Appleton WI

Appleton – Nestled along the Fox River, Appleton is a charming city where Midwest warmth meets vibrant arts and rich history. Known for its friendly community, scenic trails, and lively downtown, this Wisconsin gem offers a perfect mix of small-town comfort and big-city amenities. Whether you're exploring the historic Hearthstone House, enjoying a show at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, or spending a sunny afternoon at a local park, Appleton welcomes you with open arms and relaxing charm.

• Population: ~75,000
• Weather: Four-season climate; warm summers (70-85°F), chilly winters (10-30°F) with snow.
• Places To Visit: Hearthstone Historic House Museum, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Downtown Appleton, Lawrence University, Trout Museum of Art.
• Top Activities: Exploring local shops, kayaking the Fox River, attending Mile of Music Festival, dining downtown, hiking at High Cliff State Park.
• Famous Food: Cheese curds at local taverns, craft burgers, Friday fish fry, and regional beers from microbreweries.

Appleton, WI, located in the heart of the Fox Valley, is a growing community with a strong local economy. Its major industries include manufacturing, healthcare, education, and information technology. The city's low cost of living and robust job market attract job seekers from across the Midwest.

Top 5 Jobs in Appleton, WI

Appleton, WI, offers plenty of great spots for students to unwind, have fun, and take a break from their busy academic lives. Whether you're interested in cozy coffee shops, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences, Appleton has something to fit every student's taste.

The Draw – A unique cafe and creativity space perfect for students looking to get artistic or simply relax with a cup of coffee. It's a great place to catch some live music or partake in an art workshop.

Hearthstone Historic House Museum – Explore the beautiful and historic home powered by the original Tesla-designed central hydroelectric station. It's a calming and educational afternoon outing right in the heart of the city.

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center – Catch a Broadway show, concert, or a local theater production. The performances here are top-notch and provide a great way to enjoy culture and arts away from textbooks.

Lawrence University’s Wriston Art Center Galleries – Visit these galleries to view inspiring art exhibitions. It's a wonderful spot for those who love to immerse themselves in creativity and intellectual stimulation.

Telulah Park – Perfect for enjoying a sunny afternoon, this park offers trails, a frisbee golf course, and beautiful scenery along the Fox River. It's ideal for a study break or a casual meet-up with friends.

Fox River Mall – For shopping enthusiasts or those who enjoy a more lively hangout, this mall offers a variety of stores, eateries, and opportunities for people-watching.

Trout Museum of Art – Another excellent location for art lovers, featuring rotating exhibits and art classes. It's a peaceful place to spend an afternoon while indulging in artistic expression.

Appleton Beer Factory – A fun spot for socializing with friends over a well-crafted local beer, along with tasty food options. It's a fun atmosphere for those of age to unwind during weekends.

These places offer students in Appleton, WI, a great mix of relaxation, entertainment, and cultural enrichment, ensuring plenty of options for a well-rounded student life experience.

Appleton, Wisconsin, is a vibrant city in the heart of the Fox River Valley. It offers students access to exceptional educational institutions that focus on hands-on learning, strong community ties, and academic excellence. Though Appleton is smaller than many college towns, it proudly features a strong mix of public and private institutions serving a range of educational and career paths.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Appleton

Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) – Serving more than 50,000 students annually, FVTC is known for its workforce development programs in areas such as healthcare, manufacturing, public safety, and business. Students benefit from real-world training and strong ties with local employers.

University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, Fox Cities Campus – Located directly in Appleton, this campus is part of the University of Wisconsin system. It offers affordable associate-degree programs and seamless transfers to bachelor's programs within the UW system. Small class sizes and quality instruction make it a great choice for students who want a flexible start to their university education.

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) – Appleton Regional Center – Though headquartered in Green Bay, NWTC offers classes and programs locally in Appleton. Students can pursue technical diplomas and certificates in fields such as construction, IT, and health services.

UW–Green Bay, Marinette Campus (Accessible Within Region) – Located under two hours away, this campus is a regional option for Appleton residents seeking affordable access to bachelor’s degrees, especially in environmental science, education, and liberal arts. Programs are offered with flexible formats ideal for commuting students.

Blackhawk Technical College (via online/partnerships) – Serving the greater Wisconsin region, Blackhawk partners with various centers including Appleton for select programs and distance education models. Fields include criminal justice, health sciences, and skilled trades.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Appleton

Lawrence University – An elite liberal arts college located in downtown Appleton, Lawrence is known for its rigorous academics, small class sizes, and celebrated Conservatory of Music. The school fosters strong faculty-student connections and offers a global perspective through study abroad and research opportunities.

Concordia University Wisconsin – Appleton Center – A satellite campus of Concordia University, this center provides adult learners and working professionals with degree completion programs in fields such as business, healthcare management, and education. The flexible format suits nontraditional students.

Globe University – Appleton Campus (formerly operated) – Though the campus has closed, Globe University once offered career-focused degrees in business, legal studies, and health sciences. Its past presence contributed to Appleton’s history of privately-run vocational education.

Bellin College (accessible regionally) – While located in Green Bay, Bellin College serves students from Appleton and the surrounding region with high-quality nursing and radiologic sciences programs. Its strong partnerships with Wisconsin health systems make it a top choice for healthcare training.

Marian University (nearby in Fond du Lac) – With a student-centered approach and strong programs in education, business, and criminal justice, Marian University is a private Catholic institution accessible to Appleton students. Its flexible online and evening courses make it popular with working adults.

Appleton, WI, blends Midwestern values with a strong commitment to education. Families in the area benefit from a variety of high-performing high schools, both public and private, that help students succeed academically and socially. These schools offer challenging coursework, supportive staff, and opportunities in athletics, arts, and advanced STEM programs.

