Green Bay has amazing spots for families to walk, hike, and bike. Being located near a bay of Lake Michigan gives unique landscapes and areas of interest. There are incredible hidden natural areas within urban settings that are easily accessible to the public and are little pockets of treasures like prairies, waterfalls, and bird watching opportunities. Miles and miles of trails are ready for your family to explore. Pick a new spot, pack up the kids, and head out on your next adventure!
General Tips
- Check trail conditions before you head out; some trails experience flooding.
- Don’t forget your bug spray! Near the bay, creeks, rivers, and wetlands are perfect spots for lots of mosquitos.
- Consider packing a tick kit and take general precautions like wearing long pants, avoiding walking through brush, and checking for ticks at the end of your hike.
- Many trails do not have bathrooms available, be sure to encourage a potty break before you head out.
- Remember to be prepared to pack out everything that you bring in, many of these trails do not have trash cans available. We like to include an empty ziplock along with snacks to put any trash in and back in our bag.
Also Check Out: Fox Valley Trails and Oshkosh Trails
Trails in De Pere
Fox River Trail
The Fox River Trail is part of the Wisconsin State Park System and passes through Brown County – Allouez, De Pere, Rockland, Wrightstown and Holland.
- A Daily Pass or Annual State Trail Pass is required for bicyclists, in-line skaters, and horseback riders ages 16 and older. There is no fee for walking/jogging on the trail or for trail users under the age of 16. Daily passes cost $5 and are available at the trailhead and various self-service locations along the trail. Annual State Trail Passes cost $25 and they are valid at all Wisconsin State Trails.
- Trail Covering: paved asphalt (10 miles), crushed stone
- Total Distance: 26.3 miles; out and back
- Restrooms: Restrooms are available at:
- St Francis Park (mile marker .8)
- Fox Point Boat Launch, 1075 N Broadway, De Pere (mile marker 3.4)
- Voyageur Park, 100 William St, De Pere (mile marker 4.2)
- Bomier St. Boat Launch, 700 Fox River Dr, De Pere (mile marker 4.8)
- Trailside portable (mile marker 8.8)
- Other Amenities: benches, trash receptacles
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, biking, strollers, families, scooters, rollerblading
- Dog Friendly: yes
- Nearby Businesses: Zesty’s Frozen Custard, 3718 Riverside Dr, De Pere (on trail)
- Directions & Parking:
- Adams St. & Porlier St, Green Bay (mile marker 0)
- Mariner Motel, 2222 Riverside Dr, Green Bay (mile marker 1.6)
- Fox Point Boat Launch, 1075 N Broadway, De Pere (mile marker 3.4)
- Voyageur Park, 100 William St, De Pere (mile marker 4.2)
- Bomier St. Boat Launch, 700 Fox River Dr, De Pere (mile marker 4.8)
- More Information: www.foxrivertrail.com
friendsfrt.org
Osprey Point
80-acre conservancy area maintained by the Brown County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League including two ponds used for fishing by children, seniors, and people with disabilities, walking and hiking trails, a heron rookery, wild turkeys, an osprey nesting area, sandhill cranes, deer, pheasants, and other wildlife.
- Trail Covering: natural covering
- Total Distance: a network of trails
- Restrooms: Restrooms are NOT available
- Other Amenities: informational and educational signage
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, families
- Dog Friendly: no
- Directions & Parking: 3346 Monroe Rd, De Pere
- More Information:
Trails in Green Bay
Ken Euers Nature Area
This is a wetland preserve with hiking trails all around and great views of the Bay. It is a great spot for bird watching, fishing, and frog hunting as well as hiking. Strollers with bigger wheels should do well on the trail. The area is closed in April and May to protect nesting birds. Don’t forget your bug spray!
- Trail Covering: Crushed limestone
- Total Distance: 0.8-mile loop, some are closed for construction. Map of open and closed trails.
- Restrooms: Restrooms are NOT available
- Other Amenities: Benches on trail
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, strollers, toddlers, families
- Dog Friendly: no
- Nearby Businesses: Bay Beach Amusement Park and Wildlife Center
- Directions & Parking: 1701 Military Avenue, Green Bay
- More Information: greenbaywi.gov/facilities/facility/details/keneuersnaturearea
UW-Green Bay Arboretum Trail, Green Bay
An easy walk with lots of ponds, observation points, an old chapel, prairie, creek, active wildlife, and lots of pretty bridges.
- Trail Covering: packed earth, gravel, paved, and mulch surfaces throughout the tail.
