My newest adventure is exploring Oconto Wisconsin. Book research with a goal of visiting all 19 Wisconsin Harbor Towns brought me here with the help of Oconto County Tourism, but a newfound fascination with this city located a half-hour north of Green Bay on the shores of the Bay of Green Bay will keep me coming back. I hope you will visit Oconto Wisconsin and see for yourself.
Let’s Visit Oconto Wisconsin
Have you ever driven through a town over and over throughout the years to get to a destination beyond, and left wondering what you would find if you just made one turn onto the main street?
I’ve often wondered that about Oconto Wisconsin. Before they built the Highway 41 bypass, the highway ran right through Oconto. Growing up, we took that route often. I would dream of camping along the Oconto River at Holtwood Campground, and we would sometimes stop at Wayne’s Restaurant for breakfast or lunch. Later, when Megan and I were on our way to Escanaba for summer vacation, I would often think about turning right at the only stoplight in town and exploring Oconto’s Main Street. This was long before I became a travel blogger and I was just focused on getting to my destination as fast as possible.
It’s a mistake we often make when we are on road trips. We don’t stop and explore every town along the way.
We are missing out on so much.
Oconto is one of those towns worthy of exploration.
This summer, I am on a mission. I’m exploring the 19 cities that make up Wisconsin’s Harbor Towns for my upcoming travel and road trip guide. How lucky I am that Oconto is one of those cities! Oconto is actually my first scheduled 3-day stay.
A huge thank you to Oconto County Tourism for hosting this trip and offering guidance on what I wanted to do and see. All opinions and reviews are honest accounts of my experience.
A couple of days prior to my trip, I planned my 3-day itinerary based on suggestions I received from the tourism office (I had emailed a list of things I planned on covering in my book), and research I had done on my own. I had a jam-packed itinerary.
I arrived mid-afternoon with my camper at Holtwood Campground (yes, I finally fulfilled that dream of camping along the river at Holtwood). My campsite was right on the river, facing Bond Park and the Dollar Tree across the river. First time camping with full hookups (now I’m spoiled).
Holtwood Campground
Holtwood Campground is located right in Oconto Wisconsin along the Oconto River, which makes it a great stay if you love to kayak (me), canoe, fish, or just enjoy being on the water. The campground is a substantial size and a mix of seasonal sites and sites for those looking for a temporary stay. It’s wooded, but the sites are close together, and if you are looking for absolute quiet, this campground may not be for you. My feeling is, is that you should expect some noise when you stay at a campground in a city. There is periodic noise from the train coming through, but I only noticed it the first night. For great access to everything in Oconto, Holtwood Campground is a perfect location to stay. Bring your bike, because the streets are great for biking and there are five historical bike trails located around the city with 46 stops along the way. All these trails are easily accessible from the campground.
Holtwood Campground has kayaks, canoes, tubes, golf carts, paddle boards, and more available for rent at the office. Prices for the water rentals are inexpensive, $15 for a full day. The first thing that was on my agenda when I arrived was to rent a kayak and hit the water. I rented for 2 hours at just $5.
There is also mini-golf and disk golf. There are strict rules against bringing in your own firewood, like most campgrounds. You can get firewood at the office, ice, snacks, and bait for fishing. The shower house is clean and looks relatively new, and a bonus is the nice-sized laundry room.
You will also find the Holtwood Sporting Complex next to the campground, which has disk golf, a boat landing, and a baseball diamond.
I must add that the dump station for the campground is by the parking lot along the road by the park.
Gas, groceries, and other supplies you might need are close by, as I found out when my site was a 50 amp plugin and I only had a 30 amp. Luckily Tractor Supply, just across the river, had some camping supplies, including my 50 to 30 amp adapter. It’s nice to know that you don’t have to drive 20 miles if you need something.
After kayaking, I hopped in my car and orientated myself with Oconto. This time I turned right at the stoplight! Heading down Main Street, I soon came to the heart of downtown. A tree-lined street with historical homes on either side gave way to the business district. I drove past all that, knowing I would explore Main Street bright and early in the morning.
