The city of Neenah got its name from the Hoocak word for “running water,” an ode to its surrounding freshwater lakes. Situated on the banks of Lake Winnebago, this quaint Ho-Chunk village transformed into an industrial sector by the mid-19th century. It was the “running water” of the Neenah Channel that powered the city’s historic paper mills, earning it a new nickname: The Paper City.
Today, Neenah is home to more than 27,000 residents. “We have these beautiful, old paper baron’s homes on the waterfront,” explains Michelle Dunning with Future Neenah, a local nonprofit organization. “So, you’ll see people sail to the parks and tie up their boats to shop at the farmer’s market or listen to music at our Wednesday concert series.”
Many of Neenah's residents have close access to the waterfront of Lake Winnebago.
Neenah has a long history of industry along its river frontage.
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Waterfront homes are an attraction in Neenah
Neenah's waterfront properties line the west coast of Lake Winnebago, branching all the way north to Kimberly Point. Many feature private docks and panoramic windows with a clear view of the water. "Back in the day, there was a lot of wealth in Neenah from all the big paper companies," Dunning explains. "So now the roads by Riverside Park have these huge homes right on the waterfront, and they're spectacular. People drive along that road and fall in love with the city because it's just gorgeous."
Farther inland, the downtown area's historic homes date back to the mid-19th century, while ranch-style homes, bilevels and bungalows surround the industrial corridor of Interstate 41. Homebuyers will find new construction along the city's outskirts, closer to Winchester Road and County Road G. Altogether, the median home price in Neenah sits around $300,000, below the national median but on par with nearby Appleton.
Neenah's waterfront homes have great views of Lake Winnebago.
Older historical homes are found closer to Neenahs downtown center.
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Guided by the Neenah Light
Neenah is home to over 350 acres of developed parks, many of which showcase the vast lake next door. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Neenah Lighthouse has guided Winnebago boaters since 1945. The landmark is situated at Kimberly Point Park. Warm summer evenings bring guests to the park’s fishing piers, walkways and benches for a classic Lake Winnebago sunset.
The Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass is housed within a sprawling Tudor Revival on the waterfront. “It’s a former paper baron’s mansion, so it’s a really unique space,” says Cathy Trebatoski, Marketing & Communications Director with the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau. “There’s free admission and free parking, which you don’t always see with museums. They also have the world’s largest paperweight collection!” Across the street, Riverside Park’s paths, playground and grassy picnic spots offer scenic views of the Neenah Channel.
The lighthouse at Kimberly Point Park in Neenah is an icon of the city.
Take a look at the impressive displays at Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass, which is in one of Neenah's historic mansions.
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Galleries, boutiques & farm-to-table eats in Downtown Neenah
In Downtown Neenah, Wisconsin Avenue’s walkable strip is packed with galleries, florists, bookstores and boutiques, all anchored by The Plaza. The multi-purpose venue hosts events on its concrete patio over the summer. By winter, the space transforms into an ice rink. “We have a lot of great restaurants downtown, but one that stands out is Town Council Kitchen & Bar,” she continues. “People rave about it. It’s hands down probably one of the best restaurants in the area. On our local PBS station, they did a special with the owner. It’s so cool to watch because they actually went to the farmer’s market for fresh ingredients.”
The intersection of I-41 and Winneconne Avenue is a major retail hub. Supermarkets like Pick ‘n Save and Festival Foods neighbor Walmart Supercenter and Kohl’s. Chain eateries, from Culver’s to Starbucks, fill in the gaps. Residents will also find an array of auto shops, bars and local restaurants along Commercial Street.
The Urban Market Neenah has groceries or you can enjoy great food in their cafe.
Stoes like Walmart offer close shopping for Neenah residents.
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A Statue of Liberty on Commercial Street
A mini replica of the Statue of Liberty watches over the corner of Commercial Street and Wisconsin Avenue. Located about 1,000 miles west of the original Lady Liberty, the statue was funded by Bergstrom Automotive—a large employer in Wisconsin—to honor her 100th anniversary. The American pride she instills shines through at Neenah’s CommunityFest, an Independence Day celebration shared with the nearby city of Menasha.
“Our signature event is A Very Neenah Christmas, which is the first Friday in December,” Dunning says. “We have live mannequins in the windows, and the businesses do a great job of kicking off the holiday season.” She goes on to cite Future Neenah’s involvement in engaging residents with the downtown area. “We like to keep things hopping; keep the downtown bustling with people.”
A small replica of the Statue of Liberty stands over downtown Neenah.
Downtown Neenah has wonderful shops and restaurants, which are walkable for many.
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Historic industries from Kimberly-Clark to the Neenah Foundry
The Neenah Paper Company dates back to 1873 when paper mills comprised most of the city’s industry. Today, the company is owned by Kimberly-Clark, a national corporation employing over 2,000 residents citywide. Located between Downtown Neenah and Doty Island, the company shares its history with Neenah Foundry, the manufacturer responsible for much of the city’s infrastructure. Neenah is also the headquarters of Plexus, an electronic manufacturing company.
