Things To Do
in Green Bay
Green Bay, Wisconsin, sits on the southwestern shore of the bay of Lake Michigan and mixes Midwestern friendliness with a strong small-city energy. It’s best known as the home of the Green Bay Packers and Lambeau Field, which shape much of the city’s culture and calendar. Outside of football, Green Bay offers riverside parks, nearby state parks and trails, and a growing food-and-brew scene rooted in Wisconsin’s cheese and brat traditions.
The city is a gateway to outdoor activities on the water and in woodlands, with four distinct seasons that each bring different charms and challenges.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day in Green Bay with a visit to the historic downtown area where you can admire the beautifully preserved architecture. Grab a fresh pastry and coffee at a local café while soaking in the charming atmosphere. Spend some time visiting the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame to learn about the city's rich football history.
After lunch at a local diner, head to the Neville Public Museum to explore exhibits that highlight the area's cultural and historical significance. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Fox River Trail, where you can appreciate scenic views of the water and wildlife. Visit the nearby Riverside Ballroom, a historic venue that hosts various events and concerts.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant, savoring fresh fish and local cuisine. After your meal, catch a live performance at the Meyer Theatre, an iconic venue that features local musicians and theatrical productions. Wind down your evening with a stroll along the riverfront, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Get into the spirit of Green Bay by starting your morning with a hearty breakfast before heading to Lambeau Field. Join fellow fans in the parking lot for tailgating, where the atmosphere is filled with excitement and camaraderie. Explore the Lambeau Field atrium, which features a Pro Shop and displays celebrating the Packers' legacy.
Experience the thrill of a live Packers game, cheering alongside thousands of dedicated fans. The energy in the stadium is palpable, as you enjoy the game day traditions, including the iconic 'Go Pack Go' chant. Make sure to grab a classic stadium snack, like cheese curds or a bratwurst, to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
After the game, celebrate the Packers' victory or commiserate with new friends at a nearby sports bar, sharing stories and highlights from the match. Enjoy a casual dinner while discussing the game and local sports culture. Wrap up your exciting day with a nightcap, reflecting on the electric atmosphere of Lambeau Field.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕️Coffee (regular café) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer at a bar | $5-7 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-150 |
| ⛽️Gasoline (per gallon) | $3-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong local culture and identity around the Packers and community events
- Access to lakeshore, rivers, parks and a variety of outdoor activities
- Affordable compared with larger Midwestern cities and friendly locals
- Growing craft beer and local-food scene with traditional Wisconsin cuisine
- Winter weather can be extreme and disrupt travel
- Limited late-night entertainment compared with bigger cities
- Public transit is modest—having a car is helpful for exploring surrounding areas
- Some attractions are seasonal (markets, certain tours and outdoor activities)
Places to Visit in Green Bay
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic stadium exterior, dynamic game-day crowds, and the Packers Hall of Fame make for compelling sports and architectural photography—best during golden hour or on game days.
Riverside walkways, bridges and historic industrial structures offer reflections, boat scenes and sunsets over the water.
Wooded ridges and rolling hills provide panoramic vistas, especially dramatic in fall foliage season and at sunrise/sunset.
Wetlands and boardwalks are ideal for birding and nature close-ups; capture migratory birds and tranquil marsh landscapes.
Colorful public art, vintage storefronts and street scenes for lively urban photography.
Food in Green Bay
Green Bay Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Wisconsin must-try—squeaky fresh or deep-fried—available at dairy stores, farmers’ markets and many pubs. Try them at local breweries or county fairs.
Must-Try!
Grilled brat on a bun, often served with mustard and kraut; widely available at casual restaurants, street vendors and during tailgates.
A traditional Wisconsin Friday-night meal—beer-battered or pan-fried fish served with fries or potatoes and coleslaw—served at many local supper clubs and pubs.
While Door County is a short drive away, cherry-based desserts and preserves show up on menus locally—great as a seasonal finish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal farmers’ market with local produce, baked goods, cheeses and prepared foods—ideal for sampling regional specialties and finding picnic supplies.
Near Lambeau Field on game days you’ll find a variety of street-food style offerings and concession specialties—great for sampling brats, burgers and beer.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People are generally polite and approachable—greet with a smile, say 'please' and 'thank you', and be prepared for courteous, reserved Midwestern interaction.
The Packers are a major civic identity—respect and enthusiasm for the team is common, especially on game days; wearing team gear or joining in chants like 'Go Pack Go!' is widely accepted.
Respect personal space and be on time for appointments; small talk and friendly conversation are common but keep topics neutral with acquaintances.
Follow 'leave no trace' principles in parks, dispose of trash properly, and adhere to posted rules in wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas.
Safety
Tipping in Green Bay
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S. tipping is customary: 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or 15% on tabs, 10–15% for taxi or ride-share drivers depending on service, and $1–5 for hotel housekeeping per night. Tip for good service and when staff rely on tips as part of wages.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Carry a small amount of cash for farmers’ markets, small vendors or tips. ATMs are readily available around town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot and humid with plenty of outdoor festivals, boating, and park activities; expect long daylight hours and comfortable evenings—pack sunscreen and bug spray.
Crisp air and stunning fall foliage—ideal for hiking and scenic drives; cooler nights mean layers are necessary and football season brings heavy crowds on game weekends.
Cold with snow and ice; temperatures often drop below freezing and winter weather can affect travel—bring insulated clothing, traction footwear, and be prepared for possible game-day tailgating in cold conditions.
Variable weather with thawing, mud and rain; wildflowers and migratory birds return but be ready for wet trails and chilly mornings.
Green Bay at Night
Hiking in Green Bay
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large park with diverse trails through wooded ridges and valleys—excellent for hiking, mountain biking and fall foliage viewing, about a short drive from Green Bay.
Multi-use trail along parts of the Fox River suitable for walking, cycling and casual rides—connects parks and neighborhoods.
Short coastal trails and boardwalks near marshes and the bay for easy, scenic walks and birdwatching.
Longer multi-use trail within reach for day trips—offers rural scenery, small-town stops, and varied surfaces for biking or hiking.
Airports
How to reach Green Bay by plane.
Primary local airport with regional flights and car rental options; a short drive from downtown (roughly 10–15 minutes).
About 30–40 minutes south of Green Bay by car—offers additional regional flights and ground transport options.
Larger airport about 1.5–2 hours by car, providing many national and international connections.
Major international hub approximately 3.5–4 hours by car; good option for international flights or wider airline choices.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Green Bay with deep regional roots and family-owned businesses.
A significant and growing community contributing culturally and economically to the city—visible in local businesses, restaurants and festivals.
The area is home to Native American populations and nearby tribal lands—local history and cultural influences are present in the region.
Students from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay and young professionals add to the cultural scene and demand for food, arts and recreation.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The NFL’s Green Bay Packers dominate the local sports identity—home games, tailgates and fan culture are central to many events and gatherings.
Hockey (youth and semi-pro) is popular in winter; high school and college sports also draw local support.
Recreational fishing and boating on Green Bay and local rivers are popular year-round activities for residents and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Green Bay.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available at cafés, breweries and farm-to-table restaurants—look for salads, veggie burgers, fried cheese curds (not vegan), and seasonal vegetable plates.
Vegan and gluten-free choices exist but are less ubiquitous than omnivore offerings—many restaurants will accommodate if asked; larger places and health-oriented cafés are safer bets.
Most restaurants are accustomed to allergy requests—always state allergies clearly, ask about cross-contamination, and consider carrying basic substitutes if you have strict dietary needs.