Menasha & Neenah Waterfront, Parks, Bridges

This is a scenic run in the Menasha/Neenah area at the northern end of Lake Winnebago. Enjoy several waterfront parks, historic trestle bridges, and attractive residential areas. The full route is 8.3 miles, but can be shortened or lengthened.

Start in downtown Menasha and run west on Broad St., joining the Friendship Trail to cross the historic railroad bridge over Little Lake into Fritse Park. Then head south on the bike path along N Lake St. for 1 mile, and hop onto the lakeside trail through Arrowhead Park. The next mile is west along E Wisconsin Ave. through downtown Neenah, with a short waterfront section through Shattuck Park, passing the Neenah Public Library. There are lovely older homes along this stretch.

The next section is our favorite: a 1.5 mile loop around Neenah Point, which includes paths through Riverside Park to the Neenah Lighthouse and then a lovely section along Lakeshore Ave., which has gorgeous homes and great views of Winnebago Lake. Retrace your steps through downtown Neenah, and then take the pedestrian bridge to Doty Island (great views!), run north along the water, to another Trestle bridge into Menasha.

Shorter Options: Can shorten by eliminating any one of the ‘sections’. We’ve also included a 4.4 mile ‘Loop the Lake‘ route.

Longer Options: From downtown Menasha, run for 1 mile to Jefferson Park and enjoy riverside paths. Can extend from there north on paths & boardwalks through the Heckrodt Wetland Reserve.