If you are planning a trip to Appleton WI soon and looking for the best things to do in Appleton WI, you have come to the right place!
Located in the heart of Fox Cities, Appleton Wisconsin is a beautiful town in Wisconsin that you should visit.
This Midwestern destination boasts a vibrant art scene and offers a lot of fun activities and attractions for visitors to explore.
From visiting the art galleries to shopping at the local farmer’s market, there is something interesting for everyone to do here.
With a rich history and culture, this Wisconsin town is also home to many historical sites and museums.
However, apart from the indoor attractions, you will find plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in this town as well. From hiking to crossing bridges, there is no shortage of fun things to do in Appleton WI
So, whether you are planning a weekend getaway to this Midwestern town or just wish to know about fun places to visit in Appleton, we got you covered.
Check out our list of the 10 best things to do in Appleton Wisconsin that you cannot miss.
10 Best Things To Do in Appleton Wisconsin Not to Miss
Learn at the History Museum at the Castle
One of the most fun things to do in Appleton is to visit Appleton’s History Museum.
Fondly known as the Museum at the Castle, this history museum in Appleton is housed inside a Masonic lodge made out of rough stones.
Constructed in 1923, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has a gorgeous architectural style.
You can explore the plethora of displays and exhibits here that focus on the history and heritage of Fox River Valley.
From Senator Joe McCarthy to John Bradley, you will find exhibits on several key figures here as well.
But the main showstopper of the museum is the interactive exhibit of Harry Houdini. Here, you can experience hands-on magic tricks, making it a hit among families.
Trust me, if you are looking for fun yet educational things to do in Appleton Wisconsin, then do visit the History Museum at the Castle.
Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn Appleton – Fox River Mall Area
Check Prices: Booking.com
Visit the Downtown Appleton Farm Market
Are you searching for free things to do in Appleton Wisconsin?
If yes, then you cannot go wrong with the Downtown Appleton Farm Market that is held throughout the year.
This is one of the main events in Appleton WI that you shouldn’t miss. The market takes place every Saturday morning.
From mid-June to October, it is held outdoors. However, it is moved inside the City Center Plaza from November to January.
You can get a wide range of baked goods, soups, snacks, organic vegetables, and more here. This is a great way to stock up on some delicious food before you begin your sightseeing for the day.
That’s not all, this downtown farm market is also a great place to buy souvenirs for your loved ones.
Here, you can easily get jewelry items, assorted goods, handcrafted gifts, and so on.
So, if you are looking for a place with a relaxing ambiance and lots of good food and shopping items, then Downtown Appleton Farm Market is a must-visit in Appleton Wisconsin.
Recommended Hotel: Cambria Hotel Appleton
Check Prices: Booking.com
Butterfly Gardens of Wisconsin
If you are visiting Appleton Wisconsin with family, then one of the best attractions in Appleton to visit is the Butterfly Gardens of Wisconsin.
This popular Midwestern attraction features a huge maze of prairie flowers and is home to over 200 butterflies.
You can find the butterflies enjoying both in the indoor and the outdoor settings.
Wander around the maze of the garden and learn about the different types of butterfly species found in this region.
This garden is open to visitors every summer and is a great way to learn about the lifecycle and the significance of butterflies.
Outside, you can explore the maze where you can interact with deer, turkeys, minks, and plenty of native plants.
There is also a Butterfly Bridge that offers a stunning view of the surroundings.
Visitors can also watch how honeybees produce honey at the bee hive attraction and can even buy some fresh honey from here.
Apart from honey, you can also buy butterfly-friendly plants here and plant your own colorful garden at home.
Trust me, if you are looking for fun things to do in Appleton Wisconsin, then do plan a visit to the Butterfly Gardens of Wisconsin.
Recommended Hotel: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
Check Prices: Booking.com
Visiting Hearthstone Historic Museum Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Appleton WI
One of the top places to visit in Wisconsin is the Hearthstone Historic Museum which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Built in 1882, Hearthstone Historic Museum is the pride of this cute Wisconsin town.
This was the first house on earth to be illuminated with the help of Edison’s light bulbs.
Today, this former residence houses an amazing museum with Victorian interiors, beautifully stained-glass windows, and period furniture.
What’s, even more, mesmerizing about this museum is that you can find exhibits showcasing Edison’s lights and switches from 1882 here!
Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of this museum or attend one of the fun ‘Mystery at the Mansion’ events in Appleton that is held here.
Solve the murder mystery as you are transported back into the Victorian era inside the museum.
Trust me, if you are a history buff, then one of the best things to do in Appleton Wisconsin is to visit the Hearthstone Historic Museum.
Recommended Hotel: Hilton Appleton Paper Valley
Check Prices: Booking.com
Enjoy the Views of Fox River
If you are planning a short weekend getaway to the Wisconsin town of Appleton, then you cannot miss out on enjoying the Fox River views.
You can easily wander around Lower Fox River and explore the multitude of hiking trails that can be found around here.
