50 Best Things to do in Appleton!

Located in the heart of Wisconsin’s Fox River Valley, Appleton is a charming city known for its vibrant arts scene, rich history, and welcoming community. Whether you’re interested in exploring cultural landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or simply soaking in the local atmosphere, Appleton offers something for everyone. The city is also home to Lawrence University, which adds to its lively and youthful vibe. In this guide, we’ll showcase the best things to do in Appleton during your visit to Wisconsin.

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1. Historic Attractions

Asylum Point Lighthouse

Built in 1937 as part of a Works Progress Administration project, Asylum Point Lighthouse was never officially lit for navigation but remains a local landmark. The structure stands 24 feet tall, with a copper-topped lantern room, and was restored in 2007 with repairs to its roof, windows, and wooden frame. A walking bridge connects the island to the mainland, and it is part of Asylum Point Park, which features hiking trails, fishing areas, and picnic spots along the shores of Lake Winnebago. The park is home to wildlife, marshlands, and shaded areas, creating a peaceful environment for outdoor activities.

Hearthstone Historic House Museum

Built in 1882, Hearthstone Historic House Museum was the first private residence in the world to be powered by a hydroelectric system using the Edison method. The house was owned by Henry J. Rogers, a paper industry entrepreneur who helped bring electricity to Appleton. It showcases the early days of electric power, with original Edison light fixtures, switches and wiring still in place. The house is an example of Queen Anne Victorian architecture, featuring woodwork and period furnishings. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about home’s history and its role in the development of electricity.

History Museum at the Castle

Built in 1923, History Museum at the Castle is a fascinating place to explore the history of the Fox Cities. One of its most popular exhibits is the Harry Houdini collection, featuring artifacts from the magician’s life, including locks, keys, handcuffs, and personal documents. Other exhibits highlight the history of Appleton, covering topics like industry, politics and everyday life. It hosts field trips, walking tours, and events, making it a great stop for families and history lovers. The museum received National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2018, the highest honor given to museums in the U.S.

Charles A. Grignon Mansion

Built in 1837 as a wedding gift for Mary Elizabeth Meade, Charles A. Grignon Mansion was known as “The Mansion in the Woods“. The Grignon family played an important role in the region’s development, with Charles acting as an interpreter during the Treaty of the Cedars, which transferred four million acres of Menominee land to the U.S. government. Today, the mansion is a National and State Historic Site, restored to reflect the period between 1837 and 1862, when Charles lived there. The mansion hosts special programs, including Civil War reenactments, holiday tours, and community concerts.

Outagamie County Courthouse

The Outagamie County Courthouse serves as the center for legal and administrative matters in the county, and houses the Clerk of Circuit Courts, handling civil, criminal and is part of the Outagamie County Justice Center, which includes courtrooms and public service areas. It also processes legal documents, manages jury duty, and assists residents with various legal matters. It provides self-help legal resources, including guides for small claims, divorce and other legal matters. The courthouse follows Wisconsin state laws and regulations, ensuring fair legal proceedings for residents of Outagamie County.

Winnebago County Courthouse

The Winnebago County Courthouse has served as the center for all legal and government matters since its opened in 1937. It is designed in the Modern architectural style, a variation of Art Deco, making it a distinct landmark in the county. It houses the circuit court, handling cases related to civil, criminal, family, and probate law. The courthouse is part of the Winnebago County Justice Center, which includes courtrooms, offices, and public service areas. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and visitors can access legal records, pay fines, and file paperwork at the Clerk of Courts office.

Appleton Public Library

The Appleton Public Library is a welcoming space for readers, researchers, and community members, as it offers books, audiobooks, e-books, and DVDs for visitors. It is part of the Outagamie Waupaca Library System, allowing access to materials from multiple locations. Along with books, the library provides electronic databases, films, and cultural resources, making it useful for learning and entertainment. Programs and activities held often, including book clubs, workshops, and events for children. Visitors can check out materials, use public computers, or find quiet spaces for reading and studying.

