Cities and Towns in Outagamie County, Wisconsin

Founded in 1851, Outagamie County is one of 72 counties in the state of Wisconsin. Historically, Outagamie County was formed from Brown County. The city of Appleton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 87, Outagamie County has a population of 191,545 and area of 637.52 square miles (1,651 km²).

 

List of all cities in Outagamie County, WI alphabetically

  • Appleton, WI
  • Bear Creek, WI
  • Black Creek, WI
  • Combined Locks, WI
  • Dale, WI
  • Greenville, WI
  • Hortonville, WI
  • Kaukauna, WI
  • Kimberly, WI
  • Little Chute, WI
  • Nichols, WI
  • Seymour, WI
  • Shiocton, WI

Major Cities and Towns in Outagamie County, Wisconsin

Appleton

  • Area: 24.82 square miles
  • Population: 75,644 (as of the 2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 54911, 54913, 54914, 54915, 54919
  • Latitude and Longitude: 44.2619° N, 88.4154° W

Location and History

Appleton is the largest city in Outagamie County and serves as the county seat. Located along the Fox River, the city was founded in 1857 and named after Samuel Appleton, a wealthy benefactor of Lawrence University, which was established in 1847. Appleton quickly grew as a center for paper production, powered by the river’s abundant water resources, which also made the city an early adopter of hydroelectric power. Over time, Appleton diversified its economy to include manufacturing, technology, and education. Today, the city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, historic architecture, and educational institutions.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Appleton is served by the Appleton Area School District, with Appleton East, Appleton North, and Appleton West High Schools being the main educational institutions. Lawrence University, a prestigious liberal arts college, is a significant part of the city’s cultural and intellectual life. Key landmarks in Appleton include the Hearthstone Historic House Museum, the first house in the world powered by hydroelectricity, and the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, which hosts a wide range of performances and events. The city’s downtown area, with its mix of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, is a focal point for residents and visitors alike.

Kaukauna

  • Area: 8.05 square miles
  • Population: 17,089 (as of the 2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 54130
  • Latitude and Longitude: 44.2781° N, 88.2710° W

Location and History

Kaukauna is located in the eastern part of Outagamie County, along the Fox River. The city was originally settled in the early 19th century and was known as “The Lion of the Fox” due to its strategic location on the river, which provided water power for mills and other industries. Kaukauna was officially incorporated as a city in 1885 and grew rapidly as a center for paper production, benefiting from the same hydroelectric resources that powered Appleton. The city’s name is derived from a Native American word meaning “portage,” reflecting the area’s significance as a transportation and trade route.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Kaukauna is served by the Kaukauna Area School District, with Kaukauna High School being the primary educational institution. The city is known for its historic buildings, particularly the Grignon Mansion, a restored 19th-century home that offers a glimpse into the area’s early history. The 1000 Islands Environmental Center, located along the Fox River, is a key landmark offering educational programs, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife observation. Kaukauna also hosts several annual events, including the Electric City Experience, which celebrates the city’s heritage with live music, food, and community activities.

Hortonville

  • Area: 3.11 square miles
  • Population: 2,872 (as of the 2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 54944
  • Latitude and Longitude: 44.3364° N, 88.6381° W

Location and History

Hortonville is a small village located in the western part of Outagamie County. The village was founded in 1848 by Alonzo E. Horton, who later became a prominent developer in San Diego, California. Hortonville developed as a farming community, with agriculture remaining a central part of its economy. The village’s location near the Wolf River and several small lakes also made it a popular spot for fishing and outdoor recreation. Hortonville has maintained its small-town charm while experiencing modest growth in recent years, particularly as a residential community for those working in nearby Appleton.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hortonville is served by the Hortonville Area School District, with Hortonville High School being the primary educational institution. The village is known for its community-oriented atmosphere, with several parks and recreational facilities available to residents. Black Otter Lake, located within the village, is a key landmark offering fishing, boating, and picnicking opportunities. Hortonville also hosts the annual Hortonville Homecoming Parade, a community event that celebrates local pride with a parade, games, and other festivities. The village’s historic downtown area, with its quaint shops and cafes, adds to its appeal as a charming and welcoming community.

Seymour

  • Area: 2.95 square miles
  • Population: 3,451 (as of the 2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 54165
  • Latitude and Longitude: 44.5142° N, 88.3304° W

Location and History

Seymour is a small city located in the northeastern part of Outagamie County. The city was founded in 1868 and was named after Horatio Seymour, a former governor of New York. Seymour developed as an agricultural community, with its economy centered on farming and related industries. The city is famously known as the “Home of the Hamburger,” a title it claims based on the invention of the hamburger by Charles Nagreen in 1885. This unique aspect of the city’s history has become a central part of its identity and a source of local pride.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Seymour is served by the Seymour Community School District, with Seymour Community High School being the main educational institution. The city’s key landmarks include the Seymour Community Museum, which showcases local history and the story of the hamburger’s invention. The Hamburger Hall of Fame, located in the city, is another popular attraction that celebrates this culinary claim to fame. Seymour hosts the annual Burger Fest, a festival that includes a parade, a hot air balloon rally, and the World’s Largest Hamburger, drawing visitors from near and far. The city’s parks, including Rock Ledge Park, offer residents and visitors opportunities for outdoor recreation and community events.

Little Chute

  • Area: 5.49 square miles
  • Population: 12,065 (as of the 2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 54140
  • Latitude and Longitude: 44.2794° N, 88.3211° W

Location and History

Little Chute is located in the eastern part of Outagamie County, along the Fox River. The village was founded in the 1830s by Dutch Catholic immigrants, led by Father Theodore Van den Broek, who established a mission in the area. Little Chute’s name is derived from the French word “chute,” meaning “fall” or “rapids,” reflecting the village’s location near the river’s rapids. The village grew as a close-knit, predominantly Dutch community, with agriculture and industry playing key roles in its development. Little Chute is known for its rich cultural heritage, which is still evident in its architecture, traditions, and community life.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Little Chute is part of the Little Chute Area School District, with Little Chute High School serving the local student population. The village is known for its historic St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, a key landmark that reflects the community’s strong religious and cultural ties. Another significant site is the Little Chute Windmill and Van Asten Visitor Center, a fully functional Dutch windmill that serves as a symbol of the village’s heritage and a tourist attraction. Little Chute also hosts several cultural events, including the Kermis Dutch Festival, which celebrates the village’s Dutch roots with traditional music, food, and activities. The Fox River and its adjacent parks offer recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike, enhancing the village’s appeal as a vibrant and welcoming community.