The third-largest city in Wisconsin, Green Bay is located on the west shore of Lake Michigan. Sports enthusiasts can visit the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame and tour the Lambeau Field Stadium, while nature lovers can stroll through the Green Bay Botanical Garden and explore the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. Best things to do in Green Bay with kids include the Children's Museum of Green Bay, the National Railroad Museum and the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park.
1. Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame is a 15,000 square foot facility and one of the top Green Bay attractions that recognizes the accomplishments of the Green Bay Packers. The two level building is located on Lombard Avenue on the main floor of the Lambeau Field Atrium.
The facility uses interactive exhibits, and it displays many artifacts related to the Green Bay Packers. Many of the team’s trophies are on display, and the establishment also features a replica of Vince Lombardi’s office.
In addition to the Hall of Fame, there are three different tours of the Lambeau Field Stadium: the one hour Classic Stadium Tour, the one and a half hour Champion’s Tour, and the two hour Legendary Tour.
1265 Lombardi Avenue, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 920-569-7512
2. Green Bay Botanical Garden
Located on Larsen Road, the Green Bay Botanical Garden is a 47-acre garden that opened in 1996 at the location that was originally the Larsen Orchard.
The botanical garden consists of several areas such as the Agnes Schneider Terrace with its ornamental grasses and perennial flowers, the John and Janet Van Den Wymelenberge Color and Foliage Garden with lovely foliage in shades of chartreuse, gray, green, maroon, and yellow, and the Mary Hendrickson Johnson Wisconsin Woodland Garden with its native shrubs, trees, and wildflowers. The Green Bay Botanical Garden is one of the best things to do in Green Bay for the whole family.
Other features of the garden include a fountain, a gazebo, a rose garden, a well house, and a children’s garden with a maze, slide, sundial, and tree house.
2600 Larsen Road, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 920-490-9457
3. National Railroad Museum
The National Railroad Museum, located on South Broadway in Ashwaubenon in suburban Green Bay, is dedicated to railroads.
Founded in 1956, it is one of the oldest museums devoted to the preservation and exhibition of the history of railroads. The museum is home to many historic locomotives such as the Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4017, which is one of the largest steam locomotives in the world.
In the museum building, there are many kinds of artifacts, photographs, and an archive. If you are looking for fun things to do in Green Bay, Wisconsin with kids, this is a great place to visit. There is an 80-foot (24 meter) tall observation tower on the premises that provides visitors with great views of Green Bay and the river.
2285 South Broadway, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 920-437-7623
4. Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
Located on East Shore Drive, the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is a city wildlife refuge. Covering 700 acres, it is the largest park in Green Bay. The sanctuary was established in 1935 with 250 acres, some of which were used for injured water birds. Over the years, more acreage was bought and added to the sanctuary.
The sanctuary’s Nature Education Center was built in 1985, while the Resch waterfalls were created in 2010. Today, the sanctuary is a popular place to visit with its hiking trails and wildlife habitats. The Nature Education Center has interactive exhibits, a library, and several exhibits such as the Whistling Wings Art Gallery.
1660 East Shore Drive, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 920-391-3671
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5. Meyer Theatre
The Meyer Theatre, located on South Washington Street, was originally known as the Fox Theatre. It was built in 1929 in the Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Deco styles and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Later known as the Bay Theatre, it was restored in 2003 and named the Meyer Theatre after businessman Robert T. Meyer.
If you are looking for romantic date night ideas in Green Bay, the theater houses the original and restored 572-pipe Wurlitzer organ. Productions that take place at the theater include plays, concerts by well-known musicians, and performances by the Civic Symphony of Green Bay and a variety of entertainers. The theater can be rented for events such as conferences, parties, and receptions.
117 South Washington Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 920-433-3343
6. NEW Zoo & Adventure Park, Green Bay
Located on Reforestation Road, the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park is a zoo and park situated on 43 acres. There are nearly 100 exhibits representing over 200 animals from all over the world. Some of the exhibits include the Japanese Macaque Exhibit, the Penguin Exhibit, the Tortoise Den, and more.