2. Outdoor Adventures

EAA Seaplane Base

The EAA Seaplane Base is a hidden gem along the west shore of Lake Winnebago, serves as a landing area for seaplanes and amphibious aircraft, providing a unique experience for aviation enthusiasts. During AirVenture, visitors can take a free pontoon boat ride, which offers close-up views of the seaplanes and explanations of different aircraft types. The base hosts forums, workshops, and exhibits related to seaplanes, making it a great place to learn about water-based aviation. A special event called the Watermelon Social takes place during AirVenture week, bringing together pilots and visitors.

Appleton’s Fox River Trail

The Appleton’s Fox River Trail is a 2.2 miles loop that runs through downtown and along the Fox River. Starting at Houdini Plaza, named after the famous magician in Appleton, the trail passes landmarks like Lawrence University and Jones Park. Visitors can see historic sites, including the Between the Locks Building and Fox River Mills, which reflect Appleton’s industrial past. The trail is marked with blue fox paw prints, guiding walkers through 16 points of interest, each with details about the city’s history. A shortcut along the river lets visitors enjoy the waterfront while skipping some downtown stops.

Winnebago County Parks

The Winnebago County Parks provides a plenty of outdoor areas for recreation and relaxation, suitable to visitors. Covering 245 acres, featuring sports fields, fishing ponds and hiking trails, making it a popular spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Activities like disc golf, archery, and soccer are available, along with rental shelters for gatherings during summer. Peabody Park is a 16.2 acres neighborhood park, offering scenic views, walking paths, and picnic areas for visitors looking for an outing. Seasonal events and community programs take place throughout the parks, adding to the experience.

Wiouwash State Trail

The Wiouwash State Trail is a scenic path built on a former railroad corridor, stretching through Winnebago, Outagamie and Shawano counties. The trail is divided into two sections, with the southern segment running 22 miles from Oshkosh to Hortonville. The northern segment covers 19 miles between Birnamwood and Split Rock. The crushed limestone surface of the trail makes it ideal for biking and horseback riding. In winter, visitors can enjoy snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and fat-tire biking. The route passes through grassland prairies, wooded areas and farmland, offering beautiful views.

Boating and Kayaking

Appleton offers great opportunities for boating and kayaking, with the Fox River and Lake Winnebago providing scenic waterways for outdoor adventures. Fox River Kayaking Company offers guided excursions and gear rentals, allowing visitors to explore the river at their own pace. Popular routes include Appleton Locks Paddle, Little Chute Locks Paddle and Doty Island Paddle, each offering unique views and experiences. For those interested in boating, Appleton Yacht Club or Menasha Marina provides a selection of pontoon boats, fishing boats, and sport cruisers, suits to different water activities.

Golfing Courses

Appleton has a variety of golf courses that suits to different skill levels and preferences. Reid Municipal Golf Course is a public 18-hole, par-71 course with a driving range, making it a great spot for casual and competitive golfers. Chaska Golf Course features 18 holes with wooded fairways and water hazards, adding a challenge to the game. Butte des Morts Country Club is a private course offering a par-70 layout with scenic views and well-maintained greens. Tee times are recommended and golfers can choose between outdoor courses and high-tech indoor facilities, making it easy to find the right fit.

Fishing Spots

Appleton has several great fishing spots for anglers of all skill levels. Lake Winnebago is the largest inland lake in Wisconsin, is a top choice for catching walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, and perch. The Fox River, running through Appleton, offers good fishing near Appleton Lock 4 and Cedars Lock, where anglers often catch smallmouth bass and freshwater drum. Nearby Appleton, Little Lake Butte des Morts is another popular spot, known for northern pike and largemouth bass. Checking local fishing regulations before heading out is a good idea, as rules may vary by season and location.

Menominee Park

The Menominee Park is a large outdoor space along the shores of Lake Winnebago, featuring walking and biking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields. One of its highlights is the Menominee Park Zoo, as it has more than 50 animals, including wolves and eagles, providing a fun and educational experience for visitors. The zoo is free to visit, supported by community donations and offers interactive exhibits. The park has boat launches, fishing spots and kayak rentals, allowing visitors to explore the lake. Seasonal events like holiday celebrations and summer festivals, bring the people together.

