Things to do & places to visit in Appleton, Wisconsin, United States

Appleton city in Wisconsin, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Wednesday, May 08, 2024, 17:04.

Top things to do (23)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Escape Room Wisconsin (409 reviews)
- FILM NOIR ROOM
Wednesday: Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Escape Room Wisconsin is an immersive adventure game in which people are placed in a heavily themed or decorated room and have to use elements of the room to solve a series of puzzles, find clues, and escape the room or complete a specified task within 60 minutes! Can you do it? See more..
5.0 Wilmar Chocolates (42 reviews)
- Amazing quality chocolate
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

This family owned corner chocolate shop crafts a full line of small batch chocolates and hand stirred caramels using fresh Wisconsin ingredients. Our confectionery line includes popular year 'round specialties as well as seasonal specialties for each holiday. Monday through Saturday enjoy an intoxicating shopping experience. Breathe in the aroma of chocolate and fresh confectionery treats, taste our free sample of the day and enjoy our historical displays. See more..
5.0 Float Light (15 reviews)
- Fantastic Float experience
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Spas

Float Light Float Lounge and Wellness Center is an Award Winning Spa Located on College Ave in Appleton Wisconsin, Offering a Wide Range of Therapeutic Services Ranging from Traditional Massage to Floatation Therapy. Float Light is a place where you can experience your very own Slice of Paradise focusing on Mental, Physical and Spiritual Experiences. See more..
5.0 Appleton Historical Society Museum and Resource Center (2 reviews)
- Slice of nice
Wednesday: History Museums

This small but well appointed museum just opened. Learn about Appleton's history - our famous and infamous - and enjoy talking with the knowledgeable staff. Super resource for kids and school projects, too. See more..
5.0 Saint Bernadette Parish (1 review)
- Rate a church?
Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 8:45 AM Churches & Cathedrals
This is a beautiful church with a modern, contemporary feeling and huge sanctuary. There is plenty of parking. See more..
5.0 Lutz Park (1 review)
- Relax
Spent < 1 hour Parks
Such a great place to grab a treat and go sit down along the water in your car, listen to the water, and watch geese. See more..
5.0 Newberry Trail (1 review)
- Take a hike!
Hiking Trails
Beautiful trail through the park and near the river. Good for biking, hiking or stroll at whatever pace you want. See more..
5.0 City Center Plaza (1 review)
- Shopping
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Shopping Malls
Very cool place to walk around in. They have a really cool walk way up a pair of escalators. Super high in the air. Have plants running down it on the side. Plenty of shopping and things to do. See more..
5.0 Memories Antique Mall (1 review)
- Great store!
Antique Shops
We visited many antique shops in the area, and this was our favorite. The staff was friendly and helpful, displays were clean and attractive, and there was a nice variety of items and vendors. Prices were fair and we found lots of treasures! See more..
4.5 Fox Cities Performing Arts Center (355 reviews)
- Never Disappoints
Theaters

Miss Saigon brought incredible talent though we've always thoroughly enjoyed whatever we've seen there. Every season brings must see performances. With security check as you enter, bring small to no handbags. Enjoy the show! See more..
4.5 Hearthstone Historic House Museum (161 reviews) from $10.00
- Beautiful Historical Home
Wednesday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

The Hearthstone is a large, beautifully restored Queen Anne Victorian Style home built in 1882 by Henry J. Rogers, Superintendent of the Appleton Paper and Pulp Mill. On September 30, 1882, Hearthstone was the first house in the world to be lit by an Edison central hydroelectric power station. The house retains many unique, genuine features, including the original Thomas Edison electroliers and light switches. Appleton was one of the first three cities in the world to be lit by an Edison central power station, the other two being New York and London. This was all due to Mr. Rogers, who decided to invest in Edison’s power station in order to light two paper mills and his home. Since it became a museum in 1987, Hearthstone’s focus is to preserve the house and its artifacts to re-create a historical experience based on its Thomas A. Edison heritage for the cultural enjoyment and educational benefit of the public through its many exhibits and programs. See more..
4.5 Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium (149 reviews)
- Great place for a family outing
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

Our team will create the best entertainment experience in Wisconsin, so that every guest walks away with a smile and the desire to return! See more..
4.5 Building for Kids (143 reviews)
- Lots of fun
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Children's Museums

The Building for Kids Children's Museum's mission is to empower children, engage parents and energize communities. We accomplish our mission by providing specially designed exhibits, programs and events. Our goal is to inspire, teach and reinforce curiosity. See more..
4.5 Lawrence University (75 reviews)
- Our son attends
Educational sites

One of the nation's preeminent liberal arts colleges and conservatories of music, Lawrence University, one of the "Colleges That Change Lives," draws students from nearly every state and more than 50 countries. Cultural attractions: conservatory concerts, art galleries, 21 varsity teams, and--believe it--great food. See more..
4.5 Bubolz Nature Preserve (72 reviews)
- Great family activity
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Clean facilities with well-maintained hiking trails. The trails are marked fairly well, although we did get turned around once. Bring bug spray! See more..
4.5 Paper Discovery Center (70 reviews)
- Fun but pricey!
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums

My grandparents were visiting from out of state so we found the Paper Discovery Center. My children we also along with us. I thought it was really hands on and educational. It was a fun find however I was shocked by the price of each person. I was thankful my grandparents wanted to treat us but I wouldn't have paid had it been me. I understand it cost money to up keep but the price would turn me away as well as other moms too. The highlight was making paper. They also had a play area built inside the room. I'd recommended but it might be a once every couple of years activity. See more..
4.5 Fox Cities Stadium (59 reviews)
- Fun
Spent More than 3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

