Appleton Travel Guide

Tourist 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

Default Image

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 AU$187 per night from 23 Oct to 24 Oct
AU$187
23 Oct - 24 Oct
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,372 reviews)
"Great staff"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 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 AU$110 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$110
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Stay was ok except for no outlets near the bed for my sleep machine"

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Appleton
Hilton Appleton Paper Valley

Hilton Appleton Paper Valley

3.5 out of 5
333 W College Ave, Appleton, WI
The price is AU$202 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$202
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Appleton. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
Great Spot
"Great location. Walked to a lot of places at night. Great staff. Clean rooms. It's getting a little dated but still a great place to stay."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Hilton Appleton Paper Valley
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!!!
Historical Haven Steps to Downtown

Historical Haven Steps to Downtown

Appleton
Stay at this condo in Appleton. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Paper Discovery Center and Hearthstone Historic House Museum are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Great place, super cute
"The property is adorable. The host is warm and accommodating. The condo is adorable and very homey."

Reviewed on 8 July 2025

Historical Haven Steps to Downtown
Appleton Abode Near Lake Winnebago & Downtown

Appleton Abode Near Lake Winnebago & Downtown

3 out of 5
730 W Oklahoma St, Appleton, WI
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Appleton. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and Building for Kids ...
Appleton Abode Near Lake Winnebago & Downtown
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

Activities