Menasha, city in Calumet and Winnebago counties in Wisconsin, United States
Menasha is a small city in east-central Wisconsin that spans two counties and sits along the Fox River and Lake Winnebago shores. The city features quiet residential neighborhoods with older buildings, small shops, and parks that invite walking and outdoor recreation.
Menasha was settled in 1835 and incorporated as a town in 1848, driven by its position along the river and lake. The economy grew in the late 1800s through paper mills and wooden container manufacturing, which shaped the city for generations.
The name Menasha comes from the Menominee language and means "little island," reflecting the city's geography shaped by water. Residents value community life and outdoor activities, gathering for festivals and events throughout the year, especially during summer months when parks and waterfronts become centers of local social life.
The city is easy to explore on foot with walking and biking suitable for most areas and good accessibility throughout. The best time to visit is summer when parks and waterfronts come alive, though each season offers different activity options for visitors.
The land where Menasha sits was originally home to the Menominee and Ho-Chunk tribes, and small mounds in some parks are actually ancient burial sites of these Native Americans. Butte des Morts, a historical hill that served as a burial ground after a 1700s battle, was leveled in the 1800s to make way for a railway line.
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