Appleton

Travel Guide

Photo by Josh Russell
Photo by Frank Livermore
Photo by Frank Livermore
Photo by Melanie Stadler
Photo by Frank Livermore

This attractive city on the banks of Fox River is Wisconsin’s popular destination for performing arts, thrilling sports and Harry Houdini history.

Appleton is known for its performing arts scene, heritage houses, pleasant parks and informative museums. The charming city in Northeast Wisconsin is split diagonally by the meandering Fox River. Catch a baseball match, wander through an expansive botanical garden and learn about the famed magician Harry Houdini’s connection to Appleton.

Appleton is a compact city and features a range of exciting destinations within easy walking distance in its downtown district. Check what’s showing at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Centre, a venue that regularly hosts Broadway acts and the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra. Visit the History Museum at the Castle, an interactive local history museum featuring a range of permanent and touring exhibitions. Find out how former Appleton resident Harry Houdini performed his amazing feats of illusion at the Houdini exhibit.

Walk a few blocks to find the Hearthstone Historic House Museum on the banks of Fox River. This stately late-19th-century mansion was the first house in history to be powered by hydroelectricity. Take an informative tour to hear about the Edison hydroelectric system. Catch weekly Appleton City Band concerts throughout the summer in Pierce Park, a leafy public park located nearby.

To the northeast of the city, find the Appleton Memorial Park, an expansive 139-acre (56.2-hectare) public park that features baseball fields, a playground, an indoor ice-skating rink and a picturesque picnic area.

Appleton can be reached by plane to Outagamie County Regional Airport from several major cities in surrounding states. A bus service connects Appleton to Chicago and Green Bay. Local buses serve the city and taxis are readily available in downtown. Visit Appleton for the warm, lingering summers or holiday in winter to see the city brightly lit with colourful Christmas lights.

Where to stay in Appleton

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College Avenue Historic District

College Avenue Historic District is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Building for Kids Children's Museum and Trout Museum of Art while you're in town.

College Avenue Historic District
AmericInn by Wyndham Appleton Downtown
AmericInn by Wyndham Appleton Downtown
2.5 out of 5
3033 W College Avenue, Appleton, WI
The price is S$110 per night from 2 Jul to 3 Jul
S$110
2 Jul - 3 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Appleton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
Overnight stay before flying out
"Staff was super friendly. Took our suitcase up to our room for us. Room was spacious. There were dirty towels still hanging up in the bathroom. But there were fresh ones also provided. No elevator to the second floor, which I had my elderly MIL with me. Was a little challenging to get her up the ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jun, 2025

AmericInn by Wyndham Appleton Downtown
DoubleTree by Hilton Appleton
DoubleTree by Hilton Appleton
4 out of 5
150 S Nicolet Road, Appleton, WI
The price is S$143 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
S$143
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Appleton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,330 reviews)
"The staff was absolutely superb! Thanks Double Tree by Hilton!"

Reviewed on 22 Jun, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Appleton
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Appleton
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Appleton
2 out of 5
321 North Metro Drive, Appleton, WI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$90 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
S$90
29 Jun - 30 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Appleton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Property was in a good area. We only needed it one night and it was a good rate."

Reviewed on 22 Jun, 2025

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Appleton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
3.5 out of 5
7020 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Lake Geneva. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,862 reviews)
"As always a beautiful area"

Reviewed on 23 Jun, 2025

Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
Scandinavian Lodge
Scandinavian Lodge
3.5 out of 5
10506 State HWY 57, Sister Bay, WI
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly aparthotel in Sister Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,418 reviews)
"We stay at Scandinavian Lodge every year and we absolutely love it!! The rooms are always clean and so spacious. Our son loves the pool!"

Reviewed on 23 Jun, 2025

Scandinavian Lodge
Bridgeport Waterfront Resort
Bridgeport Waterfront Resort
3 out of 5
50 West Larch Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Sturgeon Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (471 reviews)
"Clean, comfortable suite with an absolutely gorgeous view!"

Reviewed on 23 Jun, 2025

Bridgeport Waterfront Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Appleton

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Top destination
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4/5 - Good

Ian

Very handy location on the edge of town so, no town driving for someone from the UK. Three restaurants within a few minutes walk and 1/2 mile from the mall.