The Scheels USA Youth Sports Complex in Appleton, Wisconsin, a quaint city just 30 miles outside of Green Bay, is considered one of the finest youth sports facilities in the state, regularly hosting state, regional and national championship games for primarily soccer and baseball.
If you team is visiting Appleton to play at the Scheels USA Youth Sports Complex, then you will need some downtime activities to complete your visit. Here are some things to do and places to eat that the surrounding area has to offer.
Things to Do
Paper Discovery Center
Also located in the heart of Appleton just minutes from the Scheels USA Youth Sports Complex, the Paper Discovery Center gives visitors an inside look into the operations behind one of the Wisconsin’s economic cornerstones: the paper industry.
While the manufacturing of paper might sound like a paper-thin topic, the exhibits at this half-workshop, half-museum are geared toward young people and explore the history, science, and artistic skills that go into making this common commodity. Groups can even participate in papermaking and create their own souvenirs to bring home. 425 W Water St, Appleton, WI 54911
Butterfly Gardens of Wisconsin
About five miles north of the Scheels USA Youth Sports Complex, the Butterfly Gardens of Wisconsin features the state’s largest butterfly house and maze. Wandering through the butterfly house takes guests past thousands of these native insects, representing each stage of their life cycle.
The grounds of the gardens include a two-acre “butterfly maze,” with tall grasses cut to form the outline of a monarch butterfly. As you walk through the maze, you will be surrounded by flying wild butterflies and may also spot other interesting wildlife. N2550 WI-47, Appleton, WI 54913
Badger Sports Park
Badger Sports Park is situated on five acres adjacent to the Scheels USA Youth Sports Complex. Their main 23,000-square-foot building has over 60 games, four miniature bowling alleys, a two-story laser tag arena, 4,000-square-foot multi-use turf area with four large inflatable play structures, a beautiful 18-hole mini golf course, a NASCAR Road Course go-kart track, and eight batting cages. 3600 E Evergreen Dr, Appleton, WI 54913
High Cliff State Park
Located 15 miles southeast of the Scheels USA Youth Sports Complex, High Cliff State Park is a 1,100-acre public recreation area on the shores of Lake Winnebago. The park’s name comes from the cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment, a collection of towering limestone rock formations along the eastern edge of the lake.
Spending a day in the park is an excellent opportunity for your group to explore the great outdoors. You can partake in recreational activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing, depending on the time of year.
Make sure to check out the effigy mounts atop the cliffs, and look for the large statue of the Winnebago tribal leader, Red Bird. N7630 State Park Rd, Sherwood, WI 54169
Mulberry Lane Farm
Another attraction near Scheels USA Youth Sports Complex is Mulberry Lane Farm. Visiting a working farm is a great way for tourists to gain an understanding of one of the Midwest’s most important ways of life. Mulberry Lane Farm is about 15 miles outside of Appleton, in the city of Hilbert.
Loaded with rustic charm, this farm is designed to provide hands-on family fun. Visitors get the chance to milk cows, catch chickens, feed goats and sheep, partake in hayrides, and more. Seasonal opportunities are also available, including a pumpkin patch in the fall.
Interactivity is the name of the game here, and all guests are encouraged to try their hand at touching the animals and experiencing farm life rather than just observing it. W3190 Co Rd B, Hilbert, WI 54129
History Museum at the Castle
The past comes alive inside the walls of the History Museum at the Castle through the many stories, photographs, and artifacts related to people of the Fox Valley that can be found there. The museum is dedicated to instilling visitors with a newfound appreciation for the rich history of the Fox River Valley area communities through its many exhibits and other educational opportunities.
Their most popular exhibit is about Harry Houdini, where you can see magic tricks of the trade through hands-on activities. See why the world renowned magician called Appleton his hometown. 330 E College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911
Places to Eat
Mohnen’s Family Restaurant
In the eastern Appleton neighborhood of Darboy near the Scheels USA Youth Sports Complex, Mohnen’s Family Restaurant features a casual atmosphere with impeccable service. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily and offers a wide assortment of nostalgic American favorites.
Potato pancakes are an early-morning favorite, and they can be paired with a variety of egg dishes. Later in the day, you can choose from burgers, sandwiches, and melts, or opt for homestyle dinners like fried chicken, meatloaf, or liver and onions. W5669 County Rd KK, Appleton, WI 54915
Stuc’s Pizza
For more than 25 years, Stuc’s Pizza has been using fresh ingredients and family recipes to make delicious pizza pies in Appleton. The restaurant offers several different crust styles including gluten-free for those with special dietary needs, but it is best known for its authentic Chicago-style deep-dish pizzas.
The large dining room is great for accommodating groups, and it’s easy to choose toppings that will appeal to every palate. 110 N Douglas St, Appleton, WI 54914
The Cozzy Corner
Featuring a blues music theme, The Cozzy Corner is a soul food restaurant that brings authentic Southern cooking to the Midwest. Founded by an Alabama transplant, the eatery cooks entrees from family recipes, as well as featuring unique sides that many diners may not have gotten the chance to try before.
Smoked sausage, ribs, and Cajun catfish are among the house favorites, while wings and fried chicken will satisfy almost any appetite. More adventurous eaters can sample the frog legs, gizzards, candied yams, and more.
Old record albums line the walls, while classic tunes are constantly played in the background, creating a unmistakable ambiance. 111 N Walnut St, Appleton, WI 54911
Stone Arch Brewpub
Housed in a building that’s been around since 1858, Stone Arch Brewpub is one of Appleton’s most unique eateries. Outdoor seating is offered in their historic beer garden, which was added a couple years after the rest of the building was constructed.
Specializing in locally sourced food and hand-crafted beers for the adults in your group, Stone Arch Brewpub serves English pub favorites in addition to pizzas, pastas, burgers, salads, and sandwiches.
If you plan to visit Stone Arch Brewpub with your team while you’re in town visiting the Scheels USA Youth Sports Complex, give them a quick call ahead of time, ideally a day in advance. This way they can let you know for sure if they’ll be able to accommodate all of you. 1004 S Olde Oneida St, Appleton, WI 54915
Whether you choose to spend your time learning about the unique history and culture of the area or simply kick back and enjoy the great outdoors after you are done competing at the Scheels USA Youth Sports Complex, your team will appreciate the many opportunities available in and around Appleton.