Follow the Fox River through downtown, walk out over the water on CityDeck, bike south toward De Pere, eat beside the river and continue north toward the shoreline where the Fox River meets Green Bay.
The Fox River runs directly through downtown Green Bay before emptying into the bay itself, giving visitors a waterfront experience that changes considerably as you explore the city.
Downtown is the urban side: CityDeck, restaurants, bridges, museums and events. Head south and the Fox River Trail becomes the story. Head north and the landscape gradually transitions toward the bay, wetlands and wildlife.
CityDeck is Green Bay's downtown riverfront promenade along the east bank of the Fox River.
The roughly quarter-mile riverwalk stretches between the Walnut Street bridge and Ray Nitschke Memorial Bridge, with platforms extending over the river.
This is the easiest place to begin a Green Bay waterfront visit because downtown restaurants, museums and other attractions are within walking distance.
CityDeck Information ↗Green Bay's waterfront works especially well on foot or by bike.
Start around CityDeck and follow the downtown riverfront, cross one of the bridges and see the city from both sides of the Fox River.
Start at CityDeck →
The trail begins near downtown Green Bay and continues south along the Fox River through Allouez and De Pere before extending into the countryside.
Wisconsin DNR Trail Information ↗
Continue north from downtown toward Bay Beach and the wildlife areas near the mouth of the Fox River for a very different side of Green Bay's waterfront.
Explore the Bay Side →This isn't just a short downtown riverwalk. The Fox River State Trail runs approximately 25 miles through Brown and Calumet counties.
The northern trailhead is near Porlier Street and Adams Street, just south of Green Bay's Mason Street Bridge. From there the route heads south through Allouez, De Pere, Rockland, Wrightstown and other communities.
The first 11 miles are asphalt, while the southern 14 miles use a crushed-stone surface.
Trail Map & Information ↗The trail is open year-round. A Wisconsin state trail pass is required for bicycling, in-line skating and horseback riding for visitors age 16 and older.
Walking does not require the trail pass.
Trail Pass Information ↗Actual places to build into your downtown waterfront walk.
A large downtown restaurant and bar beside CityDeck with a waterfront patio overlooking the Fox River. The name also nods to the Packers' original playing grounds.
Visit Website ↗A breakfast, brunch and lunch stop located directly along the downtown CityDeck area—easy to combine with a morning river walk.
Visit Website ↗A casual downtown option along the Fox River with Wisconsin-style pub food and a riverfront patio that's particularly appealing in warmer weather.
Visit Website ↗Head across the river to the Broadway District and up to the Sky Lounge for elevated views across downtown Green Bay and the Fox River.
Visit Website ↗Not a restaurant, but an easy addition to a waterfront day. The museum sits on Museum Place near the Fox River and explores regional history, science and culture.
Museum Information ↗A large riverfront lawn and event space on the west side of the Fox River, used for festivals, concerts and simple waterfront relaxation.
City Information ↗The waterfront doesn't end when you leave the downtown boardwalk.
Open lawn, river views and one of downtown Green Bay's major outdoor event and festival spaces.
A smaller Fox River park that works well as a quiet stop while walking or biking the riverfront trail.
Green Bay's newer riverfront park area includes a waterfront promenade, fishing pier, floating docks and kayak access.
Follow the Fox River Trail south and extend your waterfront day into neighboring De Pere.
North of downtown, the waterfront changes from an urban river corridor to the wetlands and shoreline environment near the mouth of the Fox River.
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary covers 535 acres and includes wildlife exhibits, educational facilities, viewing areas and 4.8 miles of trails.
Admission to the Wildlife Sanctuary is free, making it an easy addition to a Green Bay waterfront day.
Wildlife Sanctuary ↗Start around CityDeck with breakfast or coffee before walking along the Fox River.
Explore both sides of the downtown riverfront and cross the Fox River using one of the downtown bridges.
Head south on the Fox River Trail toward Allouez or De Pere and return downtown later in the afternoon.
Finish with a waterfront patio or a rooftop overlooking the Fox River and downtown Green Bay.
CityDeck puts you near the river, restaurants, bridges and museums without needing to move the car repeatedly.
The Fox River Trail turns a short downtown visit into a much larger Green Bay and De Pere waterfront trip.
Cyclists and skaters age 16 and older need a state trail pass on the Fox River State Trail.
Bay Beach and the Wildlife Sanctuary are easier reached by car after exploring downtown.
CityDeck and Leicht Memorial Park host seasonal activities and downtown events throughout the year.
Evening light along the Fox River can make downtown Green Bay feel surprisingly removed from the stadium district.
Hotels, attractions, food and everything else to build into a Green Bay getaway.
Explore Green Bay →Packers tickets, stadium tours, tailgating, Titletown and planning a Green Bay football weekend.
Football Guide →Find more trails, lakes, parks and outdoor adventures around Wisconsin.
Explore Outdoors →CityDeck, riverfront restaurants, bike trails, parks and the shoreline of Green Bay.