10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Appleton, Wisconsin
Looking for a laid-back Midwest getaway that still has plenty to do?
Appleton, Wisconsin, in
Outagamie County, might surprise you. This friendly
Fox River city mixes small-town charm with live music, craft beer, cool museums, and easy access to nature.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip from
Milwaukee or
Chicago, visiting family at
Lawrence University, or just curious about things to do in
northeastern Wisconsin, this guide will help you plan your stop.
Below are
10 fun things to do in and near Appleton that locals love and visitors remember.
1. Explore Downtown Appleton & College Avenue
If you want to get a feel for Appleton right away, start on
College Avenue in downtown.
You’ll find:
- Locally owned shops and boutiques
- Cozy coffee spots and bakeries
- Bars and restaurants with outdoor seating when the weather’s nice
- Street art and historic buildings
It’s very walkable, and parking is usually easy to find in nearby ramps or lots.
Stroll along the street, grab a latte, pop into a bookstore, and just enjoy the relaxed Midwest vibe. If you’re coming from a bigger city, the slower pace can feel like a breath of fresh air.
Tip: Try to visit in the evening if you can. Strings of lights, live music from bars, and people heading out to shows give downtown Appleton a fun, energetic feel.
2. Visit the History Museum at the Castle
Right off College Avenue, the
History Museum at the Castle is one of the most unique museums in Wisconsin.
Housed in a castle-like former Masonic temple, it’s especially known for its connection to
Harry Houdini, who spent part of his childhood in Appleton.
Inside, you can:
- Learn about Houdini’s life and magic tricks
- See artifacts from Appleton’s past
- Try hands-on exhibits (fun for kids and adults)
If you’re traveling with family, this is a great indoor option on a cold or rainy day. It’s not a huge museum, so you can easily see it in an hour or two and then head back out to explore downtown.
3. Walk the Fox River & Downtown Riverfront
One of Appleton’s best features is the
Fox River, which cuts right through town.
There are several lovely spots where you can:
- Walk or bike on paved trails
- Watch the water flow over historic dams and locks
- Take photos of the river and old mill buildings
- Enjoy a peaceful break from shopping and dining
On a summer evening, it’s especially nice to walk along the river after dinner downtown. The sound of the water, the soft light, and the cool breeze make it a relaxing way to end the day.
If you like to stay active while traveling, bring comfortable shoes. Appleton’s riverside trails are flat and easy, perfect for a casual walk or jog.
4. Catch a Show at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
For a city its size, Appleton has a surprisingly impressive theater scene. The
Fox Cities Performing Arts Center (PAC) brings in:
- Broadway tours
- Concerts
- Comedy shows
- Dance performances and family events
If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth checking the PAC schedule ahead of time. You might be able to see a major Broadway show without big-city ticket prices or traffic.
The theater itself is modern, comfortable, and easy to navigate. Make a night of it:
- Grab dinner on College Avenue
- Catch a show at the PAC
- End the evening with dessert or a drink at a nearby spot
This is a great Appleton date-night idea or a fun outing for a group.
5. Learn and Play at the Building for Kids Children’s Museum
Traveling with kids? Put the
Building for Kids Children’s Museum downtown on your list.
This hands-on museum is designed for younger children and focuses on:
- Imaginative play
- STEM activities
- Interactive exhibits they can touch, climb, and explore
You’ll find things like:
- Play areas themed around fire trucks, construction, or grocery shopping
- Water tables (bring a spare shirt if your child loves splashing)
- Creative art and building zones
Parents often like it because it’s:
- Safe and contained
- Right downtown near food and coffee
- A great way to burn off energy, especially in winter
If you’re visiting Appleton as a family, this museum can easily fill a morning or afternoon.
6. Visit Lawrence University & Walk the Campus
Appleton is home to
Lawrence University, a small liberal arts college with a pretty campus right along the Fox River and College Avenue.
