Green Bay, Wisconsin, is well-known for its legendary football team, the Green Bay Packers. However, this vibrant city offers much more than just sports. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a weekend, there are plenty of unexpected activities to enjoy in this bustling locale known as “Titletown.”
Sports enthusiasts visit Lambeau Field to witness the Packers’ championship titles. However, many others prefer to explore the city’s rich history and natural beauty found throughout its streets. Regardless of your preferences, make sure to embrace the big personality of this mid-sized town. Here are some of the best places to create unforgettable memories in Green Bay.
Soak up the Packers’ Glory
As the most decorated football team in the NFL, attending a Packers game is an iconic American experience. If you’re in town during the football season (August-February), don your green and yellow, and immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of a game at Lambeau Field. The community’s passion is palpable, and experiencing the crowd is just as crucial as watching the players.
It is advisable to purchase tickets well in advance of your trip, as they have been sold out consistently since 1960.
If attending a game isn’t possible, consider a stadium tour at Lambeau Field, which provides insights into the team’s locker rooms and player tunnel. Enhance your experience further by exploring the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame—the first hall of fame dedicated to a single American football team.
Take in Nature at Fox River State Trail
No visit to Wisconsin is complete without embracing the great outdoors. Cycle, walk, or skate along the 25-mile-long Fox River State Trail, which weaves through downtown Green Bay and picturesque farming communities. You might even catch a glimpse of local wildlife, such as deer. Remember, while biking and horseback riding on the trail requires a state trail pass, walking does not.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as sections of the trail are unpaved.
Stroll Through the Green Bay Botanical Garden
For a tranquil escape, visit the Green Bay Botanical Garden. Annually featuring 300,000 blooms, this beautiful location boasts vibrant tulips, magnolias, perennials, and more. Families with young children will particularly enjoy the maze and treehouse in the children’s garden. The garden organizes various activities throughout the year, including scavenger hunts and live music events.
During the New Year season, visitors can experience the enchanting Garden of Lights event, where over 325,000 twinkling lights transform the outdoor space into a mesmerizing display, viewable from horse-drawn carriage rides. This magical event caters to both family and romantic outings.
Take an Oneida Nation Cultural Tour
Before the arrival of settlers, Green Bay was the land of the Oneida Nation. Oneida Nation cultural tours allow travelers to delve into the indigenous history of the area. Discover what life was like for the Oneida people in the 1700s and their journey to Green Bay in 1823. These tours often include interactive performances featuring various powwow dance styles.
Ride Around at Bay Beach Amusement Park
Bay Beach Amusement Park is a hidden gem in a state renowned for its major amusement parks. Here, you can enjoy arcade games, thrilling rides, and tasty treats. With rides priced at merely 25 cents each, indulge in classics such as the Ferris wheel or take the kids for a spin on the tilt-a-whirl. After enjoying some rides, savor local delicacies such as slushies and kettle corn while relaxing at one of the park’s picnic areas.
Explore the Outdoors at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest park in Green Bay and is well worth a visit. Established as a wildlife rehabilitation center, the 600-acre sanctuary is now home to over 4,500 birds and various mammals, including foxes and bobcats. Offering scenic hiking trails, the sanctuary also features an environmental education center where animal talks and fishing are available at Bay Beach Lagoon—all free of charge year-round.
Get Active at the Adventure Park Zoo
The Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo, commonly known as NEW Zoo, is an adventure park that showcases over 90 species ranging from lions to snow leopards. It also features local wildlife like wild turkeys and deer. Kids will appreciate the petting zoo and the chance to participate in self-guided scavenger hunts. One of the highlights includes the giraffe feeding experience, where visitors can feed the zoo’s giraffes.
For families with children and teenagers, the adventure park takes NEW Zoo to new heights, with a climbing tower and obstacle courses suitable for various age groups.
Hop on a Train at the National Railroad Museum
Another unique attraction in Green Bay is the National Railroad Museum, which offers a popular 25-minute train ride through the lovely wooded area along the Fox River. Visitors can explore historical collections, including an impressive steam engine used during World War II, alongside various locomotives, sleeper cars, and displays that celebrate the history of train travel in America.
Visit the Neville Public Museum
As the largest museum in Green Bay, the Neville Public Museum is a central hub for understanding the city’s history, from 10,000 BCE to the present. Established in 1927, the museum highlights art, history, and science, reflecting Green Bay’s unique location along the Great Lakes. Permanent collections include fascinating photography, community insights, and illuminating exhibits on the city’s development.
Marvel at Vintage Cars in the Automobile Gallery
Automobile enthusiasts will revel in the experience at the Automobile Gallery, known for its impressive collection of over 80 restored vehicles housed in a space that was formerly a Cadillac dealership. Visitors can enjoy a diverse array of cars, ranging from classic models to modern favorites.
Sip Your Way Through the Breweries of Green Bay
To cap off your Green Bay adventure, check out the thriving brewery scene. As a state celebrated for its beer culture, Green Bay boasts an array of top-notch breweries. Sports fans may wish to stop by Badger State Brewing Company for a pre- or post-game beverage. Additionally, Titletown Brewing Company offers a fantastic brew garden experience, while Stillmank Brewing Company provides local beer and cheese pairings after a fun-filled day at the Bay Beach Amusement Park or Wildlife Sanctuary.
