Scene | Outdoors
Celebrate America’s Birthday in the Fox Cities!
by Tim Froberg
Fabulous Fireworks to Light Up Local Skies
Birthdays become lesser events as people age, but Independence Day is a completely different matter.
We celebrate America’s birthday in grand fashion each year on July 4 with celebrations across our nation that include parades, barbecues, festivals, and fireworks.
The United States is turning a spry 249 this year and Uncle Sam loves a good party. So, enjoy your day off from work. Just remember why you have the day off. The Fourth of July is a federal holiday, bringing family, friends, and community members together to commemorate America’s independence after breaking away from British rule in 1776.
It is also considered to be a celebration of summer across America. The Fourth of July falls smack-dab in the middle of the warmest of the four seasons and we should enjoy it because everyone knows time moves at warp speed after the Fourth. Blink a few times and suddenly Labor Day is here and that seemingly endless summer is approaching the finish line.
According to polls conducted by Harris and YouGov, the Fourth of July is ranked by Americans as their second favorite holiday behind Christmas … and for good reason. Everyone loves barbecues, cold drinks, 80-degree weather, and spectacular fireworks shows. The Fourth also provides an opportunity for everyone in our sharply divided nation to agree on one thing: America is awesome.
So, slip on your red, white, and blue party shoes, fellow Cheeseheads, and make sure Old Glory is waving from your front porch.
Here’s a brief look at the Fourth of July. Allow me to play U.S. history professor and drop in a few fun facts about our nation’s birthday and those IFOs (identified flying objects) known as fireworks. I will also have updates on where to go and what to do on this festive holiday.
Did Ya Know?
- The actual vote to approve a resolution of independence from Great Britain by the original 13 colonies took place on July 2, 1776. The final wording was approved two days later, and the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4. It initially began as a letter to King George explaining why the colonies were declaring independence from Great Britain.
- The first Independence Day was actually celebrated July 8, 1776 in Philadelphia. The White House didn’t celebrate Independence Day until 1804.
- Thomas Jefferson, who eventually became our country’s third president, wrote the majority of the Declaration of Independence. He drafted the statement between June 11-28 and submitted it to John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, who made some revisions before submitting it to the Continental Congress. Jefferson was 33 when he wrote the Declaration of Independence.
- The first of the 54 delegates to sign the Declaration of Independence was John Hancock and he signed it with a large, bold signature. That’s why his name is dropped when someone tells you to “put your John Hancock” on a document.
- George Washington is regarded as one of our nation’s founding fathers, but the first U.S. president didn’t actually sign the Declaration of Independence. He was the commander of the Continental Army and was defending New York City in July of 1776. Washington read the Declaration to his troops five days later on July 9.
The Big Bang-Boom Theory
A Fourth of July without fireworks just isn’t a Fourth of July.
These amazing aerial displays never seem to get old, but fireworks are actually quite old.
Historians say that fireworks originated in ancient China dating back to 200 BC. It is believed the first natural firecrackers were bamboo stalks that would explode with a bang when thrown into a fire – due to the overheating of the hollow air pockets in the bamboo.
The firecracker-fireworks phenomenon was taken up a notch when Chinese alchemists mixed potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal to produce the first gunpowder. The powder was poured into hollowed out bamboo sticks (and later stiff paper tubes) to form the first man-made fireworks. The Chinese believed fireworks warded off evil spirits but also used them to celebrate weddings, births, and important events. They were eventually launched for entertainment in China’s imperial court.
Fireworks made their way to Europe in the 13th century and were used for religious festivals and public entertainment by the 15th century. Famed Italian explorer Marco Polo was fascinated with fireworks and brought them from China to his home in Venice, Italy in his travels around 1292. Italy eventually became the first European country to manufacture fireworks. Various European rulers used fireworks to illuminate their castles, flaunt their riches, and entertain visitors on important occasions.
- Queen Elizabeth I of England was so enamored with fireworks that she created the title “Fire Master of England” to recognize the best fireworks creators. Early U.S. settlers brought fireworks to the new nation, and they were part of the first Independence Day celebration in Philly in 1776.