Appleton Memorial Park

The Appleton Memorial Park is the largest park in the city, covering 143 acres and offering a wide range of outdoor activities f or visitors. Located at Ballard Rd & Northland Ave, the park has seven baseball and softball fields, six tennis courts, two soccer fields, and an open ice skating rink, making it a great spot for sports lovers. Families can enjoy a sledding hill, a fishing pond with catch-and-release rules, and multiple playgrounds, making it a year-round recreation. The Scheig Center and gardens has both paved and unpaved trails that are great for walking, biking and cross-country skiing in winter.

Trestle Trail

The Trestle Trail is a scenic pedestrian bridge that stretches 1,600 feet over the Fox River, offering beautiful views and a unique walking experience. The trail is part of the Fox Cities Trestle/Friendship Trail, connecting Neenah to Menasha and beyond, making it a key path for runners, and cyclists. The bridge is lighted at night, allowing visitors to enjoy evening walks or bike rides in a well-lit environment. As one of the longest pedestrian bridges in Wisconsin, it provides a safe and enjoyable route with river views. Fishing is popular along the bridge, with designated spots where anglers can cast their lines.

Plamann Park

Covering 257 acres, Plamann Park is home to a 27-hole disc golf course, rated highly among players, and offers volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and ball diamonds for sports lovers. The park has self-guided nature trails, allowing visitors to enjoy pleasant walks through wooded areas. Families can visit the Children’s Farm, where baby animals from local farms stay during the summer months. Plamann Lake, located in the park, allows swimming, inflatable water activities, and seasonal swim lessons. Winter activities include sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, ensuring year-round recreation.

3. Iconic Landmarks

Lawrence University

Founded in 1847, Lawrence University is a private liberal arts college known for its small class sizes and engaged learning approach. From the beginning, it was one of the first colleges in the U.S. to be coeducational method. The campus sits along College Avenue, offering a mix of historic and modern buildings. Covering 90 acres of campus, the university has facilities for academics, arts and higher studies. It is home to the Lawrence Conservatory of Music, which provides specialized training for musicians. Visitors can explore surrounding grounds and engage in educational programs hosted in campus.

EAA Aviation Museum

As a part of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the EAA Aviation Museum showcases over 200 historic aircraft, including antiques, warbirds, and experimental planes. It is located next to Wittman Regional Airport, and is home to the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s largest aviation event. Visitors can explore exhibits like the Eagle Hangar, which honors World War II aviation, and the KidVenture Gallery, featuring hands-on activities for children.

One of the highlights is the Engle Collection, displaying memorabilia from astronaut Joe Engle, the one who participated in the X-15, Apollo, and space shuttle programs. Guests can see replicas of famous aircraft, including the Spirit of St. Louis, flown by Charles Lindbergh. The museum offers guided tours, flight simulators, and interactive displays, making it an engaging experience for all ages. During summer, visitors can take rides in historic planes at Pioneer Airport, a working aerodrome designed to reflect aviation’s golden age.

Weis Earth Science Museum

The Weis Earth Science Museum is the official mineralogical museum of Wisconsin with interactive exhibits, allowing visitors to explore topics like fossils, minerals, sedimentary structures, and Wisconsin’s geological past. Guests can walk through a mine tunnel, touch dinosaur bones and even create an earthquake, making it a fun and educational experience. The museum holds a collection of over 10,000 specimens, with 1,000 on display at any time, displaying Wisconsin’s natural history. It provides hands-on activities, school tours and research chances, helping visitors engage with earth science.

Trout Museum of Art

The Trout Museum of Art is a creative space that showcases artwork from regional and international artists, offering a mix of exhibits and educational programs. It focuses on making art accessible, offering classes, workshops and programs. One of its biggest events is Art at the Park, an annual festival running for over 65 years, bringing artists and visitors together. The museum features exhibits, covering styles from paintings and sculptures to modern installations, appealing to various artistic interests. Visitors can explore different art forms, engage in interactive activities and attend guided tours.

Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass

Opened in 1959, Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass is dedicated to showcase a wide range of glass art collections and educational experiences, well-known for its world-class collection of glass paperweights. Other exhibits include antique German-style drinking vessels, Victorian-era art glass and contemporary studio glass, highlighting different glass art styles. The museum offers glass-making classes, workshops, and interactive programs, providing hands-on experiences for visitors. The Glass Studio allows guests to try flameworking and kiln-formed glass, offering insights into glass-making process.

Oshkosh Public Museum

The Oshkosh Public Museum is housed in the Historic Sawyer Home, a Tudor Revival mansion built in 1908. The home features original Tiffany Studios interiors, including stained glass and carved woodwork, making it a unique attraction. The museum preserve more than 250,000 artifacts, offering exhibits that highlight local history, immigration, and industry. One of its most famous displays is the Apostle’s Clock, a folk art piece that plays music and features moving figurines. The museum also offers guided tours, educational programs, and family discovery days, making it a great place for learning.

Military Veterans Museum

The Military Veterans Museum is dedicated for preserving the stories of those who served in the armed forces, offering exhibits that highlight military history through artifacts, vehicles and personal stories. It features displays of uniforms, weapons and equipment used in different wars, providing insights into the experiences of veterans. The Motor Pool area showcases restored military vehicles, including jeeps and trucks, allowing visitors to see them up close. Educational programs and workshops provide hands-on opportunities for visitors to engage with military history in an interactive way.

Neenah Historical Society

The Neenah Historical Society works to preserve and share the history of the community through exhibits, events and educational programs. The society operates Hiram Smith Octagon House, a historic home hosting family day and offers guided tours that provide insights into 19th century life. Events like the Annual Cemetery Walk take visitors through Oak Hill Cemetery, where guided tours share stories and insights about local historical figures. The exhibit Growing Up Neenah: An All-American Childhood explores past generations’ experiences in the city, highlighting everyday life and challenges.

Houdini Plaza

Honoring the famous illusionist Harry Houdini, the Houdini Plaza got it’s name and become a central gathering space in Appleton. The plaza was established in 1985 and has transformed into a hub for special events, concerts, and festivals. It features public art, seating areas, and open space, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors. The 82 foot-tall LED-lit spire honors Appleton’s role in hydroelectric power history and adds a distinctive landmark to the plaza. Events throughout the year include farmers’ markets, live music performances, and seasonal celebrations, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

4. Family-Friendly Activities

Wisconsin International Raceway

The Wisconsin International Raceway is a popular motorsports venue that has been hosting stock car and drag racing events since 1964, attracting national competitors. The raceway features a 0.5 mile asphalt oval, a quarter-mile drag strip, and eight tracks, making it a hub for racing fans. It organizes weekly races, special events, and championship series, with major events like the Dixieland 250, part of the ARCA Midwest Tour, which has seen participation from NASCAR drivers over the years. The Red, White and Blue State Championship Series, bringing together top racers from across the region.

EAA AirVenture

The EAA AirVenture is the world’s largest aviation event, attracting more than 600,000 visitors and 10,000 aircraft each year at Wittman Regional Airport. The event runs for seven days in late July, featuring daily air shows, aircraft displays, workshops, and forums where aviation enthusiasts can learn and explore. Visitors can see warbirds, vintage planes, homebuilt aircraft, and aerobatic performers, with many opportunities to interact with pilots and industry experts. Special events including flight demonstrations, night air shows and hands-on activities, creating a fascinating experience for all visitors.

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center is a major venue for live performances, bringing Broadway shows, concerts and cultural events. It was opened in 2002 and features Thrivent Hall for large events and the Kimberly-Clark Theater for more intimate events. The center hosts the Broadway Across America – Fox Cities series, featuring touring productions of popular musicals like The Lion King, Wicked, and Les Misérables, along with local performances. Other programs include the Boldt Arts Alive! series, Spotlight series, and Viewpoint speaker series, offering a mix of live music and educational events.

