13 Fun & Best Things to Do in Green Bay, Wisconsin

If you’ve never had the experience of visiting the Green Bay area, you may assume that you have to be a cheese-eating, beer-drinking Green Bay Packers fan to enjoy it. While that description may fit more than a few Green Bay residents, there’s plenty to do in town whether you love football or not.

Don’t get me wrong, the city has more than its fair share of NFL football attractions, but you don’t have to know who Aaron Rodgers is (hint: a well-known Green Bay Packers quarterback) to have a good time in the Green Bay area.

Located in northeastern Wisconsin in Brown County, the city was named by one of Green Bay’s earliest settlers in the 17th Century, a French explorer who thought the bay’s water appeared green.

However, the Ho-Chunk and other Native Americans inhabited the area for at least 10,000 years before the French explorer. As a result, the city’s Native American roots are intertwined with Green Bay’s art, culture, and history.

Green Bay has two landmarks on the National Register of Historic places, including the Hotel Northland and the historic Meyer Theatre. For all of the things Packers-related in Green Bay, there are equal amounts of musical and theatrical companies offering cultural experiences, including the Meyer Theatre, the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts, and the Resch Center.

Numerous water activities are available with access to Lake Michigan, the Fox River, and the bay of Green Bay. You can also try cross-country skiing or a ride down the snow tubing hill if you visit during the winter.  While the best Green Bay attractions include Lambeau Field, the Railroad Museum, and Bay Beach Amusement Park, you’ll also find plenty of history, arts, culture, dining, and shopping. 

TL;DR

Below this should be a list of the best things to do in the following categories (with links), which should look something like this:

• Most significant landmark – Lambeau Field
• Best park – NEW Zoo & Adventure Park
• Best free activity – Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
• Best activity for kids – Bay Beach Amusement Park
• Best activity for adults – Walk of Legends and Packers Heritage Trail
• Best food – Union Hotel
• Best nightlife – Anduzzi’s Sports Club – Holmgren
• Best place to stay – Hotel Northland, Autograph Collection

Things to do in Green Bay, Wisconsin

1. Green Bay Botanical Garden

Address: 2600 Larsen Rd, Green Bay, WI 54303

Green Bay Botanical Garden was an idea by a few nature lovers in the 1970s. That simple idea is now the leading educational and horticultural destination in Wisconsin. The garden comprises almost 50 acres, with fun things to do for both adults and families alike.

With over 65,000 plants from Wisconsin, a children’s garden, and an American perennial garden, you could spend all day at the Green Bay Botanical Garden (and some visitors do!).

Springtime brings an abundance of blooms, while summer is known for outdoor concerts in the garden’s amphitheater. If you visit during the winter holidays, you can’t miss the garden’s holiday light show and the snowshoeing trails. Whatever season you decide to come, you’ll be amazed at the botanical garden’s verdant and lush scenery.

If visiting Green Bay for a week or more, you may want to check out the botanical garden’s adult classes. They offer a variety of courses, such as their Herbs & Health Series, Papermaking, Beginner Workshops with the Bonsai Club, and even Civil War Botanicals.

And if you’re in the Green Bay area with kids, they offer summer camps with fun outdoor activities. The Green Bay Botanical Garden is a great activity for nature lovers. Visit their website for more detailed information about the botanical garden’s hours, admissions, or event schedule.

2. Bay Beach Amusement Park

Address: 1313 Bay Beach Rd, Green Bay, WI 54302

The Bay Beach Amusement Park is a municipal amusement park run by the city of Green Bay. This amusement park is one of the best attractions in Green Bay and has something for everyone with kiddie, family, and thrill-seeking rides.

Not only is there no fee for parking or admission, but the rides are much cheaper than your traditional carnival or amusement park. Unlike many indoor entertainment venues, the Bay Beach Amusement Park rides cost an average of 25 to 50 cents each. In addition, some rides like the Bumper Cars, Big Wheel, and the Sea Dragon cost 75 cents, and the thrill-seeking ride the Zippin Pippin costs a dollar.