The Education and Conservation Center houses many kinds of amphibians, reptiles, and spiders. The Children’s Petting Zoo allows children to get up close to chickens, deer, goats, and many other animals. If you are wondering what to do in Green Bay WI with kids, this is a great place to explore. Opened in 2014, the Adventure Park is found adjacent to the zoo. It features a three-sided rock climbing wall, a ropes course, and a zip line attached to a historic fire tower.
4378 Reforestation Road, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 920-434-7841
7. Heritage Hill State Historical Park
Located on South Webster Avenue, Heritage Hill State Historical Park is an outdoor museum and Wisconsin state park covering 48 acres. The park is home to 24 historical and reproduction buildings. All of the historical buildings were relocated from other locations to the park.
These structures include buildings from Fort Howard, log cabins that were used during the fur trade period, and public buildings and shops from the 19th century. There are also over 6,000 artifacts exhibited in the buildings. Visitors can learn about the buildings and history from staff members who wear clothes in the style of the period.
2640 South Webster Avenue, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 920-448-5150
8. The Children's Museum of Green Bay
The Children’s Museum of Green Bay is a hands-on museum located on North Washington Street in Green Bay. Completed in 2012, the new museum facility features art and science exhibits designed to educate curious children. Some of the programs include things like Wiggle, Move & Giggle, Pint-Sized Picassos, Fly the Silly Skies, Art in Action (Squeezy Sponges), and many more.
Within the facility, you can also find many play areas such as Treehouse, Market, Sandy Beach, Vet Clinic, and more. The museum hosts events like its annual Kids Food Event. The facility can also be rented for functions such as corporate meetings and birthday parties.
1230 Bay Beach Rd, Green Bay, WI 54302, 920-432-4397
9. Neville Public Museum, Green Bay
Located on Museum Place, the Neville Public Museum is a museum devoted to art, history, and science. Originally known as the Kellogg Public Library and Neville Public Museum, the current museum was built in 1983. The museum collects, preserves, and displays objects related to northeast Wisconsin.
Some of its exhibits include Christopher Winters Photography Centennial: Steaming through the American Century and Building our Community: Over 100 Years of Architecture & Design in Brown County. The museum offers several children’s programs such as Explorer Saturdays, scout events, and youth tours. Finally, the International Film Series screens films for adults in the 132-seat Neville Theater.
210 Museum Place, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 920-448-4460
10. Hazelwood Historic House Museum
The Hazelwood Historic House Museum is located on South Monroe Avenue in the Astor Historic District of Green Bay. It is the only historic house in Green Bay that is still located on its original site. Built in the Greek Revival architectural style, the Hazelwood House contains ten rooms decorated in the style of the period, the Victorian era of the 1880s and 1890s.
Originally constructed as the home of Morgan and Elizabeth Martin, the house is now on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Decorated with original furnishings, paintings, and photographs, the house overlooks the Fox River. The Brown County Historical Society bought the house in 1989, and it was restored in 1995.
1008 South Monroe Avenue, Green Bay, Wisconsin,
11. Badger State Brewing Company
The Badger State Brewing Company is comprised of enthusiastic and dedicated craft-beverage brewers who pour their hearts and soul into the creation of outstanding beers. Brewing since 2013, the Badger State Brewing Company started as a homebrew operation. As the years went by, the brewery transformed into a destination brewery, beer garden, and taproom, in the heart of Green Bay’s busy Stadium District. As with any craft brewery, the best place to start for first-time visitors is the brewer’s flagship and regular brews. Drop by Badger State Brewing’s tap room to sample popular brews like the Beermosa, the Golden Daze Juice Pale Ale, the BRW-SKI Lager, or the Buzzy Badger Coffee Ale among others.
