What I knew about Green Bay, Wisconsin could fit on the 50-yardline at Lambeau Field. Really, all I knew was that the city is home to the Green Bay Packers and, frankly, because I’m not a big sports fan, that was really the end of the story for me. Okay, you Packers fans out there, settle down! While I didn’t leave knowing much more about football than I did when my plane touched down, I did leave with a lot of appreciation for the spirit of and devotion to the Packers culture. But most of all, I discovered a wonderful city with so much to offer, whether you’re a sports fan or not. Here’s my Real Food Traveler Editor’s Pick roundup of ways to really get the flavor of the place.

Save this roundup of Things to Do in Green Bay, Wi to Pinterest to help you plan your trip. Photos and graphic by Courtney Drake-McDonough for Real Food Traveler.

Hungry for more? Here our podcast conversation with the owner of Bountiful Boards.

THINGS TO DO IN GREEN BAY, WI

Where to stay when you play:

Hotel Northland was my homebase for Green Bay exploration and it was an excellent choice I highly recommend. Located in the heart of the revived and vital downtown area, the historic building, originally opened in 1924, was restored and reborn as a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel (make sure you’re signed up to earn points for your stay). On the National Register of Historic places, the hotel strikes an ideal blend of history and charm with modern conveniences. It’s a very popular place for weddings as my group of travel writers found out the weekend we were there. I think I counted four weddings which made for an energetic atmosphere and lots of chances to see wedding photos mid-staging.

My room was comfortable and had nice extras like the patterned wall behind the bed, whimsical cabinet with drawers and mini-fridge, fun artwork, and a really beautiful bathroom with old-style (but new) tile and high-quality toiletries. There’s a fitness room and, in addition to the coffee available in guest rooms, hot coffee and tea are available in the lobby starting at 5am for an extra boost before you head out for the day.

There are two restaurants in Hotel Northland, Poke the Bear, where we had lunch one day (more on that below) and the elegant Walnut Room where we ate breakfast a few times during our stay.

Walking distance from many of the things we did or a short drive away, Hotel Northland is a great home-away-from-home during your Green Bay visit.

Images of the Northland Hotel in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Things to do In Green Bay, WI

Site-seeing and site-doing:

Titletown is a 45-acre master development plan located west of Lambeau Field. It has a large public park with outdoor games, playground, and event-space. In the summer there’s a night market with more than 70 vendors each week. In the winter, there’s a skating rink and tubing hill. It’s also the location of the four-diamond hotel Lodge Kohler. Hinterland Brewery is one of the businesses there and we enjoyed dinner and some brews there during our visit. See more on that below too.

The Automobile Gallery was a real kick. Although I’m no car aficionado, my grandfather was a car salesman for decades, so I have a soft spot for older cars and feel very strongly that the personality of  automobiles went by the wayside when the style trend became “slopey.” There was a time when you could see the silhouette of a car and immediately know it was a T-Bird, a Jaquar, a Plymouth, etc. The Automobile Gallery is for anyone who appreciates vehicles, modern and old.

Green Bay native, the late William “Red” Lewis converted a former car dealership into a gallery for autos that’s also event and meeting space (a wedding was being set up for later in the day we visited). Described as being “more Guggenheim than garage,” an ever-changing inventory of cars covering more than 100 years, are nicely displayed to show them off, allowing visitors to walk all around the majority of them. There’s a 1963 Corvette, a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 (think “Back to the Future”), a VW van and 1912 Maxwell to name only a few. The years and factoids were a little lost on me but, dang, those pretty, shiny cars were so fun to look at! The Automobile Gallery is heaven on earth for any car fanatic!

See cars through the ages in mint condition at the Automobile Gallery.

Foxy Paddler is a really fun way to see expanses of downtown Green Bay from on the Fox River. The party boat version of the company’s Foxy Pedaler (which goes on land), lets you see the sites, enjoy a drink (or more), and feel like you’re actually helping the engine make its way – or at least burn off a few calories. On a hot summer’s day, we enjoyed a nice breeze as we got to see what used to just be an industrial waterway (and all that goes with that which isn’t so desirable), but is now a cleaner means of enjoying cityscapes, other boats, and waterfowl (but no foul smells). One of the most impressive sites on the tour is the City Deck, a refurbished area that’s a hotspot for summer concerts and other activities. I got a kick out of seeing boats pull up and park to take in the tunes. The Foxy Paddler team will make stops if you like, to grab food and drink, or just let them take you for an easy ride.

Ride the Fox River and see the sites with the Foxy Paddler.

More Things to Do In Green Bay, WI: 

There are three distinct downtown districts in Green Bay: Downtown, Olde Main Street, and On Broadway. I was so impressed by the blend of history and hipness, I asked representatives from the areas to tell me and Real Food Traveler readers, more about it.

