Tucked away in the serene outskirts of Oshkosh lies one of the most peaceful and awe-inspiring corners of the EAA AirVenture experience—the EAA Seaplane Base (96WI). Each July, as aviation enthusiasts from around the world descend upon Oshkosh, a smaller yet incredibly passionate group gathers by the water’s edge to celebrate the beauty, utility, and history of seaplane aviation.
The Seaplane Base is more than just a dock and a calm inlet—it's a tight-knit community. There's something magical about watching floatplanes glide across the water, engines humming in harmony with nature, as pilots swap stories over coffee and campfires. It's one of the last places where the spirit of grassroots aviation is not only alive but thriving.
Seaplanes hold a special significance in aviation history. Their ability to reach remote areas, conduct rescues, deliver supplies, and open up new routes in the early days of flight made them invaluable. Even today, they represent freedom and exploration—unbound by runways and driven by adventure.
If you're looking for connection, tradition, and tranquility during the bustling week of AirVenture, the Seaplane Base is the soul of the show. It's a place where the water meets the sky, and where aviation’s quiet pioneers are honored every splash at a time.