- Currently, all but three U.S. states – Massachusetts, Delaware, and Ohio – allow consumer fireworks.
- Consumers spend roughly $662 million on fireworks each year.
Proceed With Caution
Two words should be emphasized when handling fireworks: be careful. In 2023, close to 9,700 Americans were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries. Hands and fingers were the most common body parts injured (35%) followed by head, face, and ears (22%). An estimated 42% of emergency room-treated, fireworks-related injuries were burns.
While sparklers are often considered harmless, they can burn as hot as 2,000 degrees F and cause serious damage to the skin.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers put on a terrific show with every home contest, but expect Fang and the Rattlers to have a little more zip on their fastballs when they host Beloit in a 6:40 p.m. game on the Fourth of July.
It will be billed as Military Appreciation Night at Neuroscience Field at Fox Cities Stadium. A postgame fireworks celebration concludes the evening.
“It’s Americana – baseball, hotdogs, and fireworks,” said Timber Rattlers CEO and president Rob Zerjav. “It’s tradition for a lot of people. They want to come out and see baseball and it’s an easy way to see fireworks. You don’t have to battle the crowds. You have a nice seat for the fireworks.
“It’s really a weather-based day for us. If the weather is good, we’ll do fantastic. If the weather isn’t good, people aren’t going to come out.”
Celebrate in Our Area!
Here is a list of some of the local fireworks shows and celebrations. All the fireworks are Festival Foods Fireworks displays.
Appleton:
Appleton will continue its long-standing, early-bird tradition of holding its annual fireworks display on July 3 – a day before Independence Day. It will remain at Memorial Park, starting at 9:45 p.m. No food or alcohol will be available for sale, and alcohol cannot be brought into the park.
There will be no live music or food and beverage vendors as in past years. The Appleton Jaycees hosted a festival-type event for years before stepping down in 2023. The City of Appleton Parks and Recreation Department is now organizing more of a low-key event.
Neenah-Menasha:
The Fox Cities’ biggest Fourth of July party will be Community Fest: a two-day joint annual celebration shared between neighboring cities Neenah and Menasha on July 3 and 4.
Most of the activities – including live music, concessions, and children’s face painting and games – will be at Neenah’s Riverside Park and Menasha’s Jefferson Park. Fireworks can be seen at both locations at dusk on July 4.
A cookout at Curtis Reed Square and the popular annual Parade of Lights in Neenah highlight the July 3 events.
Live music will be featured at both sites on July 4. Among the bands and acts performing will be Fox Cities Swing Band (Jefferson, 2:30-3:30 p.m.); singer-songwriter David Paul Martin (Riverside, 3:15-4:30 p.m.; Tribute to Elvis (Jefferson, 5-6 p.m.); Time Machine (Jefferson, 6-30-7:30 p.m. and 8-9:50 p.m.); Sly Joe and the Smooth Operators, Riverside, 5-7 p.m.); and the Neenah Community Band (Riverside, 7:45-9 p.m.).
The Webfooters Water Ski Show will also be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Riverside Park and the Venetian boat parade will be held in Neenah prior to the fireworks.
The recreation departments from both cities co-sponsor the event.
“We always refer to it as two communities – one great event,” said Michael Kading, parks and recreation director for the city of Neenah. “We’re celebrating the greatest event in our nation’s history. If you look at the Declaration of Independence, it was marked with fireworks and celebrations. So, we’re continuing with that tradition from 1776.”
Green Bay:
The annual Fireworks over the Fox always draws an enormous crowd and offers a festival-type atmosphere with live music, food, and various events. It is held in downtown Green Bay in the waterfront area at the city deck, Neville Public Museum grounds, and Leicht Memorial Park.
More than 15 food trucks will be on hand and a beverage tent is available. There will be multiple music stages.
It is a free event and most of the activities start at 3 p.m., culminating with the fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Just remember that downtown traffic is usually quite heavy following the fireworks.
Kimberly:
Kimberly will hold its Independence Day celebration on July 3 at Sunset Park. Live music, craft vendors, and giant inflatables will be part of the fun prior to the fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
Kimberly Firefighters for Fireworks is hosting the event.
