4 minute read
Falling For Green Bay
Emma Macek
Emma Macek is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.
Green Bay is a football paradise — fans swarm to the area each fall to watch their favorite NFL team. You might not know it, but it’s also an outdoor lover’s haven where everyone can appreciate a visit, even if they don’t bleed green and gold.
Explore the area this fall and enjoy these outdoor activities before this beautiful part of Wisconsin turns into the frozen tundra.
Hit The Trail
If you want to see some of Green Bay’s top sites, the Fox River State Trail is the perfect choice. The 25-mile trail follows the river in Green Bay and continues outside the city, passing near river overlooks, local parks and Heritage Hill State Park.
Bicyclists or skaters age 16 and older will need a state trail pass, but you don’t need one for walking the trail.
Birding Hot Spots
Birders are in luck in Green Bay, which has several great places to spot feathered friends, including these three within 15 minutes of a Packers game.
Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve, on the west shore of the Bay of Green Bay, has over 9 miles of hiking trails that meander through marshes and forests. The West Shores Interpretive Center offers educational programs and exhibits, and there’s a short driving tour to see waterfowl and wetland habitats.
The Sensiba Unit of the Green Bay West Shores Wildlife Area has coastal marshes, woodland areas and former agricultural fields to explore. A nearly 3-mile loop provides plenty of opportunities to wander.
Ken Euers Nature Area offers opportunities to see rare and migrating birds and has scenic walking trails.
Parks Galore
The Green Bay area has numerous county and city parks to explore, including 60 parks within 10 miles of Lambeau Field. Check out these three locations within a 15-minute drive of the stadium.
Pamperin Park offers a large playground and walking trails featuring rolling hills, wooded areas, a creek and a suspension bridge.
Voyageur Park connects to the Fox River State Trail and De Pere’s riverwalk and has a beloved fishing dock near the dam.
Fonferek’s Glen County Park has a 30-foot waterfall that can be easily viewed from a designated overlook.
Beautiful Gardens
The Green Bay Botanical Garden offers 47 acres of plants, flowers and wildlife to enjoy.
On Your Way
As you head to Green Bay for a game, popular DNR properties like High Cliff State Park and Point Beach State Forest might be on your way.
High Cliff is on Lake Winnebago, about 40 minutes from Lambeau. History and geology buffs will enjoy the park’s effigy mounds and lime kiln ruins. The park has several hiking trails and a 40-foot observation tower.
Point Beach, in Two Rivers, has 6 miles of sandy beach along Lake Michigan, just 45 minutes from Green Bay. Hiking trails range from a half-mile to more than 7 miles long. Remember to stop at the scenic Rawley Point Lighthouse while you’re there.
Learn More
For details on exploring the greater Green Bay area, check Discover Green Bay at greenbay.com.
