Best hotels in Appleton
Courtyard by Marriott Appleton Riverfront
101 Riverheath Way, WI, 54915
A few steps from Downtown, the Appleton Riverfront looks over the Fox River and is handy for accessing numerous restaurants and cafes, alongside Lawrence University and Fox River Mall. Rooms are modern and pet friendly, while there’s also a fitness center and outdoor firepit to enjoy.
Roost Bed & Breakfast
1900 S Lee St, WI, 54915
For some peace and quiet, this superior B&B can provide much-needed rest and relaxation. With comfortable and spacious suites to choose from, featuring plush linens, whirlpool tubs and plenty of amenities. There’s a freshly-cooked breakfast awaiting you in the morning, then find some serenity in the gardens.
CopperLeaf Boutique Hotel & Spa
300 W College Ave, WI, 54911
With a distinct European vibe and unerring attention to detail, this is one of the best locations in Appleton. Rooms are subtly decorated, with welcome touches including fireplaces and whirlpool baths. There’s a full-service spa for ultimate relaxation and the adjacent restaurant, RYE, is one of the best in the city.
Best restaurants in Appleton
RYE
308 W College Ave, WI, 54911
Next to the CopperLeaf Hotel, RYE offers a compact menu, with every dish carefully thought out and delivered with panache. Small plates deliver crab cakes and beef carpaccio, large plates include an excellent burger and duroc pork chop. But the real action is in the specials, with bavette steak cooked sous vide or house-cured pork belly with apricot chipotle glaze.
Pierri Pizza
815 W College Ave, WI, 54914
Frank’s Pizza Palace was an Appleton institution that flipped pizzas to locals from 1955 until it was shuttered in 2018. Happily, it reopened as Pierri Pizza in 2020, still in the family. It’s no-frills, no unusual ingredients, but each pie is packed with flavor – classic Italian food made to perfection.
Mark’s East Side
1405 E Wisconsin Ave, WI, 54911
Serving the community since 1967, Mark’s is the place to go to get a taste of Wisconsin’s German history. While there are plenty of American classics on the menu, the authentic experience is to be found in dishes such as sauerkraut balls, wiener schnitzel and sensational sausages.
What to do in Appleton
Lake Winnebago
Wisconsin
This freshwater lake lies just to the south of Appleton and is Wisconsin’s largest inland lake. The shores are peppered with towns and sights to see, including High Cliff State Park. You can also take to the water for a serene sail, thrilling jet skiing, powerboating or simply chill by the waters with some fishing.
Hearthstone Historic House Museum
625 W Prospect Ave, WI, 54911
While the house itself with its well-preserved Victorian décor would be worth the visit on its own, the Hearthstone House is on the National Register of Historic Places for another reason. This was the world’s first home powered by a hydroelectric station using Edison’s system. Step inside for exquisite fireplaces and the original, still active, light fixtures.
Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass
165 N Park Ave, Neenah, WI, 54956
Close by in Neenah, reclining on Lake Winnebago’s shore, you’ll find a collection of intricate and delicate glass sculptures. From the tiny to the grand, you’ll find both contemporary pieces and older items from as far back as the 16th century. You can join a class or just browse the great gift shop.
