Part Two Of ANN's Pre-Show Guide To The "World's Greatest Aviation Celebration"

by ANN Correspondent Larry Stencel

• Read Part One Here

As you plan your visit to AirVenture 2008, you're likely wondering if you should pack your life rafts. Well, don't fret; the recent Wisconsin flooding is now on the mend. While there have been nearby areas heavily impacted by abnormal amounts of June rainfall, the EAA assures us that the Oshkosh airport and air show facilities are just fine. A check with some of the other local airports yields similar conditions. Of course, it often rains during AirVenture so do bring your rain gear. Because of the abundant moisture, mosquitoes are a problem this year so pack your repellent and consider bringing some netting and citronella candles if you are camping out.

Wisconsin is a state which rarely brings attention to itself... unless, of course, you're in the habit of measuring its deep winter snowfalls or low winter temperatures. As a result, Wisconsinites have above average reasons to celebrate the warm months with all manner of great outdoor activities. The state prides itself on its geographical diversity, proper stewardship of its natural resources and its abundant opportunities for recreation. As one of the premier summer activities in the state, AirVenture couldn't ask for a better host location than Oshkosh; there is SO much to do in the nearby environs or on your way in.

As you prepare for the event, you might want to consider adding a few hours or days to your travel time and take an opportunity to smell the proverbial "roses." Whether you drive or fly to the air show, take some time to experience the 'rest' of Wisconsin. If you're driving, get off the major highways and take a leisurely round-a-bout route as you head to Oshkosh.

Likewise, if you are flying in, consider trying the surrounding local airports. Many pilots have already discovered that staging from these nearby airports fits their needs better than going into Oshkosh. Several of them are hosting large gatherings of type specific airplanes or groups of flyers traveling together. However you arrive, you'll be glad you gave yourself some extra time as you head to AirVenture... make your trip a vacation as well as an aviation pilgrimage.

OK, Larry, You've Sold Me... So How Do I Get There?

If you're driving in, there are, essentially, only three major routes to Oshkosh. From the south through Milwaukee and Fond du lac, limited access US highway 41 passes the Oshkosh airport -- at exit 116/highway 44 -- as it heads north to/from Appleton and Green Bay. From the west, Wisconsin Highway 21 -- truckers use it as a direct shortcut -- comes in from LaCrosse, the junction of I-90/I-94 and I-39 through Wautoma. Highway 21 is a two lane road but is the direct route most folks use coming from points west. There are, however, a myriad of other secondary roadways to get to Oshkosh. Try some of these routes and you'll have a chance to experience the true nature of rural central Wisconsin.

Here's a bit of trivia. Did you know that Wisconsin was the first state to develop the highway numbering system?

A great example of a short back road trip would be a visit to the AirVenture seaplane base located on Lake Winnebago ESE of Wittman Field. If you've never seen this absolutely idyllic location, you don't know what you are missing. You can catch a bus to it from the convention but it's more fun to just drive in beforehand. From Fond du lac or Oshkosh, take Highway 45 - Lake Shore Drive - north or south along the shore of Lake Winnebago and watch for the EAA seaplane base signs on the east side of the road. Once you park, you'll walk along a wooded path to the protected seaplane mooring lagoon. Take a lawn chair and sit on the peninsula as you watch seaplanes land and taxi in through the isthmus. Food and drink are usually available and the seaplane folks often host daytime forums and evening feasts. Did you know that Lake Winnebago is the second largest freshwater lake in the US?

Here's another fun idea. If you're traveling to Oshkosh from points in Michigan or the east, consider traveling across Lake Michigan via car ferries which travel to Manitowoc from Ludington (the S.S. Badger) and to Milwaukee from Muskegon (the Lake Express, below). Beyond bypassing the traffic in Chicago, these alternative ways to Wisconsin are great fun and, with fuel costs rising, the cost can easily be justified. You may even save time. Both carriers have excellent Web sites and often offer 'specials.' In Manitowoc, don't miss seeing the Wisconsin Maritime Museum which showcases the submarine Cobia (SS-245), representative of the 28 submarines built there during World War II. Did you know that the S.S. Badger car ferry is a part of US Highway 10 from Wisconsin to Michigan, and is the only coal fired steamship in operation in North America?

Coming from the south through Madison? Consider trying the free Merrimac car ferry -- Colsac III --across the Wisconsin River on highway 113. Running since 1844, the one mile, 10 minute ferry ride is a great way to see the 9500 acre lake and the Baraboo bluff area of Wisconsin. In Baraboo, don't miss the 50 acre Circus World Museum, a Wisconsin Historical site. Baraboo was the original home of the Ringling Bros. Circus... as well as the original home of Cirrus Design during its early, VK-30 days.

In Milwaukee, Harley-Davidson just opened a new 130,000 square foot, $75 million dollar motorcycle museum on July 12, 2008. Any Harley riding pilots out there? And, on July 26, German Fest 2008 will be held at the Maier Festival Grounds on the Lake.

It would be tough to cover all of the individual routings or side points of interest along each of your paths to Oshkosh this year. Consider your interests, get a good map (or chart) and do some of your own research. We promise that you won't be sorry if you take some extra time traveling to Oshkosh this year.

For drivers, you should know that Wisconsin cities are serious when they post speed limits. If you see a speed limit sign, obey it exactly... period. Enough said. Second, Wisconsin is a rural state with a huge population of deer. Be vigilant for these critters. And, of course, watch out for the unofficial state bird -- the mosquito.

In the next article of this series, we'll specifically examine some of the other alternative airports and cities around Oshkosh as well as making a few recommendations for leisure time activities around each.

See you at Oshkosh.

FMI: www.airventure.org, www.travelwisconsin.com