Wisconsin : Safety by CityAppleton is part of the Fox Cities of Wisconsin, a collection of towns along the Fox River.
Along with Neenah and Menasha, the region is at the north end of Lake Winnebago and about 30 minutes south of Green Bay.
However, all told, you’ll get access to nearly 20 towns in the Fox River Valley.
Appleton’s modern history dates back to the early 1800s when it was a hub for fur traders and a meeting place for Native American tribes like the Menominee.
The city grew rapidly with the arrival of settlers, establishing Lawrence University in 1847 and then the development of the paper industry along the Fox River.
Along the way, Appleton became synonymous with innovation and invention, a genius path paved through the local museums and attractions.
You’ll also find a great number of “quirks” here, largely attributed to Harry Houdini’s influence on the city.
Appleton isn’t a cookie-cutter of any other Wisconsin city; it prides itself on the first and only elements, like the first private home illuminated by hydroelectricity.
If you’ve ever said, “Turn on the light,” it’s because of what happened in Appleton.
While the uniqueness might pique your interest, you should also get the safety information you need to enjoy every element.
Let’s explore Appleton!
Warnings & Dangers in Appleton
OVERALL RISK: LOW
There's a low risk in Appleton, and there are a lot of things to do. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a night to blow off some steam, or a family-friendly vacation, Appleton has it all.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Check out the maps for Valley Transit, which runs through all the Fox Cities. A summer trolley runs through downtown Appleton from June through September. Taxis and rideshares are easy to find. Rental cars are another low-risk option, offering more chances to explore at your own pace.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Just two pickpockets were reported in 2023, giving this a low risk. However, you still want to use caution, especially during big events or in crowded areas.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Appleton faces some natural disaster risks, primarily from severe thunderstorms, including high winds, hail, and occasional tornadoes during spring and summer. Flooding can occur near the Fox River during heavy rains. Winters bring significant snowfall, and extreme cold can lead to hazardous conditions, but major disasters are rare. Treat it as a medium risk to prepare for the seasonal potential.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
With just 16 robberies in 2023, most of which were business robberies, the risk of being mugged in Appleton is low. Keep it that way by staying in well-lit areas and walking in groups or pairs.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The risk is low in Appleton for a terrorist incident, but mass shootings and domestic terrorism can happen anywhere. Being vigilant and reporting suspicious activity is the best way to help keep the community safe.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Check local police department and sheriff’s office social media sites for the latest scams. That will help keep the risk low. Most of the scams here target residents or college students.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
The risk is low for women of all ages, and even solo travelers should feel comfortable visiting Appleton.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The 2023 report for Appleton shows no violations, but you might want to look at the "Contaminants with a Public Health Groundwater Standard, Health Advisory Level, or a Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level" section, which addresses some issues that could impact the taste, smell, or look of the water.
Safest Places to Visit in Appleton
The Appleton city website has a visitor’s section, which is hyper-focused on things to do in Appleton.
The Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau website will cover Appleton and the Fox Cities.
I would recommend starting on the “Fox Cities Originals” to find the unique things to do here.
Downtown Appleton has a website, too, focused on the 140+ restaurants, shops, and activities.
You can download the interactive guide to learn more about the places to visit there.
Also, download the walking map to get a lay of the land.
Explore the Fox Trot Trail, which covers two miles of downtown and around the river.
The path is marked with blue pawprints, and there are 16 points of interest on the route.
Appleton has a few cool museums that give you a feel for the area’s history and culture.
The History Museum at the Castle is one of the standouts, where you can dive into the life of famed magician Harry Houdini, who grew up in the area.
Then there’s the Hearthstone Historic House Museum, which was the first house in the world to be powered by hydroelectricity.
You can take a tour and see how Victorian life blended with the cutting-edge tech of the time.
For art lovers, there’s the Trout Museum of Art downtown.
It hosts rotating exhibits featuring local and national artists, plus some hands-on programs for families and kids.
Speaking of museums for kids, the whole family will love The Building for Kids Children’s Museum.
Two floors offer various exhibits for even the youngest of visitors.
Check out the programs and workshops happening during your visit.
Lake Winnebago is Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, known for year-round activities like fishing, boating, and windsurfing.
In the winter, ice fishing and sturgeon spearing draw crowds.
While you’re at the lake, explore the communities of Neenah and Menasha.
While initially known for paper-making, both offer a mix of historical charm, waterfront parks, and vibrant downtown areas.
Explore the possibilities at local parks and trail systems, like the Children’s Farm at Plamann Park.
Other options include carriage rides and cross-country trails in the winter, paddling options on the Fox River, and the three-mile biking/walking trail around the lake.
Places to Avoid in Appleton
Appleton doesn’t come with bad neighborhoods or dangerous parts of town.
In fact, subreddits about safety go as far as to tell stories of leaving keys in vehicles without anything being stolen or running late at night with headphones and having no safety concerns.
While we don’t recommend doing anything like that, it’s important to know that this is one of the safest communities in Wisconsin and the country.
