Green Bay Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Experience the legendary spirit of Titletown while exploring scenic waterfronts, rich history, and a thriving craft brewery scene on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Green Bay is a city that punches far above its weight class. While it is globally recognized as the smallest city to host a professional NFL team, this lakeside community offers much more than just gridiron glory. Nestled at the mouth of the Fox River where it spills into the bay of Lake Michigan, Green Bay blends industrial grit with natural beauty, offering visitors a down-to-earth Midwest welcome that feels genuinely warm, regardless of the winter temperatures.
Beyond the stadium lights, you will discover a region rich in history, from its roots as a fur-trading outpost to its status as a paper-making capital. The revitalized downtown district, the CityDeck, brings energy to the waterfront with dining and entertainment, while miles of trails and nature sanctuaries provide quiet escapes just minutes from the urban center. Whether you are here to worship the Packers or explore the Great Lakes culture, Green Bay delivers an authentic American experience.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
More Than Just a Game
The spirit of Green Bay is inextricably linked to its community-owned football team, but the city’s history runs deeper than the 1919 founding of the Packers. As one of the oldest settlements in the Midwest, Green Bay has a storied past involving French explorers, Native American trade routes, and maritime commerce. You can feel this history at Heritage Hill, where buildings from the 17th century stand preserved, offering a window into the life of early Wisconsin settlers.
Today, that industrious spirit translates into a booming craft beverage scene and a culinary landscape that goes beyond the stereotype of beer and cheese, though you certainly must try both. The local culture is one of resilience and celebration, evident in the way the city embraces its long winters with festivals, ice skating, and a hearty dining scene that keeps the cold at bay.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Lambeau Field Stadium Tour
Walk through the player's tunnel and stand on the historic sidelines of the most legendary stadium in the NFL.
National Railroad Museum
Explore a massive collection of rolling stock, including the 'Big Boy' steam locomotive and Eisenhower's command train.
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
A 600-acre urban wildlife refuge offering miles of hiking trails and opportunities to hand-feed waterfowl.
Titletown District
A 45-acre mixed-use park featuring a full-size football field, playground, breweries, and winter tubing.
Love what you see? Get a personalized itinerary tailored to your interests, budget, and travel style.
The Icons You’ll Want to See
Lambeau Field - The crown jewel of Green Bay, this stadium offers tours ranging from 1 to 2 hours. It is located 3 miles southwest of downtown. Tour prices start around $25 USD per person.
National Railroad Museum - One of the oldest institutions of its kind in the US, located 4 miles from the city center. It houses the Eisenhower collection and offers train rides. Admission is approx $12 USD.
Bay Beach Amusement Park - A historic municipal park located on the bay, 2 miles east of downtown. It is famous for ride tickets that cost only 25 cents. Open May through September.
Green Bay Botanical Garden - A 47-acre garden open year-round, located 5 miles west of downtown. It features 100% locally hardy plants. Admission is approx $12 USD.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Green Bay is best accessed via Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB), which is a short 15-minute drive from the stadium district. While ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available, renting a car is highly recommended. The city is spread out, and attractions like the zoo and botanical gardens are difficult to reach via public bus. Traffic is generally light, except on game days when the population of the city effectively doubles.
When packing, always prioritize layers. The weather near Lake Michigan can change rapidly; a sunny afternoon can turn brisk with a shift in wind direction. If you are visiting in winter, heavy parkas, thermal layers, and insulated boots are not optional, they are essential survival gear. For summer visits, bring bug spray for evening walks along the nature trails and comfortable walking shoes for the expansive museum grounds.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Summer (June - August)
Pros
- Warmest weather for water activities
- Bay Beach Amusement Park is fully open
- Farmers markets and outdoor concerts
Cons
- Higher humidity
- More mosquitoes near the water
- Crowded waterfront areas
Shoulder Season: Fall (September - October)
Pros
- Beautiful autumn foliage
- Peak football atmosphere
- Comfortable temperatures for hiking
Cons
- Hotel prices triple on home game weekends
- Unpredictable frost in late October
- Some summer attractions close after Labor Day
Off-Peak: Winter (January - March)
Pros
- Lowest accommodation rates (non-game days)
- Great ice fishing and snowshoeing
- Cozy brewery hopping weather
Cons
- Bitterly cold wind chills
- Driving conditions can be hazardous
- Outdoor dining is limited
Whether you are joining the sea of green and gold for a Sunday tailgate or seeking a quiet weekend exploring waterfalls and railway history, Green Bay offers a unique slice of Americana. It is a city that honors its past while building a vibrant future, inviting everyone to become a part of the family, if only for a weekend.