990 Tony Canadeo Run, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54304, Phone: 920-634-5687
12. Oneida Casino, Green Bay
Oneida Casino is Wisconsin’s premiere casino destination and is conveniently located within the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center of Green Bay. Oneida features five gaming locations and is packed with the latest and greatest offerings in the gaming entertainment industry with over 2,400 slot machines. The casino also offers 9 different table games, including Four Card Poker, Craps, Blackjack, and Ultimate Texas Hold’Em. Additionally, Oneida Casino also offers private 8-table poker rooms, a private high-stakes Blackjack room, and a Bingo Hall with an over 700-seat capacity right across the casino's Main-Airport location. For other guests, the casino offers free Wi-Fi, a sauna, a fitness center, and an indoor pool via the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center.
2020 Airport Drive, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54313, Phone: 800-238-4263
13. Titletown Brewing Company
When it comes to good beer, Titletown Brewing Company knows what they’re talking about. Having been ranked one of the top 20 brew pubs in the United States in 2013, the Titletown Brewing Company is an iconic destination in its own right as it is located in a once abandoned and historic building – the Larsen Canning Building. The best way to enjoy a visit to Titletown Brewing Company is through a brewery tour where knowledgeable guides will lead guests through the brewery’s process while sharing stories about the brewery’s history and the area’s history, too. Tours culminate at the tasting room where visitors crowd pleasers and favorites through tasting flights fresh from the tap.
320 N. Broadway, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54303, Phone: 920-437-2337
14. Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley and Family Fun Center
It’s all about having fun and making memories to last a lifetime at the Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley and Family Fun Center. This 60-lane bowling center features the industry’s best equipment, a full-service bar, as well as a great restaurant, and children’s arcade. In terms of bowling, Ashwaubenon offers open bowling, cosmic bowling, and unreal bowling, to provide guests with a unique experience. There are also regular tournaments and leagues that avid bowlers can join. At the Main Bar, guests can tuck into filling meals and enjoy great happy hour promotions as the bar offers over a dozen beers on tap.
2929 Allied Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54304, Phone: 920-336-0400
15. Bay Beach Amusement Park
For more than a century, the Bay Beach Amusement Park has been providing guests from all over the nation with great family fun right along the shores of the Bay of Green Bay. Not only does the park features great amenities for its guests like indoor and outdoor rentals, picnic shelters, and beach shelters, but it also has adrenaline-pumping amusement park rides for all ages. Hop on the Ferris Wheel, take a spin on the tilt-a-whirl, zip down a giant slide, or scream your lungs out on the Zippin’ Pippin’ Roller Coaster. Visitors are encouraged to make the most out of their visit by enjoying potluck picnics at the beach or setting up the grill for a mouthwatering barbecue meal.
1313 Bay Beach Road, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54302, Phone: 920-448-3365
16. Duck Creek Golf Center
Looking for some golfing fun at Green Bay? The Duck Creek Golf Center is an awesome choice! Duck Creek features a driving range, has putting practice areas, and boasts a fantastic miniature golf course that is bound to keep every golfer on their toes. Golfers get to tee up their balls on real grass at Duck Creek’s driving range and up their skill and aim thanks to various flag targets situated at random distances. It’s a great way to hone skills that are critical to real games. Meanwhile, the miniature golf course will test any golfer with water hazards and obstacles, both expected and unexpected in mini golf.
345 Village Ct. Green Bay, Wisconsin 54303, Phone: 920-498-2797
17. Escape Room Wisconsin
If you’re a fan of escape rooms, then a trip to Escape Room Wisconsin is an absolute must while traveling in Green Bay. Home to five immersive escape rooms, Escape Room Wisconsin will test your wits, critical thinking, attention to detail, as well as teamwork. Beginners can try some of the easier escape rooms such as The Naughty List, where you and your team will have to pull off a holiday heist, or Date Night: The Missing Starlet, where teams will have to crack a murder mystery before the killer returns. Some of the more challenging rooms include the Alchemyst, where teams will have to work to retrieve the Stone of Immortality, and the Contest of Kings, where artifacts will have to be retrieved to save a kingdom from eternal darkness. Those up for a challenge should try Mystery Manor, Escape Room Wisconsin’s toughest room with a steep success rate of 35%.