For sunset lovers, the river is the perfect spot to visit in the evening to admire the city lights reflecting in the water.
One of the most popular activities in Appleton that most tourists enjoy is kayaking in Fox River. You can bring your own kayak or rent it on-site.
Apart from that, you find several amazing Wisconsin beaches nearby to enjoy the views of the river.
Recommended Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Neenah
Check Prices: Booking.com
Strolling the Fox Trot Trail Is One Of The Fun Things To Do In Appleton WI
If you love walking around a city while exploring it, then one of the best activities in Appleton is walking the Fox Trot Trail.
This is a 2.2-mile trail that allows visitors to enjoy a self-guided tour of Appleton WI without leaving the city streets.
On this trail, you can explore and learn about the important Appleton landmarks. There are a total of 16 stops including the world’s first-ever hydro power plant and Houdini’s childhood home.
How to find the trail?
Well, it is super easy. All you have to do is follow the blue fox pawprints on the sidewalks.
Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn – Appleton, an IHG Hotel
Check Prices: Booking.com
Take A Stroll At Little Lake Butte de Morts
Located at a 15-minute drive from Downtown Appleton, Little Lake Butte de Morts is another top place to visit in this Wisconsin town.
One of the top things to do in Appleton Wisconsin is spending some time exploring around this lake.
You can enjoy boating on the lake, take a swim, go fishing, or relax at the recreational park nearby.
There are several amazing fishes found in this lake such as Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, and more.
In the winter, this lake is quite popular for ice fishing as well.
Due to its beautiful views and a large variety of flora and fauna, this is one of the best lakes in Wisconsin that you should visit.
Recommended Hotel: Cobblestone Hotel & Suites Appleton International Airport
Check Prices: Booking.com
One Of The Fun Things To Do In Appleton WI Is Catch a Show at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
Are you searching for unique things to do in Appleton WI to make your trip memorable?
If yes, then you cannot miss out on watching a show at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in downtown Appleton.
This performing art center was founded in 2002. Since then, it has been a host for an impressive range of shows and events in Appleton.
From music gigs to ballet shows to Broadway musicals, you will find lots of entertaining options to choose from here.
Over the years, PAC has been host to some power-packed events such as Mean Girls, Cats, Hairspray, and so on!
So, if you are a theatre lover, then don’t forget to catch a show at the famous PAC. Do buy tickets in advance as they can get sold out early.
Recommended Hotel: Clarion Inn
Check Prices: Booking.com
Enjoy a Meal in the Best Restaurants in Appleton WI
In terms of food, Appleton is undoubtedly the best town in Wisconsin and features lots of amazing restaurants and brewpubs for visitors to explore.
From cheese curds to craft beer, you can find some of the best restaurants in Appleton WI to enjoy American comfort foods.
You can get both local delicacies and international cuisines, making Appleton one of the best tourist destinations in the state.
For local dishes and vegan choices, Rye is a great choice. It is centrally located and with stylish and rustic interiors and offers the ultimate fine-dining experience to visitors.
If you are looking for a casual ambiance with good food, then Mark’s East Side is perfect for you. Here, you can get local delicacies along with vegan and gluten-free options.
Stone Arch Brewpub is perfect for beer enthusiasts who would like to taste the local craft beer of Appleton.
Trust me, if you are a foodie, then one of the top things to do in Appleton Wisconsin is eat at the best restaurants in Appleton.
Recommended Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Appleton
Check Prices: Booking.com
Going Hiking In High Cliff State Par Is One Of The Fun Things To Do In Appleton WI
For outdoor enthusiasts, one of the best things to do in Wisconsin is to explore the High Cliff State Park near Appleton WI.
One of the best places to visit in Wisconsin, the park spans an area of 1000 acres and is located just 12 miles from Appleton.
It is the only state-owned recreational area on Lake Winnebago and offers a lot of fun activities for visitors to enjoy.
The park features several trails that are perfect for hiking, biking, and horse riding in the summer months.
In the winter months, you can enjoy snow activities here such as cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and more.
That’s not all, as the Wisconsin state park is located on top of limestone cliffs while overlooking Lake Winnebago, visitors can enjoy amazing lake views from the park.
One of the most popular trails is the 0.6-mile Indian Mount Trail which takes you to effigy mounds built by the Native Americans long back.
Visitors can also indulge in other fun things to do here such as fishing, boating, picnicking, swimming, and so on.
This is why High Cliff State Park is one of the best things to do in Appleton Wisconsin for nature and adventure lovers.
Recommended Hotel: Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center
Check Prices: Booking.com
Packing List When Visiting Appleton Wisconsin
If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to Appleton Wisconsin, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when looking for things to do in Appleton WI.
It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.
If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone as I have. And wow is it fast!
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking photos during your London activities.
You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
The replaceable carbon filter ensures clean drinking water when you want it.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc…. No matter the time of day or evening.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.
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