What to do and see in Appleton, Wisconsin (WI): The Best Museums

The Building for Kids Children's Museum's mission is to empower children, engage parents and energize communities. We accomplish our mission by providing specially designed exhibits, programs and events. Our goal is to inspire, teach and reinforce curiosity.

The Hearthstone is a large, beautifully restored Queen Anne Victorian Style home built in 1882 by Henry J. Rogers, Superintendent of the Appleton Paper and Pulp Mill. On September 30, 1882, Hearthstone was the first house in the world to be lit by an Edison central hydroelectric power station. The house retains many unique, genuine features, including the original Thomas Edison electroliers and light switches. Appleton was one of the first three cities in the world to be lit by an Edison central power station, the other two being New York and London. This was all due to Mr. Rogers, who decided to invest in Edison’s power station in order to light two paper mills and his home. Since it became a museum in 1987, Hearthstone’s focus is to preserve the house and its artifacts to re-create a historical experience based on its Thomas A. Edison heritage for the cultural enjoyment and educational benefit of the public through its many exhibits and programs.

The History Museum at the Castle presents award-winning local history as well as national exhibits through hands-on experiences that engage people of all ages. We're best known for our exceptional interactive Harry Houdini exhibit that reveals the magician's illusions. We also pay tribute to Pulitzer Prize winning author Edna Ferber, and put Sen. Joseph McCarthy into perspective.

As one of the region's premier spaces for visual arts, The Trout Museum of Art features exhibitions of regional, national and international visual art. The museum presents special events, educational programs, jazz performances and more. Visit our website to view current exhibits and events.