Oshkosh:
Menominee Park will be the site of the Oshkosh celebration set for July 4. Multiple food trucks will be available, starting at 3 p.m. and the fireworks will launch at dusk.
New London:
The annual fireworks show and celebration takes place July 4 at its usual home of Hatten Park. Gates open at 6 p.m. and concessions are available. The fireworks start at dusk.
Hilbert:
A parade, picnic, and fireworks display – all on July 4 – highlight Hilbert’s annual Independence Day party. The 11 a.m. parade is one of the largest in Wisconsin and travels down Main Street. A picnic at Civic Park follows and the 9:30 p.m. fireworks wrap up the festivities.
Waupaca:
All of the events are set for July 4. A 10 a.m. parade from North Main Street proceeding south to Lake Street starts the day of fun. The Knights of Columbus annual chicken barbecue and hamburger lunch follows at South Park at 11 a.m. followed by a 6 p.m. water ski show. The fireworks display at dusk in the Shadow Lake-South Park area highlights the festivities.
Fireworks on TV:
If you don’t want to fight the crowds or traffic and can’t make it to a local fireworks show, a simple touch of a television remote will allow you to enjoy a few first-rate, big-city displays.
The annual Macy’s fireworks show dates to 1958 and it’s a sensational show – with live music and more than 60,000 shells and effects launched. It will be broadcast live on NBC starting at 8 p.m. central.
A Capital Fourth – featuring live performers and an outstanding fireworks show – is also a Fourth of July television staple on PBS, broadcast live from Washington, D.C. in the White House area at 7 p.m. (central). It will also be rebroadcast later in the evening.
Meanwhile, the Green Bay “Fireworks Over the Fourth” display will be broadcast live by television station WFRV Local 5.
This article was originally published in the July 2025 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.
Symphony Under the Stars Defies Expectations
by Jim Collar
Shorts, T-shirts, and baseball caps are typically frowned-upon fashion choices for those enjoying an evening with the symphony. But then again, few orchestral performances feature shredding guitars or the distinctive thud of a well-charged Bratzooka.
It’s a concept that Beethoven wouldn’t have recognized, but I can’t help but think he would have approved.
The Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra will return to Fox Cities Stadium on Saturday, July 26 for “Symphony Under the Stars,” an annual concert event that defies expectations in all the best ways. From the ballpark atmosphere to the rock and roll arrangements, it’s become a great Fox Valley tradition and one of the most awaited concerts of our summer season.
Accessibility is the most important feature. There are no tickets, and you can also park the car for free. But do arrive well in advance of the 7:30 p.m. start time if you hope to get the best seats.
Jamie LaFreniere, executive director of the orchestra, said a night at the symphony may not always be feasible for many in the community. But thanks to the generous support of sponsors including Network Health and Community First Credit Union, an evening of masterful musical performances is open for everyone to enjoy.
“You can bring your family of six, your office of 10 or your friend group of 20,” she said. “We really want people to have a great night, and this event is really about bringing the community together.”
LaFreniere, who is also editor in chief at “Appleton Monthly,” said the concert is just as much a highlight of the season among the orchestra’s 70 or so musicians.
The evening begins with performances from the MacDowell Male Chorus and the Fox Valleyaires. The orchestra starts their program with traditional symphonic music before turning to, shall we say, more familiar compositions. Accompanied by Russ & the Renegades, FVSO’s self-created house rock band, the orchestra shows that they, too, have a wilder side with symphonic arrangements of rock and pop favorites.
At a prior performance, a symphony violinist made the bold transformation into country fiddle player during a rendition of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” The crowd went wild for a stunning performance of Prince’s “Purple Rain.”
“Last year, we did Metallica’s ‘Enter Sandman,’ and no one had that on their bingo cards,” LaFreniere said. “We like to tear down the stereotypes.”
It’s not a big rock and roll concert without the pyrotechnics. As the music concludes, a stunning fireworks show provides the exclamation point to an incredible evening.
The annual concert has given many people an alluring introduction to our orchestra and a level of talent that’s not often found in cities of our size. For regular patrons, the stadium concert has offered a fun and different kind of experience that showcases the versatility of its musicians.
