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

Default Image

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
Clarion Inn
Clarion Inn
2.5 out of 5
3033 W College Avenue, Appleton, WI
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Comfy beds and plenty of pillows"

Reviewed on Mar 7, 2025

Clarion Inn
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 P5,264 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
P5,264
P6,080 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Breakfast area well stocked was there for 3 nights the lady was always there cleaning and stocking very friendly pool area was nice wish the hot tub was hotter would stay again"

Reviewed on Mar 10, 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 P5,315 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
P5,315
P6,138 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 10 - Apr 11
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! (1,333 reviews)
"Had a wonderful weekend at the Doubletree. I really enjoyed the pool and spa tub. The maintenance man did a great job of keeping the pool clean and was a great temperature."

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Appleton
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.
Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
3.5 out of 5
7020 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Lake Geneva. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,719 reviews)
"Our room was much larger than I anticipated with an amazing jacuzzi tub and nearly full kitchen. The waterpark staff could have been more friendly, there were no towels, and the hours were not communicated correctly. We all had a good time!"

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2025

Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
The Dylin
The Dylin
4 out of 5
611 E Dayton St, Madison, WI
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Madison. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Kohl Center and Camp Randall ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
"Great location, clean, easy -- really great stay!"

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2025

The Dylin
Scandinavian Lodge
Scandinavian Lodge
3.5 out of 5
10506 State HWY 57, Sister Bay, WI
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly aparthotel in Sister Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,376 reviews)
Love the place …
"We love stay here! We having been coming for several years now. They have made some nice updates within the condo suites. The only comment we have in the updated shower area, the shower head is so high up the average person isn’t even able to reach the shower hose to shower and if left on the holder ..."

Reviewed on Feb 22, 2025

Scandinavian Lodge
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

Things to do