Fox Cities/Greater Appleton, WI

A story waiting to be told...

Tucked along the Fox River and the shores of Lake Winnebago, the Fox Cities offer the kind of outdoor experiences that make great stories. From miles of scenic trails and hidden natural areas to kayaking, cycling, fishing and a state park with sweeping lake views, there’s plenty to discover.

The only fully restored, hand-operated lock system of its size in the United States

The Fox River features a system of 17 locks and dams. What makes the system unique is that the locks are fully hand-operated and historically restored to their original state. All locks are on the National Register of Historic Places.

A Remarkable Collection of Native American Effigy Mounds

Built along the limestone Niagara Escarpment, High Cliff State Park rises above Lake Winnebago and is home to one of Wisconsin’s most distinctive collections of Native American effigy mounds. The combination of geology, Indigenous history, and sweeping lake views offers plenty of layers to explore, photograph, and bring to life.

Home of the firsts, the onlys, and all things quirky

Legendary escape artist Harry Houdini called Appleton home. Appleton's History Museum at the Castle houses a Houdini exhibit, and it makes a great escape. See what we did there?

The first private residence anywhere in the world to be powered by hydroelectricity? Check.

A river that flows south to north. Yup.

The only family-owned and operating milk bottling plant in the state. We have that.

The nation's oldest Flag Day parade is right here. USA! USA!

The Midwest's largest nighttime Christmas parade. We made the nice list.

Ever see a manhole cover? Yep, we make those.

And firetrucks too. "Wee Woo, Wee Woo."

A festival that holds catfish races? We did mention quirky.....

Like beer? We have the longest continuously running brewpub in the state. Prost!

A mile of marigold flowers completely maintained by volunteers? Say no more.

Second-oldest college in America. You betcha. In our opinion, one of the prettiest too.

World's largest collection of glass paperweights on display. You don't say? And the museum offers free admission too!

Home to one of the Longest Lighted Pedestrian Bridges in the state

Watch the video to discover how the Loop the Lake trestle trail does more than connect three Fox Cities communities. It also brings people together with the outdoors and with each other. Whether walking, biking, fishing, or simply taking in the views, the trail has become a place where people slow down, spend time outside, and enjoy the landscape together.

“100 miles of trails, 3 pristine nature centers, 60+ community parks, a state park, rivers and lakes. The question isn’t what you’ll do—it’s what will you do first?”

We invite you to scroll through our photo gallery.

Come explore a destination that's easy to reach, full of unexpected adventures, and best experienced firsthand. Your next story is waiting in the Fox Cities.

Contact us today!

Cathy Trebatoski

Marketing Communications Director

ctrebatoski@foxcities.org

920.734.3358 x1558