1. People From Green Bay Bleed Green And Gold
Green Bay is home to the Packers, and, boy, they won’t let you forget it.
And why should they? The Packers have won more championships–13–than any other team in NFL history. They’ve been to the Super Bowl five times, winning four and that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the source their Cheesehead pride.
Fun fact: Green Bay is the smallest metropolitan area to host a major professional sports stadium.
2. Green Bay Offers Tummy Tickles With A View
Featuring a roller coaster with scenic views, children-friendly rides and concessions, Bay Beach Amusement Park is fun for the entire family. Ride the Zippin Pippin roller coaster for an amazing overlook of Green Bay (even if it is for a few seconds).
Thrills and heights not quite your thing? Hop onto the Bay Beach Train for a short tour of the park that also includes a view of the picturesque bay… without the stomach drop.
3. Lambeau Field Is More Than The Green Bay Packers’ Home Turf
Lambeau Field offers year-round events and activities for all to enjoy. From the Packers Hall of Fame to the Lambeau Field Stadium Tour, this legendary stadium is a delight to all who enter.
4. It Was Once Called The Stinking Bay
Founded by Jean Nicolet in 1634, Green Bay is one of America’s oldest permanent settlements. Once a small trading post, the area was originally named
La Baie des Puantsor “The Bay of Stinking Waters / The Stinking Bay.” This was not to say that the area had a foul odor–it was simply a mistranslation between the Native Americans and Nicolet.
5. The People Of Green Bay Get Eclectic On Broadway
Green Bay revolutionized their downtown by turning a once crime-ridden area into a self-titled “Mall-ternative.” On Broadway District, a Great American Main Street Award Winner, you can now find local shops, restaurants and some great attractions.
This is the place to be for downtown events like Winterfest, Taste On Broadway, Holidays on Broadway, Lighting Ceremony on Broadway (notice a theme here?)
6. And Guess Where The Weekly Wednesday Farmers’ Market Is? Broadway, Of Course!
Every summer vendors line the street of the Historic Downtown Broadway District to sell vegetables, fruits, crafts, arts and more. The largest farmers’ market in the Green Bay Area, everyone gathers here to eat, shop and check out the live entertainment. That’s right–not only is this market full of local-made goods and good eats, they’ve got live music on four separate stages. It’s practically a party for your senses.
7. You Can Thank Green Bay For The Existence Of The Mystery Science Theater 3000
Source: Youtube user Nite27
Joel Hodgson, the creator of Mystery Science Theater 3000, was raised and graduated from high school in Green Bay, Wisconsin. You’re welcome, America.
8. The Oneida Nation Walk Of Legends Is Truly A Walk To Remember
Known as both the Walk of Legends and The Oneida Nation Walk of Legends, this free art walkway is a mile long past 24 statues composed of granite and steel. This one-of-a-kind, place-making project acts as a public gallery and a history lesson. Walkers enjoy the evolution of football in the area as well as philosophies, practices and shared tenets of the Oneida Tribe.
9. Nothing Is More Serene Than The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
The perfect escape from the city within city limits, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is 700 acres of wildlife, hiking and skiing trails, educational displays and animal exhibits. You’ll forget you’re anywhere near a metropolis when you enter this sanctuary. From bird watchers to fishers to nature enthusiasts, there’s something here for everyone.
10. Walk The Plank At Captain’s Walk Winery
Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of… wine? Yes. Captain’s Walk Winery is family-run and located in a historically beautiful Victorian house. There are rooms dedicated to tasting, events and lounging and the glass floors offers a view to the barreled wine below.
With reasonable prices, full flavor wine and a friendly staff, this laid back winery withholds the snobbery.
11. The ARTgarage Proves Art Isn’t Supposed To Be Kept In Storage
Founded by local artists, the ARTgarage focuses on fostering an appreciation for and participation in the performing, visual and literary arts. Located in a 100-year-old former cannery, the location itself is visual masterpiece. In the summer, elementary through high school aged youth can participate in SAW, a weeklong Summer Art Workshop. From galleries to workshops, ARTgarage contributes to creating a vibrant, rich community in the historic downtown district.
12. Everything Happens At The Meyer Theatre
Opened in the ‘30s, Meyer Theatre has seen many famous names and great events in its day. Nat King Cole, Johnny Cash, Liberace and more have performed on the historic stage. Recently restored, this theatre now presents musicals, plays, film festivals and unique touring shows. A truly majestic venue, every show is only heightened by the beauty and rustic surroundings of the Meyer Theatre.
13. There’s Plenty Of Hands On Fun To Be Had At The Children’s Museum of Green Bay
A unique blend of nationally recognized children’s exhibits and hands on experiences make The Children’s Museum of Green Bay one of the Top 10 New Destinations in the Midwest (according to “Midwest Magazine”).
With exhibits like the Digestive System and the Imagination Station, to programs that focus on teaching families how to eat healthy on a low budget–it’s easy to see why The Children’s Museum of Green Bay often reaches full capacity on Saturdays.
14. Chug-A Chug-A Brew Or Two At Titletown Brewery
Titletown Brewery is a medal-winning micro brewpub that specializes in delicious drinks. Since 1996, this place has been serving up tasty brews in the former Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Depot. Talk about brews with a view.
From their “Boathouse Pilsner” to their “Dark Helmet Schwartzbier”, it’s all frothy and refreshing.
A favorite of the area since 1965, the brew master behind a local favorite, Grandma Gladys, is the actual grandmother to the founders of Titletown. Brewing delicious beer is in their genes.
