When you hear “Green Bay,” your mind probably goes straight to spirals, touchdowns, and the frozen tundra. And yeah, that’s a huge part of its soul. But this city on the shores of Lake Michigan has a secret: it’s so much more than its legendary football team.
It’s a place with deep-rooted history, stunning natural escapes, and a small-town friendliness that you just don’t find everywhere. We’re talking about a city that perfectly blends iconic American sport with unexpected gems.
So, you’re ready to explore beyond the stadium walls? You’ve come to the right place. We’re diving deep into the absolute best things to do in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This isn’t your average list; it’s a curated guide to the experiences that make this city truly special.
From wandering through living history to getting up close with incredible wildlife, get ready to discover the adventures that await. Let’s unlock the real Green Bay.
1. Lambeau Field – Best Overall & Must-Do for First Timers
Let’s get this one out of the way first because, c’mon, you knew it was coming. A trip to Green Bay without seeing Lambeau Field is like going to the beach and not touching the water. It just isn’t done. This isn’t just a stadium; it’s a pilgrimage site for sports fans and a monument to community ownership. The energy here is palpable, even on a non-game day.
You can feel the ghosts of legends like Lombardi and Favre in the very air. Taking the legendary stadium tour is an absolute must-do. It’s the best way to truly appreciate this iconic venue and is, without a doubt, one of the top things to do in Green Bay.
The tour gives you behind-the-scenes access that will blow your mind. You’ll get to walk through the player’s tunnel, just like the team does on game day, and feel a shiver of excitement as you emerge onto the field edge.
You can sit in the seats of the exclusive 600-level and see the entire “frozen tundra” from above. And of course, a visit to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame inside the atrium is essential. It’s packed with memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and all four Lombardi Trophies.
Whether you’re a die-hard football fanatic or just a curious traveler, the sheer scale and history of Lambeau make it an unforgettable and essential Green Bay attraction.
2. Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary – Best For Families & A Budget-Friendly Day
Looking for an amazing day out that won’t wreck your vacation budget? Head straight to the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. This place is an absolute gem and one of the best free things to do in Green Bay with kids. We’re not talking about a small petting zoo here.
This is a massive 700-acre urban wildlife refuge, and it’s completely free to enter, though donations are welcome.
The sanctuary is home to injured and non-releasable animals, so you’ll get to see native Wisconsin creatures up close. Think majestic white-tailed deer, playful river otters, soaring eagles, and even black bears.
The walking paths are easy and stroller-friendly, winding through forests and around lagoons. The animal exhibits are spacious and well-designed, making you feel like you’re discovering these animals in their natural habitat.
Kids go absolutely nuts for the large bird aviaries and the chance to feed the geese and ducks. It’s a place where your family can spend an entire morning or afternoon immersed in nature without spending a fortune.
For a fun, educational, and incredibly wallet-friendly adventure, the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is a total home run and a standout among family-friendly Green Bay activities.
3. National Railroad Museum – Best For History Buffs & A Unique Experience
All aboard for a journey into America’s industrial past! The National Railroad Museum is one of those attractions that surprises everyone, even if you’re not a total train fanatic. This isn’t a stuffy old museum; it’s a sprawling, living tribute to the machines that built a nation.
As one of the oldest and largest institutions of its kind in the country, it holds a massive collection of locomotives and rail cars. The sheer size of these steel giants is enough to make your jaw drop.
Walking among them is a humbling experience and a fantastic thing to do in Green Bay for anyone who loves history or engineering.
The crown jewel of the collection is the legendary Union Pacific Big Boy, one of the largest steam locomotives ever built. Standing next to its massive wheels is a perspective-altering moment. But the fun doesn’t stop there.
You can also take a ride on a vintage short-line train that loops around the museum’s property, which is a huge hit with visitors of all ages. The indoor exhibits are just as engaging, telling the stories of the people who worked and traveled on the rails.
It’s an interactive, hands-on history lesson that feels more like an adventure. This is easily one of the most unique and captivating places to visit in Green Bay.
4. Green Bay Botanical Garden – Best For A Peaceful Stroll & Nature Lovers
Need a little quiet time away from the buzz of the city? The Green Bay Botanical Garden is your sanctuary. This 47-acre living museum is a breathtaking display of color, texture, and fragrance that changes with every single season.
One visit here and you’ll understand why it’s considered a crown jewel of the community. It’s not just a bunch of pretty flowers; it’s a masterfully designed landscape with distinct gardens, each with its own personality.
