Appleton WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Appleton, Wisconsin.
1. Hearthstone Historic House Museum
HISTORIC VICTORIAN MANSION
Hearthstone Historic House Museum is a beautifully restored Queen Anne Victorian Style home built in 1882 by Henry J. Rogers, Superintendent of the Appleton Paper and Pulp Mill. The mansion holds the distinction of being one of the first homes in the world to be powered by hydroelectricity from a central station using the Edison system. Visitors can explore the exquisite interior featuring original fixtures, furnishings, and experience the historical significance of this architectural gem.
2. Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center is a world-class entertainment venue hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and cultural performances in downtown Appleton. The center features state-of-the-art acoustics, elegant architecture, and comfortable seating for an exceptional theatrical experience. Visitors can enjoy pre-show dining at the on-site restaurant or explore the beautiful lobby areas before taking in a performance.
3. The History Museum at the Castle
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The History Museum at the Castle, founded in 1872, unfolds the rich history of Appleton and the Fox Cities across three floors of engaging exhibits. The museum is housed in a striking Gothic-style building that was once a Masonic temple, adding architectural interest to the historical experience. Visitors can explore permanent and rotating exhibits that bring local stories to life, including displays about famous Appleton native Harry Houdini.
4. Building for Kids
INTERACTIVE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
The Building for Kids Children's Museum offers specially designed exhibits and programs aimed at empowering children, engaging parents, and energizing communities. This interactive museum features hands-on learning experiences that combine play with educational concepts across science, art, culture, and health. Young visitors can climb aboard a fire truck, explore a mini hospital, create in the art studio, or discover physics principles through imaginative play stations.
5. Butterfly Gardens of Wisconsin
COLORFUL BUTTERFLY SANCTUARY
Butterfly Gardens of Wisconsin offers visitors a magical experience walking among hundreds of free-flying native butterflies in a naturalized garden setting. The attraction features educational displays about butterfly life cycles, conservation efforts, and the important role these pollinators play in our ecosystem. Guests can observe butterflies up close as they feed on flowering plants, rest on garden features, or even land on visitors who remain still and patient.
6. Fox River Mall
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Fox River Mall is the largest shopping center in Northeast Wisconsin, featuring over 130 specialty shops, department stores, and dining options. The sprawling retail complex offers everything from fashion and electronics to home goods and specialty items in a climate-controlled, comfortable environment. Shoppers can enjoy a full day of retail therapy, break for meals at the food court or sit-down restaurants, and even catch a movie at the on-site cinema.
7. Lawrence University
HISTORIC LIBERAL ARTS CAMPUS
Lawrence University is a prestigious liberal arts college and conservatory of music with a picturesque campus along the Fox River in downtown Appleton. Founded in 1847, the university features beautiful historic buildings, modern academic facilities, and art installations spread across its 84-acre grounds. Visitors can enjoy public concerts, art exhibitions, lectures, and sporting events that welcome the broader community to experience the vibrant campus atmosphere.
8. Community First Champion Center
MODERN SPORTS COMPLEX
The Community First Champion Center is a state-of-the-art sports and recreation facility hosting tournaments, competitions, and events throughout the year. The impressive complex features multiple ice rinks, basketball/volleyball courts, and specialized training areas for various sports activities. Visitors can watch exciting youth and adult sporting events or participate in open recreation sessions depending on the center's schedule.
9. Fox Cities Exhibition Center
MODERN EVENT SPACE
The Fox Cities Exhibition Center is a contemporary venue hosting conventions, trade shows, meetings, and special events in downtown Appleton. The architecturally striking facility features 30,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, state-of-the-art technology, and stunning views of the surrounding city. Visitors can attend various public events throughout the year ranging from consumer shows and expos to cultural celebrations and community gatherings.
10. Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium
MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL EXPERIENCE
Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium is the home of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, a Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Milwaukee Brewers. The family-friendly ballpark offers affordable entertainment with excellent sightlines, convenient concessions, and fun between-inning activities throughout the baseball season. Visitors can experience America's pastime in a charming stadium atmosphere while watching future MLB stars develop their skills on the diamond.
11. Badger Sports Park
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
Badger Sports Park offers year-round family entertainment with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages, arcade games, laser tag, and climbing walls all in one convenient location. The park provides options for casual fun, birthday celebrations, or group outings with package deals that combine multiple attractions.
12. Fox River Trail
SCENIC URBAN PATHWAY
The Fox River Trail winds along the picturesque waterway through Appleton, offering walkers, joggers, and cyclists miles of paved pathways with beautiful river views. The trail connects various parks, natural areas, and urban attractions while providing interpretive signage about the region's ecology and history. Visitors can enjoy seasonal beauty, wildlife sightings, and recreational opportunities while experiencing the natural corridor that runs through the heart of the city.
13. Appleton Memorial Park
PREMIER RECREATION AREA
Appleton Memorial Park is the city's largest public park, spanning 139 acres with extensive recreational facilities including sports fields, tennis courts, and playground equipment. The park features beautiful gardens, walking trails, picnic areas, and seasonal attractions like an outdoor pool during summer months. Visitors can enjoy organized sports, casual recreation, or simply relaxing in this expansive green space that serves as a community gathering place throughout the year.
14. Paper Discovery Center
INTERACTIVE PAPER MUSEUM
The Paper Discovery Center celebrates Appleton's rich papermaking heritage through interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Located in a historic paper mill along the Fox River, the museum explores the science, art, and history of paper production that shaped the region's development. Visitors can make their own paper, learn about sustainable forestry practices, and discover how papermaking technology has evolved from ancient techniques to modern manufacturing processes.
15. Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve
NATURAL WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve encompasses over 725 acres of forests, fields, and wetlands with miles of trails for hiking, skiing, and wildlife observation throughout the seasons. The preserve features a state-of-the-art environmental center with educational exhibits, programs, and sustainable design elements including geothermal heating and solar power. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems, participate in naturalist-led programs, or simply enjoy quiet contemplation in this protected natural sanctuary just minutes from downtown Appleton.