All who attend can expect some pleasant surprises. The richness of orchestral instruments brings a new and exciting quality to contemporary music – and even to the songs that come up most frequently on our playlists.
“When you add that element, you’re adding so many layers,” LaFreniere said. “It’s like experiencing your favorite song again for the first time.”
This article was originally published in the July 2025 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.
Reaching Heights in Real Estate
by Tim Froberg
Entrepreneur Learned Key Skills in First Job
Successful entrepreneurs and business leaders seldom start at the top.
Many smart, determined individuals like Lori Muller make Himalayan-like climbs after launching working careers at low-level positions.
Muller learned game-changing skills in her first job that helped her reach career heights she never imagined.
The Oshkosh native has done it all in real estate. She sold houses as an agent, led company teams, owned multiple branches, wrote books, served as a public speaker and worked as a top corporate leader.
Muller has handled the latter role so expertly that her name has appeared on lists including the Swanepoel Top 40 women executives in real estate and Swanepoel’s Power 200 top real estate executives. Swanepoel annually ranks the most powerful and influential executives in the residential real estate brokerage industry.
Muller was also a HousingWire Vanguard winner (for outstanding leadership in the housing industry), an RISMedia Achiever (for excellence in the real estate industry) and a Broker of the Year recipient for the Central U.S. Region.
But the roots to her accomplished professional career go back to her first job as a door-to-door salesperson for the Hy-Pro Chemical Company. She sold a cleaning chemical for eight years. Pounding on doors to make a sale wasn’t an easy gig, but Muller learned how to handle rejection, read a prospective customer, and basically sell.
“It was literally knocking on doors,” recalled Muller. “I was 19 years old, away from home, and it was the generation of no cell phones. I couldn’t just call home if I needed anything. It was an interesting experience.
“What it taught me was that I could only rely on myself. I learned that if someone says, ‘no,’ it’s not a personal rejection. Another important learning lesson was that the first 15 seconds of meeting someone are the most important.”
Muller also learned how to rely on her observational skills. Prior to knocking on a door, she would scan the environment around her – much like a detective – and use whatever clues she could collect to assist her in the sale.
“When I was walking up to doors, I would look for different things I could clean because I was selling cleaner, right? said Muller. “I would look for things like: Is there oil in the driveway? Is their brass kick plate dirty? Are their windows dirty? Does the patio furniture have mold on it? Do they have kids? If the garage door was open, do they play golf?
“I would try and pick up all those little things, so I could go to the door and be a solutionist. I would find a solution to their problem.”
Muller turned what could be perceived as a nothing job into a school of knowledge and a money maker.
“When people ask me where I went to college, I always say the ‘School of Hard Knocks,” said Muller with a laugh. “People say, ‘Gosh, that was a tough gig.’ It was, but I was making a real good living because I was good at it.”
That simple yet complex first job led to a distinguished career in the real estate industry that has spanned more than 20 years. Muller used the experience to land a sales job for Bemis Packaging in Oshkosh, then joined Coldwell Banker: The Real Estate Group where she served five years as a realtor and team leader. In 2007, she became a broker and owner of an Exit Elite Realty branch in Appleton – the first established in Wisconsin – and grew that to include two more area operations.
Corporate roles with a large international company followed and Muller kept raising her game by serving on various boards and committees. She has been a past president of the Women’s Council of Realtors Wisconsin and has served on different committees of the National Association of Realtors, including the Realtors Political Action Committee.
“I didn’t actually get into real estate until I was 33 and wish I would have gotten into it sooner,” said Muller, a 1988 Oshkosh West graduate. “The reason I got into real estate was because there were people who nudged me and said, ‘Hey, you would be great at real estate.’
“I was working in corporate America and in a corporate-structured environment, but I wanted to get back into that entrepreneurial environment. It was the nudge of people believing in me before I even thought about it. I immersed myself in the day-to-day grind of how people buy and sell houses. That gave me a deep appreciation of the power of relationships and the importance of earning profits.”
Muller’s mantra throughout her real estate career could be summarized in three words: listen, learn, and share.