Top Public High Schools in Appleton, WI

• Appleton North High School – Known for its strong academics and award-winning fine arts programs, this school offers a wide range of AP courses and extracurriculars, including a rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) pathway.
• Appleton East High School – A great choice for students interested in technical education or Advanced Placement classes. It also features a robust ROTC program and strong community involvement.
• Appleton West High School – Offers strong academic programs with unique offerings like Health Career Academy and Business Career Academy. The school promotes leadership and innovation through many student-led clubs.
• Kimberly High School – Located near Appleton, Kimberly is consistently ranked for academic performance and athletic achievements. The school emphasizes both college and career readiness with programs like dual credit courses and apprenticeships.
• Kaukauna High School – Just a short drive from Appleton, Kaukauna High provides an excellent academic foundation with engaging programs in both advanced sciences and the arts. Known for its inclusive environment and supportive teaching staff.

Top Private High Schools in Appleton, WI

• Xavier High School – A top-rated Catholic school with a focus on academic excellence, moral development, and service leadership. Offers honors and AP classes, along with competitive sports and arts programs.
• Fox Valley Lutheran High School – A faith-based school with strong academics and a nurturing community. Known for producing well-rounded students with solid ACT scores and involvement in music and athletics.
• Valley Christian High School – A small private school that emphasizes personal growth, faith, and academic integrity. Students benefit from personalized instruction and a tight-knit classroom environment.
• Wisconsin International School – This school offers a globally focused education model with an emphasis on bilingual learning, cultural awareness, and leadership skills, ideal for internationally minded families.
• Appleton Renaissance School for the Arts (Private Option) – While part of the Appleton Area School District, this charter-like arts-focused school offers a private-school feel with its smaller size and specialized arts curriculum. Ideal for students passionate about visual and performing arts.

Appleton, Wisconsin is a vibrant city that, while not home to major league professional sports franchises, boasts a strong sports culture and close proximity to several top-tier teams in the state. Sports fans in Appleton support a variety of Wisconsin's beloved professional teams and enjoy minor league action within the city itself.

⚾ Baseball – Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (MiLB)

• Wisconsin Timber Rattlers – Based in Appleton, the Timber Rattlers are a Minor League Baseball team and the High-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. They play at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium and provide exciting baseball action with emerging young talent on their path to the majors.

🏈 Football – Green Bay Packers (NFL)

• Green Bay Packers – Located just 30 miles northeast of Appleton, the Packers are loved across the entire state. They have won an unmatched 13 league championships, including four Super Bowl titles (I, II, XXXI, XLV). Legendary names like Brett Favre, Bart Starr, and Aaron Rodgers are celebrated among fans in Appleton and beyond.

🏀 Basketball – Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)

• Milwaukee Bucks – Roughly 100 miles south of Appleton, the Bucks are a source of pride for basketball fans in Wisconsin. The team has won two NBA championships (1971, 2021), the latter led by star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Their success has ignited strong statewide support, including from fans in Appleton.

⚾ Baseball – Milwaukee Brewers (MLB)

• Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers are Wisconsin’s only Major League Baseball team and have a significant fan base in Appleton. Though they are still chasing their first World Series title, the team has seen many successful seasons and playoff appearances. Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, and Christian Yelich are among the team's most iconic players.

🏒 Hockey – Milwaukee Admirals (AHL)

• Milwaukee Admirals – While Appleton does not have a professional hockey team, fans can attend games of the Admirals, the AHL affiliate of the Nashville Predators, in nearby Milwaukee. The team has a loyal following and competes at a high level of minor league hockey.

⚽ Soccer – Forward Madison FC (USL League One)

• Forward Madison FC – Based in Madison, about two hours from Appleton, this soccer club plays in the USL League One and is gaining popularity statewide. Known for its fun fan experience and creative branding, the team has become a growing draw for soccer fans in central Wisconsin.

Appleton, Wisconsin is a charming city filled with rich history, natural beauty, and a vibrant local culture. Nestled along the Fox River, Appleton has its share of fun and surprising facts that make it a unique Midwest gem. Here are 10 fun facts about Appleton, WI:

1. Home of Harry Houdini – The famous magician Harry Houdini spent much of his childhood in Appleton, and the city proudly honors him with the Hearthstone Historic House Museum and a Houdini exhibit.
2. First Home Powered by Hydroelectricity – In 1882, Appleton became the site of the world’s first commercial hydroelectric power plant, lighting up the Hearthstone house before anywhere else.
3. Vibrant Performing Arts Scene – The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and more, bringing New York-style performances to this Wisconsin city.
4. College Town Vibes – Appleton is home to Lawrence University, a prestigious liberal arts college founded in 1847 that adds lots of culture and energy to the city.
5. Packed with Parks – Appleton has over 30 public parks, offering trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for every season.
6. Octoberfest Heaven – Each fall, Appleton hosts one of the largest Octoberfest celebrations in Wisconsin, drawing thousands of visitors to the downtown area for food, drinks, and fun.
7. Skyline Inspired by Paper – Appleton’s skyline and economy were originally built around the paper industry, and today it's home to leading paper and packaging companies.
8. Music for All Ages – The city offers a strong music scene, including Mile of Music, a free, four-day music festival featuring hundreds of artists performing live downtown.
9. Fox River Magic – The Fox River winds right through downtown Appleton, offering scenic views, walking trails, and kayaking for outdoor lovers.
10. Warmer Than You Think – Despite its northern location, Appleton gets a surprising number of warm, sunny days in the summer, perfect for enjoying everything outdoors.