985 Centennial Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54304, Phone: 920-731-2583
18. Ashwaubomay Park
With a location that overlooks the Fox River, Ashwaubomay Park is a great recreational place to visit when in the Green Bay area. The park is home to 85 acres of various amenities and facilities, with its centerpiece being a man-made 3 million gallon lake complete with a beachfront and diving platform. Perfect for families who want to enjoy a day out under the sun, Ashwaumobay Park offers the use of a spacious picnic area, playground equipment, a concession stand, and a covered dugout. There are also public restrooms available for visitors. The park is open during the summer season and automatically closes when air temperatures are below 65 degrees, so it’s best to call ahead to make sure the park is open.
2881 S. Broadway Drive, Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin 54304, Phone: 920-492-2331
19. Kastle Karts
Conveniently located across the Bay Beach Amusement Park is Kastle Karts, the one and only go-kart destination in Green Bay. Kastle Karts is home to a quarter-mile track featuring 30-degree banked turns and an exciting drive-through tunnel. Great for special occasions or a day out with friends and family, Kastle Karts offers visitors per race prices, but also package prices for speedsters who want to enjoy two full hours of unlimited racing. Between races, Kastle Karts has concession stands to serve snacks and refreshments, and an arcade room for guests to enjoy while they’re waiting for their turn out on the tracks.
2301 N. Irwin Avenue, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54302, Phone: 920-857-3053
20. Mackinaws Grill and Spirits
At Mackinaws Grill and Spirits, rustic, casual, and great food collide to bring forth a unique dining experience on Green Bay’s west side. The restaurant is a proud purveyor of comfort food, which they pair excellently with their very own craft beer, a carefully curated selection of bourbon, as well as high-end spirits from within their log cabin-style environment. Cozy and welcoming, Mackinaws Grill and Spirits offers indulgent and hearty menu items like the Elk Stroganoff, Lobster mac and Cheese, and the Porterhouse. There are also hearty angus beef burgers, sandwiches, Mexican offerings, and so much more, on the menu so guests can be sure that there will always be something for them to enjoy.
2925 Voyager Drive, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54311, Phone: 920-406-8000
21. The Automobile Gallery and Event Center
The Automobile Gallery and Event Center has been proudly showcasing over a hundred years of automotive history and beauty through their exhibits displays since 2016. Housed in a building that was once the home of a historic and famous dealership, Denil Cadillac, the Automobile Gallery, and Event Center honors the gorgeous cars that once sat proudly on display within the dealership as well as other vehicles that are nothing less than timeless pieces of automotive art. Visit the museum to explore special guest collections filled with sleek and beautiful vehicles. Of the many stunning and lovingly preserved vehicles on display, guests can see gorgeous cars like a 1949 Buick Super Sedanette, a 1923 T-Bucket, a 1971 Dodge Demon, and even a 1908 Cadillac Model T.
400 S Adams Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301, Phone: 920-437-9024
What is Green Bay known for? What to do. What are the top attractions to visit in Green Bay?
