Aviation’s Happy Place Since 1970

Almost every aviator has a favorite memory from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Perhaps it was seeing your favorite fighter streak across the sky during the night air show. Or maybe it was pounding rivets with your dad during a homebuilding clinic. Or maybe it was braving the unpredictable weather with friends at Camp Scholler. 

Regardless of your favorite Oshkosh memory, attendees at this year’s fly-in convention (July 20th through the 26th) are bound to add a few new treasured stories. 

An anticipated highlight includes a “Class of ‘46” celebration that showcases the general aviation aircraft that took to the skies following World War II. The aircraft celebrating 80th anniversaries include the Cessna 120/140, Aeronca Champion, and the Stinson 108, as well as four other models.

Of note to those who enjoy high-adrenaline performances, The Flying Bulls will be flying across the Atlantic to showcase their Lockheed P-38 and Douglas DC-6. They are among a handful of the notable acts performing during the week-long event. 

An Airport with a Century of History

The history of Oshkosh and Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) is an interesting and often overlooked aspect. The hundreds of thousands of guests who visit AirVenture annually likely know that the show has been held here for more than five and a half decades. They may not realize just how rich of a heritage this airfield has. 

Wittman Regional was opened in the 1920s and was originally called Winnebago County Airport. The airport has been an important general aviation resource since its early days and was served by a number of airlines until 2003. The nearest commercial service options today are nearby Appleton International Airport (KATW) and General Mitchell International Airport (KMKE). 

With an estimated 80,000+ aircraft operations per year, Wittman Regional is the busiest general aviation facility in the state.

EAA Needed a Permanent Home

The Experimental Aviation Association (EAA) was founded in 1953 and the organization’s first fly-in was held that September at what is now Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport (KMWC) in Milwaukee. At the end of the 1950s, the event was moved to Chicago Rockford International Airport (KFRD) to accommodate for the growing number of attendees. 

After ten years in Rockford the event’s continued growth demanded a new site be selected, at which point influential Wisconsin-based aviator suggested the Oshkosh airport.

It was a conveniently located site with suitable runways and lots of room to grow. 1970 was the first AirVenture held in Oshkosh and EAA moved their headquarters there thirteen years later. The foresight of the planning team decades ago has proved valuable to the aviation community as the airport continues to serve as the world’s largest aviation gathering. 

There were a record-breaking 704,000 attendees in 2025 (2.5% higher than the previous year’s count) and more than 10,000 aircraft flew in. The total economic impact to the Oshkosh region was estimated at $257,000,000 and 6,000 volunteers ensured it was a success. 

What’s Next at KOSH?

The “other” 51 weeks of the year the facility is an integral asset to the Oshkosh community as well. There are a number of multinational companies with considerable presences in town, and the airport also serves as an important site for business. Until recently, there was 80 acres of ground available for aviation-related development via the Oshkosh Aviation Park. It was announced in June that Volare Hangars had purchased 30 acres of the Park’s space and leased (50 year term) another 47 acres there for hangar development. Volare has existing developments at Pegasus Airpark (5AZ3) and Stellar Airpark (P19) in Arizona.