Neenah: Paper & Water Trail Segway Tour offers a lively and engaging way to explore this Wisconsin town’s unique blend of industry, architecture, and natural beauty. For $101 per person, you’ll spend approximately two hours cruising through neighborhoods filled with historic mansions, alongside views of Lake Winnebago. Guided by a friendly live guide, you’ll visit highlights like the Kimberly Point Lighthouse, Doty Island, and the Bergstrom-Mahler Art Museum, all while learning about Neenah’s vital “paper trail.”
What we love most about this experience is how accessible it makes discovering Neenah’s legacy — it’s a fun way to see the sights without a lot of walking, plus the Segway itself adds a dash of excitement. The tour’s small group size (limited to 8 people) ensures plenty of individual attention, and the scenic views along the water are truly something special.
A potential consideration? Since it’s a two-hour outdoor activity, you’ll want to dress for the weather and bring a camera, especially if you enjoy snapping shots of waterfront mansions or historic landmarks. The tour is best suited for active travelers who are comfortable on a Segway — it’s not ideal for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or anyone afraid of heights.
This tour is perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone eager for a unique way to see Neenah’s scenic neighborhoods and waterfront. If you’re looking for a mix of educational content and outdoor adventure, it’s a great fit.
Key Points
- Unique Experience: The only Segway tour in the world featuring a manhole cover as a main attraction.
- Historical & Scenic: Combines Neenah’s paper industry history with lakeside views and waterfront mansions.
- Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a more engaging experience.
- Flexible Scheduling: Usually available in the morning, afternoon, or evening, with full cancellation options.
- Accessible Fun: Suitable for those comfortable on a Segway, with plenty of opportunities for photo stops.
- Value for Money: At $101 for 2 hours, it offers a good balance of adventure, education, and scenery.
Exploring Neenah on a Segway: A Practical and Enjoyable Adventure
Neenah, Wisconsin, might not be on everyone’s radar, but this small town has a surprising amount to offer — especially if you’re interested in industry history, lakeside scenery, and charming neighborhoods. The Neenah: Paper & Water Trail Segway Tour delivers a compact, energetic way to see these highlights in just two hours.
Starting Point and Logistics
You’ll meet your guide at the boat trailer parking lot (parking on the street), and from there, the adventure begins. Because the tour is limited to 8 participants, you can expect a more personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and take photos. You don’t need to be a Segway pro — just comfortable standing and able to follow basic instructions.
The Itinerary
The first part of the tour takes you through downtown Neenah, where you’ll get a feel for the town’s modern vibe mixed with historic charm. As you glide past quaint shops and cafes, your guide will share stories about how Neenah grew thanks to its paper industry, led by the paper barons who built grand homes now lining Doty Island.
Next, the tour takes you to Doty Island itself, where some of the town’s most impressive mansions overlook the water. You’ll see how these luxurious homes were built by industry titans, and get a sense of how wealth was accumulated during Wisconsin’s paper boom.
Highlights include the historic Kimberly Point Lighthouse, perched on the lakeshore, offering a picturesque backdrop for photos. As you cruise along the Paper Trail, you’ll hear about the influential figures behind Neenah’s development, making this more than just a scenic ride — it’s a quick history lesson on Wisconsin’s industrial past.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out
One amusing highlight is that it’s the only Segway tour in the world featuring a manhole cover as a main attraction — a quirky detail that sums up the tour’s playful spirit. The tour also offers scenic views of Lake Winnebago, which provides a tranquil backdrop to the activity, especially in good weather.
The Experience and Guides
Many reviews mention how much they appreciated the enthusiasm and knowledge of the guides — they truly bring Neenah’s stories alive. The small group size contributes to a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those new to Segways or wanting a more intimate experience.
What to Expect and What to Bring
Prepare to spend two hours outdoors, so comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera are must-haves. The tour is suitable for those who are comfortable on a Segway, but not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or those with a fear of heights.
Because the activity is primarily sightseeing and gliding along flat roads, it makes for a smooth ride with plenty of stops for photos and commentary.
Value and Cost
At $101, the price includes a guided tour, all the scenic stops, and the fun of riding a Segway. Compared to other guided outdoor activities, it offers good value — especially considering the personalized attention and the combination of history, scenery, and fun.
What We Loved
We appreciated how the tour makes Neenah’s history accessible and entertaining. The scenic views of Lake Winnebago and the impressive waterfront mansions give a glimpse into the town’s prosperous past, while the quirky details, like the manhole cover, add a humorous touch.
The small group setting meant more personal interaction, and our guide made sure everyone felt comfortable riding and enjoying the sights. The two-hour length struck us as perfect — enough time to explore without feeling rushed.
The scenic stops are especially memorable, from the lighthouse to Doty Island, and the tour’s overall pace balances sightseeing, story-telling, and riding fun.
Possible Drawbacks
The main consideration is that the activity requires a basic comfort level on a Segway. If you’re not confident on two wheels or have mobility concerns, this might not be the best fit. Also, since it’s largely outdoors, weather can impact the experience — a rainy day could dampen the scenery and comfort.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This tour suits active travelers who enjoy a mix of history, scenery, and outdoor fun. It’s ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking a lighthearted way to explore Neenah’s neighborhoods and lakeside landmarks. If you love stories about local industry, architecture, or just want to try something different, this tour fits the bill.
More Great Tours NearbyFAQs
Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is limited to those comfortable on a Segway and generally suited for teens or older. Children should be comfortable standing for two hours and riding a Segway safely.
Do I need prior experience to ride the Segway?
No, the guides provide instructions, and most participants pick it up quickly. It’s designed for beginners and those with some Segway experience.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and dress according to the weather. Since you’ll be outside, layers are a good idea in cooler months.
Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking process also allows you to reserve now and pay later for flexibility.
What attractions are included?
You’ll see the Kimberly Point Lighthouse, Doty Island, neighborhoods with historic mansions, and possibly the Bergstrom-Mahler Art Museum.
How long is the tour?
It lasts about two hours, including riding time and stops for photos and stories.
Is parking easy?
Yes, parking is available on the street at the meeting point, which is in the boat trailer parking lot.
What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of scenic water views, historic homes, and the quirky manhole cover attraction makes it memorable.
Is this tour good value for the price?
Absolutely. For just over $100, you get a lively guided experience that combines education, scenery, and fun.
What if I prefer a more relaxed way to see Neenah?
This tour offers a lively, active way to cover a lot of ground quickly. If you prefer a more leisurely walk or boat ride, consider other options, but for a fun, scenic, and educational activity, this is hard to beat.
To sum it up, the Neenah Paper & Water Trail Segway Tour is a lively, family-friendly way to see the sights, learn a bit about Wisconsin’s paper industry, and glide along scenic lakeside neighborhoods. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities, small-group experiences, and quirky details. With its combination of history, natural beauty, and the sheer fun of riding a Segway, it offers a memorable glimpse into what makes Neenah special — all in just two hours.
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