The U.S. has a lot to offer when it comes to travel destinations. The fair-weather state of Florida, metropolises such as New York, the gambler’s paradise Las Vegas or a trip along the legendary Route 66 are certainly at the top of the list of interesting destinations for many. But there is much more to discover in the land of unlimited opportunities. For example, the breathtaking landscapes and diverse cities of the Midwest. One such city with a very special charm is Green Bay in the state of Wisconsin – where else do people like to wear hats in the shape of cheese?
Among Americans themselves, the Midwest is considered a rather boring, agricultural region. Green Bay shows how unjustified this opinion is and is happy to present visitors with his idiosyncratic charisma. The city is the oldest community in Wisconsin. It was founded as a trading post by French fur traders at the head of Lake Michigan’s bay of the same name. With a little over 100,000 inhabitants, the city is still rather small by American standards. Nevertheless, it is known nationwide.
The Green Bay Packers
The statue of Vince Lombardi in front of Lambeau Field, Image: Grindstone Media Group / shutterstock She stands for American history and lifestyle, cheese enjoyment – and above all for her notorious football team. Although Green Bay is the smallest city in the USA with a professional football team, the team has been able to make a name for itself, regularly celebrates victories and is considered a notorious opponent by opposing teams. Of course, everyone here is a fan of the Green Bay Packers . The home games at Lambeau Field are always well attended and a great spectacle. So a visit to the stadium is definitely an experience. The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame will provide information about the team’s achievements and display trophies. Those who prefer to be active themselves will find plenty of opportunities to do so in the great surroundings. Hikes and walks are the best way to explore the landscape and nature. Highlights include the Bay Shore Park with its impressive cliffs, Fonferek’s Glen, Barkhausen Wildlife Preserve or the Brown County Reforestation Camp, which also includes a zoo and an adventure park. The botanical garden of Green Bay is also famous and worth seeing. Anglers will find ideal conditions on Lake Michigan. Especially if you are traveling with children, you should not miss the Bay Beach Amusement Park with its moderate rides and a beautiful view of the lake.
Between old stories and culinary delights
Green Bay can look back on a long history, is proud of it and shows it. If you visit the city, you can convince yourself of this in one of the surprisingly numerous museums. Worth seeing are, for example, the Neville Public Museum and the Heritage Hill State Historical Park with its historic buildings. If you want to learn about the past of the indigenous people, visit the Oneida Museum with exhibits and information about the former life of the Oneida and Iroquois in the region. Like hardly any other region, the Midwest was shaped by the railroad. Visitors can find exciting and worth seeing in the National Railroad Museum. Green Bay on Lake Michigan, Image: Jacob Boomsma / shutterstock Today, agriculture is particularly important for the region. Dairy farming in particular is widespread, which even caused overproduction in the region in the 19th century. In order to exploit the surplus, Green Bay relied on cheese production. The local cheese specialties have been famous and popular ever since, earning the inhabitants the nickname “Cheeseheads”. They are proud of this and therefore like to wear eye-catching cheese-shaped headgear to football games of the local team or to other events. Other goods from the region also go well with cheese. Wineries and wineries and some small but fine breweries have settled in and around Green Bay. Interested parties can get to know the local specialties during guided tours and tastings. So there is actually something for everyone in Green Bay. Gourmets, sports fans, history buffs and nature worshippers get their money’s worth and the city and region are also worth seeing for everyone else. So why not explore the USA away from the big tourist destinations?