I would caution against visiting if there’s a snowstorm, ice storm, or winter storm warning in effect.
Conditions can be brutal and travel treacherous.
Even if you make it there, the risk of a power outage is still possible.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Appleton
- Appleton has a local police department, and you can follow them on Facebook @AppletonPD. Email webapd@appleton.org or call (920) 832-5500 if you have specific safety information.
- It’s important to note that the other Fox Cities will likely have separate police departments as well. That includes Neenah, Menasha, and Kaukauna. The villages within the region generally contract law enforcement out to the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Department.
- Visit the Outagamie County Emergency Management website to find the sign-up link to get emergency alerts while you’re visiting. This will include severe weather, winter weather, and public safety threats. The system is free and easy to sign up for and unsubscribe from.
- Appleton Police have a community crime map that gives the most up-to-date crime rate information possible. Using the interactive features, you can select different elements and create a custom report. For example, you might want to know how many car break-ins have happened within a half mile of downtown in the past 30 days.
- If you want to park on the street overnight, you’ll need permission from the city. Otherwise, no vehicles are allowed on the street between 2 am and 5 am. When parking downtown, use the Passport Parking app to check for availability and pay for parking on the street or in parking garages.
- Anglers need a license from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. You can purchase the license online or pick one up at local outfitters. Review the rules and seasons on the DNR website. You’ll also find hunting license information there if it’s of interest.
- Alcohol consumption is limited in local parks to beer (fermented malt beverages) and wine. Also, no alcohol can be consumed before 10 am or after 10 pm.
- If you have information about a crime that doesn’t warrant a call to 911, you can report it through the police department’s website using the Submit a Tip form. You do have to give an email address, but you can ask to remain anonymous.
- Before visiting a lake in the region, check out the Beach Lake Monitoring website for the respective county – in this case, that’s Winnbago County for Lake Winnebago. Between blue-green algae, E. coli, and bacteria, there are too many potential hazards to avoid risking it, especially during the summer peak season when the water is warmest.
- If you’re visiting in the winter, look up the safety steps for driving in winter weather, protecting your skin from the bitterly cold temperatures, and how to tell if a body of water is frozen over or not. While there’s a lot to do outside in the winter, you have to be prepared for the risks since the season can be extreme, especially if you aren’t used to that type of weather.
So... How Safe Is Appleton Really?
Appleton is a safe place with a violent crime rate 30% lower than the national average.
Crime has been trending down for several years now, with 2023 seeing a 24% drop compared to 2022.
“I think as a police department, seeing a reduction in crime is always seen as a positive thing.
We would love to eliminate crime, and that’s a goal that we’ll always continue to work towards,” Appleton Police Department Lt. Meghan Cash told a local television station.
“It’s amazing to see that some of the efforts that we’re putting into preventing crime, those crime prevention programs that we’ve had, are doing what we want them to do,”
The theft rate is 13% lower than the national average, with 38% of that number attributed to shoplifting in 2023.
About one vehicle a month is stolen in Appleton, on average.
Visiting Appleton should come with no hesitation and a lot of excitement.
Common sense and standard safety practices go a long way.
On top of that, Appleton made the Top 5 list of Most Desirable Cities in America and also landed on the Most Livable City list.
How Does Appleton Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Appleton | 83 |
| Oakland | 57 |
| New Orleans | 57 |
| Baltimore | 56 |
| Boston | 67 |
| Washington DC | 56 |
| New York City | 67 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
| Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
| Buenos Aires (Argentina) | 60 |
| Vancouver (Canada) | 82 |
| Cordoba (Argentina) | 61 |
Useful Information
Visas
All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app for help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.
Currency
Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.
Weather
Appleton experiences a typical Upper Midwest climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Winter temperatures can drop to the single digits, with average snowfall around 45–50 inches. Summers bring highs in the 70s and 80s, with occasional thunderstorms and moderate humidity during the season.
Airports
The closest commercial airport to Appleton is Appleton International Airport (ATW), located about six miles west of downtown. It offers direct flights to several major hubs. Another option is Green Bay’s Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB), about 30 miles northeast.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.
Appleton Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | -4 | -2 | 5 | 13 | 20 | 25 | 28 | 26 | 22 | 14 | 6 | -1 |
| Low °C | -12 | -11 | -5 | 1 | 8 | 13 | 16 | 16 | 11 | 4 | -2 | -9 |
| High °F | 25 | 28 | 41 | 55 | 68 | 77 | 82 | 79 | 72 | 57 | 43 | 30 |
| Low °F | 10 | 12 | 23 | 34 | 46 | 55 | 61 | 61 | 52 | 39 | 28 | 16 |
Wisconsin - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Appleton | 83 |
| Baraboo | 82 |
| Eau Claire | 77 |
| Green Bay | 81 |
| Kenosha | 74 |
| Madison | 77 |
| Milwaukee | 34 |
| Racine | 70 |
| Waukesha | 83 |
