Appleton is the largest of the Fox Cities, a group of cities and towns located along the Fox River in Wisconsin. Prior to 1836, before Appleton was established, native tribes like the Ho-Chunk and Menominee occupied the area. However, a treaty between European settlers and the natives soon traded a 4-million-acre area to the settlers for $700 at the time, and Appleton was later established on this land.
The first settlers of Appleton were fur traders who wanted to trade with local Native Americans along Fox River. After them, other pioneers came, and Lawrence University, the second coeducational U.S. college, was soon founded in the city in 1847. Appleton was a part of the booming paper industry at this time, too, and the city’s first paper mill was built in 1853, which then attracted more residents to work at the mill and surrounding factories.
Many important firsts occurred in Appleton during the second half of the 19th century, perhaps the most important being the powering of the Hearthstone House by Appleton’s Vulcan Street Plant. This house became known as the first residence in the world to be powered by a hydroelectric station using the Edison power system. Appleton is also known for having the first telephone in the state of Wisconsin and the first incandescent lights of any city not on the east coast of the U.S.
Today, visitors to Appleton can see the Hearthstone Historic House Museum and explore the Hearthstone House and a few exhibits on Edison electricity and light. Visitors can also learn about the history of Appleton and all of the Fox Cities at the History Museum at the Castle downtown. For those who want to learn more about the paper mill that once ran in Appleton, head over to the Atlas Science Center, which offers short classes on making paper.
Oshkosh Hops & Props - Every year in nearby Oshkosh, the city gives tastings of a selection of world-known hot sandwiches, fries, onion rings, ice cream, snow cones, soda, beer, wine, and more.
Waupaca Arts on the Square - In nearby Waupaca every August, there is a small festival to celebrate local artists downtown.
Fox Valley Roots Music Festival - Hosted by Appleton Beer Factory in November, this festival features music by Wisconsin and worldwide artists.
Indiana Dunes National Park is just a short drive from Chicago and is home to 15 miles of lakefront on the shores of Lake Michigan. This park is popular with beachgoers, but it's also a great place to hike and bike as there are over 20 square miles of scenic countryside beside the beaches to explore.
Isle Royale National Park is perhaps the most unique national park out there. This park is only accessible by boat, and it's located on an island where no vehicles are permitted. However, the island can be easily explored by foot, and it has some of the most scenic views of Lake Superior there are.
Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri is known for its spectacular arch, which is called "The Gateway to the West." However, this park also has underground museums for visitors to explore, and it offers rides to the top of the 630-foot-tall arch for great views of the Mississippi River.
High Cliff State Park is just a short drive from Appleton and is known for being the only state-owned recreation area on Lake Winnebago. Made up of over 1,000 acres, this state park includes naturally formed cliff structures and burial mounds made by natives over 1,000 years ago.
Hartman Creek State Park is located on Wisconsin's Chain O'Lakes, which is made up of seven distinct bodies of water. This park itself is heavily forested and includes features like waterfalls and swamps.
Point Beach State Forest is located on Lake Michigan close to the city of Two Rivers. Rawley Point Light, Wisconsin's tallest lighthouse, is featured here, and there's a campground in the middle of the state park's forest within walking distance of the beaches of Lake Michigan.
Within Appleton, you can visit the College Avenue Historic District, an area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Iconic landmarks to see here include the 12-story-tall Zuelke Building and the Soldiers Square Civil War Monument.
Just outside of Appleton in the village of Little Chute is a marker for the Treaty of the Cedars. This treaty was signed at this location and marked the trade of land from Native Americans to incoming settlers near the Fox River.
The Neenah Clock Tower sits in the town of Neenah, due south of Appleton. This tower is the only remaining structure from the old Neenah City Hall and displays the architecture of the 19th century.
When you want to camp near Appleton, check out Breezy Hill Campground in Fond Du Lac. This campground is pet friendly, has a small pond, and hosts regular family activities. This campground also has 98 available spaces for RVs with full hookups.
Another great nearby campground is Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort, which has 249 full hookup spaces plus on-site game and recreation areas. Located on Partridge Lake in Oshkosh, this campground is highly rated and has a pool and multiple playgrounds.
Considered one of the best places to camp in Wisconsin, Farmer Gene's Campground, LLC is also the largest campground in the state with over 500 campsites. This campground is located on Lake Kinney, has boat rentals and launch areas, and includes access to a swimming pool and spa area. All of its campsites have full hookups with water and 30/50 amp electric options.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Appleton, WI, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Appleton?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Appleton from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Appleton?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
