A few of the companies we’ve worked with
Hearthstone Historic House Museum
For groups interested in history, architecture, or engineering, the Hearthstone Historic House Museum is an absolute must-see. This beautifully preserved Victorian residence isn't just a pretty face; it holds the distinction of being the first private residence in the world to be illuminated by a central hydroelectric station using the Edison system. It famously lit up on September 30, 1882, even before New York City had a fully operational central station.
Why Visit by Bus: Hearthstone is located in a residential historic district overlooking the river. While there is a small parking lot, it can be tight for multiple vehicles. A minibus or charter bus rental allows your group to be dropped off right at the front walk on Prospect Avenue. Your driver can then navigate to a nearby staging area while your group enjoys a guided tour of the stunning interior, featuring original electroliers, stained glass, and intricate woodwork. After learning about the dawn of the electrical age, your group can hop back on the warm bus without waiting in the Wisconsin cold.
Hearthstone Historic House Museum 625 W Prospect Ave, Appleton, WI 54911
Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
Known locally as "The P.A.C.," this venue is the cultural heartbeat of downtown Appleton. It hosts everything from touring Broadway productions (like Hamilton and The Lion King) to the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra and intimate concerts. If you are planning a corporate outing , a holiday party, or a student arts trip, the P.A.C. offers group ticket discounts and a world-class experience that rivals theaters in much larger cities.
Why Visit by Bus: Downtown Appleton is vibrant and bustling, especially on show nights. College Avenue can get congested, and finding parking for twenty individual cars in the nearby ramps can be a nightmare—not to mention the fees. When you book with Charter Bus Rental Company Appleton, we provide seamless door-to-door service. Your driver can drop your group off curbside at the main entrance, allowing guests—especially those in formal wear or heels—to avoid a long walk. While you enjoy the show, your driver handles the parking logistics.
Fox Cities Performing Arts Center 400 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911
The History Museum at the Castle
Did you know that Harry Houdini claimed Appleton as his hometown? The History Museum at the Castle, located in a striking castle-like building downtown, features an award-winning exhibit dedicated to the legendary illusionist ("A.K.A. Houdini"). Beyond magic, the museum offers fascinating insights into the region's paper industry history and local culture. It is an engaging stop for school field trips , senior tour groups, and history buffs.
Why Visit by Bus: Coordinate a multi-stop historical tour! Use your charter bus to visit the History Museum at the Castle in the morning, load up for lunch at a local group-friendly restaurant, and then head over to the Hearthstone or the Paper Discovery Center in the afternoon. A charter bus gives you the flexibility to build a custom itinerary without worrying about time lost in transit. Plus, the museum offers specific drop-off zones for buses, ensuring student safety during field trips.
The History Museum at the Castle 330 E College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at Neuroscience Group Field
Nothing says "summer group outing" quite like a day at the ballpark. The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are the High-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, and their games at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium are a blast for groups of all ages. Whether you are organizing a company picnic, a little league team celebration, or a bachelor party, the stadium offers group seating options, picnic areas, and exciting post-game fireworks.
Why Visit by Bus: Tailgating and group travel go hand-in-hand. Rent a charter bus for your Timber Rattlers outing, and you have plenty of undercarriage storage space for coolers, folding chairs, and banners. More importantly, hiring a driver ensures that everyone in your group can enjoy a few beers or hot dogs responsibly. Your driver will be the designated for the entire group, ensuring everyone gets back to the hotel or meeting point comfortably after the final inning.
Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium 2400 N Casaloma Dr, Appleton, WI 54913
Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve
Escape the city without leaving the area at the Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve. This 700-acre non-profit preserve offers an immersive nature experience with over 8.5 miles of trails. It is a fantastic destination for educational field trips, corporate team-building retreats, or scout troops. In the winter, groups can rent snowshoes or cross-country skis; in the summer, the trails are perfect for hiking and bird watching.
Why Visit by Bus: Nature trips often require gear. If you are bringing a school group or a scout troop, a 56-passenger charter bus offers ample room for backpacks, extra layers, and picnic lunches in the overhead bins. The preserve has a large parking area suitable for buses, and traveling together ensures you maximize your time on the trails rather than waiting for stragglers to find the entrance.
Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve 4815 N Lynndale Dr, Appleton, WI 54913
Butterfly Gardens of Wisconsin
For a magical and serene experience, take your group to the Butterfly Gardens of Wisconsin. Located just outside Appleton, this attraction features Wisconsin's largest butterfly house. Guests can walk among hundreds of native butterflies and learn about their life cycles. It is a particularly popular destination for elementary school classes and senior citizen groups looking for a low-impact, high-reward activity.