Sample Itineraries
The Titletown Classic
A deep dive into the football heritage and craft beer culture that defines the city.
Day 1: Legends of the Gridiron
- Morning: Start your pilgrimage with the Champions Tour at Lambeau Field ($35/person), spending 90 minutes exploring the suites, tunnel, and sidelines. Afterward, spend an hour in the massive Packers Pro Shop to grab some green and gold gear.
- Afternoon: Walk across the street to Kroll’s West for a signature butter burger and chili lunch (approx. $30 total). Walk off the meal at the Hall of Fame museum ($18/person), dedicating at least two hours to the interactive exhibits and trophy room.
- Evening: Head to the Titletown District for dinner at Hinterland Brewery, enjoying elk meatloaf or wood-fired pizza ($80 for dinner). End the night playing cornhole in the plaza or skating at Ariens Hill if visiting in winter.
Day 2: Downtown & History
- Morning: Drive downtown to the Automobile Gallery ($12/person) to see over 100 years of car history in a repurposed Cadillac dealership. Grab a coffee and a slice of Kringle at a local cafe nearby ($15).
- Afternoon: Take a stroll along the CityDeck on the Fox River, watching the ships pass by. Stop for a late lunch at Hagemeister Park ($45) which offers great riverfront patio seating and local brews.
- Evening: Conclude your trip with a refined dinner at Republic Chophouse ($150) for steaks and seafood. Afterwards, catch a show at the historic Meyer Theatre if the schedule aligns.
Family Fun & Natural Wonders
An action-packed itinerary focusing on parks, wildlife, and kid-friendly entertainment.
Day 1: Rails and Rides
- Morning: Visit the National Railroad Museum ($12/adults, $8/kids) to climb aboard massive steam engines and ride the perimeter train. Allow about 2.5 hours for the full experience.
- Afternoon: Drive to Bay Beach Amusement Park where admission is free and ride tickets are only 25 cents. Spend the afternoon riding the Zippin Pippin and the Big Wheel ($30 will cover rides and snacks for the whole family).
- Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at Titletown Brewing Company’s Roof Tap ($50) for great views of the city. Walk along the Fox River Trail before heading back to the hotel.
Day 2: Wildlife and Gardens
- Morning: Head to the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary (free admission) to hike the trails and buy a bag of corn ($2) to hand-feed the ducks and geese. Visit the Nature Center to see otters and wolves.
- Afternoon: Drive to the Green Bay Botanical Garden ($12/adult). Spend the afternoon exploring the Children’s Garden and the Hobbit House structure.
- Evening: Have a fun, interactive dinner at Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream ($40), a Midwest favorite for families. If staying at Tundra Lodge, spend the rest of the evening in the waterpark.
Day 3: Living History
- Morning: Step back in time at Heritage Hill State Historical Park ($12/person), interacting with costumed interpreters in the fur trade cabin and Fort Howard buildings.
- Afternoon: Grab a quick lunch at a local cheese shop like Scray Cheese to sample fresh cheese curds ($20). Drive 15 minutes north to NEW Zoo & Adventure Park ($11/adult) to see the lions and feed the giraffes.
- Evening: Wrap up with a relaxed dinner at The Pancake Place ($35), known for serving breakfast for dinner and massive portions. Take a final scenic drive along the bay shore to watch the sunset.
Explore Neighboring Areas
Ready to visit Green Bay Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary?
Let AI build your perfect itinerary in seconds.