Every day has got us all busy busy busy—how often do we actually get to be spontaneous? With a couple of weeks of summer left, there’s still time to ditch the itinerary, grab a friend, and see where the day takes you. In fact, hop in the car now! Your passengers can read this list to you while you head to your next spontaneous destination!
Here are 10 ways to enjoy Green Bay on a whim!
1. Get a Taste of Lambeau
You don’t need to plan months ahead to get a little Packers magic. Wander through the Lambeau Field Atrium, browse the Packers Pro Shop, or take in more than 145 pieces of artwork throughout the stadium depicting the grandeur and glory of the Packers. You can also stroll the Oneida Nation Walk of Legends, featuring 24 monuments celebrating Packers and Oneida history.
2. Hit the Arcade
Release your inner 12-year-old at Player 2 Arcade Bar, where classic arcade games, pinball, and craft drinks make for a great night of nostalgic fun. Prefer to enter another dimension entirely? Edge VR Arcade offers more than 100 VR games, plus escape rooms, PC gaming, and Xbox stations.
3. Get Your Culture Fix
You don’t need tickets to a show to experience Green Bay’s arts and culture scene. Spend an afternoon wandering through the Mulva Cultural Center’s immersive exhibits or visit the Kahnekano·lú Cultural Center where you can learn more about Oneida culture, history, and traditions. Prefer something a little more artsy? The Automobile Gallery & Event Center showcases an impressive collection of classic and vintage cars in a beautifully restored historic building. For contemporary art, check out the Art Garage or Lawton Gallery at the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, both great places to see work from local and regional artists.
And if you’d rather skip the traditional museum route altogether, make your own public art tour! Keep an eye out for murals, sculptures, and other unexpected pieces scattered throughout the city. If you’d like a little guidance, check out our public art tour blog.
4. Race at Midwest Super Speedway
Have a need for speed? Head to Midwest Super Speedway, where you’ll get to zip around the 17-turn, quarter-mile course and give your friends a run for their money. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned go-karting pro or just a Mario Kart pro—the track is designed for all levels to enjoy while still putting your reflexes and racing skills to the test.
5. Go Climbing at Odyssey
At Odyssey Climbing + Fitness, you can tackle 47 feet of roped climbing walls or 120 linear feet of bouldering. Never climbed before? No problem. Staff will get you oriented, and day passes include the equipment you need. Plus, there’s locally brewed cold brew on tap for your post-climb recovery.
6. Go Shopping
Spend an afternoon browsing Green Bay’s local shops. Hunt for vintage finds at Wonderland Vintage Market, Mañana Vintage, American Antiques & Jewelry, or Junk In the Trunk Antique Mall. Find your new favorite romantasy at Lion’s Mouth Bookstore. Pick up some vinyl or find something delightfully weird at Green Bay UFO Museum Gift Shop. Find the tarot deck that speaks to you at Aurora’s Apothecary. Or check out goods from local artisans and makers at LoCo WisCo.
Looking for more local gems? Read our Ask a Local: Favorite Small Businesses in Green Bay blog to see what area residents are loving!
7. Get Artsy at Paintin’ Pottery
At Paintin’ Pottery in De Pere, you can walk in and unleash your creativity without reservations. Choose from hundreds of pottery pieces to pick from or try your hand at glass fusing or wine glass painting. Grab a coffee or smoothie while you wait for your creation to bake, then leave with a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
8. Try Your Luck at Oneida Casino
If you’re feeling lucky, head over to Oneida Casino and try slot machines, table games, poker, bingo, and more. Not much of a gambler? You can still make an evening of it with dining and drinks at select locations. Grab a bite at The Noodle Bar at the Main-Airport location, or check out The Lodge at W. Mason. (And maybe decide ahead of time who’s buying dinner in case Lady Luck leaves your side.)
9. Kayak Lily Lake
Just 15 minutes outside of the city and surrounded by beautiful pines and cedars, an afternoon on Lily Lake is the perfect way to get outdoors and away from the hustle and bustle of life. The lake is limited to non-motorized watercraft, making it a peaceful spot for paddling. Kayak Wisconsin provided an accessible kayak launch and kayak rentals that are available on-site, so you can show up, grab a boat, and get out on the water right away. If fishing is more your speed, two fishing piers are available, and the lake is regularly stocked with largemouth bass, northern pike, and bluegill.
10. Grab a Local Drink
After you’ve had your spontaneous day out, you’ll want to relax surrounded by good company and with a drink in your hand. Check out some of the area’s excellent local breweries, like Titletown Brewing Company, Badger State Brewing Company, Copper State Brewing Company, Hinterland Brewery & Restaurant, Cocoon Brewing, Noble Roots Brewing Company, Stillmank Brewing Company, and Zambaldi Beer. Enjoy local brews, food, yard games, and live music—the perfect end to a perfect day!
Not sure where to start? Check out our Ask a Local: Best Green Bay Beers blog and find your new favorite!
