Fritse Park Public Boat Ramp

At the edge of Neenah, where Lake Street curves close to the water, Fritse Park Public Boat Ramp feels like a quiet handshake between town and lake. There’s a certain Midwest modesty here—no flashy marina, just broad stretches of blacktop, water, and sky. Early mornings bring anglers with coffee mugs and seasoned patience, trailers clattering as they ready for another day chasing walleye or perch on Little Lake Butte des Morts. The launch itself is straightforward: one side wide enough for boats and jet skis, the other sloped for paddlers who favor kayaks or stand-up boards. The treeline is thick with midwestern hardwoods, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch sight of bald eagles perched in the branches south of the ramp, scanning the shallows. Fritse Park isn’t just about getting on the water—the playground nearby hums with local kids burning off summer energy while parents trade neighborly gossip from shaded benches. The Friendship Trestle Bridge stretches off into the distance, drawing walkers and cyclists across the lake to James Island. Bathrooms are clean and parking is abundant—practical touches that make this spot a favorite among families and solo explorers alike. Still, it’s not all picture-perfect: some seasons see grass clumping along the docks, and the water by the bridge can run shallow enough to test even a seasoned skipper’s patience. But there’s an unpretentious charm to it all—a gathering place where locals and newcomers nod hello over rods and paddles, each finding their rhythm at water’s edge. Fritse Park stands as both a gateway to adventure and a gentle reminder of Neenah’s enduring link to its lakes.