The top attractions to visit in Green Bay according to local experts are:
- Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
- Green Bay Botanical Garden
- National Railroad Museum
- Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
- Meyer Theatre
- NEW Zoo & Adventure Park, Green Bay
- Heritage Hill State Historical Park
- The Children's Museum of Green Bay
- Neville Public Museum, Green Bay
- Hazelwood Historic House Museum
- Badger State Brewing Company
- Oneida Casino, Green Bay
- Titletown Brewing Company
- Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley and Family Fun Center
- Bay Beach Amusement Park
- Duck Creek Golf Center
- Escape Room Wisconsin
- Ashwaubomay Park
- Kastle Karts
- Mackinaws Grill and Spirits
- The Automobile Gallery and Event Center
Attraction Spotlight: Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame is a two-story facility dedicated to the professional American football team, the Green Bay Packers of Green Bay, Wisconsin. The HOF itself is located in the atrium of the Lambeau Field athletic stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Extending over 15,000-square feet and spread across two floors, this facility contains artifacts, trophies, memorabilia, and interactive displays centered on the Packers. Since its beginnings in 1967, the HOF has inducted over 150 members, with new members added annually. The Packers have been a publicly owned organization with a non-profit status since 1923, and are the only major professional team to be owned by their fans in the United States. In addition, the hall is the only dedicated single-team facility of its kind in the country.
History
The HOF was established in 1966 by local Green Bay restauranteur and Packer fan William L. Brault. Brault came up with the idea after visitors who stopped by Green Bay regularly asked about the team’s history. He suggested the creation of the hall to Vince Lombardi, the Packers’ head coach, who approved of the idea. Originally, the HOF consisted of temporary exhibits displayed within the Brown County Veterans Memorial Hall concourse. The next year saw the formulation of a separate corporate identity, the Packer Hall of Fame Association, which acted independently from the HOF. In 1970, yearly induction ceremonies commenced, and the HOF’s first fixed facility was formed. The dedication was passed by President Gerald R. Fox, six years later. The following 26 years saw the hall experience several renovations and expansions, until in 2003 it moved to its current location.
Permanent Exhibits
The HOF covers the complete timeline of the Packers team, from its origins in 1919 to today. Spanning the evolution of equipment, uniforms, and the game itself, visitors can explore the many interactive and exclusive exhibits on display. The displays extend across all people involved in the Packers team, from players and coaches to directors and fans.
Each of the HOF’s Packers players who have been inducted have their own display case. Inside these glass-fronted “lockers” are a range of items, including jerseys, helmets, balls, mounted busts of the players, photographs, signed sporting goods, and other significant memorabilia.
The Curly Lambeau exhibit is a hands-on activity where visitors can attempt their own “Lambeau Leap” by jumping upon the soft-play wall in an attempt to scale it. A “Lambeau Leap” is a celebratory jump into the end zone stands, done by Packers players after they have scored a touchdown at Lambeau Field. Invented by LeRoy Butler in 1993, this celebratory jump is still performed by players today.
A further exhibit is the Willie Wood’s Jump. A former Packers player, Woods measured only 5”10 yet he was able to jump up and touch his wrist against the goalpost crossbar. Visitors are invited to make their own jumping record attempt on the wall.
The Vince Lombardi exhibit displays a replica of Vince Lombardi’s office. This exhibit covers his early beginnings in the late 1950s to the successful years of the 1960s, where Lombardi coached the Packers to several NFL victories. Lombardi’s glossy wooden desk presents an ashtray and telephone, with the telephone offering a call-and-pick-up photo opportunity for visitors.
The Trophy Room showcases the four Super Bowl trophies won by the Packers under the leadership of Vince Lombardi as well as 13 World Championship trophies, five NFL Championship trophies, and a selection of other championship items, including team-signed balls.
The Brett Favre exhibit displays his 16 seasons with the Packers since his joining in 1992. This record matches Bart Star for the longest tenure. Complete with high-quality photographs and a detailed timeline up until 2006, the exhibit features facts, trivia, and the NFL records set by Favre during his career. Visitors can also measure their hand against Favre's in an interactive activity.
Ongoing Programs and Education
The HOF provides a Lambeau field trip program for students of a range of ages. This program is designed to educate learners on the history of the Packers and the many moments of sporting history the players have achieved. A tour of the stadium is available for students, as is a tour of the hall. For Scouts, the HOF offers the Scout Patch Program and the Scout Sleepover Program.