15. There’s A Hobbit House Bathroom At The Green Bay Botanical Garden. Yes, You Read That Right.
Explore 47 acres of display gardens, natural areas and unique architecture that showcase the beauty of northeast Wisconsin at Green Bay Botanical Garden. With a Hobbit House restroom and a Grecian inspired gazebo there’s no shortage of architectural sites to explore.
There’s an entire garden designed to play on children’s dreams of being princes and princesses, but it enchants adults too. I’m not going to lie—I definitely wished I had worn a ball gown and tiara when I explored this exhibit.
16. All Aboard This Train To The National Railroad Museum
Chug along America’s railroad history at the National Railroad Museum and check out exhibits ranging from Railroad Graffiti to the world’s largest steam locomotive (affectionately called ‘Big Boy’).
This place is not just for railroad enthusiasts–they even have a Rails & Ales event where you sample dozens of craft beer, fine wines and food prepared by chefs while strolling through the historic trains. Chooo! Choo! indeed.
17. Get Nautical At The The Tall Ship Festival
Experience three full days of maritime fun based around schooners, brigs, brigantines and barques. Maybe that was too much ship talk for you, but the Baylake Bank Tall Ship Festival won’t be.
This festival is part of the Tall Ships Challenge of the Great Lakes, a non-profit that has been around since 1973. Tour ships with mast heights of up to 126 feet, sing along to shanty tunes, enjoy the traveling performers or stay up late with some nighttime entertainment. It doesn’t matter what you do–this Tall Ship Festival is full of maritime fun for all ages.
18. Heritage Hill Offers Historical Thrills
A living history museum, Heritage Hill State Historical Park preserves the history of Northeast Wisconsin and its people. Offering four distinct areas over 50 acres, this is a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
Experience the fur trading industry that helped shape the area to become the city it is today, or explore Fort Howard, an area made in the 1800s to defend the river routes and connect other major forts.
19. River Walk Away Those Urban Blues
The Fox River State Recreational trail is 25 miles of well-maintained, paved trail along the Fox River that starts in Green Bay. The Fox River State Recreational trail meets with the City Deck (a waterfront pathway) in downtown Green Bay, making this a great place to get in your daily jog or catch up with friends.
20. “Latte” Me Tell You–Kavarna Coffeehouse Is The Best Way To Jolt Your Day
The hip place to be, Kavarna Coffeehouse not only serves up a great cup of joe but also delicious meals and baked goods made from scratch. They’re also vegan and vegetarian friendly and use local ingredients. It doesn’t get much better than that.
21. Saunter Through Green Bay’s Spooky Past With Green Bay Ghost Tours
Get spooked with a family-friendly ghost tour that highlights the city’s haunting past. From the spooky to the unexplainable, this tour covers it all. Take the walking tour through downtown to find the paranormal hot spots or tour it by bus if getting up close and personal with spirits just isn’t your thing.
22. People From Green Bay Run For Fun… Or Stand On The Sidelines And Cheer
The Bellin Run is an annual 10k held the second Saturday in June and is one of the area’s premier sporting events. I mean, it’s been around since 1977 so you know that I’m not just saying that.
Initially created to promote cardiovascular fitness, the Bellin Hospital had no idea it would become so popular. Now, more than 20,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair participants gather to honor this long running tradition and celebrate their health.
23. You’ll Be Intrigued By The Oddities At Marza Luna
From antiques to pigeon skeletons, Marza Luna aims to intrigue and delight it’s shoppers with the unique, rare, and historical items in its shop. Wander in and you may think it’s a museum, but Marza Luna wouldn’t have it any other way. Where else can you buy a taxidermy animal and then get your portrait painted in an expressionist style?
24. Daddy D Productions Brings The Theater Out To Eat
You may have thought that dinner theater was a thing of the past, but Daddy D Productions will prove you wrong. For eight years, they’ve been bringing family-friendly laughs, fantastic food and overall fun out to dinner. The cast will make you laugh so hard that you may want to be careful to time your bites as to avoid a spit-take all over your dining companions.
25. Kastle Park Takes Mini-Golf To A Whole Other Level
Sure, everyone has been to a park with mini-golf and a putt putt course, but Kastle Park does it better. Where else can you climb a rock wall after beating your friends at a paintball target range or try for a hole in one in a 60’ foot cave. Their 1/4 mile go kart track brings curves like you’ve never seen before and their arcade is full of the classics, including a love meter to test the fate of you and your date. They even have bumper boats.
26. Discover Regional Artifacts and History At The Neville Public Museum
Ever wonder how many footprints would fit into that of a T-Rex? What about what life was like in Northeast Wisconsin at the last Ice Age? Well, The Neville Public Museum can answer those questions—and ones you probably didn’t even know you had.
The Discovery Room provides children with learning opportunities in the form of fun while the Hometown Advantage invites Packer fans to watch short videos on how the Green Bay Packers helped to shape the community–no matter what you go there for, Neville Public Museum will keep you coming back.
27. City Stadium Offers A Horseshoe-Shaped Slice Of History
From 1925 to 1956 the Green Pay Packers played on the field adjacent to the Green Bay East High School. This horseshoe-shaped stadium was originally without any locker rooms, so the Packers had to change in the school and the visiting teams in their hotel rooms.
When Packers moved to Lambeau Field, City Stadium was given to the high school. Though the stadium has been recently renovated, the original equipment shed still stands. It’s a little slice of Packer history that is revered by both locals and non-local fans alike.
Featured Image Source: Flickr user kenfagerdotcom
What you love about living in Green Bay? Tell us in the comments below!
