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| Free Green Bay Holiday Guide |
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In 1634 Jean Nicolet landed nearby what is now known as Green Bay, and called it La Baye, at the same time claiming it for France. The French established a trading post on the far southern side of the bay less than 20 years later and despite all the conflicts and the War of 1812 it flourished and the community prospered.
This area remained under French control until about 1761 and it was during the French-Indian War that the British took control of the area, until after the War of 1812. It was only after this war that the Americans finally gained control of North-eastern Wisconsin.
With the western expansion bringing in railroads the area grew and by the mid to late 19th century processing and packing industries were starting to grow in strength. In 1902 Quilted Northern then part of the Northern paper Mills, started its humble beginnings and today is the world’s largest toilet tissue company, giving the city the title “Toilet Paper Capital of the World”.
However, Green Bay is probably best known for its roll in football. A meatpacking company help start the team in 1919. The team took the name, Packers in honour of the hardworking people of Green Bay, who pack and load the transports for delivery. In 1920 Curly Lambeau and associates helped the team get financial assistance from the community and the Packers became a publicly-owned corporation, making the team owned by the community, a very unusual organisation, in pro sports. |
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Hazelwood Historic House Museum – 1008 S. Monroe Ave, Green Bay. This house which still stands on its original site was built in 1837 and is the oldest house in Green Bay. It belonged to Morgan L. Martin and was built in the Greek revival style. In the Hazelnut Gift Gallery which is situated inside the house, visitors will find many interesting collectibles and historic publications. The museum is open in May 1pm-4pm weekends only. June – Aug 10am -2pm on Mon, Wed, Thurs and Fri and Weekends 1pm -4pm.
Heritage Hill State Historical Park – 2640 S. Webster Ave, Green Bay. Take a trip down memory lane by spending the day at Heritage Hill. Here you will be able to explore four different time periods. The visitor will be able to walk through historic buildings and interact with interpreters in period dress, who will tell and show what life was like in these periods. At Heritage Park you can go back to 1672-1825 and barter with a fur trader in La Baye. Or then again you may prefer 1836 when you could march in a military drill at Fort Howard. These are just some of the interesting things that can be found at the Heritage Hill State Historical Park. The park is open Jun – Aug 10:15am – 2:15pm Mon & Tues guided tours only. Memorial Weekend: Sun 12pm – 4:30pm, Monday 10am – 4:30pm. Aug 22 – Labour Day: Open seven days a week 10:15am – 12:15pm Guided Tours only.
National Railroad Museum – 2285 S. Broadway Ave, Green Bay. This is the oldest and largest railroad in the country and visitors will be able to discover America’s railroad history. You will be able to sit in the cab of the largest steam locomotive in the world, the Pacific Union’s “Big Boy”. Also to be found here is the command train that was used by General Dwight D. Eisenhower during WWII. Explore the future of railroading in the 1955 Aerotrain, built by General Motors, or take a train ride on vintage rolling stock where the commentary is given by the conductor. For the very energetic climb the 65 foot observation tower and get a superb view of the museum and the Fox River. The museum is open all year.
Oneida Nation Museum – W892 EE Rd, Oneida. This museum is located fifteen minutes southwest of Green Bay and here the visitor will find artefacts of the Oneida Indians that show the history of the Iroquois Clan. Here you will be able to follow their voyage from New York State to Wisconsin. There is also a nature trail that one can wander along as well as a picnic area. In the gift shop you will be able to find some excellent Indian handcrafted items. The museum is June – Aug: Tues – Sat: Sept – May: Tues – Fri from 9am -5pm.
Neville Public Museum – 210 Museum Place, Green Bay. At this museum the history of Northeast Wisconsin is kept alive due to a permanent exhibit titled “On the Edge of the Inland Sea”. There are two floors filled with exhibitions of the changing history, art and science. The gift shop is also not a place to miss as here you will be able to find some very unique books, jewellery, original artworks and children’s treasures. The museum is closed on Mondays and all major holidays. Tues, Fri and Sat: 9am -5pm: Wed & Thurs 9am – 8pm. Entrance fees are Adults $4, Children: $2 up to 16; Children 5 and under free. Tues – Sat admission is free between 9am – 10am; first Sunday of each month 12pm -5pm is also free. |
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Bistro John Paul – 1244 Main St, Green Bay. This popular restaurant located in Olde Main Street has striking storefront tables with a great view of Olde Main Street. The restaurant offers the diner a romantic setting with very good service. The menu has dishes such as beef tenderloin with truffle oil, sauteed sweetbreads in brown butter caper sauce; these are just some that will whet your appetite. Due to its popularity reservations are highly recommended.
Black and Tan Grille – 101 Ft. Howard Ave, De Pere. This restaurant located away from the main business centre is housed in a tan Victorian home. Its modest but homely interior has a bar where you can relax with a cocktail and listen to jazz while you wait for your table. The menu has dishes such as king salmon, yellow fin tuna, game and seafood dishes, fresh seasonal vegetables and the ever popular Black Angus steak. There are always daily specials which will definitely tempt you. Reservations are not accepted.
Hinterland Brewery and Restaurant – 313 Dousman St, Green Bay. Found in the Historic Broadway District this restaurant with exposed pipes and ducts has two floors; downstairs is the main dining room, where you will be able to enjoy such dishes as grilled Hawaiian kajicki, marinated pheasant breast or oysters on the half shell. Upstairs the elegant lounge features live jazz on Thursdays. Reservations are highly recommended.
