City of Appleton

Appleton is home of the Swift County Fairgrounds, the annual Applefest celebration, and a city walk/bike trail. It is the only city in the United States to honor all of its fallen war heroes in this most unique manner. In 1946, Appleton’s mayor, Robert P. Miller, proposed that streets bear the names of local heroes instead of conventional numbers and other names. On May 30, 1947, in a large Memorial Day service, all the street names were changed so that each one is named after a local war hero. Today the community proudly continues this tradition in tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Appleton is a major river access point for paddling adventures down the Pomme de Terre River. It also offers a 9-hole golf course, a 325 acre OHV and 4×4 park, and the City Municipal Campground. Appleton is centrally located to all the major state parks, national wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, and regional rivers and lakes. Winter snowmobile trails link up with other counties for added fun.

OHV Park

Challenging trails to accommodate all Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) skill levels beckon at The Appleton Area Recreation Park, one of Minnesota’s newest, public off-road vehicle parks. The 325-acre site currently includes more than seven miles of trails including five miles specifically designed for all terrain vehicles. In addition, there is one mile of motorcycle and one mile of enduro trails. The site also features jumps, play area, sand dunes and other OHV activities. Other features in the park include shelter/picnic areas, hiking and a pavilion.

Park Brochure (pdf)

Park Map

OHV Master Plan Survey

Municipal Campground

Municipal Campground is located along the Pomme de Terre River in the center of Appleton. The park offers a variety of family filled fun. Enjoy a beautiful golf course that overlooks the Pomme de Terre River The park offers live music in the summer, playground, trail access, and restrooms.

Campground Information

Riverside Park

Riverside Park offers a variety of activities for the community and visitors. In the Summer enjoy music in the park every Tuesday, or play a few rounds of disc golf along the river!

Frisbee Golf Map (pdf)

 

 

Pomme de Terre River

The Pomme de Terre, the northern most tributary of the MN River, runs through a variety of land types from low bluff lands, woods, pasture, farmland, and makes its way right through the town of Appleton. Great for tubing, canoeing, or fishing!

Watch for farm fences that may be strung across the river. Gradient: 4.1 ft/mile. Minnesota River: The view along the MN River changes from dark to wooded to large areas of swamp and marsh to open lake at Lac qui Parle Lake. Several other MN tributaries are within 30 miles of Appleton. Plan a week to canoe them all!

Canoe maps available at the Appleton Chamber Office, 125 W. Sorenson Avenue (320) 289-1527. Kayak Rental CURE office: Montevideo, MN contact Patrick Moore (320) 269-2984.

DNR River Map

Swift County Fair

Appleton is home to the Swift County Fair. Enjoy plenty of rides in the midway, FREE entertainment, beer gardens, demolition derbies, ribfest, animal shows, and much more. With so much going on you’ll want to reserve your camping spot today. Bring the kids for fun and enjoy the company of your neighbors and friends.

Applefest

2020 will mark the 39th Annual Applefest celebration! The community gathers the the third weekend in September each year to enjoy the following activities:

• Baking Contests
• Parades
• Kids Inflatables
• Live Band
• Fireworks
• Golf tournament
• Basketball tournament
• Car/Motorcycle Show

Schedule of Events

City of Appleton

Address: 323 West Schlieman Ave, Appleton, MN 56208
Phone: (320) 289-1363
Email: roman@appletonmn.org,  liz@appletonmn.org

Community Profile (pdf)