For me, it is a great pleasure to speak about my greatest discoveries in places to travel close to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, that I have encountered today. Positioned right in the middle of the state, Oshkosh is an ideal hub for taking locally priced day trips to nearby attractions nearby. Consequently, this is an adventure trip that is budget-friendly and that will enable us to see the cheap places to travel close to Oshkosh.
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Table of Contents
1. Door County, Wisconsin– Cheap Places to Travel close to Oshkosh
- Travel time: 2 hours 7 minutes
- Accommodation (2 nights): $230 – $480 per night (estimated total $460 for 2 nights)
- Food (2 days): Budget $25 per day (estimated total $50)
Just a 15-minute drive northeast of Oshkosh, the visitor will discover the pleasant Door County. It is popular for its beautiful coasts, delightful small towns, and ubiquitous natural resources, this peninsula teeming with low-cost adventures. Take an exhilarating drive along the Door County Coastal Byways, stopping at lookouts and lighthouses.
Take a tour of the charming village of Fish Creek, enjoy a walk through the art galleries, and taste the scrumptious food from local cuisine. Saving money for whatever reason is key to living on a tight budget; however, hiking at Peninsula State Park or sunbathing on the beaches of Whitefish Dunes State Park are other inexpensive yet excellent things to do. Budget campgrounds and motels are located all over the area, thus, you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a place to stay.
2. Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin
● Travel time: Approximately 2 hours by car from Oshkosh.
● Park entrance fee: $8 (WI plate) or $13 (out-of-state)
● Hotels: $300 – $500 (2 nights)
● Food: Budget $10/day ($20 total)
● Pack for all weather conditions!
● Enjoy hiking/biking trails!
Go west of Oshkosh and you will be able to witness Devil’s Lake State Park’s natural beauty that it possesses. Amidst the Baraboo Range, this park has beautiful vistas, hiking trails as well as several lakes. Conquer the legendary Devil’s Lake Loop Trail and see the beautiful landscape views. In this way, you will be able to see the amazing landscape.
Laze on the golden sands, jump into the cool water or pick up a kayak or canoe to find hidden spots around the lake. Camping sites inside the park are available and afford an economical experience of the flora and fauna. Budget travelers will not be disappointed visiting Devil’s Lake State Park and will enjoy the natural beauty the area has to offer. It is one of the cheap places to travel close to Oshkosh.
3. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Time to Travel: 1.25 hr drive from Oshkosh
- Hotels: $215-$275/night
- Food: Budget $30/day
- Don’t miss: Harley Museum, Public Market, Art Museum, Lakeshore Park, Breweries
If your need to leave the city behind has increased, then you can head south to Milwaukee which is a very vibrant city. The brewing history, the beautifully located waterfront, and the cultural life of the city make Milwaukee a destination for those who are on a budget but don’t want to miss out on anything.
Find out about the Milwaukee Art Museum, which is free on some days, or the Harley-Davidson Museum, which is for anybody interested in the famous motorcycle brand. Take a stroll along the beautiful Riverwalk, dive into the history of the Third Ward area, and eat at Milwaukee Public Market to get a taste of the local delicacies.
The lakefront is one of the most popular places where free concerts and events are usually held, resulting in a wider range of cost-efficient entertainment opportunities. The budget-minded traveler can locate inexpensive hotels and hostels in downtown Milwaukee, soaking up its atmosphere for a day or more in Cheap Places to Travel close to Oshkosh.
4. Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area, Wisconsin
- Time to Travel: 53 min drive from Oshkosh (44.7 miles)
- Food: from $20/day (groceries) to $40+ (restaurants).
- Large freshwater marsh, important for migrating birds
- Enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing!
Marsh lovers, Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area is the perfect place to visit. Just a few miles northwest of Oshkosh, this huge wetland area is home to birds and different species. Trails traverse the wetland, hotspots are bird-friendly, and observation towers provide a great view of the immense number of avian species that inhabit this marsh.
This Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center is free for all and comprises of educational exhibits with a focus on the area’s ecology. Bring along your lunch and take time to admire the peaceful scene of the marsh as you pay attention to signs of beavers, deer, and other wild animals. The towns of Horicon and Mayville are another option for affordable lodging. They are just a few minutes away from the park.
5. Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Estimated Cost of Travel: 54 min drive from Oshkosh (52 miles)
- Hotels: $55-$171/night (Motels ~$80)
- Food: Budget $20-$50/day (groceries cheaper)
Just a 15-minute drive north of Oshkosh, you are in the city of Green Bay which features many affordable attractions and, of course, a rich football culture. Go to the Green Bay Packers’ Lambeau Field and get on an independent tour if you want to know about the team’s glorious past. Find the walking district of the city center from which you can view all kinds of shops, eateries, and art galleries.
Those who are fond of nature will not complete their stay without going to the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. The refuge is open to the public free of charge and it is filled with beautiful walking trails, wildlife exhibits, and an observation tower which make the experience exciting and the sceneries eye-catching. For the most part, the city of Green Bay provides cheap accommodations, such as budget motels and hotels, which ensures that anyone on a budget can visit the city and not spend a lot.
The Departure
Visiting the vicinity of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, means an intriguing journey of natural surroundings, culture, and happy and unforgettable memories. Do you wish to see the beautiful Door County or learn to love the peacefulness of Devil’s Lake State Park? Or are you looking for a more urban experience in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
These Cheap Places to Travel close to Oshkosh have something to offer everyone regardless of your budget. Thus, have your spirit of risk-taking and the zest for discovery, and go on a budget-friendly ride from Oshkosh to make memories that will last you forever.
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FAQs
Where can budget-conscious adventurers find low-cost outdoor activities in Oshkosh, Wisconsin?
Oshkosh neighborhoods and the nearby parks provide many low-budget outdoor activities. On your journey, you will tour the splendid nature trails and beaches of Door County, have fun at Devil’s Lake State Park by hiking, swimming, or go birdwatching and nature walking at the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area. Besides, you can go to local parks and parks, like Menominee Parks and Paine Art Center and Gardens, where either they are free or inexpensive or there is room for walks and picnics.
Is there a free cultural place can I visit in Oshkosh, Wisconsin?
Absolutely! Oshkosh has got a lot of great and cheap spots to visit culturally. The Oshkosh Public Museum exhibits the historical and cultural influences of the local area and the admissions rate is affordable. Besides live performances, the Grand Opera House also has shown for affordable prices and it is possible to see some plays, concerts, and comedy shows there.
One of the highlights of the Paine Art Center and Gardens is that it’s a paradise for art lovers not only for its beautiful gardens but also for its rotating art exhibitions and permanent collections. Also, keep in mind the neighborhood celebrations or happenings, as they tend to be the perfect venues for cultural experiences at no or low cost.
Where can one get delicious and thrifty dining spots in Oshkosh, Wisconsin?
Oshkosh has numerous dining areas encompassing all the tastes and prices that suit your budget. For a wallet-friendly dining experience, you might want to consider the downtown area; there you will find a mix of local restaurants, cafés, and diners that serve affordable yet great-tasting meals. The city can be proud of its success in attracting some pizza places, sandwich shops, and cafes where you can eat without spending a fortune.
Besides, remember to check the daily specials and happy hour deals of the eateries located nearby. One last thing that I recommend before you venture out is buying fresh produce, local delights, and budget-friendly snacks from the Oshkosh Farmers Market.