and into Lake Winnebago. The water leaves Lake Winnebago at the north end of the lake as it runs into the Lower Fox River. The river flows north until it finally empties into the waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan.

Today, the rivers and lakes receive heavy recreational use; Lake Winnebago is widely recognized as a premier fishing and leisure destination. Communities surrounding the lake also draw water for domestic and industrial uses, waste assimilation and hydropower.

A church group poses in front of the steamboat B.F. Carter, c. 1900. OPM #P1946.2.2

Swimmers at North [Menominee] Park, c. 1905. OPM #P2003.20.1209

The river and lakes have shaped the history of Oshkosh and the surrounding communities. We invite you to explore our exhibit, Wetland & Waterways, located on the first floor of the museum. You’ll discover the place known as the “Hill of the Dead,” the Menominee Indians and their culture, unique animals, decoys and duck hunters and so much more.

If you can’t visit, explore these pages to discover stories about the waterways of the Lake Winnebago Region!

A record sturgeon, weighing 187.5 pounds was caught by Michael Goyke, left, and Arthur Hafeman, 1913. OPM #P2002.081

Click below to start your voyage of discovery! Native Americans Fur Trade Plants & Animals Settlement Era Steamboats Ice Harvesting Duck Hunting Fishing Recreation Sailing Unique Stories