Nestled in the heart of Green Bay, a charming city in northeastern Wisconsin, lies a haven of natural beauty, cultural delights, and a deep-rooted passion for football. It is hard to think about Green Bay without thinking of green and gold, but there is so much more to the city than the largest publicly owned franchise in the country.
Green Bay is a quick trip from Houston and a fantastic reprieve from Texas' summer heat. The ideal time to visit is summer through fall, when lucky visitors will experience fall colors and crisp autumn air.
Things to do
Green Bay Botanical Garden invites visitors to explore its lush landscape, where indigenous and exotic plants create a tapestry of colors and scents. Adjacent to the garden, the Green Bay Automobile Gallery showcases a collection of vintage cars, classic automobiles, and modern vehicles, offering a glimpse into the city's rich automotive heritage. Visitors can also take a fun boat ride along the Fox River with the Foxy Paddler. Drifting downstream, they can enjoy scenic landscapes and a fun ride with snacks and beverages.
No visit to Green Bay is complete without a tour of Lambeau Field, the iconic stadium and home of the beloved Green Bay Packers. Stepping onto the historic grounds, visitors can feel the weight of the team's illustrious history and immerse themselves in the spirit of football. The stadium's Hall of Fame showcases the team's triumphs, inviting visitors to become part of the Packers' legacy.
To complete their visit, travelers can experience the vibrant energy of Titletown, a newly built district that celebrates the Packers and the city's sense of community. Sports bars and restaurants create a spirited atmosphere, where fans gather to cheer on their team with outdoor activities in the ample green space.
Bay Beach Amusement Park
Situated on the east bank of the Foxy River, Bay Beach Amusement Park is the ninth-oldest amusement park in the country. It is also one of the country's only municipally owned amusement parks, aiming to make fun accessible to everyone. There is no entrance fee, free parking, and ride tickets are only a quarter. Bay Beach Amusement Park is open from May through September and is so popular that it ushers in an astonishing three million visitors annually through its gates. The park ranks second only to the Green Bay Packers in terms of annual visitors.
The amusement park boasts 22 rides, with the Zippin Pippin being the most popular. This historic wooden roller coaster was also Elvis Presley's favorite ride at Libertyland in Tennessee. It is rumored that he closed down the amusement park to entertain guests and rode the Zippin Pippin for hours without stopping.
Eat
Visitors can't leave Wisconsin without trying the official state pastry, the kringle, which came from Danish settlers in the mid-19th century. For over two decades, Uncle Mike's has been making authentic Danish Kringle, with 32 layers of flaky, buttery dough filled with various fruits and nuts. 888 Cheese & Co. is also a must-try for locally sourced ingredients and delicious gourmet grilled cheese.
Drink
So many breweries and so little time, but it is worth going on a brewery crawl while visiting Green Bay. Zambaldi Beer is a family-friendly brewery that gives tours, while Stillmank Brewing Co., which started as a home brewer, is now creating locally sourced craft brews. The Wisco Disco is their most popular - who can resist with such a great name? Noble Roots, where everything is brewed on-site, is also worth a stop.
Stay
The Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Green Bay is newly renovated and close to many popular attractions. The indigenous Oneida Nation is represented throughout the hotel's art and décor, while the hotel's restaurant, Cedar and Sage, uses many local vegetables and includes many recipes from the Oneida Nation.