Building for Kids Children’s Museum

The Building for Kids is a children’s museum designed to encourage learning through play, hosting special programs like Early Explorers, Summer Explorer Camps and educational programs for kids. Kids can explore exhibits like the bank, crane, semi-truck, and shipping displays, helping them learn about different jobs and industries. The water exhibit allows children to experiment with water flow and movement, making it one of the most popular attractions. A giant Rube Goldberg machine demonstrates how simple actions create chain reactions, adding an element of problem-solving and creativity.

Fox Cities Exhibition Center

The Fox Cities Exhibition Center is a modern venue designed for conventions, trade shows and community events, offering flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for gatherings. The center opened in 2018 and featuring 87 ,000 square feet of total space, including a 30,000 square-foot exhibit hall, 40,000 square feet of meeting space and 17,000 square feet of outdoor plaza areas. A key visual feature is its 82 foot-tall LED-lit spire, honoring Appleton’s history in hydroelectric power and energy innovation. Variety of events range from business conferences to cultural exhibits and public expos, held here.

Appleton Family Ice Center

The Appleton Family Ice Center is a hub for ice sports and recreational skating, serving the Fox Valley area with programs for visitors. The center is operated by Appleton Ice, Inc., a nonprofit that also manages Tri-County Ice Arena in Neenah. It is home to teams like Appleton United, Fox Cities Ice Dogs, and Lawrence University hockey, supporting youth and adult leagues. The facility offers public skating sessions, hockey leagues, figure skating programs and learn-to-skate classes, making it accessible for all skaters. Special events and tournaments take place year-round, bringing the people together.

Burial Chamber Haunted House Complex

The Burial Chamber Haunted House Complex is one of the largest haunted attractions in the Midwest, offering multiple experiences in one location. The complex features four haunted attractions, including Adrenaline Haunted House, Insanity Haunted House, Phobia Haunted Woods, and Trapped Buried Alive Experience. Each attraction provides a different type of scare, from intense jump scares to immersive horror environments with suspense performances. The complex also includes The Hunt I-Spy Experience, a scavenger hunt game where groups and families compete to find hidden objects.

Waterfest at Riverside Park

The Waterfest at Riverside Park is a summer music festival that brings live performances to the Fox River waterfront. The event takes place at Leach Amphitheater, and also runs on special nights throughout the summer months. Waterfest features a mix of jazz, rock, blues, pop, and R&B, attracting thousands of visitors each season. The festival has been a tradition for years, offering a relaxed outdoor setting where people can enjoy music with family and friends. Local restaurants and bars nearby offer food and drinks, including some nights feature special promotions, such as discounted entry.

Marcus Valley Grand Cinema

The Marcus Valley Grand Cinema is a modern movie theater offering a comfortable and upgraded experience for film lovers, with multiple screens showing the latest Hollywood films, independent movies, and special screenings. The theater is part of Marcus Theatres, a well-known chain with locations across the Midwest. Guests can enjoy DreamLounger recliner seating, providing extra comfort during the movie, along with UltraScreen DLX and SuperScreen DLX auditoriums, which feature larger screens, immersive sound, premium seating and group events for an enhanced viewing experience.

5. Natural Attractions

Paine Art Center & Gardens

Founded in 1948, Paine Art Center & Gardens blends art, architecture and botanical gardens, offering visitors a peaceful experience. The estate features a Tudor Revival mansion, originally designed in 1927 for lumber baron Nathan Paine and his wife, Jessie Kimberly Paine, showcasing elegant interiors and art collections. Inside the mansion, guests can explore art galleries displaying French Barbizon and American landscape paintings, sculptures, and decorative pieces. Guided tours allow visitors to enjoy art exhibits, highlighting artistic styles and historical themes and engage educational programs.