Located 7 miles south of Appleton and 13 miles north of Oshkosh, Neenah is a city of commuters. Proximity to I-41 makes for convenient travel between the Fox Cities. Valley Transit operates bus routes throughout the area, but most residents remain car-dependent. Neenah shares various amenities with neighboring Menasha, including ThedaCare Regional Medical Center on Doty Island. Additionally, travelers from both cities fly out of Appleton International Airport.
The Neenah Paper Company is in the heart of the city and has been part of the cities history.
Plexus Corp. Global Headquarters calls downtown Neenah home.
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Neenah High School’s brand-new campus opened in 2023
Students citywide attend the Neenah Joint School District, which earns an A-minus on Niche. Ranking No. 2 in the Fox Cities, the district partners with Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton to provide students with vocational training and certifications prior to graduation. Neenah High School’s brand-new campus is the newest addition to the district. This multimillion-dollar building replaced the old Shattuck Middle School on Winchester Road. “It’s a huge selling factor in Neenah,” Dunning says. “It just opened last year with all new sports fields, new classrooms, new everything.”
The newly built Neenah High School is just outside of the city.
The Fox Valley Technical College is close by Neenah, offering residents collage classes and degrees.
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Crime statistics in Neenah
According to data from the FBI and the Neenah Police Department, violent crime and property crime have decreased by 32 percent since 2017. The CAP Index identifies Downtown Neenah as experiencing a higher rate than its surrounding neighborhoods.
Written By
Dana Chesser
Photography Contributed By
Richard Ebbers
Video By
Amon Parson
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On average, homes in Neenah, WI sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Neenah, WI over the last 12 months is $317,500, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home from Tom McHugh Construction! This home is 100% complete and move in ready!!! The 1555 Palm floor plan with finished basement. A 4 bedroom (split), 3 on main floor and one in lower level, 3 full bath ranch design. Standard features include LVP throughout the main living areas, insulated garage doors, fiberglass exterior doors, 3 panel interior doors, 1 egress window, central AC,
Nearly Brand New Kitchen (Cabinets, counters, flooring & appliances.) Updated Bathrooms, Addition of a Sunroom off dining area has built-in display cabinet & wet bar, open to kitchen, full set of SS Gourmet European appliances- Fisher & Paykel/Miele. (Newer front-loading washer & dryer on 1st floor included.) Open concept kitchen area has island like counter & triple closets for pantry, storage &
Wonderful Ranch House with .29 acre located in Fox Crossing ! Ideal location close to everything Fox Cities. This modern ranch house has white vinyl siding with brick entryway highlighting a beautifully landscaped yard. Three first floor bedrooms. Master suite has walk in closet and En suite bathroom w/ whirlpool tub and shower. Second bedroom with closet. Third bedroom with closet
Prime Development land Located Near Busy Intersection of Hwy 10 and Hwy 76 in Town of Clayton. Located in Sanitary District and TID District. Entire area is expanding fast with lots of developments. 77.23 acres to develop.
Property is being sold as vacant land for development. Has currently a House, Barn and outbuilding. Has access to Hwy 76 and Shady Lane. Is located within phase 1 of the TID water and sewer district for Town of Clayton.
Welcome home from Tom McHugh Construction! This home is 100% complete and move in ready!!! The 1555 Palm floor plan with finished basement. A 4 bedroom (split), 3 on main floor and one in lower level, 3 full bath ranch design. Standard features include LVP throughout the main living areas, insulated garage doors, fiberglass exterior doors, 3 panel interior doors, 1 egress window, central AC,
*** Spring 2025 Rent Special! Get the first FULL MONTH RENT FREE with the signing of a 12-Month lease - Must move-in on or before 7/1/2025. Offer expires 6/30/2025! ***Nestled in the charming town of Neenah, WI, our apartment community presents a unique living experience that combines suburban tranquility with urban convenience. Each of our two-bedroom, two-bathroom units offers a
Solaris on Main, a T. Wall Urban Village®, are conveniently located apartment homes in downtown Neenah on Little Lake Butte des Morts. Located on the corner of Main Street and Millview Drive, Solaris on Main offers amazing views over Arrowhead Park and Little Lake Butte des Morts which are both just steps away, and a wide variety of amenities! Get your work out in our on-site 24/7 Fitness Center.
Find yourself at Neenah's newest address. 201 West is luxury downtown living at its best. Our 39-unit building is comprised of 1-3 bedroom apartments and top-floor penthouses. With stainless steel appliances and high-end finishes, our apartments are big on design and functionality. On the ground floor, the Urban Market Cafe & Grocer and Bona Fide Juicery offer our residents the convenience of
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