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 Center, 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 vacation in winter to see the city brightly lit with colorful 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
DoubleTree by Hilton Appleton

DoubleTree by Hilton Appleton

4 out of 5
150 S Nicolet Road, Appleton, WI
The price is €101 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€101
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (1,353 reviews)
"Great hotel in a great location. Hot tub was awful, first it was hot I will give it that but 2/10 or so jets were working but barely."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 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
The price is €59 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
€59
7 Aug - 8 Aug
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Was sad the spa was out of order"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Appleton
Economy Inn

Economy Inn

2.5 out of 5
210 N Westhill Blvd, Appleton, WI
Stay at this motel in Appleton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Fox ...
6.2/10 (258 reviews)
"a good facility. only down side was trying to figure out how to operate the television. ended up using my laptop to watch tv shows"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Economy Inn
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.
EAA AirVenture 2025!  BUSINESS trips...room to land a HELICOPTER!!!

EAA AirVenture 2025! BUSINESS trips...room to land a HELICOPTER!!!

2 out of 5
Appleton
Stay at this vacation home in Appleton. Enjoy laundry facilities, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve ...
EAA AirVenture 2025! BUSINESS trips...room to land a HELICOPTER!!!
Ex-player's home, Hot Tub, Cinema, walk 2 Lambeau

Ex-player's home, Hot Tub, Cinema, walk 2 Lambeau

Green Bay
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Green Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lambeau Field and Resch ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
"The property was very clean and owner provided manual with very complete instructions."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Ex-player's home, Hot Tub, Cinema, walk 2 Lambeau
Beautiful Lakefront Home ~ Outstanding Sunsets ~ Includes Hot Tub!

Beautiful Lakefront Home ~ Outstanding Sunsets ~ Includes Hot Tub!

Winneconne
Stay at this vacation home in Winneconne. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (360 reviews)
"Very quiet and nice property"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Beautiful Lakefront Home ~ Outstanding Sunsets ~ Includes Hot Tub!
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.

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