- Total Distance: a 4.7-mile loop of paved path, with bark paths that leave and return to the main loop throughout the east and south parts of the area. Trail Map
- Restrooms: Restrooms are NOT available
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, biking, learning to bike, strollers, toddlers, families
- Dog Friendly: no
- Directions & Parking: Marked entrances off HWY 54/57, Nicolet Drive, and Scottwood Drive. Parking is available at Nicolet, Main, Bay Settlement and South or East Circle Drives.
- More Information: uwgb.edu
Fonferek Glen
This beautiful area is located along Brower Creek and features cliffs and a waterfall! Be prepared for potential muddy and slippery areas. Bring your bug spray and be ready to explore!
- Trail Covering: Pea Gravel, Mulch, Paved Asphalt
- Total Distance: 0.5-mile loop
- Restrooms: Restrooms are NOT available
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, older kids
- Dog Friendly: no
- Directions & Parking: 2825 Dutchman Rd, Green Bay
- More Information: browncountywi.gov/community/parks
Baird Creek
This is an urban gem offering a park-like setting unique to Green Bay. The trails here offer a variety of experiences for all ages and abilities.
- Trail Covering: packed earth on loops, asphalt on the main point to point trail
- Total Distance: 3.3 mile Baird Creek Trail, 2.5-mile east loop, 4.1-mile west loop
- Restrooms: Restrooms are NOT available
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, biking, toddlers, families, scooters and strollers, and beginning bikers on the paved trails.
- Dog Friendly: yes, must be on a 7ft or shorter leash
- Directions & Parking:
- Triangle Hill (parking), 500 Beverly Rd, Green Bay
- Christa McAuliffe Park (parking) 3100 Sitka St, Green Bay
- More Information: bairdcreek.org
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
700-acre urban wildlife sanctuary with live animal exhibits, and miles of hiking trails. Admission is FREE but consider leaving a donation at the door. Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary also has a Visitor’s Center and Nature Education Buildings. Bring quarters to buy corn to feed the geese!
- Trail Covering: pea gravel, mulch, paved asphalt
- Total Distance: Trails from 0.17 – 1.48 miles
- Restrooms: Restrooms are available (During the Safer at Home Order public bathrooms are not accessible.)
- Other Amenities: benches, trash receptacles, corn for sale to feed ducks, fishing, picnic area
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, strollers, toddlers, families
- Dog Friendly: no
- Nearby Businesses:
- Bay Beach Amusement Park, 1313 Bay Beach Rd, Green Bay
- The Children’s Museum of Green Bay, 1230 Bay Beach Rd, Green Bay
- Directions & Parking: 1660 E Shore Dr, Green Bay
- More Information: baybeachwildlife.com
Read More: Helpful Tips for Your Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Visit
Green Bay Botanical Garden
Green Bay Botanical Garden is a 100% community-supported non-profit and botanical garden that connects people with plants. Flowering gardens, vegetable gardens, ponds, and wooded area.
- Admission:
- Adults (ages 18+): $10
- Seniors (ages 62+), AAA Members, AARP, Military: $8
- Students (w/school ID): $8
- Children (ages 3-17): $5
- Children (ages 2 & under): Free
- Trail Covering: pea gravel, mulch, paved asphalt
- Total Distance: 47 acres of display gardens and natural areas featuring a network of trails; out and back
- Restrooms: Restrooms are available (During the Safer at Home Order public bathrooms are not accessible.)
- Other Amenities: benches, picnic tables, drinking fountains, children’s garden, activities, slide
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, toddlers, families, strollers, toddlers
- Dog Friendly: no
- Nearby Businesses: Gallagher’s Pizza (off the trail), 2655 W Mason St, Green Bay
- Directions & Parking: 2600 Larsen Rd, Green Bay
- More Information: gbbg.org
Read More: A Day at the Green Bay Botanical Garden
Pamperin Park
Pamperin Park is part of the Brown County Park System and includes hiking trails, wooded areas, beautiful views of Duck Creek, a suspension bridge, a wooden disc golf course, and a large wooden playground for kids.
- Trail Covering: Pea Gravel, Mulch, Paved Asphalt
- Total Distance: a network of trails
- Restrooms: Restrooms are available (During the Safer at Home Order public bathrooms are not accessible.)