Why Visit by Bus: Because this attraction is located a bit further out on State Road 47, coordinating a convoy of cars can be tricky. A minibus rental keeps your group unified. The onboard PA system is perfect for teachers or tour guides to give a briefing on butterfly etiquette before arrival, ensuring the visit goes smoothly. Plus, the climate-controlled cabin of the bus is a welcome relief after spending time in the humid butterfly house during the summer.
Butterfly Gardens of Wisconsin N2550 State Rd 47, Appleton, WI 54913
Fox River Mall
Sometimes, a group just needs to shop! The Fox River Mall is the largest mall in the state north of Milwaukee, featuring over 130 stores and a massive food court. It is a prime destination for holiday shopping tours, youth groups from rural areas, or spouse programs during conventions.
Why Visit by Bus: Shopping means bags—lots of them. A charter bus rental gives your shoppers a secure base of operations. They can drop off their purchases with the driver and head back in for round two without carrying heavy bags all day. We can arrange specific pick-up and drop-off times at different mall entrances (like near the food court or anchor stores) so your group doesn't have to traverse the massive parking lot on foot.
Fox River Mall 4301 W Wisconsin Ave, Appleton, WI 54913
Lawrence University
Situated near downtown Appleton, Lawrence University is a prestigious liberal arts college and conservatory of music. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant arts scene. Groups often visit for campus tours, academic conferences, or music festivals at the Conservatory.
Why Visit by Bus: For high school guidance counselors planning college visits, a charter bus is essential. It keeps the students focused and allows for de-briefing discussions between campus stops. We can easily navigate the campus streets and coordinate with the admissions office for designated bus parking. If you are a visiting athletic team playing the Lawrence Vikings, our buses provide the legroom and storage needed for a comfortable ride to and from the game.
Lawrence University 711 E Boldt Way, Appleton, WI 54911
Plan Your Appleton Group Trip Today
Whether you are diving into the history of Harry Houdini or cheering on the Timber Rattlers, Charter Bus Rental Company Appleton is here to make sure your journey is as enjoyable as the destination. Our team is dedicated to providing safe, clean, and reliable transportation tailored to your specific needs.
Don’t let the stress of traffic and parking dampen your group's spirit. Let us handle the logistics while you focus on making memories in the Fox Cities. Our warm and welcoming reservation agents are ready to help you build the perfect itinerary.
Call us today at 920-305-9030 for a free, personalized quote for your Appleton charter bus rental!
Frequently Asked Questions About Appleton Group Travel Transportation
How much does it cost to rent a charter bus in Appleton?
Charter bus pricing varies based on several factors, including the size of the bus, the time of year, the duration of your trip, and the total mileage. For example, a rental during the busy wedding season in June may cost slightly more than a trip in February. To get the most accurate price, we recommend calling our reservation specialists at 920-305-9030 with your trip details. We provide free, no-obligation quotes tailored to your specific itinerary.
Can we drink alcohol on the bus?
In most cases, yes! If your group is composed of adults 21 and over, you are typically allowed to consume alcohol on the bus. However, this must be arranged in advance, and a refundable damage deposit may be required. Please let our reservation team know if you plan to have beverages on board so we can match you with a bus that permits it. Note that for school trips or groups with minors, alcohol is strictly prohibited.
How far in advance should I book my bus rental?
To ensure the best availability and pricing, we recommend booking your charter bus as soon as your date is set. Ideally, you should aim to book 3 to 6 months in advance. For major events, holidays, or peak wedding season dates, booking 6 to 9 months ahead is advisable. However, we understand that last-minute trips happen, and our team will always do our best to accommodate short-notice requests.
Is there parking for the bus at these attractions?
Most major attractions in Appleton, such as the Fox River Mall and Fox Cities Stadium, have ample parking for oversized vehicles. For downtown locations like the P.A.C. or the History Museum, parking can be tighter. The beauty of renting a charter bus is that your group doesn't need to worry about parking! Your driver will drop you off right at the entrance and then take the bus to a designated staging area or parking lot, returning to pick you up when you are ready.
What amenities are included on the bus?
Our fleet offers a wide range of modern amenities to keep your group comfortable. Standard amenities on full-size charter buses often include reclining seats, plenty of legroom, climate control, and overhead storage. Many buses also feature onboard WiFi, power outlets at every seat, DVD players with monitors, and an onboard restroom for longer trips. If you have specific requirements—like ADA accessibility or a PA system for tour guides—just let us know when you book, and we will find the perfect vehicle for you.
Bus types Available in Appleton
More About Group Travel in Appleton
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