The Oshkosh Public Museum (OPM) offers visitors an inspiring glimpse into local history, art, and culture—all set within a beautifully preserved historic mansion. From engaging exhibitions to permanent collections rooted in the stories of Oshkosh and its residents, the museum is a must-see Wisconsin destination for anyone interested in the connections between people, place, and the past. 
In addition to its rotating exhibits, the OPM is home to original Tiffany-stained glass windows and one of the last known examples of an original Tiffany Studios interior commission. The historic Sawyer home includes two one-of-a-kind stained-glass windows—a rare treasure among Tiffany collections. While many museums display Tiffany pieces, OPM is one of only four known in-situ interiors, one of just two original commissions, and the only one currently open to the public, making it a truly exceptional cultural experience in northeast Wisconsin.
The Paine Art Museum preserves the property’s historic architecture, with the mansion as the centerpiece and many of the house’s interiors as they were created by founders Nathan and Jessie Kimberly Paine. Selections from the museum’s art collection, much of which was acquired by Nathan and Jessie, are featured throughout the mansion. Outdoors, the estate has evolved from an arboretum to nearly four acres of garden “galleries” with changing displays throughout the seasons.
The beloved Nutcracker fairytale returns to the Paine “castle” with a mesmerizing array of sights, sounds, and surprises! Explore the settings of the story on self-guided tours, guided tours, and candlelight tours. Along the way, each elaborately decorated room of the historic Paine mansion reveals a new chapter of the story!
The Tudor-style home built in 1930 as the private residence of John Nelson and Evangeline Bergstrom was established as a museum in 1959. Since 2012, the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum has operated exclusively as a glass art museum featuring nine galleries, a classroom, a glass studio, a museum shop and extensive grounds. 
With over 5,000 objects, the Museum’s glass collection is known for containing the largest representative collection of antique to contemporary glass paperweights, the Mahler collection of Germanic vessels, Victorian Era decorative glass, and a significant collection of contemporary glass sculpture. Ranked in the top five glass museums in the country, it is the only glass museum in Wisconsin and is nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
Our trip would not be complete without holiday lights! The Celebration of Lights is a beloved annual event in Oshkosh that showcases millions of twinkling lights! 
This festive display attracts over 16,000 vehicles each season! Enjoy another year of Oshkosh COL sights and activities which include the 100-foot tree, 120+ plus trees filled with lights, sculptured scenes, animated light displays, visits with Santa, special event nights, wagon rides and so much more.
All travelers are required to complete the VSC Member Form and 2025 Trip Waiver Form. Travelers are asked to download and bring completed forms to the departure site. Forms will be available at departure site for those unable to download and complete.
Schedule (Return times are approximate)
TRAVELERS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE 15-20 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
| 7:30 a.m. |
Bus departs Verona Park & Ride |
| 7:50 a.m. |
Bus departs Dutch Mill Park & Ride |
| 7:30 p.m. |
Return Dutch Mill Park & Ride |
| 8:00 p.m. |
Return Verona Park & Ride |
Departure Locations
Verona Park and Ride
Map below for those boarding the bus in Verona.
East side (Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)
Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow. (east of Arby's)
Lunch (includes coffee, tea, soda)
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Chopped Sirloin with onion rings, salad, potato |
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Grilled Chicken breast with asparagus spears & melted mozzarella cheese, salad, potato |
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Pan-fried Haddock (GF), salad, potato |
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Fried Shrimp (GF), salad, potato |
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Roasted Veggie Wrap with fresh spinach, cucumber, sun-dried tomato pesto aioli & mozzarella cheese, French Fries (GF) |
Boxed Dinner (includes bottled water and chips)
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Roast beef Crisper (on Italian bread with tomatoes, green peppers & onions topped with mozzarella cheese) |
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Roast Turkey Crisper (on Italian bread with tomatoes, green peppers & onions topped with mozzarella cheese) |
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Vegetable Crisper (on Italian bread with tomatoes, green peppers & onions topped with mozzarella cheese) |
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Breaded Chicken Tenders (4 tenders served with barbeque sauce) |
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Roasted Veggie Wrap with fresh spinach, cucumber, sun-dried tomato pesto aioli & mozzarella cheese, french fries (GF)
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Cost
$110 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, 2 meals, taxes, and gratuities.
Registration Details and Deadline
Register online. Mailed in reservations using the REGISTRATION FORM and checks are accepted. Registrations much be received no later than Monday, November 17, 2025.
Refund Policy
UWRA refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline. Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend. Refunds made by check.
Questions
Contact trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu) or the UWRA office at 608-262-0641.
UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
