By Melanie Radzicki McManus | Photo courtesy Travel Wisconsin
For the first time in history, the NFL Draft is coming to Green Bay. And the city is preparing a celebration for the ages.
“The feeling around town is a ton of excitement and pride,” says Nick Meisner, vice president of digital marketing and communications at Discover Green Bay. “While the Packers are a massive part of our community, the Draft will let people see that we’re also a city with a vibrant culture, arts scene, night scene and loads of outdoor recreational opportunities.”
During the three-day Draft, coming to Lambeau Field and the neighboring Titletown campus on April 24-26, 2025, the 32 NFL teams will select college football players to join their organizations. The football picks will be announced by Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner, and other special guests.
To make the event more festive, pigskin fans can attend the free NFL Draft Experience, which celebrates all things football through games, interactive exhibits, player appearances and more. Special activities are planned for kids, and everyone — no matter your age — will be able to test their football skills, whether that’s racing a 40-yard dash or attempting a Hail Mary pass.
While you’ll spend plenty of time in and around Lambeau Field and Titletown, set aside time to explore Green Bay and its environs, where businesses are joining in the fun.
“You can throw a dart anywhere in Green Bay and find someone doing something special for the Draft,” Meisner says.
Like Stillmank Brewing, which created a special lager — Green Bay Draft Beer for the occasion. The lager is light enough to be approachable, yet it’s not boring, says Brad Stillmank, brewery president.
“We used a honey malt in it, a specialty malt that lends a touch of sweetness,” he says. “It also has a biscuity character to it.” The brewery also plans to offer live music and extended taproom hours.
In addition to partaking in such local business specials, consider visiting these prime attractions.
WHERE TO GO
Bay Beach Amusement Park is opening early just for the Draft. A family favorite in Green Bay for more than a century, the park features rides such as a roller coaster, Ferris wheel, Tilt-A-Whirl and merry-go-round. The cost per ride is a mere .25 to $1, making it an affordable excursion.
Down the road, the free Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary contains a variety of live animal exhibits. Begin your visit at the Nature Center, where you can explore educational and interactive exhibits. Then head outside to see the resident wolves, deer and raptors. A duck blind helps you spot waterfowl in the lagoon, while some five miles of walking and hiking trails will extend your dip into nature. Fun fact: The sanctuary operates Wisconsin’s largest wildlife rehabilitation program, which cares for thousands of injured and orphaned animals every year.
If you enjoy more exotic animal species, head to the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park. Home to more than 90 animal species from around the globe, you’ll be able to glimpse bison, monkeys, alligators, leopards and more. You also can help feed giraffes, penguins and otters; take a ride on the zoo train; and enjoy the adjacent adventure park, home to a ropes course, climbing wall and zip line. Walk back to the zoo via the Neil Anderson Canopy Tour, a bridge suspended in the air that winds through the trees and crosses some animal habitats.
History buffs will appreciate Heritage Hill State Historical Park, which tells the story of Green Bay, Wisconsin’s oldest settlement. Green Bay is also the site where Europeans first made contact with Wisconsin’s Native Americans. You’ll find representations of a fur trading area here; a replica of Fort Howard, built after the War of 1812 to defend the settlement; an agricultural zone showcasing a cheese factory and Belgian farmhouse; and local historic structures, including a Moravian church and blacksmith shop.
At the National Railroad Museum, one of the nation’s largest museums dedicated to trains, you can check out more than 100,000 railroad artifacts, plus walk through or along some 70 pieces of rolling stock. Many are quite impressive, such as the Union Pacific #4017 “Big Boy” locomotive, which stretches half a football field and weighs 1.1 million pounds. There’s also a 1920s restored Pullman sleeper car and the modernistic Aerotrain. The Aerotrain was designed in the 1950s to encourage passenger train travel, in part by mimicking the look of the era’s popular bus coaches. Train rides are available seasonally, too, winding two miles through the woods, along the Fox River and around the museum grounds.
If the weather’s pleasant,stroll through the 47-acre Green Bay Botanical Garden, which boasts a wide array of specialty gardens: herb, conifer, hosta, daylily and more. Kids love to wander through the colorful children’s garden, which features a splash pad, maze, koi pond, tree house and Mr. McGregor’s garden. There’s even a hobbit house restroom.
To burn off more energy, explore the Fox River State Trail, which extends 25 miles southbound from downtown Green Bay along a former rail corridor. The trail, a mix of asphalt and crushed limestone, showcases the beautiful Fox River. While on the trail, challenge yourself on the outdoor fitness course in Allouez.
WHEN HUNGER STRIKES
You won’t go hungry in Green Bay. While there are loads of places to grab a bite in and around Lambeau Field and Titletown, consider some of these local favorites, too.
Plae Bistro is the spot for contemporary American cuisine such as grilled cheese bites, wild mushroom flatbread, seafood nachos and buddha bowls. The bistro also serves hamburgers, steaks, pasta and seafood, plus boasts a generous selection of wine, beer and cocktails. Another great choice is The Bottle Room, a wine bar that also offers craft beer. Pair your beverage of choice with pork carnitas tacos, smoked duck bruschetta or a giant Bavarian pretzel.
Sammy’s Pizza has been crafting its delectable, thin-crust pizzas for more than 60 years, using the same family recipes. You can also snag homemade pastas and sandwiches, some of which are crafted with house-made Italian sausage and Italian roast beef. At Chives Restaurant, housed in a historic building in nearby Suamico, indulge in butternut squash ravioli, classic steak fritte, and chicken and goat cheese wontons. The restaurant offers an expansive wine menu and a selection of top-shelf Scotch.
Looking for vegetarian or vegan fare? Kavarna has a wonderful selection of coffee and tea, plus bakery items, egg dishes, salads, wraps, sandwiches and burritos.
LODGING CHOICES ABOUND
The Green Bay area is home to a variety of motels, boutique hotels, inns and vacation properties.
Lodge Kohler is part of the famous Kohler Co., known for its luxury bath products. The chic hotel includes a rooftop restaurant with sweeping views of Lambeau Field and, of course, a spa. Nearby, the posh Legacy Hotel offers a rooftop gastropub, coffee and juice bar, and spa. Dogs are welcome.
When Hotel Northland opened in 1924 in downtown Green Bay, it was Wisconsin’s largest hotel. Restored during the last decade, the historic property boasts premium rooms and two restaurants. FYI: the Packers once had their headquarters here.
Tucked along the Fox River, St. Brendan’s Inn is a boutique hotel that contains an Irish pub and restaurant. Enjoy an order of fish and chips, or perhaps a slice of Shepherd’s Pie, then wash it down with a mug of Guinness or an Irish coffee. Sláinte!
Looking for more space?
Power Properties 920 represents more than 100 furnished vacation properties, all of which have fully equipped kitchens and free on-site laundry and parking. Many of these accommodations are in or near Green Bay.
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