From the serene Kraszewski Village Garden to the vibrant and whimsical Children’s Garden, there’s a corner for every mood.
You can spend hours here just meandering along the paved paths, discovering hidden benches, and watching butterflies flit from blossom to blossom. The gardens are designed to showcase what thrives in the Wisconsin climate, so it’s as educational as it is beautiful.
It’s the perfect spot for a romantic walk, a reflective solo trip, or a fun family outing where the kids can explore and burn off some energy.
For anyone compiling a list of relaxing things to do in Green Bay, the Botanical Garden is a must-add. It’s a soul-soothing escape that showcases the area’s natural beauty.
5. The Walk of Legends & CityDeck – Best For A Scenic Downtown Walk
To really understand Green Bay’s connection to its waterfront, you have to take a walk along the CityDeck. This beautiful riverwalk is the city’s front porch, stretching along the Fox River in the heart of downtown.
It’s a vibrant public space that perfectly blends urban energy with natural beauty. The modern design with its wave-like benches and lighting makes for a fantastic stroll any time of day.
It’s a central hub for many of the fun things to do in Green Bay’s downtown area, often hosting festivals and concerts during the warmer months.
Connecting to the CityDeck is the Walk of Legends, a series of plaques embedded in the sidewalk that celebrate the great players and moments in Packers history. It’s a fun, free way to geek out on some sports trivia while enjoying the fresh air.
You can watch boats go by, see the bridges lift for taller vessels, and get a great view of the downtown skyline. The area is surrounded by cafes and shops, making it easy to turn your walk into a full afternoon outing.
For a dose of fresh air and a true taste of the city’s pulse, a walk here is one of the essential Green Bay activities.
6. NEW Zoo & Adventure Park – Best For Animal Encounters & Family Fun
Ready for a wild time? The NEW Zoo is just a short drive from downtown Green Bay and it is worth every minute. This isn’t your grandparents’ zoo with tiny cages. It’s a modern, spacious facility where animals have room to roam in naturalistic habitats.
The zoo is home to over 90 species from around the world, including giraffes, tigers, grizzly bears, and rhinos. The layout is easy to navigate, and the exhibits are designed to bring you face-to-face with the animals.
The giraffe feeding experience is a total crowd-pleaser—there’s nothing quite like looking a 16-foot-tall creature right in the eye.
But the adventure doesn’t stop at looking at animals. The on-site Adventure Park takes the fun to the next level with a treetop ropes course, a zip line, and a climbing wall.
It’s the perfect way to add an extra shot of adrenaline to your day. The zoo also has a fun train ride that gives you a cool tour of the grounds.
With a great mix of education, conservation, and pure entertainment, the NEW Zoo offers a complete day of fun and is a top-tier choice for things to do near Green Bay with the whole family.
7. Heritage Hill State Historical Park – Best For Stepping Back in Time
What if you could walk through 100 years of Wisconsin history in a single afternoon? At Heritage Hill State Historical Park, you can do exactly that.
This 56-acre open-air museum is a time machine, featuring over 25 original and historically recreated buildings that tell the story of Northeast Wisconsin from the 1600s to the 1900s.
It’s not a static display; it’s a living history park where costumed interpreters bring the past to life. You can chat with a blacksmith forging a tool in his shop, watch a baker cooking over an open hearth, or explore a fur trader’s cabin.
The park is divided into four distinct historical areas: Pioneer, Small Town, Agricultural, and Military. Each one transports you to a different era. The sight of the old Fort Howard stockade is particularly impressive.
It’s an incredibly engaging and immersive experience that makes history feel tangible and exciting. For families, it’s a brilliant way to make history lessons fun and memorable.
For adults, it’s a fascinating and peaceful stroll through a bygone era. A trip to Heritage Hill is easily one of the most unique and educational things to do in Green Bay.
8. Weidner Center for the Performing Arts – Best For A Classy Night Out
Feel like adding a little sophistication and culture to your itinerary? The Weidner Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay campus is your spot. This is northeastern Wisconsin’s premier venue for the performing arts, and it’s a world-class facility.
With multiple performance halls, including the stunning, 2,000-seat Cofrin Family Hall, the acoustics and sightlines are impeccable.
The calendar is always packed with an incredible variety of shows, from touring Broadway productions like Wicked or Hamilton to symphony orchestra performances, ballet, and world-renowned speakers.
A night here feels like a special event. You get dressed up, you enjoy a breathtaking performance, and you leave feeling inspired and enriched. It’s a fantastic option for a date night or a fun evening with friends.
