The Castle is a very strange conglomeration of displays and collections. Housed in a former Masonic lodge built to look like a fantasy castle, the interior is covered in incongruous touches of ancient Egyptian (or “ancient Egyptian”) woo-woo. The main floor houses a small gift shop and a large display area for the current, changing exhibit. The next floor contains a permanent exhibit, devoted to the life of magician Harry Houdini,  a brief resident of Appleton. Most of the Houdini displays are photos and rather creepy recreations of devices used in Houdini’s act. The basement contains another permanent collection of historical items, old photos and a running model train of Appleton. A diverse, if odd, collection of displays worth visiting if you are in downtown Appleton.

The History Museum at the Castle
330 E College Ave
Appleton, WI 54911

Photos include some from the temporary Guitar show.