If you are looking for Green Bay WI attractions and the best things to do in Green Bay WI, look no further. I traveled all the way to Green Bay, and this is what I found. So pack your bags and let’s get started…
Table of Contents
1. Lambeau Field Green Bay Wisconsin Tops the List of Things to See In Green Bay
As all football fans know, Green Bay is home to the legendary NFL Packers and Lambeau Field with reputations for snow, muddy games and intensely loyal fans. Those devotees include 500 shovelers who volunteer to rid the seats of snow in the enormous outdoor athletic stadium, nicknamed “The Frozen Tundra.” It’s one way that hardy enthusiasts can get into the stadium since the Packers have sold out every game since 1960. The waiting list is said to be 115,000 strong.
Built right within working-class neighborhoods, Lambeau Field in Green Bay Wisconsin rises up like a shrine to the hallowed ground of Packer football. If you fly in, make this your first stop of the best places to visit in Green Bay WI since it’s on the way to downtown from the airport (GRB.)
Lambeau Field is so famous and a favorite of all the things to see in Green Bay that you must reserve a spot on the stadium tour. During my visit, tour guide Jeff explained, “This is one of the largest stadiums in the country, but the only major stadium with aluminum seats. You get 18 inches of aluminum pleasure right here.”
I learned that experts use European soccer-field technology to weave artificial turf into the natural grasses, which make up 97% of the hybrid sod. An underground hot water system keeps the grass green during Green Bay’s frigid winters. Even though Lambeau Field was empty during my bucket list visit, the mystical, contagious energy of the place permeated my soul. No wonder it’s one of the top things to do in Green Bay.
Before you get onto the next best thing to see in Green Bay, check out these tours that will give you an in-depth visit:
2. National Railroad Museum: One of the Best Green Bay WI Attractions
The 33-acre wooded campus is the only nationally designated train museum in the country. Train rides that are complimentary with your admission earn points for its designation as one of the best Green Bay WI attractions. During my National Railroad Museum ride in a historic passenger car pulled by a massive diesel locomotive, I was impressed that ‘girl power’ operated the whole endeavor. Blue-suited Nancy, our conductor, provided interpretive commentary while engineer Marcia worked the controls.
If you’re looking for things to do around Green Bay, don’t miss this interactive train museum, always rated as one of the top Green Bay WI tourist attractions.
Exhibits about Fred Harvey and the Southwest Chief, which operates on the line that runs through my home of Flagstaff, Arizona, was well-done and intriguing. The museum’s ‘Big Boy’ engines played critical roles in history. In fact, the English Big Boy that pulled General Dwight D. Eisenhower during WWII is one of the fastest steam engines in the world and is on display at these Green Bay WI attractions.
3. The Automobile Gallery is One of the Best Things to Do in Green Bay
Of all the things to see in Green Bay Wisconsin, don’t miss viewing legendary Packers quarterback Bart Starr’s 1967 Corvette that he won as Most Valuable Player that year. Or the 1981 “Back to the Future” DeLorean DMC-12. The hipster gallery prides itself on building an appreciation for the automobile as art, and so earns a spot on the “Best Things to do in Green Bay” list.
Located in a retro-renovated midcentury-era Cadillac dealership, the collection has something that will educate, inspire and impassion the auto lover in anyone.
When I asked, “What is there to do in Green Bay?” I was invariably told: “Go to The Automobile Gallery. You’ll spend more time there than you anticipate.” The gallery is a feast for the eyes and definitely is what to see in Green Bay. Make sure this is on your list of Green Bay things to do.
I love taking tours when I go to a new town. That way, you get the inside scoop from a local. Check out this list of high-rated Green Bay tour companies:
4. National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help is One of the Best Things to Do Near Green Bay WI
If you’re looking for what to do in Green Bay Wisconsin, this is a peaceful spot to get away and experience a place of miracles. In 1861, an immigrant farmer built the original 10×12-foot shrine chapel to mark the location where Mary, the mother of Jesus, appeared to his 28-year-old daughter, Adele Brise. Ten years later—the same day as the Great Chicago Fire— the Peshtigo Fire, a 1.2 million-acre wildfire, threatened the lives of those in the area. Families gathered with their farm animals at the Shrine grounds, which had grown in size and reputation as a place of faith.
The Original Processional at the Shrine
That night, Sr. Adele led the faithful around the five-acre Shrine’s perimeter grounds that by then contained a larger chapel and boarding school. The group prayed and walked, carrying a statue of Mary throughout the night. An estimated 1200-2400 people perished in the Peshtigo Fire.
By morning, rain extinguished the fire that lapped the fence posts of the compound. That miracle is only part of the Shrine’s deep history as a place of pilgrimage and prayer. Today the Shrine draws pilgrims from across the world, which come to give thanks or seek healing.
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help is the start point for the Wisconsin Way, and is one of the peak places to visit in Green Bay Wisconsin.
The Crypt, Called the Apparition Oratory
Before I arrived, I envisioned a large, ornate shrine with seating for hundreds and tall, white ceilings that would lift my eyes heavenward. Instead, I found a small, dark crypt lit by candles that produced a feeling of inner calm and peace. People social distancing from each other gathered in the tiny space waiting patiently for time to pray at the small kneeling bench. It gave me time to be still and wait for what the Lord might have to say. Besides the crypt, called the Apparition Oratory, visitors to one of the best places to visit in Green Bay Wisconsin, can explore:
- Welcome Center with video of the history of Adele Brise and the campus
- the small, well-curated museum,
- 1885 schoolhouse with gift shop and café,
- Apparition Chapel over the crypt,
- Mother of Mercy Hall, a 1200-seat space for large Masses,
- Rosary Walk symbolizing the prayer procession during the Peshtigo Fire, and
- Manicured grounds with places to pray and contemplate.