Lake Winnebago

Covering about 137,700 acres, Lake Winnebago is the largest lake entirely within Wisconsin, with 88 miles of shoreline. It stretches 30 miles long and 10 miles wide, offering plenty of space for outdoor activities. The lake is known for its shallow waters, which is safe for water activities with an average depth of 15 feet and a max of 21 feet. It has two main tributaries, the Wolf River and Fox River, which help maintain water flow and connect it to other waterways. Fishing is a major attraction, and lake also supports boating, kayaking, and canoeing, with several boat launches available along the shore.

Lake Butte des Morts

Covering 8,575 acres, Lake Butte des Morts is part of the Winnebago Pool, a network of lakes that includes Lake Winnebago, Lake Poygan and Lake Winneconne. The lake is almost shallow, which is safe for kids to swim around, with an average depth of 7 feet and a max depth of 9 feet. The name “Butte des Morts” means “Mound of the Dead”, a reference to a nearby Native American burial site. The lake supports boating, kayaking and canoeing with several boat launches available along the shore. Much of the lake consists of flooded marshland, created by damming Fox River in the 19th century.

High Cliff State Park

The High Cliff State Park is the only state-owned recreation area on the lake, offering hiking, camping, and water activities. The park gets its name from the Niagara Escarpment, a limestone cliff that runs through the area, creating unique rock formations and scenic overlooks. A 40 foot observation tower at the top of the escarpment provides breathtaking views of the lake. A 12 foot statue of Chief Red Bird, a leader of the Ho-Chunk Nation, stands on a granite rock overlooking the lake. Educational programs offering visitors a chance to learn about local history and conservation efforts.

Bubolz Nature Preserve

The Bubolz Nature Preserve has 8.5 miles of trails, allowing visitors to enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing throughout the year. Environmental education is a key focus, with programs that teach sustainability and conservation. The Lodge at Bubolz serves as the preserve’s environmental center, offering space for events, meetings and workshops. Families can visit Kenna’s Kabin, an interactive play area designed to help children connect with nature. Seasonal events including guided nature walks and conservation workshops, provides a chance for learning and outdoor exploration.

Heckrodt Wetland Reserve

The Heckrodt Wetland Reserve is a 91 acres urban nature reserve that features wetlands, cattail marshes, prairie areas and upland forests. Visitors can explore 3 miles of looped trails, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors in any season. The Nature Center provides interactive exhibits, aquariums with local fish and reptiles, and educational programs about wetland conservation. The reserve is home to reptiles, amphibians, mammals and migrating birds, making it a great spot for wildlife observation. Interpretive areas along the trails offer information about the different ecosystems within the reserve.

1000 Islands Environmental Center

Covering 350 acres of nature reserve, 1000 Islands Environmental Center offering trails, wildlife viewing and educational programs. It provides 7 miles of trails, including a one mile path with 2,000 feet of barrier-free boardwalk, making it accessible for all visitors. The Nature Center features live animal exhibits, interactive displays, and a Fox River arrowhead collection, helping visitors learn about local ecosystems. The Conservancy Zone was established in 1969 to protects woodland and river areas, while the center hosts seasonal events, such as Eagle Days, highlight wildlife and offer guided tours.

6. Day Trips & Excursions

Fond du Lac

Planning a day trip to Fond du Lac takes about an hour from Appleton, offers a mix of outdoor activities and local attractions. Lakeside Park is a great starting point, featuring walking trails, picnic areas, and a lighthouse with views of Lake Winnebago, making it a relaxing place to take in the scenery. The city has local museums, art galleries, and shopping areas, offering varieties to explore. Visitors can take a walk through downtown, enjoying the views of both historic buildings and modern shops. The lakeshore area is ideal for outdoor activities, with options for boating, fishing, and relaxing by the water.

