RV Rentals Appleton, Wisconsin

Explore Appleton, Wisconsin in an RVshare RV Rental

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. 

Events Near Appleton, Wisconsin

• 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.