1265 Lombardi Ave, Green Bay, WI 54304, Phone: 920-499-4281
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Attraction Spotlight: Green Bay Botanical Garden
Green Bay Botanical Garden is a year-round nonprofit botanical garden situated in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Spanning 47 acres, the garden features wooded trails, native plantings, a children’s garden, and formal gardens. Designed by the landscape artist Dennis Buetter, the garden also includes flora of the local region and plant species chosen for their ability to flourish in the upper Midwest. The garden annually hosts the WPS Garden of Lights festival during the winter months. This popular family event displays 250,000 holiday lights in various colors and designs throughout the grounds.
History
The history of the garden began when a group of keen horticulturalists and Green Bay residents decided the city would benefit from a botanical garden space. After visiting and studying many other botanical gardens in the US, the group negotiated a lease of land from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. A large team of local volunteers worked exhaustively to create Green Bay Botanical Garden, which still stands on the original plot of land. The garden was opened to the public in 1996.
Areas and Attractions
One of the key places of interest is the Schneider Education Center. Its main floor features the K.C. Stock Lobby and the 200-seat Cornerstone Foundation Hall, where presentations and talks take place. The center’s lower level contains the classrooms used for the on-site educational programs, as well as meeting areas. The center also features a professional catering kitchen, which caters to the events held here.
The Fischer Visitor Center is a state-of-the-art facility comprising a reception area and front desk, a fireplace, restrooms for visitors, and the WPS Trellis Gift Shop. The shop sells merchandise such as jigsaw puzzles, mugs, photography, jewelry, garden gloves, and many other nature-related products. Maps of the garden for self-guided tours can be picked up from the visitor center desk.
The Les and Dar Stumpf Hobbit House is a multi-functional facility open to the public during three seasons of the year. Complete with roof deck, open-air windows, and a tiered drinking fountain, the building is fitted with energy saving technologies such as Dyson air blade hand-dryers and solar light tubes.
The Schierl Wellhouse & Garden features a view of the Kress Oval Garden to the right, a remnant of the Larsen Orchard on the left, and Wellhouse Garden in the center. The Schierl Wellhouse & Garden itself presents a barberry and boxwood parterre and is edged with display beds showing ornamental, medicinal, and culinary plants.
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The Agnes Schneider Terrace is an American perennial garden. It contains a multi-textured walkway with benches on either side and the Mabel Thome Water Fountain at the end. More wooden benches surround the fountain, encouraging visitors to enjoy a rest and take in the surroundings.
The Gertrude B. Nielsen Children’s Garden consists of a tree house, a vine maze, a pond with fish, a giant sundial, and a slide. Further areas for children are the Wetting Zoo, the Children’s Garden Patch, and a compost demonstration area. Sections that encourage learning through the exploration of the surrounding nature are the Frog Bridge, the Dragonfly Bridge, and five other gardens, including the Einstein Garden.
Within the Horticultural Resource Center there are a number of interpretive displays covering many horticultural subjects, including interactive elements and activities for learners. The center contains the Scott & Nancy Ambrust Theater, where children can watch an introductory video tour of the history of the garden. The center is also home to the Garden Library, a horticulture-themed library for both adults and children.
Noted for its selection of roses is the Lux Foundation Upper Rose Garden. Planted in color groupings, the roses range from Austin® English roses to floribundas.
Ongoing Programs and Education
The garden offers both self-guided and guided tours for school groups as part of their School Tours Program. For Scout groups, the garden runs a badge scheme with hands-on activities and tours designed to fulfill the Scout badge reward requirements. An outreach program is in place for K-5th grade classes, whereby educators from the garden hold interactive lessons in local schools and daycare facilities, with topics varying per age group. Additionally, Green Bay Botanical Garden provides a scholarship program for financial assistance to organizations or schools that have a 40% or more involvement in the federal free and reduced lunch program.
2600 Larsen Rd, Green Bay, WI 54303, Phone: 902-490-9457
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