A Season for Every Adventure: Exploring Year-Round Fun in Appleton, Wisconsin
Appleton offers ways to explore the outdoors year-round with endless activities and wide-open spaces. Here's your four-season recreation guide.
Boasting an abundance of original adventures, Appleton, Wisconsin, may sound like a great place to visit as long as the weather cooperates. After all, the Fox River Valley, where this charming Midwestern town makes its mark, experiences some chilly temperatures at the end of the year. But don’t let the distinct four seasons of this region trick you into thinking you have to migrate south for winter. Appleton has plenty of goodies to offer all year round, from awe-inspiring beauty in the warmer months to riveting cold-weather sports and adventures when the snow starts to fall.
Want to know more? Here are some of our top picks on how to best spend each of the four seasons in Appleton, Wisconsin.
In This Article
Winter
What are some fun things to do in Appleton, WI, during the Winter?
Winter in Appleton doesn’t require you to stick to indoor activities. Snowfall is a welcome invitation to pick up snowshoes or cross-country skis and hit up locally-loved destinations like Bubolz Nature Preserve or Reid Golf Course. Families also enjoy ice skating at Community First Champion Center and Highview Park, and the sledding hills at Appleton Memorial Park simply can’t be beaten.
Braving the outdoors can also include hiking at High Cliff State Park or bundling up and playing on the Children’s Canopy Walk at Heckrodt Wetland Reserve. When you’re ready for a break from the chill, you can always circle back to the city and settle in for a warm drink at Tempest Coffee Collective or Copper Rock Coffee Company. If you’d prefer something a little stronger, there’s always McFleshman’s Brewing Co. and Old Towne Tavern.
For those interested in putting something truly unique on their vacation agenda, spend some time at 1000 Islands Environmental Center. Just a short drive from the city, this community gem hosts an annual Eagle Days event in January that is free to the public. Your odds of spotting an eagle are pretty high since the Fox Cities are known for their eagle-viewing opportunities in the winter months.
Spring
What are some fun things to do in Appleton, WI, during the Spring?
Spring in Appleton heralds the return of new life, and you can bet the city’s outdoor activities embrace the season’s warmth and blossoming beauty. Hiking enthusiasts are spoiled for choice with the extensive trail systems both in and around Appleton. The Apple Creek Trail, for instance, explodes with greenery and colorful wildflowers and offers the soothing sounds of Apple Creek as nature’s very own background music. Equally enticing is the Fox River State Recreational Park, which meanders alongside Fox River. Stroll along the riverside path, taking in the budding trees along the riverbanks and the return of migratory birds as the weather warms up again.
The Butterfly Gardens of Wisconsin, a favorite among residents, comes into full swing in the springtime as butterflies and other pollinators flutter through the garden. Families with young children are particularly drawn to and enjoy this local gem. For those seeking a more rustic adventure, the Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve includes winding trails that take you through woodlands and wetlands, where you might just encounter some of the local wildlife.
Summer
What are some fun things to do in Appleton, WI, during the Summer?
Summer is a prime time for outdoor adventure when the city’s landscape and waterways truly come alive. Fans of boating and kayaking find their haven on the Fox River, and there are plenty of local rental services ready to help you explore the city by water. With the glistening sun overhead and several charming waterfront homes to see, this is a quintessential Appleton summer experience.
Those seeking an escape from the heat can spend an afternoon hitting the water slides and swimming pools at Plamann Lake Water Park. And if you’re a fan of cultural celebrations, Appleton’s annual Outagamie County Fair is a must-see summer event for the whole family. This lively fair features everything from thrilling carnival rides to live entertainment and agricultural exhibits, making it a beloved local tradition that highlights the spirit and energy of the community.
Warm summer days are perfect for excursions to Mulberry Lane Farm, where children can milk cows, take hayrides, and feed the goats, as well as adventures at Heckrodt Wetland Reserve. This 90-plus acre features everything from wetland and marsh to prairie and forest, making it a truly unique outdoor experience for both children and parents.
Fall
What are some fun things to do in Appleton, WI, during the Fall?
Some would argue that autumn is Appleton’s most excellent time of year. If you arrive just in time for the breathtaking change of seasons, you’ll see the city burst into a symphony of reds, oranges and yellows. In addition to wandering through the charming downtown district with your favorite pumpkin-spiked beverage in hand, this season allows visitors to take advantage of the most beloved fall tradition in the community: apple picking.
Local orchards come to life with bountiful harvests, and places like Star Orchard and Hofacker’s Hillside Orchard deserve top spots on your seasonal bucket list. Families can wander through the rows of apple trees, plucking the finest fruit or choosing the perfect pumpkin for carving, decoration, or simply for memory-making in an atmosphere that provides a genuine taste of a classic Midwestern fall day.
Appleton also hosts a variety of fall festivals, including the renowned Octoberfest. This annual event transforms downtown into a vibrant street festival featuring live music, delicious food and a whole host of things to see and do. With numerous stages showcasing local and regional talent, kids’ zones with games and entertainment, and a bustling arts and crafts market, Octoberfest is one of those calendar highlights you will definitely want to put on your itinerary.
Don’t forget to soak up the fall foliage on the trails while you’re here, either. Parks like High Cliff State Park are a must for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering panoramic views of the Fox River and Lake Winnebago.