If you’re a thrill seeker, you’ll want to check out the Yo-Yo, Sea Dragon, Zippin Pippin, or Scat rides. If you ride the Scat, introduced in 1985, you’ll be in a standing position. Then the ride will spin you so quickly that you are stuck to the side of the ride. If this ride causes any screams, they’re surely cries of delight.

However, the Lady Bugs ride might be for you if you prefer a tamer ride. The Lady Bugs go over tiny hills giving small children a fun ride. It’s important to know that this fantastic amusement park is only open from May through September.

If you visit Green Bay outside of summer, you won’t be able to experience the rides’ thrills. The amusement park’s Facebook page is the best bet for up-to-date information on hours, closures, or rides.

See Related: Best Small Towns in Wisconsin to Visit

3. Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame

Address: 1265 Lombardi Ave, Green Bay, WI 54304

Whether you visit Green Bay as a Packers fan or not, you will surely leave the town as one. The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame is a two-level museum in the Lambeau Field Atrium dedicated to the history of the Packers franchise. In 15,000 square feet, the Packers Hall of Fame tells the entire story of the Packers using interactive displays, technology, and artifacts.

Both children and adults will love visiting the Hall of fame, with the ability to scroll through touchscreens to listen to old Green Bay Packers game videos and audio segments. In addition, you can see all 13 world championship trophies displayed, along with four Lombardi trophies.

The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame’s most famous exhibit is a replica of Vince Lombardi’s office. However, there are many awe-inspiring exhibits, including “The Field,” which includes some of the Packers’ famous plays. This exhibit shows Lombardi’s Sweep, Lambeau’s Notre Dame Box, and Holmgren’s West Coast Offense.

Another popular exhibit focuses on what it takes to be a Green Bay Packer. Hall of fame visitors can compare the physical characteristics of past Green Bay Packers players to their own and see if they have what it takes. Hall of Fame visitors can also see the equipment used and the weekly training exercises required.

The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame is easily one of the top attractions in Green Bay. Visit their website for information on the Hall of fame’s hours, tickets, or pricing.

See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Madison, Wisconsin

4. Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: 1660 E Shore Dr, Green Bay, WI 54302

 The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary’s history is almost a Century old, with the city’s purchase of 250 acres in 1929. Originally the town of Green Bay intended to build a golf course, but concerned citizens convinced the city leaders to create a wildlife sanctuary instead. 

Today, the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary comprises over 600 acres and includes a Nature Education Center, Observation/Rehabilitation Building, Woodland Building Area, and a theater. The Nature Education Center consists of an estuary room, interactive exhibits, and a library. 

The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary has the state’s second-largest wildlife rehabilitation program, with more than 6000 animals cared for annually. The goal is for the WLS to return many of these injured animals to the wild once rehabilitation is complete. 

Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit this wildlife sanctuary annually to discover nature, explore hiking trails (and cross-country skiing trails in winter), and view animal exhibits and educational displays. 

This is one of the top Green Bay attractions because it allows you and your family to view wildlife such as bobcats, cougars, river otters, porcupines, wild turkeys, and wolves. Also, if you’ve ever wanted to see a flying squirrel, a striped skunk (without getting sprayed!), or a Screech owl, this is the place to view them. 

Located next to the city’s amusement park, the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) is a great free thing to do in Green Bay. Want to plan your visit ahead of time? Take a look at the map of the refuge to plan your visit. If you’re looking for a Wisconsin side trip, book the Milwaukee Sightseeing Bus Tour.

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5. National Railroad Museum

Address: 2285 S. Broadway Green Bay, Wis. 54304

While many railroad museums exist in the United States, the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay is the only congressionally-designated railroad museum. Despite this status, the museum receives no local, state, or federal funding. 

Instead, the National Road Museum operates as a 501(c)(3) educational organization and receives support from private donations, fundraising events, grants, and admission fees. 

What began as an idea to preserve a local steam locomotive led to the museum’s establishment in 1956. Today the museum comprises over 30 acres, with 70 pieces of rolling stock and tracks. 

