Green Bay, WI, has been recognized as one of the Top 10 safest cities (with population over 100,000), as well as being a Top 50 Reader's Digest Best Places to Raise a Family. The city is often referred to as Packer Country due to the noteworthy Green Bay Packer football team.

Located on the waters of the Bay, historical traditions are deeply steeped in this Midwest community. Green Bay was established in 1634, and is noted as being the oldest settlement in the Midwest. Jean Nicolet and European settlers from Germany, France, Bohemia, Belgium, Ireland, Poland and Scandinavia brought their varied influences to the community.


Some of that history can be seen and captured at Heritage Hill State Historical Park, where history is brought to life with displays and exhibits of real experiences. There are more than 48 acres of historic buildings that interact with costumed interpreters who will tell and show you what life was like long ago.

Options to participate include the possibility to barter with a fur trader in La Baye (1672-1825), or march in a military drill at Fort Howard (1836). A blacksmith pounds iron in his shop in Small Town (1871), and butter-making is done at a Belgian Farm (1905). During Theme Days a different historic aspect is presented each day of the week. Traders and trappers chop wood, make bullets, trade pelts and one can try out sawing a log or burning out a canoe.

Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, the 25,000 square foot museum features 15 videos and more than 75 exhibits. Also a noteworthy component of Lambeau Field is a community-based entertainment attraction known as the Lambeau Field Atrium. The Atrium is the home of the new Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, a new Packers Pro Shop and a variety of eateries.

The Atrium hosts a broad spectrum of programmed events throughout the year that range from interactive fan experiences on game days, to corporate and social events on non-game days. Curly's Pub, has a huge interactive game zone.


Golf and Shopping

On the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, a nine hole, par 35, 2792 yard golf course offers a challenge. The golf course also has a large clubhouse with scenic views of the campus, and the bay.

The Thornberry Creek Country Club, a prestigious public country club, allows everyone to enjoy and relax in the atmosphere of a lovely setting. Set atop one of the highest peaks in Brown County, the clubhouse offers breathtaking views of the area. The 27 hole layout features a nine hole course with double greens and an 18 hole championship golf course that will challenge golfers of all handicaps.

For shopping in the Green Bay area, Bay Park Shopping Center has 70 specialty shops and anchor stores that includes Elder-Beerman, Kohl's, ShopKo, and Younkers. The mall also features a food court and the 16-screen Bay Park Cinemas.

Where to Stay

From the atmosphere of a quaint bed & breakfast to the comfort of an amenity rich luxury hotel.there are more than 40 lodging options including historic inns, national chains, family motels and campgrounds. Visitors are sure to find exactly what they are looking for: a romantic getaway for two, a fun family vacation, a highly productive business trip or something in between. Some of the hotels include: Candlewood Suites, Comfort inn, Days Inn, Holiday Inn, Regency Suites, Tundra Lodge Resort, Radisson Hotel & Conference, Days Inn Lambeau, Best Western Midway, Airport Wingate Inn, and Fairfield Inn by Marriott.

Dining

Diners can explore many authentic ethnic restaurants, and the traditional American fare at one of Packer Country's famous sports bars, or experience one of Wisconsin's tastiest traditions, the Friday fish fry. Restaurants to sample while visiting may include: Black & Tan Grille, Eve's Supper Club, Patrick's, Wellington, Pier 64 Steak& Seafood and Chives dining.

Victoria's Italian Restaurant, a casual Italian eatery, receives home honors from local publications for tremendous Sicilian-influenced fare. Bay City Smokehouse offers a classic Wisconsin supper club experience, and the Timber Lodge Steakhouse, an intentionally rustic roadside eatery, is decorated with Native American craftwork, mounted animal heads, antler light fixtures, and an assortment of snowshoes and shovels. In the stadium district area, Brett Favre’s Steakhouse brings Southern cooking to Green Bay, and is a favorite and recognized as serving the heartiest of pre-game meals.

The Oneida Bingo & Casino, across from Austin Straubel Airport, offers blackjack, high stakes bingo & reel slots and video games. The Radisson Hotel & Convention Center has restaurants and snack bars within the gaming complex and is connected to the Casino.

A visit to the Oneida Nation Museum holds special interest as Oneida Indian artifacts bring the history of the Iroquois Clan to life. Through the insightful artifacts viewers can track the history of their journey from the state of New York to Wisconsin. Indian handcrafted items are offered as souvenirs in the gift shop.

Local Music Scene
The Resch Center is the newest facility within the Brown County Veterans Memorial Complex, seating over 10,000 people. It joins the Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena and ShopKo Hall. It is estimated to host nearly 1.2 million people per year and has had record crowds for top singing performers across the country. The Northeastern Wisconsin's entertainment/exhibition showplace offers national entertainers in concerts, ice shows, tradeshows, hockey, college and professional basketball & indoor football.

Outstanding performances at the Weidner Center brings Broadway shows and performances to the area for top rated entertainment. The 2,000 seat hall provides a variety of sensational events from the most noted shows on Broadway, to classical music and wholesome family entertainment.

Experience the History

A visitor can also explore America's Railroad Heritage at one of the country's oldest and largest railroad museums. One can sit in the cab of the Union Pacific's "Big Boy", the world's largest steam locomotive, and view Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower's World War II command train. Examining the future of railroading in the sleek 1955 General Motors Aerotrain, and can also enjoy a train ride aboard vintage rolling stock with historical narrative provided by the conductor. Offered also is a climb up the 65' observation tower for an excellent view of Green Bay and the Fox River Valley area.

The Neville Public Museum of Brown County traces its roots back to 1915, when a small display opened in the Green Bay public library. Over the years, exhibits increased in number and popularity. In 1983, the 58,000 square foot facility opened to the public. The Neville is a general museum of art, history and science.

For those who like history and walking, The Green Bay Ethnic Trail offers the main route of settlement and communication in 19th century of eastern Wisconsin. The route was originally a Native American trail. Later, it became a military road connecting Fort Dearborn in Chicago with Fort Howard in Green Bay. About 30 different ethnic community settlements were established along this historic route, leaving a rich cultural heritage.

Cultural traditions are alive and well in Green Bay, from the hearty support of a renowned football team, to the cities numerous festive celebrations, and the legacy of history that can be seen and experienced throughout the year .