Breakwater Park and Oconto’s Drivable Breakwater
I headed out of town, took a right onto Harbor Drive, and headed to Breakwater Park (one of eight parks in Oconto) and the breakwater. Oconto’s breakwater isn’t like other towns. You could drive out the full length of it with a narrow turnaround at the end. The views are stunning as you pass by people fishing, or just pulled to the side admiring the view of the Bay of Green Bay. This turned out to be one of my favorite stops during my visit to Oconto, and I would return here twice more during my stay.
Breakwater Park is a small park where the Oconto River meets the bay. There is a boat landing, pavilion, and boat slips for rent. There are plenty of benches to sit on and enjoy the view (which I came back to do on my last day). Across from the park is one of the most popular restaurants in Oconto, The Dockside.
River City Diner and Smokehouse
By this time I was hungry, so I headed back to town and had dinner at the former Wayne’s Restaurant, called River City Diner and Smokehouse. It was a Thursday night and when I seated myself; I saw most of the tables in the front were occupied. That’s always a good sign.
I ordered Brisket Tacos (it is a smokehouse after all) with a side of fries. When my food came out, the server gave me the house BBQ sauce, which was very good. There were three tacos, the soft shells lined with guacamole, then the brisket (nice and juicy) and topped with haystack onion rings. I received an enormous basket of fries. The sauce went great on the tacos. Even though I was hungry, I couldn’t finish my meal. Besides, I had heard the pie was a specialty, so I HAD to get a piece from the abundance of choices. I chose coconut cream, bringing back memories of when my mom used to make coconut cream because she knew it was my favorite.
They piled the meringue high, and the pie was delicious. Was it better than my mom’s? Is anyone’s pie better than mom’s? My mom’s was more coconutty, but this had better meringue, so….
A Stop at Copper Culture State Park
After that splendid dinner, I drove the short way to Copper Culture State Park. It was later, and the Museum was not open, but you can drive to the second parking lot and go for a hike until dusk. Copper Culture State Park does not require a Wisconsin State Park sticker for entry.
Many, many thousands of years before the Menomonee Tribe called this land their home, some of the earliest humans inhabited (4000-2000 BC) this site. Called the Old Copper Culture for their use of copper as weaponry and tools, this was the site of their ancient burial ground. The park is 42 acres and there are hiking trails, fishing areas, a pavilion, and picnic areas. I took a brief walk along the trail. There was no one else in the park but me and the singing birds.
The museum served as the home of Charles and Emma Werrebroeck and was built in 1924 by Charles himself, who was a mason. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm Memorial Day thru Labor Day.
As I made my way back to the campground, I stopped for ice cream at Shake a Burger and enjoyed a Fudge Brownie Delight sitting on the gazebo overlooking the river. Shake A Burger serves not only fabulous tasty treats, but burgers, sandwiches, and a famous fish sandwich on Friday.
The next morning, I was up early and headed into town for my first stop
Breakfast and Coffee At Shop On Main
This is a must-stop! Part cafe, soon-to-be part restaurant, part ice cream shop, and part gift shop. This former garage is so coooool! I found out quickly why this place has earned rave reviews. Walking in is like stepping back in time. An antiquity vibe is the only way I can describe it. I ordered a white chocolate latte and a cinnamon roll “warmed up please”. Latte-fabulous! Cinnamon roll-even more so. There is so much to see. After I finished my breakfast, I looked around at all the fun gifts. I bought a pair of earrings from a local artist, but there was so much more that I wanted. Books, art, fun signs, decor, some antiques, and candy. I cannot imagine anyone coming in here and not leaving with something.
In the back, there is seating for the soon-to-come food service. Along the back wall, there is a cozy place to sit and enjoy your coffee with friends.
Did I mention this was when I took advantage of one of the historical bike trails?
Self-Guided Tour Of The Main Street Historic District
I actually parked my bike at the library and walked the self-guided tour of the Main Street Historic District. Armed with the pamphlet that describes the homes, church, and library, (23 in all) each one listed on the National Register Of Historic Places, I walked up and down Main Street in this three-block area.
