What Lake Winnebago is known for

Lake Winnebago is the largest lake that is entirely located in the state of Wisconsin, within the United States of America.[1] The distinction of it being "entirely" in Wisconsin is needed due to the presence of Lake Michigan on the state's eastern border and a small section of Lake Superior to the northwest. The lake is relatively shallow, with an average depth of 15.5 feet and the deepest point of the lake measuring 21 feet in depth. That fact, combined with the area's colder climate in the winter, allows for ice fishing in the winter. Thousands of cars take to the ice, and many of the major cities surrounding Lake Winnebago plow snow from the lake's surface so that fishers have easier access.[1] Summer fishing is also quite popular in the Lake Winnebago Region. In 2010, the world record for the largest fishing tournament was set in Oshkosh on October 25th. Over 700 anglers competed for more than $350,000 worth of cash and prizes.[6] The record has since been broken, though many fishermen still consider Lake Winnebago to be one of the best locations to catch walleye.[1] 

The most famous city within the Lake Winnebago Region is Green Bay to the northeast. Green Bay is the county seat for Brown County in Wisconsin and is particularly renowned for the NFL team that makes their residence there: the Green Bay Packers.[4] The most popular time of year to visit the Lake Winnebago Region is from June until mid-September, due to the moderate weather and more consistent sunshine.[7] Nearly 6 million people visit Brown County annually, with about 2 million of those visits being for overnight stays. Millions of dollars are generated from the tourism of the Lake Winnebago Region, and the area supports over 12,000 jobs for local residents.[3] 

Appleton is another large city in the area whose boundaries reach the northern point of Lake Winnebago. The town is home to Lawrence University and a fair range of attractions. One such attraction—the Butterfly Gardens of Wisconsin—is the largest butterfly house in the state. The insects are displayed in all phases of their life, from caterpillars to pupas to the eventual butterflies themselves. In addition to the butterflies, visitors can get close to many kinds of birds and small mammals.[5] The Downtown Farmer's Market in Appleton is also of note, bringing in thousands of tourists annually. The event takes place from June until October of each year and has been occurring for over 25 years. The most popular items sold at the market are locally-grown fruits, vegetables, baked goods, treated meats, and Wisconsin's famous cheeses.[5] 

The paper industry in the destination helps to drive its economy. Green Bay is actually known as the "Toilet Paper Capital of the World" due to its large paper industry. This led to the formation of many packing companies, including the Acme Packing Company and the Indian Packing Company. These locations, among others, are the inspiration behind the NFL's Green Bay Packers.[4]

Geography

The Lake Winnebago Region is entirely located in Wisconsin, within the United States of America. The boundary follows the western coast of Lake Michigan, starting just south of Sheboygan and ending at the state's border with Michigan. The most northern point in the destination is Washington Island. The territory boundaries stretch westward, covering Green Bay and Appleton. Steven's Point is the furthest city to the west that still falls within the vicinity of the Lake Winnebago Region. The topography of the area is primarily flat, making occupational work such as farming a popular choice for Wisconsin residents. The various rivers and lakes that populate the area allow for the growth of many kinds of trees and other greenery. Common milkweed, bloodroot, mayapple, bur oak, and paper birch are examples of flora indigenous to Wisconsin generally. Animal species include blue jays, American toads, red-tailed hawks, Eastern chipmunks, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer.[8] 

Green Bay has the most detailed meteorological data available in the Lake Winnebago Region, and the statistics indicate that the average year-round temperature has a high of 53 degrees (Fahrenheit) and a low of 35 degrees. During the summer—when tourism is at its peak—the climate is often between the mid-50s and mid-70s. It is only in the winter/spring months ranging from November to March, that temperatures fall below the freezing point. Annual precipitation in the Lake Winnebago Region is nearly 30 inches, and snowfall per year comes in at just over 50 inches.[2] Some of the most notable geographic features in the area are Lake Winnebago itself, Washington Island, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, Lake Poygan, and the Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve.

History

Lake Winnebago is a remnant of Glacial Lake Oshkosh, which existed roughly 12,000 years ago. Water was unable to flow into Lake Michigan, and the halting process caused the formation of Lake Winnebago. The Native American Winnebago tribe settled in the area and was first discovered by the French in 1634. The tribe's actual name was "Ho-Chunk," but they had received the nickname "Winnebago" from their Algonquian neighbors. The name "Winnebago" translates to "[people of the] stinking water." The name likely came about due to the strong scent of fish that emanated from Lake Winnebago in the summer.[1] 

Jean Nicolet, a French commissary, was one of the French explorers who had been sent to form a peaceful alliance with the Native Americans of the region. Hoping to improve fur trading as a result of the peace, Nicolet stayed for a short time but eventually returned to his employer, Samuel de Champlain. Champlain died soon after, and further expeditions to the area were halted. It wasn't until 1765 that permanent European settlers would make their homes in the Lake Winnebago Region when Charles de Langlade and his family moved to Green Bay from Quebec. Langlade would eventually be known as the "Founder and Father of Wisconsin." The ownership of the land nearby Green Bay and the surrounding areas passed from nation to nation during the 18th and 19th centuries, including France, Great Britain, Canada, and finally, the United States.[4]