Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By FMM15 – Oshkosh, United States
Have only been here in winter and it is so beautiful. This year we did the candlelight ski/snowshoe and that was the best. The people here are so welcoming and helpful. The trails are very nice with a mix of open area and wooded area. Every time we have come, the parking lot looks full, but the trails were never crowded except during the evening walks. However, even then it was not bad and people on the trails were friendly. I had family who came with their grade school for a field trip and thought it was very nice. Highly recommend.
Things To Do Near Me: The Trout Museum Of Art Appleton Wi
Having been in the works since the 1960s, the Trout Museum of Art was started by the Appleton Artists Guild as a way of compiling a permanent collection, building a viewing gallery, and providing educational opportunities for local artists. The museum now offers this and much more to its visitors, who can explore the exhibitions, attend a special event, take part in a lecture or workshop, or to have fun with their families at the many festivals held at the museum. The exhibitions vary depending on when visitors will be there, but some of the past exhibitions include Celebrating Picasso: Photographs by David Douglas Duncan and The Legacy: A Celebration of Life, a collection of stunning artwork by hospice patients, their loved ones, and the professional caretakers who watch them.
111 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911, Phone: 920-733-4089
Exhibits At Building For Kids
The moment we walked in, my children started playing pretend. The main level of the museum is full of real-world spaces to explore. Just to the left of the entrance is a bank complete with drive-thru teller station, coin sorting, and bank bags. This was one of our favorite spaces, which is funny to me, as I cant remember the last time my children were in a bank branch.
To the right of the entrance is a grocery store and restaurant, complete with a pizza making station. While were used to seeing grocery store play areas, the pizza-making station was an extra touch weve never seen at a childrens museum before.
Another favorite spot was the doll hospital. We had to stop at the checkup area to make sure our babies were healthy, examine x-rays, and test out a working scale.
As we rounded the corner, we were taken to the Big Rig Depot, where we pumped gas in a semi, mapped our shipping routes on a pegboard, and even practiced with an engine simulator.
We sorted shipping and receiving for various sized packages in the Loading Dock. We loved quizzing our son on his shapes and colors, comparing sizes, and, of course, making a mess.
Towards the back of the first floor, youll give flying a try in the BFK Jet, or stop in the Innovation Lab for quite a few hands-on STEM activities. Here we looked under microscopes, experimented with a wind tunnel, and built a large t-rex out of foam bones.
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Enjoy The Absolute Nothingness At The Salt Room
Relaxing is sometimes the most ideal thing you can do. Vacation is the awesome option to calm down, relax, and experience something new. To do all three, head over to The Salt Room in Appleton.
The Appleton Salt Room only accepts online appointments. As a couple, giving yourself permission to unwind, calm down, and disengage for 45 minutes is one of the romantic things to do in Appleton WI.
The Salt Room experience is novel for many people. The Appleton Salt Rooms can accommodate 4 to 6 persons.
While salt caverns in Europe are well known, salt rooms are a more recent invention in the United States. Your calm, spa-like salt room, unlike the salt caverns, is covered in natural rock salt to produce a sterile environment. The floors are also covered in pharmaceutical-grade salt that has been crushed, making the ground feel and sound like sand.
You can unwind, enjoy some music, read a book, and breathe in the microscopic salt flakes while at The Salt Room. Their zero gravity chairs are available for your use.
Go On A Shopping Spree At Fox River Mall
This enclosed shopping facility is Wisconsins largest mall, measuring over 1 million square feet and among the best places to go in Appleton Wisconsin.
Fox River Mall truly is the shopping capital of Wisconsin. This indoor shopping mall will provide you with retail therapy thanks to its more than 140 stores.
The mall also offers a jumble of dining options and entertaining attractions. Visit retailers including JCPenney, Talbots, Macys, Ulta cosmetics, and many among others.
After youve finished shopping, head to the Northwoods Cafe for a substantial supper.
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Treat Yourself To A Pint At Appleton Beer Factory
The craft beers are popular with visitors, and Appleton contains some of Wisconsins top brewers.
You can try the Wisconsin beers and are among the top things to do in Appleton WI for adults.
They take great satisfaction in using only the finest, freshest ingredients and taking their brew seriously. They serve burgers, steak taco, and nachos in addition to beer.
Appleton Beer Factory serves up high-quality brews while entertaining you with its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
When youve had a full day of sightseeing, stop by this bar, sample their variety, and get a pint of your favourite.
Spend An Afternoon Beside Fox River
Why not take a break, sit down, and soak in majestic views?
The Lower Fox River decorates the city and adds to its beauty.
It carves its path across the city’s heart and leaves tourists mesmerized.
However, this attraction is at its most enchanting after sunset.
It is a fact that the river looks beautiful throughout the day, but in the evening, it’s magnificent on an entirely different level.