We went with another couple and bought the all you can eat seats. I had no idea it would be so close. We are looking for another night to go back. See more..
4.5 Appleton Memorial Park (55 reviews)
- Nice place to entertain!
Parks

Today I hosted a baby shower in honor of my daughter. I wanted a place where people would be comfortable. I didn't want just a big room with tables, but a place that was special. This building fit the bill! It is such a pretty building with beautiful views out every window. Most of the people at the shower didn't even know the Scheig center was there. The person helping us with the table and chair setup and take down (I believe her name was Lisa) was so nice and helpful. She made the day all the better by being so kind. I would not hesitate to hold another event here and will encourage others to use this facility as well. See more..
4.5 Butterfly Gardens of Wisconsin (45 reviews)
- Spend Time With Butterflies
Zoos • Gardens

The Butterfly Gardens is a wonderful place spend some time in nature with butterflies and learn a lot from the excellent staff. A highlight is the butterfly house where the butterflies are free and interact with the visitors among the flowers. The grounds are very well kept and you can spend time walking through the path. Very nice people doing wonderful work for Butterflies. Great for all ages. See more..
4.5 Plamann Park (33 reviews)
- Great park for family
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Parks

Easy access. Lots of things to do. Walking trails, Frisbee golf, swimming hole, pavilions. Football and softball field. See more..
4.5 Erb Park (18 reviews)
- Wonderful Park * Lots of Space
Parks

A wonderful park in a lovely setting. Lots of space for families, adults, young people to enjoy the outdoors. Picnic tables and a couple of grills. Nice big public pool in the summer. Nice playground for kids, great jungle gym area. Great sledding hill in the winter, and a small ice skating area. Public tennis courts that could use a little TLC, but useable and convenient. Nice sized pavilion. Everyone is welcome. I would change only one thing, no, two things: 1. allow leashed dogs in the park; 2. ban that privately owned ice cream truck from driving into the parking lot - the music is terribly loud and annoying, and the prices are just ridiculous. See more..
4.5 Fox Trot Trail (14 reviews)
- City of Appleton's Historic Walk
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Walking Areas

Self-guided 2.2 mile loop of Appleton's downtown and riverfront. The trail is marked by blue paw prints so it's super easy to follow. The fox head logo painted on the ground marks each of the 16 highlights found along the trail. Trail maps are available on-line and at Houdini Plaza. There is a scenic shortcut between site 7 and 13 but don't cheat yourself out of a single step of this lovely stroll. See more..
4.5 St. Mary's Church (14 reviews)
- Divine in downtown.
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

Father Jim is an awesome homilist. His message is always relatable. Get there early for a seat, but if you are running a little behind, the ushers are helpful. See more..
4.5 Pierce Park (11 reviews)
- established park, trees, great pavillion
Parks • Playgrounds

Last visited this park for a wedding reception. The pavilion provides ample space to accommodate a fairly large crowd with kitchen facilities and a stage area. Great parking and nice bathroom facilities also. See more..
4.5 Downtown Appleton Farmer's Market (11 reviews)
- Fantastic farmer's market
Wednesday: Spent 2-3 hours Farmers Markets

Appleton has a fantastic Saturday morning farmer's market. It is pedestrian and car friendly. Unlike Madison, Appleton closes down several blocks of College Ave which is surrounded by plenty of parking spaces and garages (yes they cost but 25 cents for 20 minutes is ok) Today the rain kept many away, good for us, no problem traversing the entire span, found everything we needed for our stir fry dinner. We always come home w/great veggies, also have found delicious sauces (Jimmy J's BBQ) and unusual yard art. Love it... If you're a fan of farmer's markets you should also visit West Bend, WI on a Saturday morning. Sorry looking photo of this rainy Saturday but advantages abound-no crowds and many vendors offered rain discounts. See more..
4.0 The History Museum at the Castle (156 reviews)
- Learned a lot
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The History Museum at the Castle presents award-winning local history as well as national exhibits through hands-on experiences that engage people of all ages. We're best known for our exceptional interactive Harry Houdini exhibit that reveals the magician's illusions. We also pay tribute to Pulitzer Prize winning author Edna Ferber, and put Sen. Joseph McCarthy into perspective. See more..
4.0 Spa BenMarNicos (93 reviews)
- Amazing Experience
Spas

This spa is a jewel tucked on the lower level of the Copper Leaf Boutique Hotel. My favorite service to get is a Lemongrass Scrub Massage with a facial. Included is use of a 14 person whirlpool as well as a gym. The sanctuary is very relaxing, as you enjoy cookies and tea or cold water while you are waiting for your service. See more..
4.0 The Trout Museum of Art (38 reviews)
- Norman Rockwell Exhibit
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

As one of the region's premier spaces for visual arts, The Trout Museum of Art features exhibitions of regional, national and international visual art. The museum presents special events, educational programs, jazz performances and more. Visit our website to view current exhibits and events. See more..
4.0 Outagamie County Pet Exercise Area, Appleton, WI (9 reviews)
- Fun place to run your dog
Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Parks

Great large area for playing and beautiful trails to go walking on. Really friendly people...um what did you expect? We are in WI See more..
3.0 Premium Outlets (9 reviews)
- Never Miss
Factory Outlets
Great Place for some nice branded stuff. You can never miss this if you are around this area. Must visit See more..