The energy of a live performance, whether it’s a powerful play or a spectacular dance number, is something you just can’t replicate.
Checking their schedule and booking tickets for a show is one of the best things to do in Green Bay for adults looking for a memorable and elegant night on the town.
9. Fox River Trail – Best For Cycling & Jogging
For those who like to explore on two wheels or two feet, the Fox River Trail is an absolute dream. This paved recreational trail stretches for over 20 miles, following the beautiful Fox River from downtown Green Bay all the way to the city of Kaukauna.
It’s mostly flat, making it perfect for a casual bike ride, a brisk jog, or a long, leisurely walk. The trail offers constantly changing scenery, from urban landscapes and industrial history to quiet, natural areas filled with wildlife.
You’ll see great blue herons fishing in the river and cyclists giving a friendly nod as they pass by.
Renting a bike is easy in Green Bay, and hitting this trail is one of the best active things to do in Green Bay. It gives you a unique perspective of the city and its surrounding natural beauty. You can plan a short out-and-back trip or make a full day of it.
The trail connects several parks and points of interest, so you can easily stop for a picnic or a break along the way. It’s a wonderful way to get some fresh air, exercise, and see a different side of the area that most tourists miss.
10. Brown County Fair – Best For Seasonal Fun & Local Flavor
If your visit lines up in late summer, you are in for a real treat. The Brown County Fair is an annual tradition that has been a cornerstone of community life for over 175 years.
This is where the heart of Wisconsin truly shines. It’s a classic county fair in the best sense of the word. We’re talking giant carnival midways with thrilling rides, agricultural barns filled with prize-winning cows and rabbits, and live music echoing from the grandstand.
The air is filled with the irresistible smell of fair food, from classic corn dogs to inventive new treats.
It’s a vibrant, bustling, and wonderfully chaotic celebration of local culture. You can watch a tractor pull, see a pie-eating contest, or just people-watch from a bench. It’s a completely immersive experience that feels authentically American.
For a truly local and unforgettable experience, timing your trip to catch the Brown County Fair is a brilliant move. It’s a highlight of the summer calendar and one of the most fun and festive Green Bay attractions you can find.
11. Ashwaubomay Lake – Best For A Quick Swim & Summer Cool-Down
When the Wisconsin summer sun is beating down, locals know exactly where to go: Ashwaubomay Lake. This little recreational area, right within the city limits, is a fantastic spot for a quick and easy cool-down. The park features a sandy swimming beach that’s perfect for families.
The kids can build sandcastles and splash in the designated swimming area while parents relax on the shore. It’s a no-fuss, classic summer day outing that feels a million miles away from the city bustle even though it’s just minutes from downtown.
Beyond the beach, the park has picnic areas, a playground, and a walking path. It’s a popular spot, but it rarely feels overcrowded. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a few hours without spending much money, just enjoying the simple pleasures of a sunny day by the water.
For a relaxing, low-key afternoon that captures the essence of a Midwest summer, taking a dip at Ashwaubomay Lake is one of the best free things to do in Green Bay when the temperature rises.
12. Titletown District – Best For Modern Fun & Year-Round Activities
Lambeau Field’s neighborhood has undergone an incredible transformation, and the result is Titletown. This isn’t just a parking lot on non-game days; it’s a vibrant, year-round destination built for fun. No matter when you visit, there’s something happening here.
In the winter, the massive outdoor ice skating rink and tubing hill become a winter wonderland. In the summer, that same space turns into a lush green park for playing football, frisbee, or just lounging on the grass.
You can challenge your friends to a game on the regulation-sized football field or let the kids loose on the awesome playground. The area is surrounded by restaurants and shops, and there’s often community events like yoga on the plaza or live music.
It’s a modern, energetic space that perfectly complements the historic stadium it sits beside. Titletown has successfully created a 365-day-a-year reason to visit, making it one of the most dynamic and fun places to go in Green Bay for visitors of all ages.
Conclusion
As you can see, Green Bay packs a serious punch. It’s a city that proudly wears its football heart on its sleeve while offering a stunning variety of other adventures.
From the roar of the crowd at Lambeau to the quiet beauty of the botanical gardens, there’s an experience here for every kind of traveler. You can spend your day with black bears and giraffes, travel back in time with pioneers, or simply enjoy a beautiful walk along the river.
So, what are you waiting for? Green Bay is ready to surprise and delight you. Start planning your trip today, pick your favorite activities from this list, and get ready to create some unforgettable memories in one of Wisconsin’s most beloved cities. Your adventure in Titletown is calling