Appleton (pop. 66,000) is located along the Fox River. The lumber industry and paper mills, along with the development of a hydroelectric station led to the city's prosperity in the late 1800s.
The city's most famous residents were Harry Houdini and Senator Joe McCarthy.
The Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve, covering 775 acres, offers walking and cross country ski trails. The nature center displays exhibits and information on the flora and fauna.
Hearthstone Historic House Museum, built in 1882, was the first house to be lit by a central hydroelectric station of the Edison System. Electrical exhibits and period furnishings, along with nine fireplaces and stained glassed windows, decorate the interior.
The house was designed by prominent Midwest architect William Waters in late Victorian style.
The Hands-On Hydro-Adventure Center is an entertaining and educational area with hands on exhibits, particularly of interest to children.
Kaukauna (pop. 12,000) began as a trading and milling center in the late 1700s. Highlights in the town include the 1000 Islands Environmental Center and the Grignon Mansion.
The museum displays a collection of antique and modern glass paperweights and Germanic glass. The museum also features changing exhibits throughout the year.
The Building for Kids is a two-story interactive children's museum which builds imagination, creativity, and confidence.
Address: The Building for Kids, 100 West College Avenue, Appleton, WI 54911-5766, United States
Phone: 1 (920) 734-3226, Fax: 1 (920) 734-0677
Hours:
July 1 to September 5: 9am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm; Sat:10am-5pm; Closed: Mon
September 6 to June 30: 9am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm; Sat:10am-5pm; Closed: Mon, Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Memorial Day - USA (last Monday, May ), American Independance Day (July 4), Labor Day - USA (1st Monday, September), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)