About this Location

Facility Overview

The 101-199 N Union St Parking facility offers convenient open-air surface parking situated on the eastern edge of vibrant Downtown Appleton, Wisconsin, directly bordering the historic campus of Lawrence University. Positioned between East College Avenue and East Washington Street, this paved lot provides unobstructed outdoor parking designed for rapid vehicle turnover and effortless maneuvering. Because it is a flat, grade-level surface lot without overhead beams, ramps, or low structural ceilings, it comfortably accommodates a wide variety of passenger vehicles, including full-size pickup trucks (like Ford F-150s and Chevy Silverados), full-length SUVs, work vans, and vehicles equipped with rooftop cargo boxes or bicycle racks that cannot clear typical multi-story parking garage restrictions.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

This parking location serves as an exceptional gateway to both Lawrence University and the rich cultural corridor along College Avenue. Key destinations within easy walking distance include:

Lawrence University Campus: Located immediately adjacent to the lot; Main Hall, Memorial Chapel (host to premier classical concerts and convocations), Wriston Art Center, and the Seeley G. Mudd Library are all within a 2- to 5-minute stroll (under 0.2 miles).
Downtown Appleton Dining & Nightlife: Direct access to the bustling eastern stretch of College Avenue, home to popular local spots like Stone Arch Brewpub, Copper Rock Coffee Company, and numerous boutique eateries and cafes (2 to 7 minutes on foot).
The Building for Kids Children\'s Museum & Fox Cities P.A.C.: Situated further west along College Avenue, family attractions and the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center are easily reached via a 10- to 15-minute walk or a brief ride.
City Park & Fox River Trails: A scenic 7-minute walk south leads toward City Park, historic riverfront walking paths, and the scenic Fox River bluffs.
Houdini Plaza & Downtown Appleton Farmers Market: Centrally located 0.5 miles away, hosting popular seasonal community events and weekly summer/autumn outdoor markets.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward via North Union Street, which links directly to East College Avenue—Appleton\'s primary east-west arterial—and East Washington Street. Traffic along this stretch moves smoothly compared to the high-density core of central downtown, allowing drivers to exit quickly even following campus commencement ceremonies or cultural performances at the Memorial Chapel. For regional commuters, East College Avenue connects seamlessly to State Highway 47 (Richmond Street / Memorial Drive) and intersects US Highway 41 and Interstate 41 to the west, as well as State Highway 441 to the east. Public transit connections are readily available, with Valley Transit bus routes operating frequent stops along College Avenue connecting to the downtown transit center.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-air, ground-level surface parking with unobstructed vertical clearance for high-profile vehicles
Standard vehicle bays along with designated ADA-accessible parking spaces
Evenly distributed overhead nighttime lighting for enhanced driver and pedestrian visibility
Convenient mobile app payment options (such as Passport Parking / ParkMobile) as well as nearby multi-space kiosks
Direct pedestrian sidewalks providing immediate connectivity to university pathways and downtown crosswalks

Ideal For

Lawrence University visitors, prospective students taking campus tours, and families attending commencement or alumni weekends
Patrons attending musical recitals, lectures, and events at the Lawrence Memorial Chapel
Diners and shoppers visiting restaurants, brewpubs, and specialty shops on East College Avenue
Local commuters and remote workers spending hours at nearby cafes and study libraries
Day-trippers exploring Appleton’s historic Fox River corridor and nearby City Park

Visitor & Driver Tips

When arriving during major Lawrence University events (such as commencement, fall move-in, or major chapel concerts), spots can fill quickly; plan to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before showtime to guarantee a convenient bay. Always verify whether specific stalls are posted with permit restrictions or designated for hourly public parking, and enter your license plate number accurately when paying via digital parking apps. During winter months, watch for posted City of Appleton seasonal parking or snow emergency declarations to ensure your vehicle is compliant with municipal plowing schedules.