Hearthstone Historic House Museum

The Pierce Park to Ellen Kort Peace Park loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience along the Fox River in Appleton. This easy 4.9-mile (7.9 km) route, with a gentle 218 feet (66 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through varied scenery, from the blufftop vistas of Pierce Park to the reflective river views at Ellen Kort Peace Park, where you can spot the Oneida Skyline Bridge. It's a smooth, quick ride, taking about 29 minutes, perfect for a relaxed outing.

Planning your ride is simple, as parking is readily available at both Pierce Park and Ellen Kort Peace Park. This beginner cycling route is well-suited for families and casual riders looking for a straightforward, scenic path without significant logistical hurdles. It's a great option for a pleasant spin any time of day, offering easy access to Appleton's natural beauty.

This loop stands out as a popular bike route in Appleton, connecting two cherished community spaces. Ellen Kort Peace Park, dedicated to Wisconsin's first Poet Laureate, provides a unique cultural touchpoint amidst the natural landscape, while Pierce Park offers broader recreational amenities. It's a prime example of the well-regarded cycling network in the area, showcasing riverfront paths and local park environments.

The Appleton Swing Railroad Bridge – Fox River loop offers a delightful touring bicycle experience, winding through a mix of natural and urban landscapes. This easy 20.4-mile (32.8 km) route, with its minimal 445 feet (136 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes to complete, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely ride. You'll pedal past wetlands, prairies, and wooded sections, all while enjoying continuous views of the Fox River and its historic navigational locks.

Accessing this popular route is straightforward, as it's part of a larger, well-connected trail system in the Fox Cities area. You'll find numerous entry points, and free printed trail maps are readily available at the Appleton Parks and Recreation Customer Service Area. The smooth, mostly paved surfaces make it suitable for all skill levels, and it's a great option for a morning or afternoon outing.

Beyond the scenic river views, the trail highlights local history, including the impressive Appleton Swing Railroad Bridge, a through-truss bridge from 1929. The route is also part of the developing 13-mile "Loop the Locks" network, connecting five communities and emphasizing the Fox River's industrial past. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as eagles are sometimes spotted, especially near dusk and dawn.