Beyond Lambeau: 10 Fascinating Historical Sites in Green Bay, Wisconsin

After arriving at Austin Straubel International Airport, I assembled my folding bike right in the terminal (earning some curious glances from the Packers fans arriving for a summer training camp), and headed straight to Heritage Hill State Historical Park.

This 56-acre living history museum showcases over 30 historical structures from throughout Wisconsin's past, from fur trading outposts to Belgian farm buildings. What makes this place special isn't just the buildings themselves, but the way they're brought to life by costumed interpreters who demonstrate everything from blacksmithing to traditional cooking methods.

I spent nearly three hours wandering the grounds, with the highlight being Fort Howard, a meticulously reconstructed military outpost that served as a crucial frontier defense in the early 19th century. The fort's hospital building contains fascinating medical instruments that will make you profoundly grateful for modern healthcare.

The park's layout is beautifully designed to take you chronologically through Wisconsin's development, and I found myself completely losing track of time while chatting with the knowledgeable staff about the region's Belgian immigrant communities.

As someone who's documented transit systems across three continents, I couldn't pass up Green Bay's National Railroad Museum. What I didn't expect was just how extensive this collection would be. This isn't some small-town train display—it's one of the oldest and largest rail museums in the United States.

The star attraction is the Union Pacific Big Boy, one of the world's largest steam locomotives. Standing next to this mechanical behemoth, I felt like I was eight years old again, marveling at its massive driving wheels and imposing presence. The museum also houses General Eisenhower's personal WWII command train, where you can step inside and imagine the Allied forces being directed from these very compartments.

What I particularly appreciated was how the museum contextualizes railroads within American history, showing how they transformed everything from commerce to social structures. The museum is surprisingly transit-accessible too—Green Bay Metro's Route 6 stops nearby, though I enjoyed the scenic 5-mile bike ride along the Fox River Trail to get there.

After exploring the indoor exhibits, I joined one of the train rides that circle the property (available seasonally). While waiting, I pulled out my compact binoculars to spot some local birds along the river—an unexpected bonus to my historical explorations.

Located along the Fox River in downtown Green Bay, the Neville Public Museum serves as the cultural heart of the region. What makes this museum special is its dedication to telling the complete story of Green Bay—from the indigenous peoples who first inhabited the area to the European settlement and industrial development.

The "On the Edge of the Inland Sea" exhibit particularly captivated me with its exploration of how Green Bay's position on Lake Michigan shaped its development. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the region's Native American tribes, including stunning beadwork and tools that demonstrate remarkable craftsmanship.

As someone who always seeks to understand a city's evolution, I appreciated how the museum chronicles Green Bay's transformation from a fur trading post to an industrial center. The exhibits on the paper industry—which still plays a major role in the local economy—were surprisingly fascinating.

After exploring the exhibits, I took a moment to sit on the museum's riverside terrace with my travel journal to jot down some observations. The museum's location offers excellent views of the Fox River, and I found myself sketching the cityscape while contemplating how waterways have shaped communities throughout history.

The best part? The museum is directly on a Green Bay Metro bus line and connects to the Fox River State Trail, making it perfectly accessible without a car.

Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood just a short bike ride from downtown sits the Hazelwood Historic House Museum, a beautifully preserved Greek Revival home built in 1837. This elegant residence belonged to Morgan L. Martin, a prominent lawyer and politician who helped shape Wisconsin's early development.

What struck me most about Hazelwood wasn't just the architectural details (though the spiral staircase is genuinely impressive), but how the home provides an intimate glimpse into upper-class Victorian life in the Midwest. The Martin family lived here for three generations, and the house contains many of their original furnishings and personal items.

My visit coincided with one of their Victorian tea events, where I enjoyed period-appropriate refreshments in the garden while a local historian discussed the changing roles of women during the 19th century. These special events happen monthly during summer and early fall—definitely worth planning around if you can.

The gardens surrounding the house have been restored to reflect Victorian landscaping practices, complete with heirloom plant varieties. As an amateur stargazer, I couldn't help but imagine how the night sky would have appeared from this same garden in the 1800s, before light pollution dimmed our view of the cosmos.

Before leaving, I purchased a small book about Wisconsin's architectural history from the gift shop, which I later read at my hotel using my book light—a must-have for late-night reading without disturbing hotel roommates.

I know what you're thinking—didn't he promise to go beyond Lambeau? Bear with me, because the Packers Hall of Fame deserves inclusion not just as a sports shrine, but as a legitimate historical institution that illuminates Green Bay's unique place in American cultural history.

As someone who barely follows football, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this museum. It's less about game statistics and more about how this small-market team became a national phenomenon and shaped the identity of an entire region. The Packers' community ownership model—unique in major American sports—reflects the cooperative spirit that has defined Wisconsin's social history.

The exhibits trace the team's evolution alongside American history, from the Great Depression through World War II and the civil rights era. I was particularly moved by the display on Vince Lombardi's stance against discrimination, insisting on equal treatment for his Black players in a still-segregated America.

To capture some of the memorabilia in the low-light museum conditions, I used my smartphone camera lens kit to get wide-angle shots of the trophy displays without flash—a handy travel photography hack I've used in museums worldwide.

Even as someone who came to Green Bay for its non-football history, I left with a deeper appreciation for how the Packers franchise is genuinely interwoven with the city's historical fabric in ways that transcend sport.

While the sites above deserve in-depth exploration, here are five more historical locations that round out Green Bay's impressive historical offerings:

1. Oneida Nation Museum - Located just west of Green Bay, this excellent museum chronicles the history and culture of the Oneida people, who relocated to Wisconsin from New York in the 1820s. The displays of traditional beadwork and contemporary Oneida art are particularly impressive.

2. Tank Cottage - Built in 1776, this is the oldest standing house in Wisconsin. The simple French-Canadian style cottage offers a glimpse into early European settlement life and is open for tours on summer weekends.

3. Cofrin Memorial Arboretum - While primarily a nature preserve, the arboretum contains several historical farming structures and interpretive signs explaining the land use history of the region. I spent a peaceful evening here with my compact telescope as the arboretum's relatively dark skies allowed for some basic stargazing.

4. Bay Beach Amusement Park - Don't let the carnival atmosphere fool you—this municipal park dates back to 1892 and includes one of the nation's oldest operating wooden roller coasters. The park's development reflects changing American leisure patterns throughout the 20th century.

5. St. Willebrord Catholic Church - This beautiful church established in 1864 serves as a testament to Green Bay's Belgian and Dutch immigrant communities. The stunning stained glass windows depict both biblical scenes and moments from local history.

These smaller sites can easily be woven between visits to the major attractions, creating a comprehensive historical tour of the city. Most are accessible via Green Bay Metro buses or are within reasonable biking distance from downtown.