Come Visit The Seaplane Base For A Different View Of Oshkosh

By Maria Morrison

AirVenture has always been known for its great diversity among aircraft. Categories like Warbirds, Vintage, Homebuilt, and more allow Oshkosh to host every possible aviator, and some of the wildest aircraft. However, KOSH is not the only place that features EAA members from all walks of life. Often missed by both all-week Oshkosh-goers and single-day venturers, the EAA seaplane base is a fun, beautiful place to spend an afternoon away from the excitement of Oshkosh and still experience a wide array of aircraft.

The seaplane base offers a smaller version of what one might find at KOSH. There is an EAA concession stand, several vendors, and multiple seaplanes on display, some along the bank and some moored in the lagoon like sailboats in a marina. This year featured the prototype for the MVP, or Most Versatile Plane. The MVP can take off and land on the water but also opens up to allow many activities on an open deck such as fishing, taking photos, and lounging.

Available to the public is a boat ride around the base. For three dollars, people of any age can ride the boat again and again. Only about two feet deep, the water is normally a wetlands, covered in marsh grasses. Every year before AirVenture, EAA clears out the private land and uses it as a seaplane base for one week before returning it to the wild. The land is not owned by EAA, and is rented from private owners every year.

All kinds of aircraft can be on floats. From light Huskies and Cubs to Wacos, Fairchilds, and large Cessnas, the aviation enthusiast will have no problem finding their favorite type of aircraft. Rides are even available privately in many of the aircraft. Kids have more room to roam around the grassy hillsides under the shade of towering trees than they might at the KOSH airport, and less space to get lost in.

Folks can travel to the base by car or a bus that leaves and returns to the Oshkosh airport routinely.  A fun place to spend a day, the seaplane base is peaceful, while still enjoying airplanes of all kinds from anywhere in the world.

(Staff image)

FMI:  www.oshkoshseaplanebase.com