Want to explore the area further?
Go hiking around the river.
The paths are well-maintained, and the views are brilliant.
If you consider yourself a shopaholic, Appleton has some treats for you.
The downtown area is studded with so many shops that it’ll be challenging to choose which one to visit first.
There are lots of gift shops, branded stores, and boutiques all across the area.
If you want to buy some gifts, you can get them at an affordable rate.
Besides downtown Appleton, there’s also the Fox River Mall.
Home to over a hundred retailers, it’s one of the most popular shopping centers in the city.
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Fun Things To Do In Appleton Wi With Your Kids
Are you and your family trying to decide what to do today? I know my family is always looking for new things to do together and different places to visit. As an Appleton family photographer, I often ask families what their plans are for the weekend and there always seems to be plenty of things to do in Appleton WI. Located at the heart of the Fox River Valley, this city is full of fun and life! Theres an overwhelming amount of unique businesses, family friendly events and delicious restaurants to try. Below I created a list of fun things for you and your family to try based upon my research and what clients have told me.
Have A Walk At Little Lake Butte Des Morts
A 15-minute drive from Downtown Appleton will take you to Little Lake Butte des Morts. A quiet and peaceful space, this is really more of a widened section of the Fox River than a lake in its own right.
The lake takes its name from the nearby Lake Butte des Morts, so named by the French after the Native American burial mound located nearby.
You can take a romantic walk around the lake, go fishing for yellow perch and largemouth bass, or simply relax by the waters edge. It falls under the category of best lakes in Wisconsin, due to its beautiful views of nature along with a great variety of flora and fauna.
For good starting points to visit the lake, head to Fritse Park or Arrowhead Park .
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Tour The Hearthstone Historic Home
Formerly known as the Henry J. Rogers House, the venue is an exceptional residence that has been converted into a museum to conserve the treasures that have amassed there over the years.
Visitors get the chance to witness the original Thomas Edison light works alongside the Nikola Teslas Hydro Adventure Centre. There is also a prototype on display of the worlds first central hydroelectric stations.
These electrical installations are noteworthy in the towns history since they were one of the first known instances of electric light supplanting gas illumination.
After spending a day at the museum, visitors will be able to study a variety of interesting things, and is one of the top things to do in Appleton Wisconsin.
Have Fun At The Trout Museum Of Art
What to do in Appleton for art lovers? The Trout Museum of Art will leave you speechless no matter what kind of art enthusiast you are. This downtown location, once known as the Appleton Gallery of Art, is adorned with magnificent works of art.
For aspiring artists, the location is a refuge.
Appleton Artists Guilds brilliant team founded this museum because they believed their talents ought to be forever displayed wherever people could enjoy them.
This museum is ideal for those who like great art because it has a permanent collection of more than 150 items.
Educational displays are also held at the Trout Museum of Art.
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Learn A New Skill At The Paper Discovery Center
One of Appleton’s leading industries happens to be the paper industry.
For that reason, the city has its very own Paper Discovery Center.
In this center, they make paper and teach visitors this particular art.
The Purdy-Weissenborn Paper Lab is a fascinating place to check out.
They guide you around and show you all the hacks for making paper.
If you are interested, you can sign up for one of the workshops here.
Best Places To Stay In Appleton Wi
Appleton, Wisconsin, despite its small size, delivers a punch. Lawrence Universitys artistic spirit permeates the area, including attractions such as the Fox Cities Performing Arts Centre and Trout Museum of Art. The meandering Fox River divides the town in two and is lined with nature parks, historic homes, craft-beer pubs, and museums. Take a boat tour to experience the town from the water. To help you plan your trip, weve selected the best hotels in Appleton, Wisconsin, for all budgets.
- Courtyard by Marriott Appleton Riverfront This family-friendly motel is an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding area. It boasts a nine-hole disc golf course right outside and is adjacent to Telulah Park, which has walking and bicycling trails. Fox River Mall is less than a 20-minute drive away if you like shopping. Tempest Coffee Collective, Mr Brews Taphouse, and Angels Restaurant are just a few of the many dining options that are close by.
Address 101 Riverheath Way, Appleton, WI 54915
Phone number +1-920-903-9256
- The Roost Bed and Breakfast The Roost is an authentic bed and breakfast in Appleton. It is located in a peaceful residential area and has six boutique suites, the majority of which have electric fireplaces and jacuzzi bathrooms. You can rent the entire property or just a room. You can relax and socialise in the back garden, which features a screened-in patio, a bubbling pool, and lawn.
Address 1900 S Lee St, Appleton, WI 54915
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Things To Do With Kids In Appleton Wi
- TripBuzz found 50 things to do with kids in or near Appleton, Wisconsin, including 31 fun activities for kids in nearby cities within 25 miles like Oshkosh, De Pere, Green Bay and Keshena.
