Green Bay, Wisconsin Travel Guide

Discover Green Bay, Wisconsin: A blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, sports fans, and history buffs alike.

Nestled along the western shore of Lake Michigan, Green Bay is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Known for its friendly community and picturesque landscapes, this city is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Whether you're exploring the lush trails of the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary or soaking in the panoramic views from the top of the Green Bay Botanical Garden, you'll find yourself captivated by the city's charm. Sports fans won't want to miss a visit to Lambeau Field, home to the storied Green Bay Packers. The stadium, steeped in NFL history, offers tours that take you behind the scenes, letting you walk the same ground as legends. Even outside of football season, the Packers Hall of Fame provides a fascinating glimpse into the team's storied past. For a taste of the local culture, head to the Farmers Market on Broadway, where you can sample fresh produce, local cheeses, and handcrafted goods. The National Railroad Museum offers an engaging look at America's rail history, complete with vintage locomotives and interactive exhibits. Green Bay's inviting atmosphere and diverse attractions make it an ideal destination for travelers of all kinds.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Green Bay.

Visit in the fall to experience the beautiful autumn foliage and enjoy milder weather.
Pack layers, as temperatures can vary widely throughout the day.
Take advantage of the free parking available in many areas downtown.
Check the schedule for local events and festivals to make the most of your trip.
If you're planning to visit Lambeau Field, book your tour tickets in advance to secure your spot.

Explore Green Bay: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Green Bay

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Lambeau Field

Explore Lambeau Field, the legendary home of the Green Bay Packers, where football history and passionate fans create an unforgettable experience.

4.8

Bay Beach Amusement Park

Discover endless fun and excitement at Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where family-friendly attractions meet beautiful waterfront views.

4.7

Green Bay Botanical Garden

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Green Bay Botanical Garden, a serene escape filled with vibrant flora and enriching experiences in Wisconsin.

4.8

Green Bay Botanical Garden

Discover the lush beauty of Green Bay Botanical Garden, a serene oasis filled with diverse plant collections and themed gardens in Wisconsin.

4.8

Best landmarks in Green Bay

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Lambeau Field

Discover the iconic Lambeau Field, the legendary home of the Green Bay Packers, where football history meets passionate fandom in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.8

Bay Beach Amusement Park

Discover the excitement of Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where adventure meets family fun along the beautiful lakeside.

4.7

NEW Zoo & Adventure Park

Experience the vibrant wildlife and thrilling adventure at NEW Zoo & Adventure Park in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Fun for all ages awaits!

4.5

Green Bay Botanical Garden

Immerse yourself in nature's beauty at the Green Bay Botanical Garden, a stunning landscape filled with diverse plant life and seasonal displays.

4.8

Best restaurants in Green Bay

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The Pancake Place

Discover the ultimate pancake experience at The Pancake Place in Green Bay - where breakfast dreams come true!

4.5

1919 Kitchen & Tap

Experience exceptional American cuisine at 1919 Kitchen & Tap inside Lambeau Field—where food meets football in Green Bay.

4.4

LongHorn Steakhouse

Experience the rich flavors of steak at LongHorn Steakhouse in Green Bay – where every meal is crafted with care.

4.5

Anduzzi's Sports Club - Holmgren Way

Experience sports like never before at Anduzzi's Sports Club - Green Bay’s premier restaurant & bar with great food and exciting game-day vibes.

4.1

Best bars in Green Bay

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Stadium View Bar, Restaurant & Event Hall

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious American cuisine at Stadium View, your go-to spot for dining and sports in Green Bay.

4.4

Anduzzi's Sports Club - Holmgren Way

Experience the ultimate sports bar atmosphere at Anduzzi's Sports Club in Green Bay, featuring delicious food, great drinks, and all the game-day action.

4.1

The Bar - Holmgren Way

Savor American comfort food and drinks at The Bar - Holmgren Way in Green Bay, a vibrant spot for locals and tourists alike.

4.2

Fox Harbor

Discover the charm of Fox Harbor in Green Bay, where delicious grill favorites meet a lively bar atmosphere for an unforgettable dining experience.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Green Bay

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RumRunners

Discover the lively atmosphere of RumRunners in Green Bay, WI—a cocktail bar, karaoke hotspot, and sports haven all in one!

4.5

Stage 1

Discover the lively atmosphere at Stage 1, a premier bar and event venue in Green Bay, offering great drinks, entertainment, and a welcoming beer garden.

4.1

Napalese Lounge

Experience the lively atmosphere of Napalese Lounge, an inviting grill and cocktail bar in Green Bay, perfect for a memorable night out.

4.5

Stir-Ups Parlor & Saloon

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Stir-Ups Parlor & Saloon, where live music and a lively atmosphere create unforgettable nights in Green Bay.

4.0

Best shops in Green Bay

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Bay Park Square

Discover an extensive shopping experience at Bay Park Square in Green Bay, featuring over 200 stores, dining options, and entertainment for all ages.

4.2

Green Bay Plaza

Discover the ultimate shopping experience at Green Bay Plaza in Wisconsin, where retail therapy meets delightful dining and family fun.

4.2

Packers Pro Shop

Discover the ultimate destination for Green Bay Packers fans at the Packers Pro Shop, where passion meets memorabilia and shopping delights.

4.8

East Town

Experience shopping bliss at East Town Mall in Green Bay, where variety meets convenience in a lively atmosphere.

3.5

Explore Green Bay on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Green Bay, mapped for you.

