New Menominee Park train to debut May 23

The City of Oshkosh invites the community to celebrate the debut of the new Menominee Park Train with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, at the “train depot” just outside the Menominee Park Zoo entrance, across from the Community Playground.

For generations, the park train has been a favorite attraction for Oshkosh families. Because the previous train could not be maintained affordably, the community stepped up to help bring the experience back. Now, thanks to support from the WHW Oshkosh B’Gosh Family Fund via the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, a new trackless train is ready to roll through Menominee Park and create a whole new set of memories.

“This is more than just the arrival of a new train — it is the return of a treasured park experience that means so much to the Oshkosh community,” said Chad Dallman, Park Services & Events Manager. “We are thrilled to celebrate this moment with our partners and supporters who helped make it possible.”

The celebration will feature fun for the whole family, including face painting, mascot visits and a food truck, along with the unveiling of a new conductor’s hut built and donated by Lowe’s.

Following the ribbon-cutting, the inaugural ride will take place just after 10 a.m.

Starting May 23, the Menominee Park Train will operate seven days a week, running 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The train will depart every 20 minutes, with rides lasting approximately 14 minutes. Tickets are $3 per rider and may be purchased at the Depot Window.

To help keep riders and other park visitors safe, new road signage and pavement markings have been added throughout Menominee Park for drivers, walkers and bicyclists.