- From The Building for Kids to Badger Sports Park, the Appleton area offers 49 different types of family activities, including: Movie Theaters, Children’s Museums, History Museums and Gardens.
- Originally settled by fur traders, Appleton eventually became known as a major player in the paper industry. Located about 30 miles from Green Bay, Appleton has large parks and open spaces for residents and visitors to congregate. The city has a farmer’s market downtown and has various events, including live concerts and parades.
Try Some Regional Cuisine At Downtown Appleton Farmers Market
Visitors to Appleton can witness a different side of the city from June through October. To connect with the spirit of Appleton, go to the Downtown Appleton Farmers Market.
It occupies a four-block area on College Avenue. Food is indubitably the draw of the farmers market and everyone will have a great time.
This market is packed with tempting views, flavours, and fragrances, thanks to its casual ambience and colourful kiosks of fresh delicacies.
Although there is a plentiful supply of meat and bread here, you should also take note of their other baked items. Likewise, you can sample the fresh fruits grown nearby.
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Fox River Kayaking Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Fox River Kayaking Company offers guided excursions, stand up paddle board yoga, and gear rentals for independent outings on the Fox River, Lake Winnebago, and surrounding waterways. Explore the Fox River with a fun safety guide, or rent the gear for an independent adventure via kayak or paddle board. Our activities include: – Appleton Locks Paddle – Little Chute Locks Paddle – Kaukauna Paddle – Doty Island Paddle – Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga – Gear Rentals Fox River Kayaking Company adventures are perfect for families, couples, team building groups, wedding, bachelor, and bachelorette parties, and any one looking to spend a day outside on the water!
Visit The History Museum At The Castle
Kids love the fairy tale magic of castles, so the History Museum at the Castle is the perfect stop with the grandkids. Add to that the magic of Houdini, and you cant go wrong. Located in downtown Appleton, the Harry Houdini interactive displays are one of the permanent exhibits. As a child, he lived in Appleton for 4 years and considered Appleton his hometown. Here the family will learn about the secrets behind Houdinis life and magic. In addition, the kids will have a chance to break Houdinis 3-second jail escape record or perform his Metamorphosis illusion. The whole family will enjoy this exhibit, especially the teens.
The museum features other temporary displays. For example, the interactive Da Vinci exhibit was great fun for the older kids, while the Fox Cities ABCs display was fun for preschoolers and lower elementary kids. The museum offers enough variety that this single stop will keep the whole family involved.
Pro Tip: Notice the four stained glass windows in the break area to the left of the ticket counter. These windows provide insight into Appletons history.
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Parks Near Me: High Cliff State Park Appleton Wi
Consisting of over 1,000 acres of lands, High Cliff State Park is the only state-owned recreational area that has access to Lake Winnebago. There are numerous trails within the park where visitors can go hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the summer and snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing in the winter. One of the more popular trails is the limestone-surfaced Indian Mound Trail that is over six miles long. Other activities offered at the park include swimming, fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, and hunting in certain areas. Visitors will also be able to explore the effigy mounds called High Cliff Mounds, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
N7630 State Park Rd, Sherwood, WI 54169, Phone: 920-989-1106
Head To The Fox River Mall
Everyone likes to do a little shopping and theres no place better than the Fox River Mall. There is a store here for everyone! You can shop from your favorite brands like Forever 21, the Buckle, Dry Goods, Macys, Scheels and others. They also have a large food court with many options for dining including some fast food restaurants and even the Fox River Brewing Company. You will love bringing your family here for all your shopping trips.
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Kids Activities Near Me: The Building For Kids Appleton Wi
The Building for Kids originally housed only the Fox Cities Childrens Museum, but the plan to expand it came to be in 2006. With exhibits designed by kids for kids, the attraction is one of the most visited in Appleton by families with children of all ages. There are so many interactive exhibits for children to explore their imagination while learning about their surroundings in a creative and safe environment. Some of the exhibits more popular with visitors include the 10-foot human heart that lets the kids slide down an artery, a castle-themed mini golf adventure that lets young visitors outsmart a dragon, and the Credit Unions Littlest Branch, a place where little ones can be a teller, make transactions, and learn about money.
100 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911, Phone: 920-734-3226
Spend The Day At Appleton Memorial Park
Spending an afternoon at Appleton Memorial Park means it will be a fun day for you and your kids.
The place has everything starting from playgrounds and trails to ponds and nature.
There are different courts where you can play tennis, volleyball, and even basketball.
You can play soccer and golf here as well.
People of all ages enjoy Appleton Memorial Park for there is no shortage of opportunities to have fun here.
During the winter, the park provides excellent skating opportunities.
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