“I think the reason I’ve been successful in this career and have taken it to different levels is really just being authentic,” Muller said. “I have honed my skills, always tried to learn more and never believed I was the smartest person in the room.
“I’m always investing in myself so I can invest in others and give back. Not letting fear stop me has also been key because fear is temporary, but regret is forever. I never want to have any regrets.”
Muller knows how to communicate her knowledge of real estate. She is a John Maxwell-certified mentor, trainer, and coach and has been a featured speaker at many real estate conferences for the past several years, including the National Association of Realtors, the Women’s Council of Realtors and brokers and agents across the country.
“I talk a lot in the realm of females in leadership positions and not just in the real estate industry,” she said. “I try to deliver the message of knocking out the imposter syndrome and having the confidence in yourself to know ‘Hey, I got this and I have this group behind me supporting me.’
“I want to leave the room in a better position than when I got into it. I try to pour all my passion of real estate into it and leave it all on the stage.”
Muller is also an author. She wrote a book, “Born to Sell: From Zero to Hero: Building Skills for Success” that was released in January. The book focuses on the mindset, habits and tools that drive sales results. It is broken down into 16 chapters, examining matters such as core values, personal branding, sales mastery, mindset shifts, accountability, time management, and self-discovery. The paperback can be purchased on Amazon. “Born to Sell” is the first of a series of books that Muller is writing.
“I actually started writing it about seven years ago and had never finished it,” said Muller. “People have joked with me over the years saying that I was born to be in sales. But no, I wasn’t born to be in sales. I learned a lot of different traits over the years and took what I’ve learned and created this blueprint for everyone in sales – whether you’re new or a seasoned professional. I’ve broken it down into real-world strategies, mindset shifts, and skill-building techniques I was able to draw from my decades of experience.
“That includes one of the toughest sales environments there is – door-to-door sales – and everything in the real-estate industry from running a team to owning multiple brokerages to seeing the big umbrella of the industry as a national leader. I took all of that and kind of wrapped a bow around it.”
What is Muller’s take on what is currently happening in the real estate industry?
“I think the industry is going through a major transformation with the recent class-action lawsuits that have sparked conversations about transparency and agents being able to articulate their value – and how we as professionals communicate our role during the transaction to show our values,” Muller said.
“We’re navigating a challenging market. The landscape has low inventory and with interest rates hovering around 7 percent, that’s created more cautious buying. It’s really slowed the pace of sales in many regions and in the country as a whole. We own a home in Florida and I’m really seeing that shift in Florida, Texas, and California.
“We haven’t quite seen any big changes here yet in the Midwest, but there are more homes on the market, the days on the market are increasing and you’re not seeing the multiple offers. It’s really starting to change. You’re seeing that inventory increase and the conditions shifting to favor buyers. It’s not a buyer’s market yet, but it’s also not ultra-competitive – that frenzy we’ve seen since basically the pandemic.”
When she’s not dealing with real estate matters, Muller enjoys golfing, gardening and outdoor activities with her family. She and her husband, Greg, are Black Creek residents. They have three children: Dakota, a Tampa, Fla resident; Brody, 15, an avid golfer and hockey player who attends Appleton East, and Brooklyn, 13, who attends Xavier Middle School.
This article was originally published in the July 2025 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.
Picnic-Perfect Parks
by Jamie Sheridan
Wisconsin captures the best of summer with its rolling hill topography, roaming freshwater rivers, numerous lakes, charmingly landscaped neighborhoods, and details only found in classic paintings or described in Jane Austen novels. Our cities and villages, each surrounded by pristine countrysides, are connected through thoughtfully planted parks and tree canopied rail-to-trail systems. The best way to experience these stunning views in our vast backyard can be captured with a picnic!
A perfect prescription for a designated pause, picnics aren’t reserved for hopeless romantics. They’re for anyone longing to step away in search of respite, inspiration, exploration, and best of all, connection with each other and with nature. The greater Appleton region is saturated with the most delicious picnic-perfect parks just waiting for the next big discovery.