Some of the more famous pieces are housed indoors, such as “Big Boy” #4017. One of twenty-five Union Pacific locomotives, the “Big Boy” #4107 weighs over a million pounds and is almost 50 yards long. 

People of all ages will love this museum, with interactive children’s exhibits, walk-on trains, and railroad artifacts. You can even take a train ride around the museum!

The National Railroad Museum welcomes more than 100,000 visitors annually, and it’s no surprise why. This family-friendly museum is a fun, hands-on educational experience. 

All aboard! Check hours and book tickets to the museum today. And, with 254 rental properties near the National Railroad Museum, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay.

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6. Heritage Hill State Park

Address: 2640 S Webster Ave, Green Bay, WI 54301

Heritage Hill State Park is a must-see for history lovers. On the banks of the Fox River, this outdoor historical park comprises almost 60 acres. 

The museum is separated into four main outdoor exhibit areas: The Fur Trade, Growing Community, Belgian Farmstead, and Fort Howard. You experience centuries of Green Bay’s history as you walk through these exhibits. 

The Fur Trade area depicts the beginning of Wisconsin’s fur trade industry, while the Growing Community exhibit shows Green Bay as a growing city in the late 1800s. In addition, 20th Century immigrant farming is depicted in the Belgian Farmstead area, and Fort Howard is a reconstruction of the original fort built for the War of 1812. 

This historic site includes 24 buildings from Green Bay’s past, some of which were moved from other locations, while the historical society reconstructed some. Some historic buildings include a schoolhouse, cotton house, blacksmith shop, and a fur trade cabin. 

The incredible thing about this outdoor museum is that costumed interpreters work in some buildings. So, you may see a blacksmith pound iron or watch a military drill at Fort Howard. These actors make for a unique and enriching experience for kids and adults. 

Are you interested in an outdoor history museum group tour? Contact the museum and inquire about their walking or tram tours of Heritage Hill State Park. For a side quest, enjoy the Milwaukee 90 Minutes walking tour.

See Related: Best Things to Do in La Crosse, Wisconsin

7. Neville Public Museum

Address: 210 Museum Pl, Green Bay, WI 54303

The Neville Public Museum, named after Green Bay’s 25th mayor, Arthur Neville, is a general museum of science, history, and art. The museum features a diverse collection of artifacts pertinent to Northeast Wisconsin. 

Since 1915, Neville Public Museum has collected over one million items, from footballs to fossils. Current exhibits contain film, photographs, artwork, historical artifacts, and archeological objects. 

Before entering Neville Public Museum, you are greeted by an outdoor art exhibit. These pieces are mostly steel or metal, but one is a digital media print on vinyl. These art installations are by local artists and symbolize a part of Wisconsin history. 

At the entrance to Neville Public Museum, you’ll also find the Packers Heritage Trail, a self-guided tour that tells stories of the people and places that have played an essential role in the Packers’ history. Trail maps are available inside the museum. The trail has 22 commemorative bronze plaques, 17 are part of a City Walk, and the other five are on two separate paths. 

On the trail, you will see where the Green Bay Packers played their early games until 1956, City Stadium. Also, you’ll see the childhood home of Curly Lambeau (head coach of the Packers for 29 years) and the train depot where local fans watched the team leave for road games. 

There’s so much to see between the outdoor garden, the museum, and the trail. Check out this tour if you want to ride a Segway on the Packers Heritage Trail instead of walking! 

8. Peninsula State Park

Address: 9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212

Peninsula State Park is unlike any other, with eight miles of shoreline, an 18-hole golf course, bike trails, a lighthouse, and almost 500 campsites.  The park has five campgrounds with 468 individual family campsites and three group campsites for tent camping.

This park is perfect for nature-loving families with canoe, kayak, and bicycle rentals. In addition to rentals, the Nicolet Bay Camp Store has a snack bar with burgers, pizza, and soft-serve ice cream. This store is a definite win when you don’t feel like making another campsite meal. 