- Other Amenities: benches, picnic tables, trash receptacles, drinking fountains, park playground
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, strollers, toddlers, families
- Dog Friendly: yes
- Directions & Parking: 2801 County Road RK, Green Bay
- More Information: www.browncountywi.gov/community/parks-department/general-information/pamperin-park
Trails in New Franklen
Bay Shore County Park
Cecil Depeau Bay Shore Park is located on the Niagara Escarpment and is known for the breathtaking view of the Bay of Green Bay. Scenic hiking trails follow the ledge of the escarpment. Bay Shore is also a popular fishing spot. Children can enjoy nautical-themed playground equipment and a huge wooden ship.
- Trail Covering: natural covering
- Total Distance: a network of trails
- Restrooms: Restrooms are available (During the Safer at Home Order public bathrooms are not accessible.)
- Other Amenities: benches, picnic areas, camping
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, biking, families
- Dog Friendly: yes
- Nearby Businesses:
- The Sweet Seasons, 6189 Tielens Rd, Luxemburg
- Deprey’s Frosty Tip, 6390 Sturgeon Bay Rd, Luxemburg
- Directions & Parking: 5637 Sturgeon Bay Rd, New Franken
- More Information: www.browncountywi.gov/community/parks-department/general-information/bay-shore-park
Trails in Howard
Mountain Bay State Trail
The Mountain-Bay State Trail is a scenic wooded 83-mile state-designated rail-trail in Brown, Marathon, and Shawano Counties in Wisconsin. The trail is the longest rail-trail in the state. The trail is named for the two geological features at either end of the trail: Green Bay and Rib Mountain. There is a short gap in the trail in the city of Shawano near the Wolf River, where local roads are utilized. The trail is operated and maintained by Marathon, Shawano, and Brown counties. The trail passes through several small communities and a wide variety of landscapes including farmlands, forests, and wetlands, and features numerous bridge crossings over rivers and streams.
- A Daily Pass or Annual State Trail Pass is required for bicyclists, in-line skaters, and horseback riders ages 16 and older. There is no fee for walking/jogging on the trail or for trail users under the age of 16. Daily passes cost $5 and are available at the trailhead and various self-service locations along the trail. Annual State Trail Passes cost $25 and is valid at all Wisconsin State Trails.
- Trail Covering: crushed stone, paved asphalt, natural covering
- Total Distance: 83 miles; out and back
- Restrooms: Lakeview Drive and Anston Access parking lots have portable restrooms.
- Other Amenities: benches, educational informational signage
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, biking
- Dog Friendly: yes
- Directions & Parking in Brown County:
- 904-942 Lakeview Dr, Lakeview Drive, near State Highway 41, Howard
- More Information: dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/mountainbay
Meadowbrook Trail
Meadowbrook Park is 92.5 acres and includes hiking trails.
- Trail Covering: paved, natural covering
- Total Distance: 92.5 acres; network of trails, out and back
- The main trail is 1.25-mile paved trail from Hillcrest Heights to Cardinal Lane
- Restrooms: Restrooms are available (During the Safer at Home Order public bathrooms are not accessible.)
- Other Amenities: benches, picnic areas, playground
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, biking, learning to bike, strollers, toddlers, families, scooters, rollerblading
- Dog Friendly: yes
- Directions & Parking: There are 2 separate entrances and parking lots.
- 670 Hillcrest Heights, Howard
- More Information: www.villageofhoward.com/facilities/facility/details/Meadowbrook-Park
Trails in Suamico
L. H. Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve
The Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve is located along the west shore of the Bay of Green Bay and is made up of 920 acres of forest, meadows, and wetlands. Rich in history, these grounds were once home to Native American tribes where they would hunt and fish. Today, this natural area is a refuge for a wide variety of waterfowl, wildlife, and plant species. There are over nine miles of scenic hiking trails that run through the marsh and forest of the preserve.
- Trail Covering: natural covering
- Total Distance: 9 miles; out and back, a network of trails
- Restrooms: Restrooms are available (During the Safer at Home Order public bathrooms are not accessible.)
- Other Amenities: benches, visitor’s center, educational programming, sensory trail, observation tower
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, strollers, toddlers, families
- Dog Friendly: no
- Nearby Businesses: off the trail
- Olde World Pastries Plus, 1770 E Deerfield Ave A, Green Bay
- Uncle Mike’s Bake Shoppe, 2514 Lineville Rd, Green Bay
- Dunkin’, 2455 Lineville Rd, Howard
- Culver’s, 11820 Velp Ave, Suamico
- Directions & Parking: 2024 Lakeview Dr, Suamico
- More Information: www.browncountywi.gov/community/parks-department/general-information/barkhausen-waterfowl-preserve
