Over 136 Years of Community
The YMCA of the Fox Cities has been part of this community since 1888 — more than 136 years of showing up for our neighbors. What began as a small reading room in downtown Appleton has grown into a network of six branches serving thousands of people across Outagamie, Winnebago and Calumet Counties. Through wars, recessions and decades of change, the Y has remained a constant, welcoming presence in the Fox Valley. Our story is your story — built together, one neighbor at a time.
How It All Began
In 1887, Frank Harwood and other prominent community leaders saw a need in Appleton and decided to do something about it. On February 23, 1888, those leaders voted to establish the YMCA of Appleton. That first Y had 158 members and operated from a modest space at 112 E. College Avenue — a reading room, a small gymnasium, a parlor and a game room. From those humble beginnings, the seed of something lasting was planted.
Growing With the Fox Cities
In April 1914, ground was broken on Oneida Street in Appleton, and in August 1915 a new state-of-the-art facility opened — the first pool and youth center in the city. Across the valley, what is now the Neenah-Menasha YMCA traces its roots to 1911, when the Young Women’s Club began offering classes and community support. Over the decades, branches expanded, merged and grew to serve more people in more places. In 1964, the Y founded Camp Nan A Bo Sho, a 40-acre overnight camp on Waubee Lake near Lakewood, Wisconsin — a beloved tradition that has shaped thousands of young lives.
Our Branches, Then and Now
Each of our branches has its own story and its own role in the Fox Cities community. Together, they form a network of welcoming places built to serve everyone.
Questions About Our History
The YMCA of Appleton was established on February 23, 1888, making us one of the oldest community organizations in the Fox Valley. We have been serving this community for over 136 years.
Today we operate six branches across Outagamie, Winnebago and Calumet Counties, plus Camp Nan A Bo Sho, our overnight camp near Lakewood, Wisconsin.
Camp Nan A Bo Sho is our 40-acre overnight camp on the shores of Waubee Lake, founded in 1964. It has been a transformative experience for thousands of young people over the past 50+ years.
Yes — the YMCA has always been a nonprofit organization. Our mission has always been to serve our community, not to generate profit.
We love sharing our story! Reach out to any of our branches or contact us directly — we are proud of where we have been and excited about where we are going.