You don’t have to be an avid outdoors person to plan a picnic. Pretend to be a minimalist. Refrain from overthinking it and avoid setting a time limit. Whether it’s that maple-shaded nook you notice during the morning commute or that dreamy swinging park bench you’ve been saving for another someday, gather some picnic basics (including this guide), or pick up your favorite take-out along the way. When you get to your picnic destination, find a spot, set your phone aside and commit to it five minutes at a time, focusing on the views and sounds. Release the worries of the day and embrace the moment. Expect the unexpected.
Picnic Essentials
Water bottle – remember, it can be refilled
Backpack or handbag – easy to pack, to carry in and to carry out (including wrappers)
Sunscreen – super important, even in the shade
Blanket, beach towel, portable hammock – Roll it up and pack it. Find one for one to six people.
Hand sanitizer – for peace of mind before snacking
Easy, Earth-friendly snacks – granola bars, protein balls, veggie sticks, apples, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to inspire some childhood nostalgia, or take-out from a favorite restaurant
Book, journal, sketchpad – jot down and record sights, sounds and inspiration
Camera – capture a favorite scene to print and frame as a reminder of each picnic adventure
Picnic-Perfect Parks of Appleton
Peabody Park, Appleton
Located along North Green Bay Road in the registered neighborhood of Peabody Park, this gem of an urban getaway is situated on a tree-lined ravine featuring a playground and picnic shelter. The park crosses the road where it runs along the northern edge of the Fox River with breathtaking views! A favorite spot for group photos at sunset, Peabody Park also attracts kayakers and fishing enthusiasts with plenty of space for a quiet picnic far from distractions.
Lutz Park, Appleton
Whether you walk from the beautiful Pierce Park or start from the bluff views at Alicia Park, the route via Mason Street on South Lutz Drive to Lutz Park is a must-see experience! Situated near the Appleton Yacht Club, the entire property is a picnic-lovers paradise with views in every direction. Lutz Park has a playground, a gazebo and a boat launch. Enjoy a picnic spot under a tree or on a swinging bench next to the Fox River. Then walk the fishing pier for views of river waterfowl against the backdrop of the Memorial Street Bridge.
Erb Park, Appleton
One of the most sought-after neighborhoods for homebuyers surrounds this beautiful urban park! Home to the recently renovated Erb Pool, which offers summer swim lessons and the annual Bird Bath swim meet, this park has plenty of attractions for everyone including tennis and basketball courts and a soft-surface playground. Towering oak and hickory trees are what picnic lovers pine for all year, providing plenty of shade throughout this charming getaway.
Memorial Park, Appleton
Home to an expanse of carefully planned community spaces and the City of Appleton Parks and Recreation Office, Memorial Park is a perfect landing spot for picnic enthusiasts. With plenty of parking lots and paved trails, this park has a fishing pond, the Scheig Garden Center, ballparks, three playgrounds and its landmark sledding hill. Picnic tables and benches are plentiful as well as shaded grass areas from tree-lined forests and just-right trees for hammocks and inspiration.
“There’s something for everyone in our city parks—whether it’s a quiet walk beneath the trees, a game with friends, or a family picnic. Step outside and discover the beauty and energy waiting in every corner of our green spaces.”
Dean Gazza, City of Appleton Director of Parks and Recreation
Picnic-Perfect Parks of the Greater Appleton Region
Black Otter Park and Alonzo Park, Village of Hortonville
The picnic gazebo and kayak launch at Black Otter Park serves as a recreational and nature access point with a surprising view of the ever-serene Black Otter Lake. Connected by a charming walking bridge, Alonzo Park has a fabulous new play area for younger park enthusiasts with its own picnic options for young families.
“We recognized the need to update Alonzo Park by adding modern amenities that will benefit Hortonville families for generations. The addition of the splash pad and large playground provides activities for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy during their visits.”
Nathan Treadwell, Village of Hortonville Administrator
Riverside Park, Kaukauna
Some parks are worthy of a picnic any time of year! Riverside Park, located at Wisconsin Avenue and Riverside Drive in Kaukauna, belongs in a 1950s film or a Norman Rockwell painting. In the summer, catch a local softball game from a picnic spot on the hill above the diamond in the bowl. Walk beneath enormous maple and oak trees creating a most magnificent ceiling of summer and fall foliage. The River Street entrance offers a quiet riverside picnic experience with a boat launch and fishing piers.