The Northern Sky Theater is also famous for families, with whimsical musicals performed in the summer. If you’re in town in the summer, you can book a tour of the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. The 150-year-old lighthouse still guides ships through the narrow Strawberry Channel. In 1970, the lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

As if the park didn’t have enough activities to keep you busy, they also have an 18-hole golf course and a 6-hole short course. One particularly challenging hole involves a 69-yard drive down a 50-foot cliff!

This state park is easily one of the best things to do in Green Bay. To reserve a campsite, head to the website to look at the different campsite maps and find the best site for you.

However, if you’re looking for a daytime adventure, you may want to consider this Segway tour. With a Segway, you can explore the entire park in two hours! 

See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Wisconsin

9. Lambeau Field

Address: 1265 Lombardi Ave, Green Bay, WI 54304

Lambeau Field is home to the Green Bay Packers, the city’s NFL team. However, you don’t have to be a Packers fan to enjoy a visit to the stadium or atrium.   In the team’s early days (from 1957-1965), Lambeau Field was called City Stadium. It’s also currently referred to by its nickname, the Frozen Tundra.

If you want the whole experience of visiting Lambeau Field, they have multiple tours available, including Legendary, Champion, Classic Stadium Tours, and Field Viewings. Tours start at 15 minutes and go up to two hours, depending on your choice. 

However, if you don’t have a chance to tour Lambeau Field, you must at least visit the Lambeau Field Atrium. The 376,000-square-foot space is home to retail, dining, and entertainment options for Packers and non-Packers fans. 

If you bleed green and gold, you must stop by the Packers Pro Shop, the store owned and operated by the Packers. You can find anything and everything at the pro shop to show your devotion to the Green Bay Packers. 

The Packers Hall of Fame is also located in the atrium. So if you plan on doing a stadium tour, you can add admission to the Hall of fame as a cherry on top!

And if all of the Packers’ history has you craving a local beer and some good food, stop by the 1919 Kitchen & Tap. Their extensive beer selection and seasonal food favorites will quench your appetite. 

Visiting Lambeau Field is one of the most incredible things to do in Green Bay. Ready to book a stadium tour? Check out their website to reserve tickets. In addition, if you want to stay within walking distance of Lambeau Field, consider a stay at the Tundra Lodge, a favorite family destination, and the Lodge Kohler.

10. Hazelwood Historic House Museum

Address: 1008 S Monroe Ave, Green Bay, WI 54301

While there are many historic buildings in Green Bay, Hazelwood is the only historic house in its original place. Built-in 1837, the Victorian Hazelwood house is an example of Greek Revival Architecture. The historic home is on South Monroe Avenue in the Astor Historic District. 

Hazelwood Historic House is a prime example of life in the mid-19th Century in northeastern Wisconsin. The home contains hundreds of artifacts, furnishings, and photographs representing the Victorian period. 

The entrance to the home is flanked with Doric columns and sidelights, with two pedimented dormers piercing the side-gabled roof. A north wing initially matched the one-and-a-half-story wing to the south.

The original homeowners, the Martin family, were a political family in Green Bay for almost a century. As a result, many of the artifacts in the home’s ten rooms are original items from the Martin family. 

In 1964, the National Register added it to the Register’s Historic Places. The home now stands in the center of the Astor Historic District, an area demonstrating history and architecture between 1835-1920. 

Some other historic homes of interest in the Astor district are:

• Albert Murphy House, 903 S. Quincy Street, built in 1905
• Mitchell Joannes House 902 S. Madison Street, built in 1901
• William Wagner House, 1030 S. Monroe, built-in 1906
• Cecil Baum House, 1101 S. Monroe, built-in 1924

The Hazelwood Historic House Museum offers tours year-round. Different packages, including the Formal Tea Tour and the Astor Neighborhood Architectural Walking Tour, are available.  Ready to experience life in the Victorian era? Book a tour on the Brown County Historical Society’s website. 

