Blake Walsh

15 Free Things to Do in Green Bay, WI

  • Published 2023/02/11

Green Bay is the oldest city in Wisconsin.

A French adventurer gave the name “The Green Bay” (La Baye Verte) due to the unusually greenish hue of the surrounding water.

It serves as Brown County’s administrative center.

Green Bay’s population was 107,395 as of the 2020 census, making it the third-largest city in Wisconsin.

Green Bay is best known as the home of the Green Bay Packers, a National Football League team.

The city is filled with free and inexpensive attractions for tourists to experience its rich history and beautiful landscape.

Here are the 15 free things to do in Green Bay, Wisconsin:

Hike at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary

A bobcat at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary

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The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay is a popular urban wildlife refuge covering 600 acres.

In addition to miles of hiking/skiing paths, this wildlife refuge also has live animal exhibits and educational displays.

It is one of the biggest parks in Greenbay, Wisconsin.

More than 6,000 orphaned and injured animals are cared for at the facility, making it the second-largest wildlife rehabilitation program in Wisconsin.

Eagles at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary

Richard N Horne, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The sanctuary was founded in 1936 as a place to rehabilitate injured waterfowl.

It has since expanded to include various recreational and educational opportunities, including summer camps, nature hikes, cross-country skiing, urban fishing, and more.

Access to the sanctuary and its many wildlife habitats, hiking paths, amphitheater, educational programs, observation building, and more are free and available to the public 365 days a year.

The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is located at East Shore Drive.

Resch falls at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary

Rauglothgor, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Stroll along the Oneida Nation Walk of Legends

The one-mile-long Oneida Nation Walk of Legends is lined with 24 sculptures honoring the achievements of Green Bay Packers players and coaches.

Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin Indians funded the initiative conceived by Sandi Campbell and designed by her daughter Corrie.

These statues are open to the public and can be seen at no cost in the Lombardi Avenue District.

Presented in chronological order, the team’s storied past is immortalized in stone and metal.

Three of the 24 monuments that make up the Walk of Legends are located near the intersection of Lombardi Avenue and South Oneida Street.

Going east on Lombardi from there will lead you to the final 21 sculptures.

The statues on the Oneida Walk of Legends chronicle the club’s history and the history of the tribe that sponsors the team, the Oneida Indians of Wisconsin.

On each statue, you can find descriptions of the tribe’s background, customs, and more.

Have a Picnic at Pamperin Park

Lantern festival at Pamperin Park

Aaron of L.A. Photography / Shutterstock.com

Located within the city borders, Pamperin Park boasts the largest children’s organized playground in the whole Brown County Park System.

The tranquility of Pamperin Park comes from its woodland areas, which are complemented by the park’s gently undulating hills and the nearby Duck Creek.

In addition to its beautiful scenery, this expansive park features a large wooden playground, shaded picnic spaces, sand volleyball courts, disc golf, a reception hall, and more.

Guests visiting the park will love to stroll down the gorgeous creek and across the picturesque suspension bridge.

A bridge at Pamperin Park

KDK70 / Shutterstock.com

For your special event, you can hire a spacious stone pavilion with two rooms, a fireplace, a kitchen, and a restroom.

Ten thousand square feet of gorgeous formal gardens surround the rented gazebo outdoors.

Green Bay’s Pamperin Park is great for all ages and is free to the public.

Visit it at County Road RK.

Enjoy the Outdoors at Fonferek Glen County Park

Fonferek Glen County Park is a stunning 74-acre park located around 20 minutes from the heart of the city.

It has been a popular destination for hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts since it opened to the public in 1991.

Its scenery is stunning and changes according to seasonal variation.

The Brown County Park purchased it from the Fonferek Family, which then developed it into a county park.

There is plenty of green space to explore in the park.

Trek along the Dolomite cliffs or creek with your friends or family.

Enjoy the view of the lush landscape, cascading waterfall, and rushing water.

