Stretching an incredible 1,076 feet along the Oshkosh Riverwalk, Wisconsin’s largest mural project is more than paint on a wall; it’s a living story, a love letter to the people, industries, and spirit that shaped Oshkosh from its early timber days to its place in aviation history.
This mural reflects the city’s rich industrial heritage, its aircraft culture and spirit of innovation, and honors notable figures like Lewis Hine, whose photography documented American workers and helped inspire social change. This wall is about history, labor, resilience, and community pride, a powerful visual narrative of who we are and how we’ve evolved.
The first of the two Lewis Hine Tributes.
This is the second Lewis Hine tribute. A photograph of him taking his iconic pictures.
From Timber to Industry: Where It All Began
Oshkosh’s story starts on the water with the Fox River and Lake Winnebago as the beating heart of early industry. Lumber once floated through these waters, powering sawmills and building the homes, schools, and ships that fueled a growing community.
Factories rose where sawmills once stood, and Oshkosh transformed into a manufacturing hub, known nationwide for products made of both steel and wood. Furniture, wagons, and later machinery and vehicles rolled out of local workshops, marking the dawn of Oshkosh’s industrial heartbeat. Cummins planted roots in Oshkosh, becoming a driving force in shaping the city’s industrial future
This mural shows the historic manufacturing image that honors the first axle, which was manufactured in this facility.
The People Who Built It
Every brushstroke in the mural honors the people who made Oshkosh what it is -- the teachers, artists, craftspeople, and factory workers whose hands shaped both community and culture.
The people of Oshkosh have always been the heartbeat of this city, strong, inventive, and community-minded. They built neighborhoods, raised families, and created opportunities that shaped the generations to come.
This image of woodworkers in overalls celebrates the timber industry and OshKosh B'gosh.
The Rise of Innovation and Aviation
Eventually, the sound of saws and machinery gave way to something new: the hum of engines and the thrill of flight! Oshkosh became a city that looked up and one that welcomed dreamers, pilots, and innovators who reached for the skies.
Today, that legacy lives on through the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the world-famous AirVenture, when the city becomes home to aircraft and aviation enthusiasts from around the globe. This mural shows that Oshkosh has always found new ways to soar!
The plane is a tribute to EAA and the long history of innovation in aviation.
Built to Move the World
From humble beginnings on the banks of the Fox River, Oshkosh Truck grew from a small local manufacturer into a global leader in strength, innovation, and reliability. This mural celebrates the spirit of craftsmanship, hard work, and pride that drives Oshkosh forward.
This mural is an image of a truck that is manufactured in part at the Cummins facility today.
A Community Work of Art
This massive mural is about history and connection. Created in partnership with artists, organizations, and residents, it reflects Oshkosh’s collaborative spirit. Every section tells a story, but together they form something even greater: a shared identity, proudly rooted in hard work, creativity, and community. Created in partnership with the JEK Foundation, Discover Oshkosh, and Cummins, this vibrant artwork is the largest mural in Wisconsin!
Experience the Mural for Yourself
You can experience the mural firsthand along the Oshkosh Riverwalk, where each panel unfolds like a page in the city’s storybook. Stroll or bike along the water to take in the full scope of the artwork, or stop at viewing points to appreciate the intricate details that tell the story of a city built by its people. The mural is located on the waterfront side of the Cummins building (1005 High Ave.)
From timber to steel, from the river to the sky, this mural celebrates the rhythm of a city that never stops creating, building, and dreaming.
More information about Placemaking In Progress in Oshkosh here! Check out all our amazing murals in Oshkosh!
Share your insta-worthy mural pics with Discover Oshkosh on Facebook and Instagram for a chance to be featured!
Stay the night in Oshkosh—click here for overnight options!