Manitowoc

From Appleton, a day trip to Manitowoc takes about 2 hours, offering a mix of history, outdoor activities and scenic lake views. A good place to start is the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, which features exhibits on Great Lakes history and a World War II submarine visitors can tour. The Rahr West Art Museum showcases local and international artwork inside a historic mansion. For outdoor activities, the Manitowoc Breakwater Light is a scenic spot to walk along the lake and take photos. The city has several restaurants serving fresh seafood and Wisconsin specialties, making it easy to find a good meal.

Sheboygan

Start a day trip to Sheboygan and drive along Lake Michigan for 2 hours from Appleton, provides a mix of outdoor activities and local attractions. Start at Deland Park, which features walking trails, beach access, and a marina, making it a relaxing spot to enjoy the lake. The John Michael Kohler Arts Center showcases contemporary art and hosts variety of exhibits, offering a creative spot for visitors. The Sheboygan Riverwalk is a scenic area with shops, cafes, and views of the water, making it a nice place to explore. Seasonal events, including festivals and farmers’ markets, making each visit unique.

Stevens Point

From Appleton, a day trip to Stevens Point takes about an hour and along the way, visitors can stop in Waupaca or Amherst, e xploring parks, restaurants, and historical sites. In Stevens Point, Schmeeckle Reserve is a great place to start, featuring trails, wildlife viewing, and a peaceful lake. The Green Circle Trail is a 27 miles scenic path, making it perfect for biking or hiking. The city is also home to Stevens Point Brewery, one of the oldest breweries in the country, providing guided tours and sample tastings. The downtown area has local shops, cafes, and art galleries, making it a nice place to explore.

Brillion State Wildlife Area

A day trip to Brillion State Wildlife Area takes about an hour drive from Appleton, and it’s a 4,800 acres nature reserve featuring wetlands and agricultural fields, creating a diverse habitat for wildlife. It is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and provides a chance for hiking, hunting and wildlife spotting. The reserve is home to deer, waterfowl, muskrats and songbirds, making it a great spot for nature lovers. The Brillion Nature Center offers educational programs, guided tours and interactive exhibits about local ecosystems, helping visitors learn about conservation efforts.

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

From Appleton, a day trip to Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest takes about 3 hours and offers a chance to explore hiking trails and scenic landscapes. The forest spans over 1.5 million acres, providing space for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, camping and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore Cathedral Pines, a 40 acres old-growth forest with towering pine and hemlock trees. The Mountain Fire Lookout Tower, built in 1935, offers panoramic views and is listed on National Historic Lookout Register. Several lakes and rivers run through the area, making it a great spot for boating and kayaking.

How to Reach Appleton

If you’re flying, Appleton International Airport (ATW) is located just a few miles west of the city center and offers direct flights from major hubs like Kansas City, Atlanta and Minneapolis, with daily arrivals and departures from several airlines. If you’re flying directly to Appleton is not preferred, visitors can land at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) or Green Bay’s Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB), both within a 2 hours drive from Appleton, with rental car and shuttle services available for an easy transfer.

Travelers driving to Appleton can take Interstate 41, which runs north-south through the city, with those coming from Milwaukee following I-41 N, those from Madison taking US-151 N to I-41 N, and visitors driving from Chicago can travel via routes I-90 W/I-94 W to I-43 S and US-41 N. Bus services, including Amtrak Thruway, connect Appleton to cities along the I-41 corridor, offering an option for those traveling without a car.

Local Transportation

Appleton offers several transport options for getting around the city. Valley Transit is the main public bus service, covering 117 square miles and serving a population of 233,947. The buses run on fixed routes, with stops at key locations like downtown Appleton, shopping centers, and residential areas. Bus schedules and route maps are available online, helping riders plan their trips. For those needing a taxi, Fox Valley Cab has been operating in Appleton for over 60 years, providing reliable service.

Rideshare options are available in Appleton, offering convenient transportation at any time of day. Some local businesses and hotels provide shuttle services for guests, making travel easier. Appleton has bike-friendly streets and trails, allowing cyclists to navigate the city safely. Parking is available throughout the city, with both street parking and garages near major attractions. Checking schedules and availability before traveling is helpful, as services may change based on time or season.

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FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

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