The smallest city to host an NFL team, Green Bay is all about the Packers. Even if you're not a football fan, it's easy to get caught up in the enthusiasm and the history.
You should, of course, take a tour of Lambeau Field, visit the Packers Hall of Fame, climb aboard the Packers Heritage Trail Trolley Tour and spend a night in the ultimate Packers house: the must-see-it-for-yourself Under the Lights of Lambeau.
However, don't miss the other sights that helped Green Bay earn a prestigious All-America City Award. All of these are open year-round and a "Go Pack Go!" will earn you some of that famous Midwestern hospitality.
1. Titletown Brewing Company
Titletown Brewing Company — Photo courtesy of Great Scott Images
The 2016 Readers’ Choice for Best Brewpub in America, Titletown serves award-winning beer and signature dishes like the Peanut Butter & Bacon Burger and Drunk Mac & Cheese Pizza. And it all happens in a former train depot listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Be sure to take a tour of the brewery, which includes four six-ounce pours, a souvenir pint glass and a chance to sip from the one-of-a-kind Beerbler – a drinking fountain which spouts beer instead of water.
2. Green Bay Botanical Garden
Green Bay Botanical Garden — Photo courtesy of Amenson Studio
This stunning space features 47 acres of Midwestern beauty and celebrates each distinct season in all its splendor. There’s a children’s garden, a rose garden, an English cottage garden and so much more.
Check out the whimsical – and functional – Stumpf Hobbit House, and take in the view from the Jenquine Pavilion, the highest point in the garden. Whatever time of year you visit, you can bet Mother Nature will put on a show for you.
3. The Automobile Gallery
Hot rods at The Automobile Gallery — Photo courtesy of The Automobile Gallery
A gift to the city from local entrepreneur and automobile collector William “Red” Lewis, this non-profit organization is a car lover’s happy place. A former Cadillac dealership, the sleek, well-designed space provides the perfect backdrop for Lewis’ philosophy that “the automobile is the art.”
There are 50 classic cars on display – all of which have been restored to their original specs and driven into the gallery – and each is accompanied by a fascinating story. Selfies in the DeLorean are encouraged.
4. NEW Zoo & Adventure Park
Feeding giraffes at NEW Zoo & Adventure Park — Photo courtesy of NEW Zoo & Adventure Park
More than 200 animals make their home here and you can get up close and personal with the tallest residents through the daily Giraffe Feeding Experience. You can also book a behind-the-scenes Wild Encounter with a waddle of penguins, including the adorable Tweedle.
If you’re inspired to do some monkeying around yourself, the adjacent Adventure Park offers dual “racing” zip lines, an aerial adventure course and a climbing tower.
5. Downtown De Pere
Mary Pappas of Alpha Delights — Photo courtesy of John Touscany
When exploring this quaint area, start the day at Alpha Delights. It's a European-inspired bakery where Green Bay Restaurateur of the Year Mary Pappas creates award-winning pastries like the German “Bienenstich” (bee sting) – sweet dough filled with cream and topped with almonds and honey.
Walk off some calories on the De Pere Riverwalk, stop to view the pelicans or leave a lock of love at Sunset Point, then head back to Alpha Delights for their famous chicken salad.
Pick up a box of handmade chocolates at Seroogy’s and enjoy a three-course dinner at Ogan, where you can end the evening with Brazilian owner Ilde Nielson's delicious homemade limoncello.
6. Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary — Photo courtesy of Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau
This beautiful 700-acre wildlife refuge is a peaceful place to spend the day whether you’re feeding the ducks, traversing the miles of trails (on foot or by ski) or just observing nature. A bird-watcher’s paradise, it’s the second largest wildlife rehabilitation program in the state, caring for more than 4500 orphaned and injured animals each year.
Admission is free and there are lots of educational and interactive displays to explore.
7. The Cannery Public Market
Cannery Public Market — Photo courtesy of Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau
Could there be a more authentic place to experience farm-to-table than the Midwest? Lifelong farmer and local food movement advocate John Pagel built this gathering spot in a former vegetable cannery.
It features a cozy restaurant, a deli, a meat market and an area to watch cheese curds being made, overseen by an official Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker. Aspiring cheeseheads can then buy their own, choosing from a variety of local flavors.
8. The CityDeck
The CityDeck — Photo courtesy of Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau
Running four full city blocks along the historic Fox River, this vibrant new waterfront area has already become a popular place for the community to get together. In the summer, you can Dine on the Deck and enjoy movies and music at Fridays on the Fox. In winter, you can skate at the ice rink near Hagemeister Park restaurant.
9. National Railroad Museum
National Railroad Museum — Photo courtesy of National Railroad Museum
Explore America’s rich railroad heritage at one of the largest rail museums in the country. Visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower (the only A4 Class locomotive in the United States), check out the extensive collection of railroad memorabilia and hop aboard a vintage train for a 25-minute tour of the museum.
10. Three Three Five
Three Three Five — Photo courtesy of Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau
Normally a private dining studio, Three Three Five is open to the public on Wednesday nights if no events are booked. Christopher Mangless, a.k.a. The Traveling Chef, has become a legend among rock stars who have played in Green Bay. Now, he gives regular folks a chance to taste his culinary masterpieces.
For one day on most weeks, he offers a unique menu which features seasonal small plates and craft drinks. Plan your visit accordingly so you can experience his gastronomical magic.
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