In the true spirit of the Fox Cities, Kaukauna began as an 18th-century trading hub along the Fox River. Its name, a Menominee word translating to “gathering place of the pickerel,” is a tribute to the walleye, a common catch for Wisconsin anglers. After a century of growth, the river has remained a driving force for the city. The construction of canals and locks paved the way for local mills, one of which remains the largest employer in the city. “My dad worked at the paper mill, and my grandfather worked there before him,” says Gavin Schmitt, a lifetime resident and local historian with the Kaukauna Public Library. “It’s still a quiet, safe town. And now we’ve reached that stage where we’re going through revitalization. It’s exciting to be a part of that.”
Kaukauna's downtown area has seen new developement and local businesses moving in.
Patty & Pablo's restaurant in downtown Kaukauna serves great traditional Mexican dishes.
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Kayaking on the historic Fox River Lock System
At the heart of Kaukauna, the Fox River is a hub for outdoor recreation. Those looking to spend time on the water will encounter five of the river’s 16 hand-operated lock systems, each listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “People go through with boats or kayaks, and the water rises up or down, almost like an elevator,” Schmitt says. On land, the Kaukauna Locks Trail follows the perimeter of the lock system, while surrounding riverfront parks provide launches and fishing piers. To the south, the 1000 Islands State Conservancy Area offers trails and a nature center overlooking the water. “The islands are really the gem of the city as far as preserves go,” Schmitt continues. He notes that the 350-acre refuge is popular for winter recreation like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Heesakker Park, near Kaukauna, is part of the areas Lock system which raises and lowers boaters on the Fox River.
During the summer, Kaukauna's lock 5 fishing pier is a great place to cast a line.
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A blend of new and historic waterfront homes
Many of Kaukauna’s riverfront homes feature private docks and scenic views, while others offer immediate access to waterfront parks and trails. Ranch-style homes, cottages, bungalows and other variations of traditional architecture surround the river and downtown area. Those dating back to the late-19th century might neighbor midcentury builds, creating a balance of styles and ages throughout the area. Homebuyers will find brand-new construction in planned subdivisions on the city’s outskirts. Altogether, the median home price in Kaukauna is around $330,000—below the national median but higher than nearby Appleton.
Along the Fox River, Kaukauna residents take advantage of the river front for relaxing and other activities.
Mid century ranch style homes are found throughout Kaukauna.
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Residents head east into Appleton for amenities
Kaukauna residents often head 10 miles west into Appleton for amenities. Chain retailers and grocers like Target, Walmart Supercenter and Pick ‘n Save line Route 441, while Interstate 41 boasts the Fox River Mall. But closer to home, Kaukauna has various shops and restaurants just a few blocks from the water. Schmitt explains that the city has evolved when it comes to small businesses. “There’s a running joke in Wisconsin that when you’re traveling, you’ll always see an ‘Exit now to see historic downtown’ sign,” he says. “But they’re really coming back around. It’s boutique shops, craft breweries, and all kinds of specialty places you wouldn’t get at a mall or find on Amazon. They give people a reason to stop by.”
Many larger shopping centers are just west of the Kaukauna area near Appleton.
Come to Kaukauna Coffee and Tea with your best friend or meet the group for a great time.
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Hydro Park is a hub for summertime festivities
In the warmer months, residents flock to the banks of the Fox River for annual markets and events. “There’s nothing huge here that draws in people from a hundred miles away, but we hold our own,” Schmitt says. He cites the Kaukauna Farmer’s Market as an example, which intentionally overlaps with the Live! from Hydro Park Concert Series. Residents often peruse produce tents and coffee stands before heading to the riverfront for live music at sundown. By June, the Electric City River Jam attracts guests from around the Fox Cities for music performances, carnival rides and vendors.
Hydro Park in Kaukauna's downtown hosts music events in the summer.
The Fox River plays a large role in the local residents lives and the all the wildlife that calls it home.
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Kaukauna Area Schools are expanding
At summer’s end, students return to class in the Kaukauna Area School District, which earns a B-plus on Niche. In 2024, the city approved a nearly $200 million capital referendum for districtwide improvements, including a brand-new middle school and kindergarten classrooms. Kaukauna is also home to a handful of faith-based private schools enrolling kindergarten through twelfth grade. St. Ignatius Catholic School, in particular, serves the entire Fox Valley region with just over 250 students.
St. Ignatius Catholic School in Kaukauna has a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1.
Kaukauna High School has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
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The Thilmany papermill has endured for over a century
The Ahlstrom-Munksjo Thilmany Mill has been the largest employer in Kaukauna for over a century. “The paper industry isn’t what it used to be, where you were one of thousands of people going to the same job,” Schmitt says. “We have a whole industrial park now that’s full of massive warehouses, so there are a lot of companies with hundreds of employees.” Fox Cities commuters typically rely on I-41 to reach the nearby hubs of Appleton, Neenah and Oshkosh. The nearest emergency room, Ascension NE Wisconsin - St. Elizabeth Campus, is located in Appleton, just south of the Fox River. The city is also home to Appleton International Airport. Alternatively, residents can head 22 miles north on the interstate to reach Green Bay.
Ahlstrom-Munksjo Thilmany Mill is Kaukauna's largest employer and has a long history in the area.
Kaukauna's industrial park is on the north end of the city, allowing short commutes for residents.
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Crime rates are below average in Kaukauna
According to FBI crime data and information sourced from the Kaukauna Police Department, the city’s violent crime rates are lower than the national average, while property crime rates are on par with both national rates and those of nearby Appleton.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
