The Locks / Appleton

This is the first of the four Appleton Locks all of which were originally home to the Valley’s booming paper industry. Visiting this lock today brings you closest to the Appleton Yacht Club which is just south of Lock 1. If you visit the club via the water, you may tie up there and use the clubhouse. The Appleton Yacht Club clubhouse is open seven days a week and features a stunning view of the river from the restaurant and tavern. For more information call 920-733-9848. A short walk away is the historic Atlas Mill, home to a lovely coffee shop and the Paper Discovery Center. In addition to a visual and historic record of the paper industry, the Paper Discovery Center has interactive displays explaining how trees turn into paper. Directly above the lock, boaters have a view of the wooded banks of Riverview Gardens, a former private golf club now converted to an urban farm and park social enterprise.

From this lock, boaters can travel from water to exciting Downtown Appleton. A boat tie up dock is available between lock 1 & 2 behind the Edison Building. From here, it’s a short walk to Trolley Square and Pullman’s Restaurants restaurant: walk the other direction and a range of micro brews and mouth-watering cuisine is available at the Stone Cellar Brewpub. Pedestrians have access to Olde Oneida Street where you can ride the downtown trolley from June 4-Sept. 26 and go anywhere in Downtown Appleon. One of the most vibrant downtowns in Wisconsin, this mile-long stretch of College Avenue starts at Lawrence University and ends up at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. In between: restaurants, taverns, museums, festivals, hotels and so much more! For full downtown information and activity guides, please visit www.appletondowntown.org.

The approach to Lock 3 brings you under Lawe Street which links the homes and parks on the south bank, spans the area known locally as “the flats,” and connects to Lawrence University on the north bank. From this lock, you can see the steep banks leading up to residence halls and classrooms at Lawrence, and the historic homes that surround the campus area.   

The last of the Appleton Locks takes you under the new College Avenue bridge to a public dock available upstream of the lock. On dry land, you have access to the developments at River Heath, including the Mr. Brews Taphouse featuring customized burgers and up to 70 brews on tap. Or grab a cup of coffee and a light lunch at Tempest Collective, home to fine brews and a stunning view of the river. Even spend the night with a stay at the stylish Marriott Riverfront Hotel (and it’s pet friendly!).  You can walk it off on the Newberry Trail that takes you to Telulah Park with picnic and playground areas—even a 9-hole disc golf course.

Please note, especially for non-motorized boaters, there is a strong draw just upstream of the lock from a water intake to a power plant.