Things To Do
in Appleton
Appleton, Wisconsin, sits on the banks of the Fox River in the Fox Cities region and blends small-city charm with Midwestern friendliness. The city has a lively downtown along College Avenue, a strong arts and music scene anchored by the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, and historic sites tied to Harry Houdini and early electrification. Outdoor recreation is easy to access: the Fox River Trail, nearby lakes, and state parks offer boating, hiking and cycling.
Appleton is also a hub for local food, craft breweries, and family-friendly attractions, making it a convenient base for exploring northeastern Wisconsin.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and coffee. Afterward, stroll through the historic downtown area, appreciating the beautiful architecture and charming storefronts. Don't forget to visit the Appleton History Museum to learn about the city's rich past.
Enjoy lunch at a nearby farm-to-table restaurant that emphasizes local ingredients and seasonal dishes. Post-lunch, wander through the Fox River Locks and take in the scenic views while learning about the area's industrial history. Consider renting a bike to explore the nearby trails that line the river.
As the sun sets, head to a popular local brewery for a tour and tasting session of their craft beers. Dine at a cozy restaurant with outdoor seating, where you can enjoy locally-sourced dishes while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along the riverfront, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Begin your morning with a hearty breakfast at a café known for its healthy options, fueling up for a day in nature. Spend the early hours exploring the beautiful trails of Baird Creek Greenway, where you can observe local wildlife and enjoy the serene environment. Bring your camera to capture the stunning flora and fauna along your hike.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park amidst nature, taking in the fresh air and sounds of wildlife. After lunch, continue your exploration by participating in a guided nature walk or a birdwatching session with local experts. This immersive experience will enhance your understanding of the local ecosystem.
Wrap up your day with a visit to a nearby farm for a sunset tour, learning about sustainable farming practices. Enjoy a farm-to-fork dinner featuring seasonal produce and meats, with the sun setting behind the fields. Share your day's experiences with fellow diners, making new friends over delicious food.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2.50-4.50 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-180 |
| 🚕Short taxi / rideshare trip | $8-25 |
| 🍺Draft beer (local brewery) | $4-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming, walkable downtown with a friendly small-city vibe
- Easy access to outdoor recreation (river, trails, state parks)
- Strong local food scene with farmers markets and craft breweries
- Cultural amenities (performing arts center, historic sites) and a college presence
- Limited late-night public transportation and nightlife compared with larger cities
- Winters can be long and harsh with snow and ice
- Fewer global dining options and specialty shops than big metropolitan areas
- Some attractions are seasonal and close in winter
Places to Visit in Appleton
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque river scenes, bridges and reflections at sunrise or sunset — great for long-exposure river shots and cityscape reflections.
Historic storefronts, murals, people on the street and seasonal decorations provide lively urban photography subjects.
A well-preserved historic home with period architecture and detail shots, plus landscaped grounds for exterior images.
Cliff overlooks above Lake Winnebago, woodland trails and dramatic fall foliage make for panoramic nature photos.
Collegiate Gothic and historic architecture set among tree-lined paths; nice for architectural and campus-life photos.
Food in Appleton
Appleton Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Friday-night tradition featuring beer-battered or breaded fried fish, fries and coleslaw — find it at many local taverns and supper clubs.
Must-Try!
Grilled bratwurst served with mustard and kraut, common at tailgates, beer gardens and local festivals.
Fresh, squeaky cheese curds (often deep-fried) that are a must-try and available at diners, markets and pubs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market with local produce, baked goods, cheeses, prepared food vendors and occasional food trucks — great for breakfast or picnic supplies.
Food trucks and pop-up vendors appear near events, parks and evenings on College Avenue; offerings range from tacos and BBQ to seasonal desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People are friendly, often polite and willing to help — use please and thank you, greet shopkeepers, and expect smiling, courteous service.
Keep conversations polite and low-volume in quiet areas; avoid overly personal questions with strangers.
Be on time for tours, restaurant reservations and scheduled events — small-town businesses appreciate punctuality.
Safety
Tipping in Appleton
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: typically 15–20% at restaurants (before tax) for good service, $1–2 per drink at bars, and $2–5 for service staff like valets or hotel housekeeping. Taxi and rideshare drivers expect modest tips; tipping is discretionary but appreciated.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Small vendors and farmers markets may accept cash only or mobile payments (Venmo, PayPal, Square).
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool to mild temperatures, budding trees and blooming parks; some trails can be muddy early in the season and farmers markets ramp up toward late spring.
Warm to occasionally hot and humid weather ideal for boating, festivals and outdoor dining; expect peak tourist activity and busy weekends on water and trails.
Crisp air and vibrant fall foliage (late September to October) make it one of the best times for scenic drives, hiking and photography.
Cold, snowy winters with subfreezing temperatures at times; snow opens opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice-fishing but can disrupt travel — pack warm layers.
Appleton at Night
Hiking in Appleton
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
On the eastern shore of Lake Winnebago, High Cliff offers cliff-top overlooks, woodland trails and scenic views — about a 20–30 minute drive from Appleton.
A long multi-use trail following the Fox River with scenic river views and connections to neighboring towns; great for walking, running and cycling.
Parks and lakeside trails a short drive from Appleton that provide quiet hikes, picnic areas and birdwatching opportunities.
A network of smaller preserves and parks around the Fox Cities offers short hikes, interpretive trails and seasonal wildflower displays.
Airports
How to reach Appleton by plane.
Primary local airport with regional flights and car rental options; about a 15–20 minute drive from downtown Appleton.
Larger regional airport about 30–40 minutes northeast by car; offers more flight options and connections.
Major airport with many domestic and some international flights, approximately 2–2.5 hours by car (or shuttle/flight connections).
Major national and international hub about 3–4 hours by car or a short flight; useful for long-haul connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many households are family-oriented suburban residents drawn to good schools, parks and community services.
Lawrence University brings a student and faculty population that contributes to arts and cultural events.
A regional mix of professionals employed in healthcare, manufacturing, education and services supports the local economy.
Appleton has a majority White population with growing Hispanic/Latino and other diverse communities contributing to cultural variety.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
High school and college football are popular in the community; nearby Green Bay is home to the NFL’s Packers, which have a widespread regional following.
Ice hockey is widely played at youth, amateur and high-school levels, with local rinks and leagues active in winter.
Recreational leagues and community baseball/softball fields are common in warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Appleton.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many cafés and restaurants offer vegetarian options (salads, grain bowls, veggie burgers); request substitutions and check farmers-market stalls for plant-based prepared foods.
Vegan options are available but more limited than in larger metro areas; specialty cafés and some restaurants carry vegan dishes and dairy-free milk alternatives for coffee.
Gluten-free menus exist in several restaurants and bakeries; cross-contamination can be a concern at traditional kitchens, so inform staff of allergies.