You can also take amazing photos of the great outdoors while enjoying a delicious picnic.

Explore Ken Euers Nature Area

Ken Euers Nature Area is one of the few publicly accessible locations to view Green Bay’s shoreline.

The City of Green Bay owns and manages it.

Nearly 117 acres in size, this area is perfect for a day of hiking or shore fishing.

Green Bay’s nature preserve is found near the northernmost terminus of Military Avenue.

It used to be a landfill, but now it’s being used to preserve wildlife and vegetation.

Photographers and bird watchers flock to the area to spot migratory and other elusive avian species.

Recently, a restoration effort was completed to enhance the wetland area.

A dike was repaired, and culverts were installed to redirect water flow as part of the restoration.

Ken Euers Nature Area is on Military Avenue.

Window Shop at Farmers Market on Broadway

Green Bay’s Farmer’s Market on Broadway is an absolute must-see if you ever find yourself in the city during summer.

The Farmers’ Market on Broadway is the largest in all of Wisconsin.

It is set in the culturally rich and Historic Broadway District.

More than 90 local vendors along the sidewalks sell fresh fruit, takeout dishes, baked goods, meat, cheeses, plants and flowers, handmade crafts, and soaps.

There are also hot food and drinks for sale, with live music playing in the background.

Listen to live music while you stroll the market and sip a locally brewed beer.

If you don’t want to spend anything, you can walk around and enjoy the sights and sounds of the farmer’s market.

The Farmer’s Market is located at N Broadway.

Go Back in Time at the Neville Public Museum

Dinosaur sculptures in front of the Neville Public Museum

Big Joe / Shutterstock.com

A great place to take the kids, the Neville Public Museum features displays about the culture, geography, and history of the region of Neville, Wisconsin.

The modern museum, which opened in 1983, replaced the Kellogg Public Library and Neville Public Museum.

The museum acquires, archives, and exhibits material from northeast Wisconsin.

In addition to its iconic permanent exhibit, On the Edge of the Inland Sea, the museum hosts several temporary displays throughout the year that seeks to teach visitors about the region’s history.

Exterior of the Neville Public Museum

Henryk Sadura / Shutterstock.com

There are a variety of activities for kids at the museum, including Explorer Saturdays, scout events, and youth tours.

Children as young as preschoolers can enjoy the Discovery Room’s hands-on art, history, and science exhibits and experiments.

The Neville Theater, which seats 132, is where the International Film Series presents its films.

Visit the museum every first Wednesday at 210 Museum Plaza for free admission.

Wooly mammoth sculpture in front of the Neville Public Museum

Big Joe / Shutterstock.com

Try Outdoor Activities at Baird Creek Greenway

The 31.29-acre Baird Creek Greenway is great for adventurous outdoor activities.

Trails for hiking, jogging, mountain biking, and skiing are available here.

There are also trails for more experienced riders with more challenging features like rocks and roots, and trails that require crossing a creek.

Baird Creek Trail starts near Green Bay’s East River.

The trail follows the river north past Sullivan Elementary School.

Hike one of the many trails or simply relax at designated picnic areas.

Get in touch with nature at its location on Baird Creek Road.

Explore Titletown District

Exterior of Titletown District

Aaron of L.A. Photography / Shutterstock.com

The Titletown District is a magnet for both out-of-towners and locals.

It’s the ideal site to spend the day and take in the sights.

Titletown is a park and multi-use leisure area open all year and has activities for people of all ages and interests.

Experience Green Bay’s unique brand of free entertainment at Titletown District with your loved ones.

Aerial view of Titletown District

Willsome429, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In the winter, the park transforms into an ice skating rink and snow tubing hill, while in the summer, it hosts a variety of free activities, a playground, and a full-size football field.

The horseshoe pit, shuffleboard court, ping pong tables, bocce ball court, and corn hole boards are all free for guests.

Meet up with your pals and play games at Lombardi Avenue.

Visit Brisk Park

Northeast of Green Bay, you’ll find a little park known as Brisk Park.

