The Nelson Family Heritage Crossing opened in 2021 and connects downtown Little Chute and Kaukauna. The 1,100-foot bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the Fox River is family-friendly, universally accessible, and lit during dusk hours. Open year-round to enjoy bird watching, walking, running, and biking.
Heritage Parkway Trail (Island Park Trail)
Connects Little Chute Parks – Island Park & Heesakker Park
- Trail Covering: paved asphalt
- Total Distance: 1 mile but connected to other trails
- Restrooms: Seasonal bathrooms at Heesakker Park
- Other Amenities: birdwatching and fishing, open year-round, ADA Accessible
- Trail Hours: dawn to 11 pm
- Recommended for: walking, running, biking, strollers, toddlers, families
- Dog Friendly: yes
From Little Chute
From Little Chute, the Nelson Family Heritage Crossing can be accessed via the trail from either Island Park or Heesakker Park. The view along the river is pretty and provides different experiences throughout the seasons. The bow-string pedestrian bridge with a scenic overlook connecting both parks opened in 2012.
Heesakker Park, 1509 East Lincoln Avenue, Little Chute
A fun classic park (similar to Appleton’s Pierce Park). Lots of dirt trails for exploring and hiking. During the summer months, you can also find a story walk. Find the trails behind the playground—these are dirt trails and get muddy. If you want to head to the crossing on paved trails follow the path from the small parking lot from Sanitorium Road or from Garfield Avenue.
Park Features
- shade
- playground
- picnic areas
- pavilion
- restrooms
- sand volleyball court
- rugby court
- fishing
- sledding hill
- ice skating rink
Parking
- small lot at the end of Sanitorium Road
- street parking on Lincoln Avenue and Garfield Avenue
Island Park, 100 Monroe Street, Little Chute
The park is open to bike and pedestrian foot traffic only.
Park Features
- handicap accessible fishing wharf
- picnic tables
- ADA paved trails
Other Fun Stops In Little Chute
- Windmill
- Fully functional Dutch windmill with guided tours available during open hours.
- Little Chute Library
- Visit Cabbage the library bunny and grab a cup of coffee from their free self-serve coffee bar sponsored by Trilliant Foods.
Nearby Breakfast, Coffee & Bakery
- Seth’s Coffee
- Breakfast and lunch menu, grab-and-go bakery, full coffee menu, and hand-dipped ice cream.
- 106 East Main Street, Little Chute
- The Main Celebration – Gourmet Dessert Parlor
- Cupcakes, cookies, cake pops, and more.
- 133 West Main Street, Little Chute
From Kaukauna
The Nelson Family Heritage Crossing is accessible from Downtown Kaukauna via sidewalk connection and a paved trail along 3rd Street. From Downtown Kaukauna, the walking distance to the bridge is approximately one mile and is roughly ¾ of a mile from the trailhead parking lot.
Parking
- the trailhead parking lot is available off Bicentennial Court (intersection of Bicentennial Court and 3rd Street)
La Follette Park, 220 Park Street, Kaukauna
A local park with playground equipment, a basketball court, and a rental pavilion with indoor restrooms and grills, all with a beautiful view of the Fox River.
- lots of shade
- pavilion
- parking Lot
- basketball court
- picnic area with grills
- restrooms
Other Fun Stops In Kaukauna
- Kaukauna Public Library, 207 Thilmany Road #200, Kaukauna
- Outdoor children’s garden and indoor soft play area
- 1000 Islands Environmental Center, 1000 Beaulieu Ct, Kaukauna
- Over 7 miles of hiking trails & an amazing nature center to explore!
Nearby Breakfast, Coffee & Bakery
- Kaukauna Coffee & Tea, 127 West Wisconsin Avenue, Kaukauna
- Enjoy your favorite coffee drink & bakery treat alongside a kid’s play area!
- Sticky Fingers Cafe & Catering LLC, 145 East 2nd Street, Kaukauna
- All-day brunch and homemade bakery. Need we say more?
- Hill Top Bakery, 100 East 7th Street, Kaukauna
- Home of the donut cake and an array of homemade bakery & doughnuts
