Attractions and Places To See around Combined Locks - Top 9

The most prominent natural feature is the Fox River, which borders the village and offers opportunities for hiking and biking along its banks via the Fox River Trail. The village also maintains several protected ravine properties and environmentally sensitive areas to preserve natural history.

Yes, the Fox River banks are ideal for hiking and biking, particularly along the Fox River Trail. Additionally, the Nelson Crossing bridge provides a car-free link for recreation, connecting to a rail trail that leads to Downtown Kaukauna.

Combined Locks offers several parks for outdoor activities. Memorial Park is the main facility with soccer fields and baseball diamonds. Don Fries Recreational Area, located on the east side of Memorial Park, features soccer fields, a sledding hill, and an ice skating rink, along with trails through over 60 acres of forest. Other community parks include Van Zeeland Park and Lindberg Park, as well as neighborhood parks like Blaese Park, Coonen Park, and Greenway Park.

The village itself has a rich history tied to the canal system and paper industry, with its name originating from the combined boat locks. Nearby, you can visit the Little Chute Windmill, a functioning windmill that pays tribute to the area's Dutch heritage and includes a visitor and interpretive center. Another historical structure is the Appleton Swing Railroad Bridge, the last large through-truss bridge on the Fox River, constructed in 1929.

Yes, Combined Locks offers several family-friendly options. Parks like Memorial Park and Don Fries Recreational Area provide amenities such as soccer fields, baseball diamonds, a sledding hill, and an ice skating rink. The Fox River and its trails are also great for family walks or bike rides. The Little Chute Windmill, with its visitor and interpretive center, is also considered family-friendly.

Yes, the Nelson Crossing bridge is a notable wheelchair-accessible attraction. This 1,100-foot bicycle and pedestrian bridge provides an accessible link for recreation between Heesakker Park in Little Chute and a rail trail leading to Downtown Kaukauna.

The summer months are ideal for enjoying the community flowers like Gaillardia and Begonia in the parks and landscaped areas. For winter activities, Don Fries Recreational Area offers a sledding hill and an ice skating rink. The Fox River Trail is enjoyable for hiking and biking during spring, summer, and fall.

While specific dog parks are not highlighted, many of the village's natural areas and trails, such as those along the Fox River and within Don Fries Recreational Area, are generally suitable for dog walking, provided pets are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them.

Cyclists can enjoy various routes, including the Fox River Trail which runs along the Fox River. The Nelson Crossing bridge also connects to a rail trail. For more cycling options, you can explore routes like the Railroad Trail and Fox Cities Paper Trail loop or the Newberry Trail. Find more details on Cycling around Combined Locks.

Yes, there are several running routes in the vicinity. Popular options include loops around the Appleton Swing Railroad Bridge and View of Appleton Lock 1, as well as routes from Kaukauna and the Village of Harrison. You can find more running routes on the Running Trails around Combined Locks guide.

The village's name, Combined Locks, directly reflects its historical connection to the canal system. It originates from the combined boat locks that once skirted the river shoreline, which were crucial for navigation and the area's early industrial development, particularly the paper industry with the Combined Paper Mills, Inc. organized in 1889.

Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The Nelson Crossing bridge is valued as a car-free recreational link, while the Fox River offers scenic opportunities for outdoor activities. The Little Chute Windmill is enjoyed for its cultural tribute and interpretive center.