On June 29, 1972, the park was officially dedicated in memory of Green Bay Police Captain Harold Brisk.

He was actively involved with local youth throughout his 24-year career in the department before his death in February of 1971.

Brisk Park is a 0.30-acre park that has a playground and picnic spots.

Dogs on leashes are welcome, but they aren’t allowed in the park’s playgrounds or picnic areas.

Visit Brisk Park on Day Street.

Explore the Bay Beach Amusement Park

Ferris wheel at Bay Beach Amusement Park

beverlyjane / Shutterstock.com

For generations, families in Wisconsin have taken their children to Bay Beach Amusement Park.

It has been operating since 1892 and is owned and managed by Green Bay.

This popular summer destination has been bringing smiles to the faces of families for decades.

The park is usually accessible to the public from May to September.

However, it is only open on the weekends in May and September.

From June through August, it is open daily.

A small train at Bay Beach Amusement Park

James.Pintar / Shutterstock.com

Bay Beach’s entry and parking are free of charge, but you need to buy ride tickets to enjoy the amusement park.

However, if you don’t want to spend, you can simply take a stroll and enjoy the park.

You can visit the park on Bay Beach Road.

Rollercoaster at Bay Beach Amusement Park

Jeff the quiet, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Relax at Preble Park

Preble Park, located at Skyline Boulevard, is a great place to have a quick break and let the kids run around and play.

There is a large playground with picnic tables and benches.

The playground equipment includes several swing sets, a seesaw, and an elevated bridge.

A big wooded area, a baseball field, and open areas for organized team activities are on the opposite side of the park.

You can have fun playing in the park or enjoy a picnic.

You can also invite your friends and engage in a friendly game of volleyball or basketball at Preble Park.

Spend a Day at Badger Park

Badger Park is a 5.67-acre park featuring a playground, a picnic area, and a basketball court.

It was first envisioned in 1974 when the Green Bay Plan Commission ordered an assessment of possible public uses for land between Badger and Shawano Avenue.

In 1976, following its approval, the park’s name and dedication ceremonies took place.

Playground equipment was first put in place in 1977, with a subsequent renovation in 1995.

The park has activities for people of all ages, making it perfect for families.

Have a picnic and spend quality time with your loved ones.

Kids can also play freely in the playground and open area.

The city is preparing improvements to the park’s infrastructure to make visitors’ stays more pleasurable.

Badger Park is conveniently located on Badger Street.

Other Free Things to Do Nearby

Visit Voyageur Park

Located in the heart of De Pere, Voyageur Park covers an expansive 21 acres and provides visitors with access to the Fox River Trail, park shelters, a playground, and open green space.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy the park’s various facilities.

It’s a large area with land and water, perfect for jogging along a forested path or mooring a boat.

It also features fishing and riverbank access.

In the summer, it hosts the city band, an impromptu ensemble of local musicians.

In addition, Voyageur Park hosts annual events and festivals like the Fourth of July firework display and the De Pere Riverwalk Fest.

Check out the park on William Street in De Pere.

Play Some Hoops at Green Isle Park

Children and adults can enjoy the playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, baseball fields, and soccer fields at Green Isle Park.

It also offers fishing, an ice rink, a walking path, and picnic areas.

The Green Isle Park Pavilion is located in one of the most beautiful outdoor areas in the park, making it perfect for weddings, receptions, and reunions.

There are also excellent walking paths and many places to sit and take it easy.

A bridge across the river provides a scenic vantage point.

There is a wide variety of wildlife in the area, and you might even catch a glimpse of some birds chirping in the distance.

Visit the part at Greene Avenue in Allouez.

Final Thoughts

Green Bay has numerous exciting activities and attractions for visitors.

Many of its parks and natural attractions are free to the public.

Green Bay’s rich history can be explored at several museums, while its downtown district is packed with cafes, museums, and other attractions.

Enjoy the many free things to do in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on your next trip!

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