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

Travelers come to College Avenue Historic District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Building for Kids Children's Museum and Trout Museum of Art while you're in town.

College Avenue Historic District
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Appleton, WI

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Appleton, WI

2.5 out of 5
355 Fox River Dr, Appleton, WI
The price is P5,652 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P5,652
P6,528 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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 breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Staff were all very friendly, room was very clean. The towels were also clean which is definitely welcome to see at hotels. There were a couple stains on the bed sheets and the deadbolt on the door was also looking to getting ready to detach. The A/C worked wonderfully and the heater in the bathroom ..."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Appleton, WI
DoubleTree by Hilton Appleton

DoubleTree by Hilton Appleton

4 out of 5
150 S Nicolet Road, Appleton, WI
The price is P5,900 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P5,900
P6,814 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,346 reviews)
"Cleanliness is always the most important to me and this place fit the bill."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Appleton
AmericInn by Wyndham Appleton Downtown

AmericInn by Wyndham Appleton Downtown

2.5 out of 5
3033 W College Avenue, Appleton, WI
The price is P4,515 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P4,515
P5,506 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,002 reviews)
"inside pool"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

AmericInn by Wyndham Appleton 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.
Fremont Campground

Fremont Campground

2 out of 5
E6506 State Road 110, Fremont, WI
Book a stay at this beach campground in Fremont. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and a marina. Popular attraction Wolf River Wildlife Area is located ...
"Family friendly in the traditional sense. Thank you!!! Wonderful time."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2023

Fremont Campground
3 Mi to Lambeau Field: Ideally Located Townhome!

3 Mi to Lambeau Field: Ideally Located Townhome!

3 out of 5
Green Bay
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Green Bay. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Lambeau Field and Resch Center are located nearby.
3 Mi to Lambeau Field: Ideally Located Townhome!
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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