I probably took 100 pictures during the tour. It was a gorgeous day, the blue skies and sunshine made for a great backdrop to the photos. Each of the homes is a private residence and not open to the public. Every stop on the tour has a number, and that number is on a stake in front of that house, visible from the sidewalk and the street.
After riding back to the campsite to grab my car, I headed back into town to meet my friend Erin, who was coming to spend a few hours with me.
How About A Little Retail Therapy In Oconto?
Who doesn’t love a little retail therapy? Erin and I stopped in Olive + Bitch, a woman’s boutique on Main Street. We liked this small store for fresh, up-to-date fashions and accessories. Erin couldn’t resist trying on a summer dress!
I took her back to check out Shop On Main, where she found a cool sign that fit her cabin in the woods perfectly.
For bargain shopping and picking up supplies, there are three dollar stores in town, and the local Tractor Supply has a mix of everything.
An Early Dinner At The Dockside
By this time my latte and cinnamon roll had worn off and we were both feeling hungry, so we headed back out of town to The Dockside. We were too early for the Friday night Low Country Shrimp Boil, but I vowed to return this summer to do that.
Erin and I sat in the dining area and since it was in between lunch and dinner, there were only a few other tables full. I ordered Mushroom Bruschetta for a starter. Shiitake and button mushrooms on a bed of whipped ricotta and served on garlic crostini. For entrees, I ordered the Croque Madame and Erin ordered the Gyro Plate. Everything was excellent, and we both ended up taking some home with us. I would have that meal again in a heartbeat!
Erin and I enjoyed the ambiance and the view as were two ladies sitting outside enjoying a glass of wine while looking toward the water. When we left, the pot was steaming outside for the shrimp boil.
Drinks At The Garage
We rounded out the day at John’s Garage Bar right off of Main Street. You can tell instantly when you walk in that this is the hangout in Oconto. When I asked Samantha from Oconto County Tourism about any Breweries in town, she said no, but the Garage has lots of beers on tap and food, music on the weekends, and a small-town bar feel. Erin and I walked in and couldn’t decide what to have. The Bartender invited us to come behind the bar to look at what was on tap. We did just that, and she let us try samples of beer if we wanted so we could decide.
We ordered our brews and sat at a table by the screened-in garage doors. The music is obviously outside, judging from the stage set-up and ample tables under the overhang.
As we were chatting, a limo full of teachers celebrating the last day of school pulled up and soon took over the bar. Things quieted down when they went outside. We finished our beers and left, but not before the owner, John, came out to say hi to everyone. I dropped Erin off at her car, and I made my way back to the campground to call it a night.
The next day, I had to be out of the campground by noon, so I had coffee at the camper, and got myself and the camper ready, so all I needed to do was hook up when I came back. I had one thing I had to get in yet and that was a visit to the Beyer Home and Carriage Museum.
Beyer Home and Carriage Museum
The Beyer home is another place on the National Register Of Historic Places in Oconto. No wonder the city’s tagline is “History On The Bay”. Cyrus and Kitty Hart built their dream home in 1868 and was the first brick building built in Oconto County. Owners George and Fanny Beyer, who purchased the home in 1881, remodeled the home to its present Queen Anne style.
It is absolutely beautiful to tour.
The home and museum opened at 10 am on Saturday. I talked with the lady that gives the tours and instead of touring the home and carriage house on my own; I did the tour. As we went along, we added more people. First, we went through the carriage house and learned a great deal about the history of Oconto, including the Bond Pickle Company, the Old Copper Culture, the Menomonee, and their friendship with the French Settlers, strolled through the original Main Street, and then went over to the home. Sadly, I had to cut my tour short because I had to be out of my campsite by noon.
When you visit the Beyer Home, take a tour.
The Beyer Home and Carriage Museum is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Mon, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 12 pm- 4 pm
Saturday and Sundays 10 am- 4 pm
There is so much to do in Oconto, Wisconsin that everyone should stop and spend a day or two (at least) here. With 33 total sites on the National Register Of Historic Places and a small-town feel, Oconto is one of the more unique stops in all the 19 Wisconsin Harbor Towns.
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