Green Bay Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay and eat, and how to get around in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Green Bay

Green Bay is a city located in Northeast Wisconsin, United States. It is the third-largest city in the state and is known as a thriving hub for business, tourism, and sports. Green Bay is home to the Green Bay Packers, a professional football team that has won an impressive 13 league championships.

But Green Bay is much more than just a sports city. It has a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that attracts visitors from all around the world. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at what Green Bay has to offer, from a list of places to visit to the best things to do, and how to get around.

List of Places to Visit in Green Bay

Green Bay offers a wide variety of attractions for visitors to explore. Whether you’re interested in learning about the city’s history or experiencing its natural beauty, there’s something for everyone. Here is a list of places to visit in Green Bay:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Railroad Museum: See over 70 locomotives and train cars and learn about the history of rail travel in America.
  • Neville Public Museum: Discover the natural history, art and culture of Northeast Wisconsin
  • Green Bay Botanical Gardens: Stroll through 47 acres of beautiful gardens and exhibits

Natural Attractions of Green Bay: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary: Walk-in wildlife sanctuary with over 600 animals over 600 acres.
  • Lambeau Field: Tour the famous stadium and the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.
  • Heritage Hill State Historical Park: Step back in time and experience the history of Northeast Wisconsin.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Green Bay

Green Bay has some excellent trails that offer visitors the chance to explore the city’s natural beauty. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Green Bay:

  • Fox River Trail: 25 miles of paved trail alongside the Fox River, perfect for biking and hiking.
  • Baird Creek Parkway: 13-mile parkway offering hiking,biking & cross-country skiing, fishing & paddling.
  • Reforestation Camp: 8 miles of hiking and biking trails through forests and wetlands.

Best Things to Do in Green Bay: Activities and Tours

Green Bay is full of fun activities and unique experiences that will make your trip unforgettable. Here are some of the best things to do in Green Bay:

  • Escape Room: Use clues to escape a locked room with your family or friends.
  • Green Bay Distillery: Try local, handcrafted spirits and cocktails made from Wisconsin ingredients.
  • Segway tour of Green Bay: Guided tour featuring popular tourist attractions on a Segway!

Week-Long Itinerary for Green Bay

To truly experience everything Green Bay has to offer, we recommend spending at least a week there. Here’s a sample itinerary for a week in Green Bay:

Day 1: National Railroad Museum and Lambeau Field Tour. Day 2: Bay Beach Amusement Park & Wildlife Sanctuary Day 3: Green Bay Botanical Gardens and Green Bay Distillery Day 4: Heritage Hill State Historical Park and Segway Tour. Day 5: Walk-in your favorite trails listed in the article. Day 6: Explore the Farmers Market and downtown district of Green Bay. Day 7: Finish your trip with a Boat Tour of Green Bay’s waterways.

Food and Drink Scene of Green Bay

Green Bay prides itself on its hearty cuisine. From traditional American dishes to ethnic favorites, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to try these must-try dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Wisconsin Cheese Curds: Iconic snack food in Wisconsin, typically made from fresh cheddar cheese.
  • Brats: Grilled sausage, usually beef, pork, or a blend of the two, served on a brat bun.
  • Fish Fry: Fridays feature Fish Fry throughout the state in Green Bay. Cod, Perch and Walleye typically served, deep-fried & breaded.

Local Beverages

  • Spotted Cow: A local beer of Wisconsin that is hard to find outside the state’s borders.
  • Brandy Old Fashioned: Classic cocktail consisting of whiskey or brandy, bitters, sugar, water, and a garnish of fruit.

Where to Stay in Green Bay: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Green Bay has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. Here are some of the best places to stay in Green Bay:

  • Hyatt Regency Green Bay: Luxury hotel in downtown Green Bay.
  • Tundra Lodge Resort and Waterpark: Family-friendly hotel with an indoor water park.
  • Aloft Green Bay: Sleek and modern hotel near Lambeau Field.

What to Buy in Green Bay: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

No visit to Green Bay is complete without purchasing some souvenirs. Some of the best things to buy in Green Bay include:

  • Green Bay Packers Merchandise: Green Bay Packers memorabilia is a must-buy for any football fan.
  • Wisconsin Cheese: A cheesehead’s delight, assorted flavours of cheese will pair nicely with your favourite crackers.
  • Local Artwork: From paintings, sculptures to other attractive local artworks.

Local Culture and Customs of Green Bay

Green Bay has a strong culture and customs, deeply influenced by its German and Irish heritage. The people of Green Bay are known for being friendly, welcoming and community-oriented, and their love for the Packers is unparalleled. Make sure to pay attention to these customs during your visit.

Best Time to Visit Green Bay

The best time to visit Green Bay is during the summer months, from May to September. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. However, it’s important to note that prices tend to be higher during this period, so book your accommodations in advance.

Do’s and Don’ts of Green Bay

To make the most of your trip to Green Bay, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:

Do:

  • Bring warm clothing in the winter months.
  • Take a tour of Lambeau Stadium.
  • Try Wisconsin’s Famous cheese curds.

Don’t:

  • Underestimate the cold weather in winter months.
  • Insult the Packers.
  • Miss a football game of the Green Bay Packers if played during your stay.

Safety and Health

Green Bay is generally safe, but it’s always important to take necessary precautions while traveling.

Safety in Green Bay

  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • Avoid poorly lit areas and deserted streets.
  • Keep an eye on your valuables, especially in crowded areas.

Health in Green Bay

  • Stay hydrated in the summer months.
  • Wear sunscreen when spending time outdoors.
  • Get vaccinated before traveling if necessary.

Getting to Green Bay: Transportation Options and Logistics

Green Bay is easily accessible by various modes of transportation.

Airports Near Green Bay

  • Austin Straubel International Airport: Served by several major airlines, conveniently located in Green Bay.

Bus Stations Near Green Bay

  • Greyhound Bus Lines: Offers daily service to and from Green Bay.

Other Options

  • Rental Car: Available at the airport and in the city.

How to Get Around in Green Bay

There are several ways to get around Green Bay:

  • Car rental: A car is the most convenient way to travel around Green Bay.
  • Bus: Green Bay Metro operates public buses throughout the city.
  • Biking: Biking is a popular mode of transportation in Green Bay and a great way to explore the city.

Where to Go Next from Green Bay: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Green Bay’s central location makes it easy to travel to nearby destinations and attractions. Here are some top destinations to visit near Green Bay:

  • Door County: Known as the Cape Cod of the Midwest, Door County is a charming destination with beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and wineries.
  • Milwaukee: A vibrant city with a rich history and fantastic food scene, located just two hours south of Green Bay.

Conclusion

Green Bay, Wisconsin, is an exciting city with a unique culture and stunning scenery. Whether you’re a sports fan, outdoor enthusiast, foodie, or history buff, Green Bay has something for everyone. This comprehensive travel guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your trip to Green Bay, from the best things to do and places to stay, to the must-try local cuisine and transportation options. We hope you have an unforgettable time in Green Bay!