See Related: Best Breweries in Wisconsin: Craft Beer & Taprooms

11. Meyer Theatre

Address: 117 S Washington St, Green Bay, WI 54301

Originally known as the Fox Theatre, the Meyer Theatre is a historic theater established in 1930. The building was designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Deco architectural styles. 

The majestic theater was initially created as a movie palace and vaudeville house. The owner, William Fox of Fox Theatres Corporation, was the first in his family to begin the now-known Fox media empire.  This mid-west theater featured Nat King Cole, Dale Evans, Liberace, and Louis Armstrong performances. 

Unfortunately, two years after opening, William Fox went bankrupt due to the depression, and the bank took over the theater. So, in a series of changes, the theater became Bay Theatre, Standard Theatres, and as of 2002, the Meyer Theatre. 

With much of the theatre still intact from its early days, the Meyer Theatre strives to keep the legacy going for many years. The Meyer Theatre has become a beacon for Green Bay, with over 170 performances and 70,000 attendees annually. With upcoming performances by George Winston, Pam Tillis, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and Blackhawk, the old Fox Theatre continues its mission for epic entertainment. 

For more information or to book tickets, visit their website. Need a place to stay within walking distance? Check out St. Brendan’s Inn, a superbly rated hotel on Washington St. 

12. Fox River Trail

Address: near downtown Green Bay at the junction of Porlier Street and Adams Street

The Fox River State Trail begins in downtown Green Bay and winds along the beautiful Fox River. Then it continues along a former rail corridor for 25 miles. 

This corridor has a rich history, with Native Americans who used this path to travel to different villages along the water and traders and missionaries who constructed their posts along this trail. 

The first 11 miles of the trail are paved, making it easy for rollerbladers, bikers, and walkers. However, once you get to Lasee Road, the trail’s surface is limestone gravel, making this part unusable for rollerbladers or skateboarders. 

The trail contains many overlooks along the way and many local parks. In addition, you’ll find a Health Trail in Allouez that provides an outdoor fitness challenge course. 

The Fox River State Trail is fantastic for biking, walking, and hiking, and you’ll unlikely encounter huge crowds while exploring. April through October is the best time to visit the trail to enjoy a snow-free experience. 

You must purchase a daily pass if you plan on horseback riding, rollerblading, or riding your bike on the trail. To buy a pass, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.  Want to visit the trail on a Segway instead? Check out this super fun tour (which includes trail admission fees).

See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Tomah, Wisconsin

13. Brown County Reforestation Camp

Address: 4418 Reforestation Rd, Suamico, WI 54313

While this isn’t exactly in Green Bay, the Brown County Reforestation Camp is certainly worthy of a day trip (especially for nature lovers) as you get to see and learn about preservation and environmental conservation that is just outside of the city.

Brown County Reforestation Camp is obviously a great place to go if you want to see some beautiful trees and enjoy nature. There are plenty of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. In addition, there are other activities like fishing and picnicking at the campground that will leave your family with fond memories for years.

This is a great place to go if you want to see some beautiful trees and enjoy nature. For more information about the environment at Green Bay and the entire Brown County, visit Brown County Reforestation Camp near NEW Zoo. The camp is composed of unprotected forests and its nature trails are simply stunning during summertime—a great way to get explore is entirely on foot.

Getting around Green Bay, Wisconsin

There are many transportation options to help you get around Green Bay. If you fly into Austin Straubel International Airport, you have access to the following rental car companies in the terminal:

• Avis/Budget
• Enterprise
• Hertz
• Alamo/National

However, if you are traveling with a large group and prefer a shuttle or limousine from the airport, first check with your hotel to see if they offer a shuttle service. If not, the following companies may offer what you need Stardust Limousine, Green Bay Limousine LLC, and Green Bay Party Bus Rentals.

There is a taxi service available, Yellow Cab Green Bay, in Green Bay as well, along with Uber and Lyft. However, the city bus is a great way to get around. Packers Gameday routes are free, along with many year-round routes between downtown Green Bay and Titletown on the Green Bay Metro transit.

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