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Menasha, WI

Frequently asked questions

Menasha, WI

Menasha is a city in Calumet and Winnebago counties in the state of Wisconsin in the U.S. The population was 18,268 at the 2020 census. Of this, 15,144 were in Winnebago County, and 2,209 were in Calumet County. The city is located mostly in Winnebago County; only a small portion is in Calumet County. Doty Island is located partially in Menasha, which it shares with Neenah. The city's name comes from the Winnebago word meaning "thorn" or "island". In the Menominee language, it is known as Menāēhsaeh, meaning "little island".

Menasha's location on the Fox River and Lake Winnebago led to its rich history, dating back to the inhabitation by Native American tribes for centuries. European settlement in the 1800s led to the development of Menasha as a transportation hub and later a center for paper production and wooden ware products. Today, Menasha offers various attractions for residents and visitors alike. The city features parks and trails for outdoor recreation, while the Barlow Planetarium and the Weis Earth Science Museum on the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Fox Cities Campus provide educational opportunities.

Menasha is located at 44°13′N 88°26′W (44.2129, −88.4362). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.52 square miles (19.48 km²), of which, 6.03 square miles (15.62 km²) is land and 1.49 square miles (3.86 km²) is water.

Centuries before the existence of Menasha, ancestors of the Ho-Chunk occupied Doty Island. In the 1600s, the Fox Native Americans established a village just north of Menasha. A sneak attack by the French soldiers and traders resulted in the death of nearly all of the Fox Native Americans in the area. They are said to have piled the bodies in a large mound that became known as Butte des Morts, or "Hill of the Dead." The mound was a prominent landmark until it was destroyed by the construction of the railroad in 1863.

Health and wellness are paramount in Menasha, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Ascension Medical Group is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Menasha Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Lake Park Swim & Fitness and TNT Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Menasha, such as the Heckrodt Trail and Forest Management Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Menasha, WI, are the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass, Heckrodt Wetland Reserve, Barlow Planetarium.

ZIP code: 54952. Population: 17,889 (2022). Area code: 920. Elevation: 755 ft (230 m). Area: 7.78 sq mi (20.16 km²)

FAQs

How did Menasha, WI get its name?

Named from the Winnebago village on Doty island, mini-ha-ha, laughing waters, referring to the twin falls around the island. Indian name meaning "thorn" or "island."Island" or "waves." Taken together in Winnebagoo, Neenah-Menasha means "water takes it away."

Is Menasha, WI a good place to live?

Menasha is in Winnebago County and is one of the best places to live in Wisconsin. Living in Menasha offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Menasha, there are a lot of bars and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Menasha and residents tend to lean conservative.

When was Menasha, WI established?

Treaties with the Menominee opened land to the east of the Fox River for public sale in 1835, with territorial governor James Doty being one of the early investors and purchasers of land in the area. In 1848 Doty and his associates, including Curtis Reed, formed the town of Menasha on the channel north of the island. In 1849 Reed and Doty were successful in locating the navigational channel of the Fox-Wisconsin waterway through the north channel in Menasha. 

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Menasha

Ascension Medical Group

Menasha Parks and Recreation Department 

Lake Park Swim & Fitness 

TNT Fitness

Heckrodt Trail 

Forest Management Trail

Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass

Heckrodt Wetland Reserve

Barlow Planetarium

Wisconsin History

Niche

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