Doyle Park, Little Chute
While this seemingly hidden-gem park is known for hosting the massive, annual Great Wisconsin Cheese Festival each June, the beauty of this space is all about location! The pool, courts and stage area make it an all-inclusive day trip for regulars but also features quiet spaces for those looking for pause. Doyle Park connects to nearby Heesakker Park via the Island Park trail system, for an entire picnic excursion.
Jefferson Park, Menasha
The updated Jefferson Park is a jaw-dropping feast for the eyes! With a brand-new playground, ballfield, renovated pavilion, and a social space with a stage, firepits and a bocce ball courts, this park has become a vibrant community destination. A new pavilion will also open after the annual, Neenah-Menasha CommunityFest Fourth of July celebrations (go to: nmcommunityfest.org for more details). Jefferson Park is well maintained with mature trees and ample space for solace seekers to enjoy a quiet break along the walking trail tour on the northern shore of Lake Winnebago. With its iconic swimming pool and plenty to explore at any age, this park is an all-day summertime go-to. Be sure to pack enough sunscreen to stay a while!
“Designed for comfort and connection, Jefferson Park is the perfect place to picnic with the blend of natural beauty and upgraded amenities. With a revitalized boat launch arriving in late 2025 and a brand-new pool on the horizon, there’s even more to look forward to.”
Megan Sackett, City of Menasha Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Kimberly Point Park, Neenah
The Kimberly Point Park Lighthouse beckons visitors to witness the sunrise from across the lake above High Cliff State Park. The lakeside parking is ideal for a car picnic lunch break or, park the car and take a picnic bag for a stroll through the beautiful Riverside Park with its sunset views of downtown Neenah. The awe-inspiring picnic options are endless!
Memorial Park, Neenah
Accessible from two locations, the south section of the Neenah Memorial Park and its landmark hill, features open spaces and play equipment. The north section, nestled along a wooded area with a connecting trail system, features soccer and baseball fields and play equipment. A quiet sunset picnic on the hill or along the tree lined trail offers a truly unforgettable summertime experience!
“Grab your picnic basket, soak in the scenic waterfronts, and make the most of Neenah’s stunning parks!”
Michael Kading, City of Neenah Director of Parks and Recreation
Riverside Park, Oshkosh
The beautiful Riverside Park at 600 S. Main St. in Oshkosh feels worlds away yet close enough to find parking and an easy stroll to a restaurant for a take-out picnic. Along the Riverwalk Trail find a spot where the Fox River meets Lake Winnebago on a quiet afternoon or moor along the docks during one of the summer concerts at the nearby Leach Amphitheater.
Buttermilk Creek Park, Fond du Lac
Once home to a manmade island, this popular park, at 700 S. Park Ave. in Fond du Lac, was renovated to retain its landmark hill with views of Pier Elementary School and quiet surrounding neighborhoods. A picnic shelter, a playground and tennis or pickleball courts, make this a great picnic spot for quiet reflection or family gatherings. Buttermilk Park is conveniently located less than a mile from Gilles Frozen Custard Drive-In—a picnic-perfect treat!
Calumet County Park Harbor, Hilbert
The Calumet County Park Harbor, located at N6150 County Road EE in Hilbert, has the most incredible sunset views along the eastern edge of Lake Winnebago! The chapel area, located above the harbor, is available to rent for wedding services or gatherings, but when not in use, it’s open to the public. The chapel area bluff view offers an unforgettable picnic experience! Or, enjoy a picnic along the lakefront where swings, playgrounds, and park benches trace the shoreline. The county park includes 82 campsites and only charges fees for camping and boating. Visitors can enjoy a series of mountain biking and hiking trails looping through the Niagara Escarpment as well as a boat launch with kayak rentals. Parking is free!
High Cliff State Park – Upper Park Day Use Area, Sherwood
High Cliff State Park is for nature lovers who enjoy endless picnic options. Managed by rangers and park staff as well as the Friends of High Cliff, this state park features 120 campsites and three picnic shelters (lower, pine and upper pavilion) available for reservation. Visitors can explore its five trail systems, playgrounds and beach access at the northeast curve of Lake Winnebago. To picnic along the breathtaking bluff of the Upper Park Day Use Area, take the roadway up to the Tower Parking Lot or hike the Redbird Trail. Day parking passes or 12-month passes are available to purchase at the entrance.
