Car Rental - Appleton

 

Rent a car in Appleton, Wisconsin to enjoy the delights of this riverfront city and the surrounding lakes and nature preserves. Appleton sits on the Fox River, along the shores of Lake Winnebago, and is just a one-hour drive from the eastern banks of Lake Michigan.

Visit the Wisconsin Butterfly Garden and the Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve to immerse yourself in nature or step back into Appleton’s rich history, at the Hearthstone Historic House Museum. There’s also plenty of shopping experiences at Fox River Mall and a plethora of restaurants, bringing flavors from around the world to Appleton’s streets.

We have pick-up locations across the city, including car rental at Appleton International Airport. Simply select your sedan, SUV, sports car or other vehicle online, then you can collect your rental car as soon as you arrive.

Reserve car rental in Appleton with Hertz today to explore this quaint pocket of Wisconsin.

Appleton Locations

A Quick Guide to Appleton

Butterfly Garden of Wisconsin

Butterfly Garden of Wisconsin

N2550 WI-47, WI 54913

Immerse yourself in a fluttering paradise of color at the Butterfly Garden. A kaleidoscope of native species swarm upon the vibrant foliage of the gardens, some living their entire cycle among the local flowers. Walk across Butterfly Bridge for impressive panoramic views and get lost in the two-acre maze, where you can meet the resident deer. You can park your Appleton rental car for free, although there is a small admission fee to enter the gardens.

Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve

Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve

4815 North Lynndale Drive, WI 54913

This 775-acre span of mixed habitat is an all-in-one adventure site and educational hub. The Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve has spent more than 40 years teaching visitors about local flora and fauna, the importance of environmental ethics and encourages wellness by getting back to nature. Be sure to explore the 8-mile network of trails and look out for visiting birds.

appleton aerial view in snow

Hearthstone Historic House Museum

625 West Prospect Avenue, WI 54911

You’ve no doubt heard of Thomas Edison, but do you know where it all sparked off? Hearthstone Historic House Museum is a site of historical heritage, as it was the first residence illuminated by the Edison system, in 1882. Leaving the candles behind, the house has now become a museum of artefacts, including the original light fixtures implemented by Edison.

Courtyard by Marriott Appleton Riverfront

101 Riverheath Way, WI 54915

Enjoy a relaxing stay along Appleton’s scenic riverfront at Marriott Appleton Riverfront. Featuring a firepit seating area and onsite bistro, this modern hotel is also situated within the delightful surroundings of Telulah Park. Stay here to be just a short journey across the river to Downtown. There’s complimentary on-site parking for your Appleton rental car and, if you rent an electric vehicle, you can also charge it up on-site while you relax.

CopperLeaf Boutique Hotel & Spa

300 West College Avenue, WI 54911

CopperLeaf exudes luxury, thanks to its onsite spa and extensive offering of treatments. It’s found just a 15-minute drive from the airport, and you can book in for a deep tissue massage soon after you land. After a long day, slip into your in-room whirlpool tub next to the fireplace. Be aware that parking for your Appleton rental car has a small surcharge, and height restrictions apply in the covered parking garage.

Franklin Street Inn Bed and Breakfast

318 East Franklin Street, WI 54911

This quaint inn boasts elegant Victorian-styled rooms and is housed within a turreted Victorian house. There are comfortable beds, antique furnishings and spectacular views of the historic district here. You can also enjoy a hearty home-cooked breakfast up to your room before heading out too. Free parking is available to all guests, so you’ll have somewhere to leave your Appleton rental car while you explore the local area.

Apollon

207 North Appleton Street, Appleton, WI 54911

Transport your senses to the Mediterranean when indulging in Greek fare at this cozy, family-owned restaurant. Treating diners since 1994, Apollon is known for its delectable lamb sofrito and mouthwatering braised lamb shank, cooked with herbs and honey. Dine on the patio on weekends to be serenaded by the resident pianist.

Fratello’s Riverfront Restaurant

501 West Water Street, WI 54911

Enjoy spectacular views of the Fox River while you dine when you eat at Fratello’s Riverfront Restaurant. Menu highlights include shaved tenderloin beef carpaccio, refreshing avocado and berries salad, and almond crusted walleye with truffle fries. Or for something simple, pizzas and burgers are also available.

Carmella’s

716 North Casaloma Drive, WI 54913

Another family establishment, this rustic Italian bistro creates traditional dishes packed with flavor. Whether it’s lathered on lasagna, pappardelle with chicken or risotto, the homemade sauces are the showstoppers. Try as you dine, then order your owns jars of Carmella’s sauce online to savor at home.

Driving In and Around Appleton

  • Green Ramp (54911) parking lot contains 900 spaces for your Appleton rental car and is situated in central Appleton, just off West College Avenue.
  • Red Ramp (54911) offers easy access to the scenic riverfront, Jones Park and plenty of Appleton’s most beloved restaurants. You’ll find 800 spots throughout the lot.
  • On-street parking meters are available all across Downtown and are payable by coins or debit card. Check signage and meters for limits and charges before parking your business or holiday car rental.

 

  • Interstate 41 (I-41) is a north-south running highway, starting in Russel at the Illinois state line. It curves around Lake Winnebago and through Appleton, before continuing to Green Bay.
  • U.S. Route 10 (US-10) travels into Appleton from Fremont, then continues to the western shores of Lake Michigan.
  • U.S. Route 47 (US-47) extends north from US-10to Black Creek and east of Navarino State Wildlife Area.

 

How to Get From Car Rental at Appleton International Airport to Downtown

It’s a simple 15-minute journey into Downtown Appleton from car rental at Appleton airport:

  1. From the Hertz pick-up point, head south on Challenger Drive and keep right.
  2. Continue onto West College Avenue.
  3. Take the 2nd exit at the roundabout and stay on West College Avenue.
  4. At the first cross street, turn left onto Lawrence Street.
  5. Turn left again onto South State Street.
  6. Take a final left onto West College Avenue to arrive in the heart of Appleton.

 

How to Get From Car Rental in Appleton to Milwaukee

You can reach the welcoming city of Milwaukee by Lake Michigan in less than two hours via I-41 when you rent a car in Appleton.

  1. Take US-10 West out of town and use the left lane the take the exit.
  2. Merge onto I-31 and continue for just over 100 miles.
  3. Use Exit 38 A to get onto I-94 East and continue on to I-794 East.
  4. Take Exit 1E onto Jackson Street.
  5. Follow East St Paul Avenue into central Milwaukee.

 

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