Opt Outside with These Five Fall Activities in the Fox Cities

Kaukauna Lock

Hearthstone Historic House Museum

Put some power to the pedals while learning about the history of hydroelectricity.
The Fox Cities Cycling Association recently released a Hydroelectric History Bicycle Tour, which is a self-guided bike ride route that takes you past hydroelectrical historical sites and the natural beauty of our riverfront region. Our region is steeped in hydroelectric history, powered by the Fox River and generations of innovators who harnessed its power.

This bike route winds past Hearthstone Historic House Museum, which was the first house in the world lit with an Edison Central hydroelectric station and the Waverly House, which was the "first electrically lit hotel in the Middle West," among other original sites.

High Cliff State Park

Take a hike, bike, or ride through layers of fall colors at this one-of-a-kind state park.
High Cliff State Park is known for its awe-inspiring views of Wisconsin's largest inland lake, its miles of adventure-ready trails, and its historic effigy mounds. During September and October, layers of vibrant fall colors bring a whole new beauty to this Fox Cities Original. Hike through the colorful woods; ride horseback on the park's trails; take in a fall sunset; and be inspired by nature.

Kayaking on the Fox River

Paddle our waterways during this changing season.
As the seasons change, so do the views from the water. Put in your kayak or canoe, paddle our waterways, and experience the fall colors from a different perspective.

Kayak and canoe enthusiasts will find calm, modern, and ADA-accessible launches along our waterways, including at Shattuck Park, Lutz Park, Telulah Park, and Sunset Park.

Reid Golf Course

Get in a few more rounds on the green this season.
Take full advantage of golf season in Wisconsin with a few more rounds with friends or family this fall. Fall foliage is peaking and on full display on many of our tree-lined courses. Book a tee time at Reid Golf Course, High Cliff Golf Course, Winagamie Golf Course, or another Fox Cities course. Our region is home to more than a dozen public and private golf courses and clubs for varying experience levels; search all of them here.

Riverside Park, Neenah

Stroll through storied neighborhoods, natural areas, and historic sites on these walking tours.
Walking tours are a great way to combine physical activity with learning about the Fox Cities. These six walking tours take you past some of the Fox Cities' most stately and exquisitely homes from our rich papermaking and industrial past, along natural areas and the mighty Fox River, and past vibrant, engaging art pieces and sculptures. Lace up those sneakers, bundle up a bit, and experience our communities on a walking tour this fall.

Cuff Farms | PC: Mirrorless Productions

Bonus Idea: Pumpkin Patches, Apple Orchard, and Fall Farm Fun
Fall in the Fox Cities isn't complete without apple and pumpkin picking, enjoying flavorful seasonal meals, and participating in annual autumn events. Find those fall ideas here.

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Kaukauna Locks Trail

Explore the Fox Cities’ newest trail, the Kaukauna Locks Trail! The 1.3-mile trail is perfect for walking, running, or biking and follows the five locks on the Fox River. The trail starts at the Veterans Memorial Lift Bridge in Kaukauna and follows the path of the Fox River locks. These locks represent the steepest drop in elevation on the 39-mile long system—in just over 1 mile, the river drops 50.4 feet. Without the locks, navigation of the river would be impossible. The trail passes one of two swing bridges built in 1901 that is still in use by the railroad today, passes the historic Grignon Mansion, and provides beautiful views of the Fox River. During summer months, guests on the trail can watch the locks open and close to boat traffic. The Kaukauna locks were first built in 1856 and were restored from 2000-2015.

The trail was funded thanks to a $300,000 grant from the David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.

Amenities:
Parts of the trail are paved, parts are gravel
Free roadside parking