History on the move!
Join the History Museum for a fun series of walking tours focusing on local history. There is no better way to explore our region than learning about the past and present in this interactive series.
Pre-registration for all tours is required. All tours start in front of the museum (330 E College Ave) at 6:00 PM unless otherwise specified. Each tour lasts approximately 1-1.5 hours at a moderate pace.
2023 History Tours
Eateries of Wisconsin Avenue
May 17
Let's follow our stomachs down Wisconsin Avenue. This tour will highlight select restaurants, bakeries, and other eating establishments that have become Appleton icons. Price does not include meals or drinks; select businesses may offer samples.
Meet outside Simple Simon Bakery (218 E Wisconsin Avenue).
City Park Neighborhood Walking Tour
June 7 SOLD OUT
June 8 SOLD OUT
Take a stroll through the neighborhood surrounding Appleton's oldest park as we discuss some of Appleton's early residents, the architectural styles of their homes, and the creation of City Park.
Secrets in the Stones Cemetery Tour
June 27 SOLD OUT
June 28 SOLD OUT
Discover the stories behind some of the stones in Riverside Cemetery. This tour will cover tales of the original pioneer cemetery, glimpses of Appleton's past, unique Riverside stories, and tombstone symbols and icons.
Meet at the entrance of Riverside Cemetery (714 N Owaissa St).
Asylum: Out of the Shadows Walking Tour
July 11 SOLD OUT
July 12 SOLD OUT
Before 1857, Wisconsin had few resources to care for people who lived in poverty and with mental illness. Explore the grounds of the Outagamie County Asylum, the county's "solution" to treating the "chronic insane."
Meet at the parking lot for the Old Stone Bridge Trail (3404 W Brewster St, Appleton).
Here is the Church Walking Tour
August 2
Join us as we trace Appleton's religious history through a few of its iconic religious institutions and their members.
Fourth Ward Pub Crawl
August 23 SOLD OUT
This 2-hour pub crawl will take us through a variety of drinking establishments in Appleton's Fourth Ward. An exclusive tour and tasting (included in ticket price) of Stone Arch Brewpub's historic building is the perfect way to end the evening. Price does not include drinks.
Meet outside Pullman's at Trolley Square (619 S Olde Oneida Street)
Irish in Appleton Walking Tour
September 13
Learn about some of Appleton's early Irish residents, their influence on local culture, and the legacies they left behind as we explore Appleton's Third Ward.
Meet outside the front of St. Mary's Church (312 S State Street).
Spiritualists and Hauntings Walking Tour
October 10 SOLD OUT
October 11 SOLD OUT
October 12 SOLD OUT
Do you believe in ghosts? Take a journey of hauntings, seances, and downright creepy unexplained events. Not for the faint of heart. Rated PG-13 (tour contains mention of sexual assault, murder, suicide, and death).
Museum After Dark: Morbid Medicine
October 13: 5:30pm & 7:30pm SOLD OUT
October 16: 5:30pm & 7:30pm SOLD OUT
October 17: 5:30pm & 7:30pm SOLD OUT
October 18: 5:30pm & 7:30pm SOLD OUT
October 19: 5:30pm & 7:30pm SOLD OUT
October 20: 5:30pm & 7:30pm SOLD OUT
October 23: 5:30pm & 7:30pm SOLD OUT
October 24: 5:30pm & 7:30pm SOLD OUT
October 25: 5:30pm & 7:30pm SOLD OUT
October 26: 5:30pm & 7:30pm SOLD OUT
October 27: 5:30pm & 7:30pm SOLD OUT
October 30: 5:30pm & 7:30pm SOLD OUT
Explore the spooky, creepy, and gory medical oddities of the History Museum's artifact collection as you are guided by flashlight through the Museum after dark. Rated PG-13 (tour contains mention of sexual assault, medical malpractice, and death).
Questions or comments? Contact our Education and Collections Manager.
Get Up & Go History Tours
Open Daily, Except Tuesdays
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
330 E. College Ave., Appleton, WI
920.735.9370
Group Tours
Our tours are also available for private groups. Just gather 15 or more people and contact our Education and Collections manager to inquire about pricing and availability.