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.
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.
2024 History Tours
May 22: Industry and Innovation
Join us as we trace Appleton’s growth as a hydroelectric city during the second half of the 19th century. Industry and innovation along the Fox River have made a permanent impact on the city.
June 12: Historic Pierce Park Neighborhood Tour
Take a stroll through the neighborhood surrounding Pierce Park as we explore some of Appleton's most prominent residents and the architectural styles of their homes.
July 10: Houdini’s Appleton
Celebrate Harry Houdini’s 150th birthday by exploring the myths and reality of Houdini’s brief life in Appleton. Visit the location where his childhood home once stood, sites of fictional magical feats, and his father’s synagogue. Explore the city that Houdini called home.
July 31: Edna Ferber’s Appleton
Celebrate the life of Edna Ferber. We will trace her steps to discover significant Edna Ferber sites and what life was like in Appleton around 1900.
August 21: On the Street Where You Live Cemetery Tour
Learn about the people Appleton streets are named after as you walk through historic Riverside Cemetery.
September 11: East College Avenue Historic Pub Crawl
Put on your walking shoes for a pub crawl of East College Avenue’s historic taverns. The tour will stop inside four bars and highlight others noted for their individuality and preservation. Pull up a stool inside taverns frequented by Sen. Joseph McCarthy, admire Victorian back bars, and hear the stories and gossip behind each location. Price does not include drinks.
September 25: Spiritualists and Hauntings
Do you believe in ghosts? Take a journey of hauntings, séances, and downright creepy unexplained events. Not for the faint of heart. Rated PG-13 (tour contains mention of sexual assault, murder, suicide, and death).
October 24, 6:00 PM and 7:45 PM
October 25, 6:00 PM and 7:45 PM
October 26, 6:00 PM and 7:45 PM
Museum After Dark: Casual Killers
Explore the oddities of the History Museum's collections as you are guided by flashlight through the Museum after dark. Rated PG-13 (tour contains mention of sexual assault, violence, murder, suicide, and death).
This tour will meet in the lobby of the History Museum at the Castle (330 E College Ave).
November 13: Castle Curious
Have you ever wanted to know more about our Castle? Discover secret symbols, peep holes, and the history of this former Masonic Temple.
This tour will take place inside the History Museum at the Castle. Meet outside the front door.
Questions or comments? Contact our Education and Collections Manager.
Get Up & Go History Tours