One of our favorite things to do in Appleton is to explore downtown on the Appleton trolley. There is no better way to explore than a scenic ride on the Downtown Appleton Trolley, which makes a complete loop of downtown and the riverfront every 30 minutes, with scheduled stops along the route.
Hop on board for a free ride to your favorite restaurant provided by a friendly driver, or sit back to enjoy the beautiful riverfront and bustling downtown area. At 15 and 45 minutes past the hour, the trolley departs the Transit Center, located next to the Appleton Public Library.
Trolley Schedule
- June 5 – September 27, 2025
- Thursdays & Fridays: 5:15 – 9:45 pm
- Saturdays: 8:15 am – 9:45 pm
Trolley rides are free, but donations are always appreciated!
Parking Note: Downtown parking is complimentary after 6 pm on Thursdays & Fridays.
Trolley Tales – NEW for 2025!
All Aboard for Story Time! Join us for a magical storytime adventure happening every Saturday from July 12 through August 30, from 9:45–10:15 a.m. on the Downtown Appleton Trolley!
Hop on for a fun, free ride as guest readers share stories that celebrate cultures from around the world — all while enjoying the sights of Downtown. Stories are geared toward children ages 3–8, but all are welcome!
Riders meet at the Children’s Garden in front of the Appleton Public Library starting at 9:30 am. Your guest reader will walk you over to the trolley stop at the transit center to catch the 9:45 am route. There is a 35 person capacity on the trolley, so spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.
Snacks Along the Way
Pack a snack or grab one from one of these local favorites before boarding the trolley!
- Bona Fide Juicery, 111 E. College Ave. | Organic, fresh, cold-pressed Juices
- Copper Rock Coffee, 210 W. College Ave. | Coffees, Teas & Fresh Baked Goods
- Crazy Sweet, 514 W. College Ave. | Ice Cream & Candy Shop
- Doughlicious, 322 W College Ave, Appleton | Cookie dough, ice cream and treats
Things to Do Along the Way
The trolley makes scheduled stops along the way and completes an entire loop. Look for the black, green, and red trolley signs.
Family-friendly stops include: The Building for Kids, The History Museum at the Castle, and Houdini Plaza.
Meade Pool, Jones Park, Tellulah Park, and Jaycee Park are all along the trolley route!
Music
The Thursday night Heid Music Summer Concert Series is free and family-friendly. Live music concerts run June 5 – August 28, 2025 from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm at Jones Park.
