Find your Original

We welcome you to explore, immerse, experience, and discover what the Fox Cities will inspire in you – to find your original while exploring ours – in a region where originality runs deep.

The Fox Cities Originals are the perfect places to start on your very first visit to the Fox Cities and will become your favorite activities to return to again and again on every trip back to the Greater Appleton area!

Let the Music Move You at Mile of Music

Plan your visit around the free original music festival that takes over a full mile of downtown Appleton’s College Avenue for four days every year. Mile of Music hosts 200 up-and-coming artists performing live, 100% original music for a total of over 900 incredible shows. Experience unique, beautiful venues like the Outer Edge, Lawrence Memorial Chapel, Jones Park Stage, and Gibson Music Hall with performers from the Fox Cities and across the United States. Did we mention it’s all for free?

Even if you won't be in town during the summer festival, Mile of Music programs performances year-round! Check out their website to find a show to fit your schedule.

Enjoy Fine Fare at Zuppa's Cafe and Catering

Visit Zuppas Cafe & Catering and enjoy their urban cafeteria style offerings, fresh deli, or elegant catering services. Located in Neenah’s Shops at Mahler Farms on South Commercial Street, the warm, welcoming cafe has been a local favorite for over 15 years. When you're checking out the delicacies on offer, chat with owner and chef Peter Kuenzi to hear about his fresh dish inspirations and the Zuppas story.

Step Back in History at Hearthstone Historic House Museum

The Hearthstone House, a modern marvel for its time, is a lasting testament to the success and ingenuity that has been a hallmark of the Fox Cities since the very beginning. Built by the Rogers family in 1882 to be not only their family home but also to showcase their vast wealth and luxury, Hearthstone was the very first house in the United States to be incandescently lit by a hydroelectric Edison Electric System. The Queen Anne Style architecture has been both beautifully preserved and restored to make it one of the area's most historically accurate gems. Today the Hearthstone House is open for visitors and hosts seasonal events around holidays like Halloween and Christmas.

Take a Hike at High Cliff State Park

Spectacular views are around every twist and turn of High Cliff State Park's trails. Use the looped biking, walking, cross-country skiing, and even horseback riding trails to explore both High Cliff's natural beauty and history dating back 1500 years to when the Siouan nation called the area their seasonal home. The 12-foot statue of Ho-Chunk Chief Red Bird (pictured below) overlooking the cliffs from the start of the Red Bird Trail. Across the green stands the 40-foot High Cliff Observation Tower offering views of Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin's largest inland lake, and the communities that hug its shore - the perfect spot for an impromptu photo-op!

Have Some Family Fun at the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are synonymous with baseball and fun. The 'T-rats', as locals call them, are a part of the Fox Cities rich professional baseball history, which dates back to 1891. Exciting promotions and themes like dollar hot dog night and Star Wars night make for an affordable and exciting family excursion. Bring a blanket and let the kids explore the grass seating area for the most budget-friendly tickets.