Green Bay Essentials

Green Bay is accessible via Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB), located just a few miles from downtown. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United offer flights to and from this airport. Alternatively, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) are larger hubs about 3-4 hours' drive away. Green Bay can also be accessed by Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses, which connect to various cities across the United States.
Green Bay offers several transportation options. Green Bay Metro provides public bus services throughout the city, with convenient routes to major attractions. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. Car rentals are also an option, with several rental agencies located at the airport and around the city. For a more local experience, consider renting a bike to explore the city's extensive network of bike trails.
The official currency in Green Bay, as in the rest of the United States, is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, especially in downtown areas and shopping centers. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or when visiting more remote areas.
Green Bay is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it’s wise to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas. Known high-crime areas include parts of the downtown area and certain neighborhoods like Navarino and Fort Howard. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and use hotel safes for valuables.
In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Green Bay has several reputable hospitals, including Bellin Hospital and St. Vincent Hospital, which provide comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are widely available, and many are open 24/7. It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. Casual wear is generally acceptable, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect places of worship. Remove hats and lower voices when inside. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer seats to elderly or disabled passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or handshake. Don't be overly familiar with strangers. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like cheese curds and bratwurst. Don't forget to tip your server, typically 15-20% of the bill.
To experience Green Bay like a local, visit the Saturday Farmers Market on Washington Street for fresh produce and local crafts. Take a stroll along the Fox River Trail, a favorite among residents. Attend a Green Bay Packers game at Lambeau Field or visit the Packers Hall of Fame. For a unique dining experience, try the fish fry at a local supper club, a Wisconsin tradition.

When is the best time to visit Green Bay?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Green Bay

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Green Bay. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHey there
  [hey th-air]
- GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yah]
- YesYeah
  [yeh]
- NoNah
  [nah]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez/no probl-em]
- Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
- Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [pardon me/my bad]
- How are you?How's it going?
  [hows it go-ing]
- Fine. And you?Good. How about you?
  [good. how a-bout yah]
- Do you speak English?You speak English?
  [yew speak ing-glish]
- I don't understandI don't get it
  [eye dont get it]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
  [kan eye chek out the menu]
- I don't eat meatI'm vegetarian
  [eye-m veg-eh-tare-ee-an]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseI'll settle up, thanks
  [eye-ell set-el up thanks]
- Help!Help!
  [help]
- Go away!Get lost!
  [get lost]
- Call the Police!Call the Cops!
  [call the cops]
- Call a doctor!Get a doctor!
  [get a doc-tor]
- I'm lostI'm turned around
  [eye-m turned a-round]
- I'm illI'm sick
  [eye-m sick]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna purchase...
  [eye wanna pur-chase]
- I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [just brows-ing]
- How much is it?What's the damage?
  [whats the dam-age]
- That's too expensiveThat's pricey
  [thats pr-eye-see]
- Can you lower the price?Can you cut me a deal?
  [kan yew cut me a deal]
- What time is it?What's the time?
  [whats the time]
- It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
- Half past (10)Ten thirty
  [ten thur-tee]
- MorningMorning
  [morning]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
- EveningEvening
  [even-ing]
- YesterdayYesterday
  [yester-day]
- TodayToday
  [to-day]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [to-mor-row]
- 1One
  [wun]
- 2Two
  [too]
- 3Three
  [three]
- 4Four
  [four]
- 5Five
  [five]
- 6Six
  [six]
- 7Seven
  [seven]
- 8Eight
  [ate]
- 9Nine
  [nine]
- 10Ten
  [ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...
  [wheres the]
- What's the address?What's the address?
  [whats the address]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [kan yew show me (on the map)]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [whens the next (bus)]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a tick-et (to)]

History of Green Bay

Before European settlers arrived, the area that is now Green Bay was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Menominee, Ho-Chunk, and Ojibwe. These tribes lived off the land, engaging in hunting, fishing, and agriculture, and had a rich cultural and spiritual life.
In the mid-17th century, French explorers such as Jean Nicolet arrived in the region. Green Bay soon became a key site for the fur trade, attracting French-Canadian voyageurs and traders. The French established trading posts and missions, fostering relationships with the local tribes.
After the French and Indian War, control of Green Bay passed to the British. The area saw limited action during the American Revolution, but British influence persisted until the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which ceded the territory to the new United States.
In 1816, the United States established Fort Howard on the west bank of the Fox River. This military post played a crucial role in protecting American settlers and fostering economic growth. It also served as a strategic point during the Black Hawk War in 1832.
In the mid-19th century, Green Bay became a hub for the lumber industry. The vast forests of northern Wisconsin provided ample resources for sawmills, and the Fox River served as a transportation route for timber. This industry spurred significant economic development in the area.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Green Bay attracted immigrants from various European countries, including Belgium, Germany, and Poland. These communities brought their traditions, languages, and cuisines, contributing to the city's rich cultural tapestry.
Founded in 1919, the Green Bay Packers are one of the oldest and most storied franchises in the National Football League (NFL). The team's success and the community's passionate support have earned Green Bay the nickname 'Titletown, USA.' The Packers are unique as they are owned by the community, making them a symbol of local pride.
In recent decades, Green Bay has diversified its economy beyond traditional industries like papermaking and meatpacking. The city has seen growth in sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology. This economic transformation has helped Green Bay maintain its vitality and adapt to changing times.
Green Bay offers a variety of cultural and recreational attractions, including the Neville Public Museum, which showcases local history and art, and the Green Bay Botanical Garden. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary and the Fox River Trail, enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Efforts to revitalize downtown Green Bay have led to a resurgence in urban development. New restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues have opened, and historic buildings have been restored. The CityDeck, a promenade along the Fox River, has become a popular gathering spot for events and leisure activities.