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C-Street – 312 Cherry St, Green Bay. This very popular cocktail lounge offers the guest a laid-back and cosy atmosphere and is a great place to wind down. The interior has large mirrors along one wall, classic wood panelling and dim lighting. Definitely has the right setting for a martini or two. There are also two sitting areas on either side of the lounge.
Classics – 1238 Main St, Green Bay. This very popular watering hole is located on Olde Main Street and this is where you will be treated like a long lost friend. The interior gives the impression of old-school style with its pressed tin ceiling, exposed brick walls and wood flooring. To find the top karaoke party in town then Monday nights is when you should be here. They also frequently have live music and if you get a bit hunger they also have really tasty wings, burgers and Scrella pizzas.
Harry the Hipster – 231 N. Broadway, Green Bay. This bar will appeal to the young and trendy and is located in Historic Broadway District. They offer great drink specials and the sound system blasts out the best modern music. It is advisable to dress comfortably when going the Harry’s as it gets very crowded.
Hip Cats Retro Bar – 164 N. Pearl St, Green Bay. Looking from the outside this looks like an industrial warehouse, but once inside it is clearly an upbeat spacious bar with loud music, chrome tables and up to date lighting. The flashy wall colours with murals of the Beatles and the Sinatra Rat Pack all add to the funky scene. This is a great place for the younger clientele. |
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Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary – 1660 East Shore Drive, Green Bay. This beautiful wildlife refuge is home to 3,500 ducks and geese and is situated on 700 acres. At the Woodland Building the visitor will be able to see Wolves, Cougar, Bobcat, Fisher, Raccoon, Gray Fox and Otter outside. Inside the building there are Flying Squirrels, Skunk, Opossum, Reptiles and Amphibians. The Grassland Habitat is home to the White-tailed Deer, Sandhill Cranes, Coyote, Crows and Ravens plus an Observation Tower.
It also has a native wildlife Wisconsin animal exhibit area, plants and natural resources. Here you will find something for everyone from hiking trails, viewing areas, horse-drawn wagon rides and an amusement park. There are also plenty of picnic areas and a gift shop. The park is open Apr 15 – Sept 14: 8am – 7:30pm: Sept 15 – April 14: 8am – 4:30pm. Admission is free.
Green Bay Botanical Gardens – 2600 Larsen Rd, Green Bay. This Park is situated on 40 acres of land and has seasonal garden displays, so no matter when you visit you are sure to find a colourful and rich scene. Here you will the formal Contemporary Rose Garden, the Woodland Garden and the New American Perennial Garden all of which are stunning. There are special events held throughout the year such as the Garden of Lights plus concerts are held in late summer. |
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There are plenty of shopping opportunities in Green Bay and no matter where you decide to go you are sure to find plenty of shops, boutiques and name brand stores.
Bay Park Square – 2400 S. Oneida St, Green Bay. This the premiere shopping area and boasts more than 70 speciality stores, including American Eagle, Old Navy, Pacific Sunwear and Victoria’s Secret. The square has well lit corridors that are comfortably wide, very nice sitting areas, plus a food court and cinemas.
Washington Commons – 320 N. Adams St, Green Bay. This is the only enclosed shopping centre in the downtown area. It is a multi-level complex which has a huge range of speciality shops and services. Here you will also find JC Penney and Younkers as well as the Children’s Museum.
Broadway Street – N. Broadway, Green Bay. Situated in the Historic Broadway District, this street is full of different mix of shops, restaurants and stores. Once a neglected area it has been refurbished and is now an up and coming commercial strip. Here you will find anything from antiques, creative kids’ gifts, candies and restaurants, coffee houses and a few unique bars.
Olde Main Street – E. Main St, Green Bay. Olde Main Street is where you will find the more traditional storefronts that are home to used bookstores, art galleries, a wine shop and some speciality shops. Although not has popular as Broadway District and North Washington Street this area is also known for its nightlife and restaurants.
Washington Street – N. Washington St, Green Bay. This area located in downtown Green Bay is a favourite with shoppers mainly because of Washington Commons. Here you will find boutiques and speciality shops that have anything from jewellery, shoes and much more, especially on Adams and Cherry Streets. |
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Children’s Museum of Green Bay – Washington Commons, 2nd Level, 320 N. Adams, Green Bay. This museum is mainly for children 10 years and under and is great fun. Here they will be able to create, discover, explore and question as the exhibits are hands-on. Children will be able to investigate the Fox River Waterway, Henri’s Music Room, S.S. Shierl submarine, a fire truck, grocery store and a whole lot more. There is even a Baby’s Great Adventure exhibit which has been created especially for children under 2. The museum is open Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm; Sat 10am – 5pm; Sun 11am – 5pm.
Bay Beach Amusement Park – 1313 Bay Beach Rd, Green Bay. To reach the amusement park take the I-43 Exit 187, Webster Ave north to Irwin, turn left to Irwin to the Park Entrance. The Main Pavilion was built in 1909 and was part of the Rahr Family estate, which the family donated in 1920 to the City of Green Bay. In 1950 rides were added to the park. Here the visitor will find volleyball courts, softball diamond, 16 amusement rides and a live pony ring plus two concession stands and a restaurant. The park focuses on providing an environment which is safe, fun and affordable for everyone. Admission is free; however, the ride tickets cost .25cents each; children under 2 are not allowed on the rides. |
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