“Picnic opportunities are plentiful throughout the park and vary by whatever scenic sight you want to enjoy. Using contributing funds to match the Wisconsin DNR Knowles Nelson Stewardship grants, the Friends of High Cliff State Park have purchased many new ADA compliant picnic tables which are available at the shelters and strategically placed all over the park for great views.”
FOHC Board Member
More Picnic-Perfect Spaces
Cedar Harbor Home Décor and Gifts, at 611 Morrison St., has its own secret backyard garden welcoming visitors to a one-of-a-kind pause with the birds and sounds of nature.
Bubolz Nature Preserve, at 4815 Lynndale Drive, offers year-round access to maintained trails and picnic spaces throughout this sprawling property.
Newton Blackmour State Trail and Duck Creek Trail, east from the Seymour trailhead, toward Green Bay is a peaceful stretch for walking or biking, with beautiful picnic and photo opportunities along the way!
Pittsfield Town Hall Park on the Mountain Bay Trail, at 4862 Kunesh Road has a humble “Field of Dreams” picnic spot under a grove of trees with views of the Wisconsin countryside.
This article was originally published in the July 2025 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.
At the End of the Day(care)
by Tyler Sjostrom
On an August morning almost six years ago, my wife and I found ourselves giving each other the sort of ineffective kitchen pep-talk we’d someday ineffectively give our sons. “I think I’ll keep it together,” I lied. “I think he’ll do really well there,” my wife told herself (and me, to a lesser extent). And then we loaded 9-month-old Ellis into the car and drove in total silence to his first morning of daycare.
Two weeks from this writing, our younger son, Theo, will wrap up his own tenure in daycare. In so doing, my wife and I will put a bow on the tender period when our boys went from diapers to pull-ups to regular old skivvies. We no longer have kids in daycare. We made it. And as this chapter comes to a close, I find myself digging through a mixed bag of emotions.
On one hand, I won’t miss the sheer cost, which crept well over $2,000 per month when both boys were enrolled. On the other, we sure got a great return on that investment.
For new parents sending a kid to daycare, you tend to grow on a parallel track to the child you’re dropping off. We all go into the experience pretty green, and core skills are being developed by all parties involved. Our lads went from functional helplessness to being responsible young citizens of the planet; after these six years, I must say that I can relate.
This came to mind as I watched my older son’s 5k graduation a few days ago. Many online commenters will tell you that ceremonies such as these are pointless and unnecessary, and I can certainly understand why someone might feel that way. I disagree, but I understand.
But mileposts such as these – an end of daycare enrollment here, a 5k ceremony there – don’t just signal an era’s end for the kids in question, not by a long shot. Watching our son beaming and searching for our faces among the multitude, it felt for a minute like my wife and I were graduating as well.
We were graduating from a time when going out to dinner usually meant chasing our kids around a restaurant for an hour before bringing our food home in a box. From a time when their world wasn’t nearly as big as it’s about to become. From a time when the questions they ask don’t sometimes come with hard answers. It’s a bittersweet graduation, is what I’m saying.
That’s the dance I’ve been doing as I’ve prepared myself for what comes next. I love that our kids are dressing themselves and cleaning their messes with some frequency. Truly, I do. But I also know this means I’m going to be needed less, and I can’t say I’ve hated being needed. And while I love seeing my guys become independent in ways big and small, I can’t say I love what it ultimately means.
“I can’t wait until our kids are out of daycare,” I used to say. I suppose I probably meant it. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t grateful for the experience and grateful to the teachers who did such a fantastic job of getting us all here. It doesn’t mean we won’t miss it.
The world turns, and dominos continue to drop. That’s the way of it. And next fall, I’ll be dropping off both boys at a real school, with backpacks and recess, and a whole new list of mileposts to clear.
I think I’ll keep it together. I think they’ll do really well there.
This article was originally published in the July 2025 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.