There are many churches in Green Bay Wisconsin, but this one is the only internationally-recognized holy site in the area. Moreover, it’s the only Marian apparition site approved by the Catholic Church in the entire United States. Only 16 miles from Green Bay, visiting the Shrine is one of the closest things to do near Green Bay Wisconsin.
5. Voyageur Park and De Pere Riverwalk: Best Things to Do in Green Bay During COVID
The 21-acre Voyager Park with the footpath entrance to De Pere Riverwalk is one of the best things to do in Green Bay during coronavirus. De Pere Riverwalk, a unique attraction, connects Voyageur Park and the Fox River Trail to Locktender’s Island and a pier that takes visitors 325 feet from the natural shoreline near De Pere Rapids to view wildlife. Walking next to historic locks, viewing wildlife or walleye fishing are some of the fun things to do in Green Bay WI at this site. I want to come back and do that!
The Restored Locks and Locktender’s House
The shipping industry used the De Pere lock system from the late 1800s through the 1980s. Under the Fox River Navigational Authority’s control, the restored locks are used primarily by leisure boaters. Don’t miss Instagram opportunities at Locktender’s House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The locks, a favorite of Green Bay WI attractions, reminded me of my adventure sailing a packetboat on the Erie Canal.
Wildlife Viewing Pier
While enjoying these amazing activities in Green Bay WI, I spotted various wildlife, including black cormorants and pelicans from the De Pere Wildlife Viewing Pier. At the end of April or the beginning of May, you can watch the colossal sturgeon spawn here. That’s another of the bucket-list fun things to do in Green Bay WI.
Love Locks Tradition
On the walk out to the pier, I noticed padlocks locked onto the De Pere Riverwalk’s cabling. The padlocks with couples’ initials reminded me of those I’d seen on bridges in Paris and other spots around Europe.
Since we can’t travel to Europe this year, make sure to put on your “Green Bay WI things to do list” locking a padlock onto De Pere Riverwalk at romantic Sunset Point. But sweethearts, please don’t throw the keys into the river, we don’t want to pollute the lovely water.
Voyager Park and De Pere Riverwalk offer some of the best things to do in Green Bay WI. Now, here’s another:
6. CityDeck and Fox River Trail: Fun Things to Do in Green Bay
7. What to do in Green Bay? Taste Local Wine at Captain’s Walk Winery
Wondering what to do in Green Bay? You don’t have far to look. Just across the street from The Automobile Gallery is Captain’s Walk Winery, which crafts authentic Wisconsin wines. The winery gets its name from the “Widow’s Walk” or “Captain’s Walk” on the third floor of the pre-Civil War Italianate Victorian home. The third oldest home in Brown County features a unique window in the tasting room’s hardwood floors so you can view the wine cellar below.
The vibe was relaxed and casual while I tasted award-winning and seasonal wines in the preserved historic building. Hanging out talking to the pourers while I sampled small-batch wines in my tasting flight made this one of the cool things to do in Green Bay. Conveniently located in downtown, Captain’s Walk Winery should definitely be on your list of Green Bay Wisconsin things to do.
8. Things to Do Green Bay WI: Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
World Championship and Super Bowl Trophies
Displays explain why the team means so much to the city and how Lambeau Field is another place of miracles (besides Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help, another of the best things to do in Green Bay.) Of all the things to see in Green Bay WI, you’ll want to browse the Packer’s collection of World Championship and Super Bowl trophies at this museum. With so much stuff to do in Green Bay, it might be hard to fit it all in. But you should try to do all eight of these fun things to do in Green Bay Wisconsin! As legendary Packer coach Vince Lombardi said, “We would accomplish many more things if we did not think of them as impossible.”What to Do in Green Bay Today
For events and things to do in Green Bay this weekend, or what to do in Green Bay today, check out the Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau calendar. They have an extensive rundown of things to do in Green Bay Wisconsin. Ready to book your Green Bay accomodations? Check out your dates at the Hyatt Regency Green Bay. Or compare room rates for all Green Bay accomodations.
As is common in the travel industry, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey was provided with accommodations, meals, and other compensation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, the Arizona travel writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.
In addition, this blog, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel, contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, she will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help reduce the ever-increasing costs of keeping this travel blog active. Thanks for reading.
Enjoy this article? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Please feel free to share this article with the red- and blue-colored social media buttons. If you’d like to get more free travel tips and inspiration, simply subscribe below to get updates delivered directly to your email inbox.
2 thoughts on “8 Best Things to do in Green Bay WI & Green Bay WI Attractions”
Wow! Love this! GB is home to my favorite NFL team and I have been in those stands during a cold and snowy game! What a great read and I can’t wait to go back and do the other things you mentioned next time I visit! Thank you for the great content!
Thanks for letting us know about your cold and snowy experience at Lambeau Field, Sara! I wish I could have been there with you on our “18 inches of aluminum pleasure!” We’re hardy girls, you betcha!