Things to do in Appleton, Wisconsin
- Appleton was the site of the world's first hydroelectric central station to serve a private residence, the Vulcan Street Plant, built in 1882.
- The city was the childhood home of illusionist Harry Houdini, whose father served as the first rabbi of the local congregation.
- Appleton is part of a unique urban cluster known as the Fox Cities, consisting of 19 distinct municipalities connected along the Fox River.
- The city hosted the first successful electric streetcar line in the United States, which began operations in 1886.
- In 1915, Appleton passed a city ordinance that officially changed its name to 'The City of Smiles,' though the name did not gain long-term popularity.
About Appleton, Wisconsin
Appleton is a central hub of the Fox Cities region, located along the Fox River in east-central Wisconsin. Known for its historical role as a center of paper manufacturing and hydroelectric innovation, it maintains a strong cultural presence through institutions like The History Museum at the Castle. Families and visitors utilize expansive outdoor spaces like Appleton Memorial Park for recreation and community events. The city serves as an educational and economic anchor, anchored by the performing arts scene at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.
Highlights of Appleton, Wisconsin
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Venues
This venue hosts touring Broadway productions and regional orchestral performances in a modern acoustic setting.
Historical places
This facility features extensive sports fields, a dog park, and diverse trail systems for year-round active recreation.
Museums
The museum displays interactive exhibits focused on local history, including a permanent collection dedicated to the life and magic of Harry Houdini.
Museums
This educational space offers interactive, play-based exhibits specifically designed for children to learn about science and community roles.
Parks
Lutz Park provides quiet river access and wooded trails, making it a preferred spot for local birdwatchers and kayakers.
Amusement parks
An indoor venue featuring wall-to-wall trampolines and specialized obstacle courses for high-energy recreation.
Top things to do in Appleton, Wisconsin
The 65 highest-rated places in Appleton, Wisconsin, ranked by travellers.
1
Museums
The EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is a premier destination for aviation enthusiasts, housing a collection o...
2
Parks
High Cliff State Park is named for the limestone escarpment of the Niagara Escarpment that rises 200 feet above the nort...
3
Venues
The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center serves as the primary regional venue for touring Broadway productions, concerts, a...
4
Venues
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the world's largest aviation gathering, held annually at Wittman Regional Airport. The event t...
5
Zoos
Menominee Park Zoo is an 8-acre, community-focused wildlife facility situated within the larger Menominee Park in Oshkos...
6
Museums
The Paine Art Center and Gardens is a historic estate in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, featuring a Tudor Revival mansion built bet...
7
Historical places
Appleton Memorial Park is the city's largest municipal park, spanning approximately 120 acres of diverse recreational te...
8
Parks
Pierce Park is a prominent 27-acre community park located along the southern edge of the Fox River in Appleton. The grou...
9
Parks
Riverside Park in Neenah, Wisconsin, is a waterfront recreational area situated along the eastern shore of Lake Winnebag...
10
Parks
Erb Park is a central recreational hub in Appleton, Wisconsin, best known for its extensive outdoor aquatic facility. Th...
11
Parks
Plamann Park is a 259-acre regional park located on the northern edge of Appleton, Wisconsin. The park features a childr...
12
Parks
Kimberly Point Park is a scenic lakeside destination located where Lake Winnebago flows into the Fox River in Neenah, Wi...
13
Parks
Telulah Park is a 28-acre riverside recreation area situated along the northern bank of the Fox River in Appleton, Wisco...
14
Parks
City Park is a historic 8.5-acre green space located in the heart of downtown Appleton, Wisconsin. It serves as the prim...
15
Parks
Shattuck Park serves as a central waterfront hub in downtown Neenah, positioned directly on the banks of the Fox River....
16
Museums
The Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass is renowned for housing one of the world's most significant collections of glass pa...
17
Parks
Lutz Park is a 16.5-acre municipal park located along the banks of the Fox River in Appleton, Wisconsin. The park serves...
18
Venues
The Grand Oshkosh is a restored 1883 Victorian-era opera house located in downtown Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Originally known...
19
Museums
Hearthstone Historic House Museum in Appleton, Wisconsin, holds the distinction of being the first residence in the worl...
20
Parks
Ledge View Nature Center is situated atop the Niagara Escarpment in Calumet County, offering unique access to a system o...
21
Museums
The Oshkosh Public Museum is housed within the historic 1908 Sawyer Home, a designated National Register of Historic Pla...
22
Parks
Doyle Park is a community recreational space situated along the Fox River in Little Chute, Wisconsin. The park serves as...
23
Parks
Fritsch Park is a community park located in the Village of Fox Crossing, Wisconsin, near the Appleton border. The park s...
24
Venues
The Leach Amphitheater is a premier riverfront venue located along the Fox River in downtown Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It serv...
25
Parks
Pollock Community Water Park is a municipal aquatic facility located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, featuring a zero-depth entry...
26
Museums
27
Parks
28
Parks
Sunset Park is a waterfront community park located along the Fox River in the Village of Kimberly. The park features a p...
29
Amusement parks
30
Museums
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Appleton, Wisconsin on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Appleton, Wisconsin
June through August, as this period offers the most pleasant temperatures for enjoying outdoor activities and the city's numerous parks.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to explore the museums, theater district, and various riverfront parks.
A car is the most practical way to navigate the Fox Cities region, though ride-sharing and some limited bus services are available.
Downtown Appleton is the optimal location for access to the arts district, dining, and the riverfront, while areas near the regional airport offer convenient transit-oriented lodging.
Mid-range; Appleton generally offers affordable midwestern pricing for dining and accommodations compared to major coastal cities.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 65 curated attractions in and around Appleton, Wisconsin, ranked by traveller ratings.
EAA Aviation Museum is the highest-rated place to visit in Appleton, Wisconsin right now.
The largest category is parks, with 35 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Downtown Los Angeles, Bayonne, New Jersey, Washington, D.C..
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