the history museum at the castle

nice small museum...three floors...small fee to get in. nice way to spend a couple of hours. some of the exhibits in the Houdini part could be updated, fixed, etc.

An interesting building housing some unique exhibits. I thoroughly enjoyed the neon signs and paper making models, though it was the Houdini exhibition that stole the show. They also have a pretty little gift shop and friendly staff.

This small town museum does an extraordinary job with the space, time and monies they have to work with. If you come for the Houdini exhibit, and you should, just temper you expectations a bit as many of the hands-on elements are showing signs of their extensive handling by youngsters. But don't let that detract you for soaking in what is a well-crafted and immersive experience for kids of any age. Recently, we took in the once-in-a-lifetime vintage neon sign exhibit, and while small and somewhat light on content, is was quite fun to view and walk the kids through. I think it would have been enhanced if some of the signs could have been attached to false facades, but I know they are limited and what they did manage to pull off was quite extraordinary. I'll never see that many vintage neons lit and functioning in once place again.Somehow we managed to miss the DaVinci exhibit, but that was another example of the unique offerings the Museum works to bring in. Don't diss the place based on size and cost of entry, instead appreciate what they manage to do with what they have.

I'm not sure if I have the correct date, but I visited when the Neon Exhibit was there. It was really cool. I also saw their exhibit about area food venues. Both exhibits were very well done.

The Houdini Museum was very interesting, wasn't a whole lot to look at though. They had a Neon sign display which was interesting.

Visiting the Houdini section of the Museum at the Castle was the main purpose of our visit. We planned our trip so that we would arrive mid afternoon on Wednesday to visit the museum. Parking was convenient - located directly behind the museum. It is easy to find, just off College Ave. near Lawrence University. Again, we were the only visitors while we were there so we were able to explore leisurely and thoroughly. We had plenty of time to view all the displays and read and view all the exhibits. It was very informative and well laid out.We enjoyed the rest of the museum also and learned a bit about the Fox Valley area. We were even given a preview of the new exhibit that was going to be opening the following week. The staff was very helpful. They have a very nice gift shop. We recommend this to any Houdini fans or anyone interested in the Fox valley area.

This is a neat little place that has great a variety of transactions. If you like history check out this little gem by the Lawrence University campus.

Took my 2 daughters to the museum and we wandered around first looking at the building itself. Beautiful .We had a lot of fun in the Houdini area- we found out you really can get out of a straight jacket. The amount of history on the first floor is amazing. Well worth visiting.

I liked this museum for its versatility and content. Plenty for kids (and adults) in the Houdini exhibit, but also plenty of local and state history downstairs. I particularly appreciated the timeline downstairs.

This is a very interactive museum ( the Houdini exhibit ) and a pretty good time. Went with my parents and they loved it! Also some really cool Appleton area history in the lower level as well!

This is a grear repurposed building--truly looks loke a castle. We went specifically to see the Houdini exhibit. The exhibit was really interesting and revealing about the talents of the illusionist; however they really need a docent on the floor in the exhibit to help explain and demonstrate the hands-on items. We as adults had trouble getting some to work and some didnt seem to work anymore. Young kids would definitely need someone to explain what it was all about.

Toured the Houdini exhibits--excellent presentations--kids enjoyed the many hands on--staff was friendly and very helpful--

We visited the History Museum during the visit of the da Vinci exhibit. We loved all the pieces and the grandkids loved the hands-on and demos. We also visited the permanent Houdini exhibit. It was great for adults and children with learning for all.

The Houdini exhibits were really fun and interactive and we are adults. I can just imagine how kids would like them. Good thing for a rainy day along with the Paper Mill Adventure near by. They reveal some of Houdini's tricks which showed how ingenius he was. There are visiting exhibits from time to time and also Edna Ferber a local author who wrote "Giant" among other books. You can travel through time with the exhibits in the lower level and see how Wisconsin and Appleton flourished and survived in days gone by.

Thanks for the kind words. We hope that you visit us again! Check back this fall for an exciting exhibit about neon art and signs!