The revitalization of Green Bay’s downtown area started around 25 years ago when major retails moved to suburban areas in the late 90’s resulting in a decline in downtown business. Business improvement districts were created to encourage new businesses, events, places to live, and to attract people to the area. Jeff Mirkes, Executive Director of Downtown Green Bay, Inc, who works for the Downtown District and Olde Main Street District, describes the Downtown District as being “inviting, charming and upbeat, the central business district and financial, legal, and governmental center of Northeast Wisconsin.” That’s where Friday on the Fox, the Saturday Farmers Market, and the Green Bay Holiday Parade happen. There are many locally-owned restaurants and shops.

Downtown Green Bay has two farmers markets. Locals get weekly grocery items during the Saturday market which is more food-oriented.

Old Main Street has a diverse population and many creative types, reflected in Asian and Hispanic grocery stores, restaurants, hair salons, tattoo parlors, and plant shops, according to Mirkes.

Brooke Hafs, Director of Resource Development and Marketing for On Broadway, Inc. says the Broadway District has grown exponentially in the last 25 years, and as prompted several large companies to move their operations there to be where the activity is.

“They want their employees to be able to walk down to the Farmers’ Market on Broadway on Wednesdays after work and take part in the buzz,” says Hafs. “They want their employees to experience the value of having delicious gourmet restaurants and coffee shops nearby.”

Part of that vibrant scene is the public art crawl to see all of the murals around, located on the sides of buildings, in alleyways and courtyards, and even on cement barricades around apartment buildings going up. The variety of art was impressive and making our way around to each one also gave us a chance to get to know the neighborhood a bit better.

Stroll around downtown Green Bay, Wisconsin and enjoy a variety of stunning murals.

Among the things to be sure to see when strolling (and biking) around the different districts, which all work collaboratively to support and cross-promote each other’s efforts, are Titletown Brewing, The Tarlton Theater and Neville Public Museum. Events and activities in the districts to note include exhibits at The Art Garage, Fridays on the Fox summer concerts, the expanded Christkindl Market, the 39th Annual Green Bay Holiday Parade, and trolley tours along the city’s Packer’s Heritage Trail.

Be Immersed in Green Bay Packer Culture:

I got a glimpse into the intensity of Green Bay Packer love as we approached Lambeau Field for a tour. Houses lining the route, many of which are now vacation rentals for fans, painted the outsides of their walls in Packers fandom. Others had larger-than-life cutouts of players mid-tackle in their backyards, or mini-football fields. It was stunning!

Once inside Lambeau Field, which we accessed through the all-things-packer “gift shop”-bordering-on-mega-store and ascended the elevators, we were faced with the dramatic sight of the vaulted atrium of Lambeau Field. Markings on the floor coincide with the yard lines outside on the field so you could stand on the 50-yard-line within the atrium if you wanted. And people wanted.

As our tour guides began their introductions and gave the rules for good behavior on the tour, I noticed a couple who’d said they were from Florida. The wife squeezed her husband’s hand and he grinned ear-to-ear at the prospect of seeing “the field.” It was heartwarming and gave me a real sense of the far-reaching love for the Green Bay Packers, the only non-profit, community-owned major league professional sports team in the U.S. People put their newborn’s names on the list to get tickets, knowing the wait for an opening may take until they are adults. Of course, one can purchase tickets through other vendors and for a hefty price, we were told (but not what price). But it’s not the same as waiting for something that good.

We learned the interesting history of the team and stadium and got to see a variety of areas, both what the public sees and behind the scenes. We did not get to see the locker rooms because players have access to them even in the off-season and could be inside. This non-sports-fan got a little thrill when our group got to walk out of the tunnel (is that what it’s called?) and onto the field to a recording of cheering, adoring crowds! The energy, albeit recorded, is moving.

After explaining what the field is really comprised of (you won’t believe it), the tour guides took each of our pictures on the 50-yard line. I texted mine to my husband and kids who replied, “Who ARE you?” Point is, even if you aren’t a big Packers (or football in general) fan, take a tour of Lambeau Field. It’s fascinating.

While you’re there, eat at 1919 Kitchen & Tap. It’s named for the inaugural year the Packers became a football team. Our group did and had pretzel bites, salad, a club sandwich and, best of all a warm chocolate chip cookie a la mode. It’s slightly upscale but still has a sports bar vibe.

Fans far and wide can come tour Lambeau Field and be immersed in all things Packers. 

Eating and Drinking Around Green Bay:

One of the best things to do in Green Bay is to take in the food and drink scene. The city is very welcoming of new restaurants and food businesses and the new energy they bring. Some we tried:

Poke the Bear Bar & Grill inside the Hotel Northland celebrates Green Bay’s sports heritage. They are very big on supporting the local economy by sourcing from local and sustainable farmers and growers. Options include salads, burgers, a Friday Fish Fry (catfish, code or walleye), a Reuben and a thick Salmon Sandwich with bacon.