Even if you don’t know anyone who goes there, it’s a pleasant place to:
- Take a quiet walk through green spaces
- Admire historic campus buildings
- Check out public art and sculptures
During the school year, you may find:
- Student music recitals
- Art shows
- Public lectures and events
Many are open to the community, so it’s worth checking the university’s events calendar if you’re planning to be in Appleton. It can add a bit of culture and creativity to your trip.
7. Sip Your Way Through Local Breweries and Cideries
If you enjoy craft beer or cider, Appleton and Outagamie County have you covered. The local
Fox Cities craft beverage scene has grown quickly over the last several years.
You can:
- Visit small breweries with taprooms
- Try flights to sample local flavors
- Relax on outdoor patios in warmer months
- Pick up cans or growlers to take back to your Airbnb or hotel
Many spots are family-friendly during the day and have food trucks or snacks. It’s a nice way to hang out like a local, especially on a Friday or Saturday afternoon.
If you’re the designated driver, don’t worry—taprooms usually offer:
- Craft sodas
- Non-alcoholic options
- Simple snacks
It’s a laid-back way to experience Appleton’s local flavor, literally.
8. Enjoy the Outdoors at Nearby Parks and Trails
One of the best things about Appleton is how easy it is to get outside. Within Appleton and the rest of Outagamie County, you’ll find:
- City parks with playgrounds and picnic areas
- Fox River trails for walking and biking
- Green spaces perfect for tossing a frisbee or just relaxing
In warmer months, pack a picnic and head to a riverside park. In fall, the trees along the river explode with color, making Appleton a surprisingly good spot for leaf-peeping without huge crowds.
In winter, don’t let the cold scare you off. If you bundle up, a short walk in the crisp air can feel refreshing, and kids tend to love playing in fresh snow.
If you’re visiting Wisconsin and want to see more than just highways and hotel lobbies, Appleton’s parks and trails give you a simple way to connect with nature.
9. Go Shopping at the Fox River Mall & Nearby Stores
If you’re in the mood to shop—or need to escape a rainstorm—the
Fox River Mall in Appleton is one of the largest shopping centers in Wisconsin.
You’ll find:
- Major national retailers
- Specialty shops
- Plenty of dining options
It’s a popular place for:
- Back-to-school shopping
- Holiday gift hunting
- Picking up clothes, shoes, or gear you forgot to pack
Around the mall area, there are also big-box stores, chain restaurants, and hotels. If you like having everything in one convenient area, this part of Appleton is a good base.
It may not be as “charming” as downtown, but when you need something fast—or just want to wander air-conditioned stores for a while—it does the job.
10. Dive Into Local Festivals & Seasonal Events
Appleton and the Fox Cities love their
festivals and community events. Depending on when you visit, you might find:
- Outdoor concerts and live music
- Downtown street events
- Farmers markets with local produce and crafts
- Holiday parades and seasonal celebrations
Summer and fall are especially busy, with warm nights perfect for:
- Listening to live bands downtown
- Sampling food from local vendors
- Wandering through booths and activities
If you enjoy seeing how a community comes together, these events are a great way to experience the real Appleton beyond the usual tourist stops.
Check city and tourism websites or social media before your trip—you might be able to time your visit with a fun local festival.
Planning Your Appleton, Wisconsin Getaway
Appleton may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think “vacation,” but that’s part of its charm. It’s:
- Easy to get around
- Friendly and welcoming
- Affordable compared to bigger cities
- Full of things to do for couples, families, and solo travelers
From downtown Appleton’s restaurants and shops to the Fox River views, craft breweries, museums, and parks, there’s enough here to keep you busy for a weekend—or longer if you slow down and soak it in.
Share Your Appleton Experience
Have you been to
Appleton, Wisconsin or anywhere else in Outagamie County?
What was your favorite thing to do—downtown, along the river, or somewhere off the beaten path?
Share your tips in the comments so other travelers can discover new spots too.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a trip to Wisconsin. Your share might inspire someone’s next Midwest getaway.
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