The Appleton Fox Trot Trail intersects with several other trails in the valley below downtown Appleton. It also follows a portion of College Avenue and takes you through the campus of Lawrence University. And while I have never perfectly followed the longer trail, walked every foot of this path at different times.
Key Features
1. Historical Significance:
Historical Stops: The trail features 16 points of interest, each representing a significant historical landmark or event in Appleton’s past.
Educational Experience: Learn about the city’s paper industry, famous residents, and cultural heritage as you explore the trail.
2. Scenic Views:
Riverfront: Enjoy picturesque views of the Fox River as you walk along the trail.
Downtown Appleton: See the city’s vibrant downtown area, including shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
3. Easy Accessibility:
Paved Trail: The trail is fully paved, making it accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
Self-Guided Tour: Explore the trail at your own pace, with no guided tours or reservations required.
4. Additional Features:
Fox Paw Prints: The trail is marked by blue fox paw prints on the sidewalk, making it easy to follow.
Fox Head Logos: At each point of interest, you’ll find a fox head logo indicating the location.
Trail Brochure: Pick up a brochure at the Fox Cities CVB Visitor Center or view the online map on the Appleton Parks & Recreation website.
5. Nearby Attractions:
History Museum at the Castle: Explore the city’s history in depth at this fascinating museum.
Lawrence Memorial Chapel: Admire the beautiful architecture and stained glass windows of this historic chapel.
Between the Locks Building: Learn about the city’s role in the paper industry at this former mill building.
Review
The Fox Trot Trail is a great way to visit Appleton and enjoy the sights. You can see the beauty of nature, with the birds in and around the river. View historical landmarks with informational boards about Appleton dotting the trail as well as historic museums. Eat dozens of great restaurants near the trail in the valley and along the downtown area. See a Broadway show at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) just a few blocks from the trail.
The Appleton downtown area used to just be known for its bars. But over the recent years the city has been taking efforts to support more shops and restaurants. The PAC and expansion of the Fox Cities Exhibition Center in Jones Park have opened up opportunities for events. Events like the Mile of Music, Octoberfest, Phoenix Con, and others give people many things to do through out the year.
However getting back to the trail, there are so many ways to approach this trail. You can start in the valley by parking in Jones Park under Oneida Street. If you follow the paw prints on the ground they will lead you up the stairs toward the downtown area. Walking past Houdini plaza you will head into the Lawrence University campus. Following the paw prints you will turn right onto Law Street.
Heading south in to the Fox river valley you will come to a divergent path. Just after you pass the first bridge over the river you will encounter the the Hydroelectric Heritage Trail I covered last week. At this point there is a sign that says you can take a scenic short cut along the river to Old Oneida Street or continue on the main trail.
Continuing on the main trail you will cross another bridge and encounter the Newberry trail. At this point the Fox Trot Trail follows the Newberry trail to the right. You can see here one of the multiple Locks on the fox river system. Appleton Lock #3 can be seen at the intersection of Law Street and Newberry trail.
Following Newberry trail to the west you will walk past an old lock tenders house. And eventually you will pass the Appleton Lock #2. With Newberry Trail ending at South River Street and the Fox Trot Trail continuing on to Old Oneida Street.
At the intersection of South River and Old Oneida Streets is the Stone Arch Brewpub and the Skyline Comedy club. Of note I find it funny that Appleton has a comedy club named Skyline Comedy Club when our cities skylines pales in comparison to the big cities of our nation. Not that I do not enjoy our modest skyline.
Continuing on our trial you will take another right at Old Oneida Street from South River Street and head north back across the river valley. On the way you will pass some smaller bars and Pullman’s at Trolley Square. This is another of multipe great restaurants in Appleton. Continuing along Old Oneida Street you will pass the scenic short cut of the Hydroelectric Heritage Trail and the cross the last bridge on the river.
At this bridge I’ve caught many bird and scenery pictures that I have posted on this site. When the river is high you will see pelicans catching fish coming through the dam spillway. And when the river is low you will see egrets and herons wading in the shallows under the bridge.
Finally as you cross the bridge you will walk through the Historic Fox River Mills Apartments. This old paper mill was converted into apartments and is directly adjacent to Lawrence University. So if you are looking for a unique place to rent an apartment look them up.
Finally we will reach the Jones Park parking lot. While this is the end of the Fox Trot Trail, you don’t need to stop here. Fratello’s Riverfront Restaurant is just west on Water Street. Or you can walk back up to the downtown area and enjoy the shops.
I enjoy this trail and have walked portions of it for years. As you can tell I put a little more into this review because its part of my life here in Appleton. This area is often over looked for other areas in Wisconsin. With Door County and Green Bay to the northeast and the great northern forest of Wisconsin to the north and northwest. Maybe stop in Appleton on one of your many trips here.
As usual if you are planning to visit or have stories of your own about this trail, feel free to comment below. Or if you like my photography, please visit my Pixels.com site linked below. Thank you again for reading.
Egret is amazing.