Have a classic Wisconsin meal of fried fish with rye bread served at Poke the Bear restaurant inside Hotel Northland.

The Walnut Room, also inside the Hotel Northland, feels dressy but is casual. We had hearty breakfasts including stuffed French toast and a bacon-eggs-hashbrowns-toast combo. They also source locally and make things from scratch whenever possible. Although casual, I could easily imagine men in suits and women in pill box hats with matching handbags dining in the corner.

Republic Chop House, just up the street from the hotel, is a steakhouse as suitable for business meetings as celebrations and romantic dinners. Plan to eat light beforehand and wear you dress up stretchy pants because portions here are large. I don’t even know where their potatoes come from! With my steak, I ordered the “loaded potato.” Our server, who worked like a well-oiled machine the entire night despite carrying massive, heavy trays, asked if I wanted the butter, sour cream and cheese that comes with the loaded potato. “I’ll skip the cheese,” I said, to which she quietly said, “This is Wisconsin.” “Oh, of course, what was I thinking,” I corrected. “Yes, I’ll have the cheese.” Good decision. Republic Chop House is known for their towering desserts. Delicious and showy, plan to share them with the table, or a small village. Or just take it home. They come with a large knife embedded between layers as if to say “Grrrr! Dig in!”

You’re in for a special meal at the Chop House, downtown.

Hinterland Brewery and Restaurant, in Titletown, made the best fried cheese curds I have had in all my travels in Wisconsin and that is saying a lot! They have a great selection of menu items, from nachos, to burgers, to salads and steak. Hinterland prides itself on connecting sustainable farms with diners. The servers encouraged me to try small samples of a few of beers until I found one I liked. I hate getting “stuck” with a beer I’m not happy with.

Get delicious takes on Wisconsin favorites at Hinterland Brewing.

Voyageurs Bakehouse, in the heart of the downtown area, was started by a young couple who make everything from a sourdough base. Now, if you’re like me, you hear “sourdough” and only think of tangy bread but Voyageurs set me straight on that. From their sandwich breads to light croissants and other beautiful pastries, everything simply tastes great, not sour or tangy. If you didn’t know everything is based in sourdough, you’d never know and would just wonder why their stuff is so darned good. They also serve sandwiches. Don’t miss their salmon salad to spread on your breads – it’s chunky and amazing, a huge advancement over lox schmear.

Get scratch-baked, sourdough-based savory and sweet treats from Voyageurs Bakehouse, a relatively new business in downtown Green Bay, WI.

Sara’s Artisan Gelato is just slightly out of downtown but you can pretty much get anywhere in Green Bay within about 20 minutes. Located in a strip mall (some of the best places are), Sara’s is a cheerful gelato spot with creative and intensely satisfying flavors including pistachio, and unusual flavors such as “Puppy Chow,” the take on the classic Midwestern snack made with Chex cereal, chocolate, peanut butter and powdered sugar. To learn how to really, really make gelato, Sara went to Italy and attended a formal gelato-making school. She knows her stuff.

Grab some friends and get a flight of Sara’s Artisan Gelato.

Captain’s Walk Winery, catacorner from The Automobile Gallery (make an afternoon of the two) is located in a fanciful old house with a “widow’s walk.” The place is charming and is a lovely place to linger over a glass or two. Yes, there’s talk of it being haunted but that just adds to the fun. The only haunting we sensed was the spirited good time we had meeting other patrons who were from around the country.

Bountiful Boards, my last suggestion, isn’t an actual restaurant. Owned by Ashley Grant, and started during the pandemic, the cheese shop is the perfect place to go to be introduced to small, independent cheesemakers around Wisconsin and their delightful products. Stop in to get some cheeses, crackers, cured meats and other nibbles for a picnic. I was so impressed by what Ashley is doing, not only with her small business but in the space she’s in (shared with another female business owner who makes soups and sandwiches), I asked her to do a podcast with me. You can listen and read about it by clicking here.

Experience a cheese tasting and buy some authentic, local cheese to take home from Bountiful Boards in Green Bay.

Green Bay, Wisconsin is full of surprises. I went, not really knowing what to expect, and came away feeling right at home, finding it easy to get around and explore. It’s easy to get the feel for a place that wants to make the most of all it has to offer and to share with residents and visitors alike.

To learn more about, and to discover other things to do in, Green Bay, visit their tourism website, here.

-Story and photos (except I “heart” Green Bay in our featured image) by Courtney Drake-McDonough, Publisher and Managing Editor of RealFoodTraveler.com.

Please note, as is common practice, Real Food Traveler was hosted by Visit Green Bay and various businesses to facilitate this article. However, is as always our policy, we only present our opinions honest and true to inform our readers.