So, you’ve made the best decision ever—you’re coming to school in the Green Bay area! Hooray! Welcome to a city where cheese curds are a love language, football season is a way of life, and you’ll likely find yourself on a first-name basis with your barista by week two.
In rounding up advice from locals for this blog, one local redditor told us, “Don’t be afraid to ask a local for advice or recommendations. Compared to other cities, Green Bay is extremely friendly and welcoming.” And we couldn’t agree more!
In this edition of our Ask a Local series, we rounded up the best insider tips from Green Bay and De Pere locals to help incoming UW-Green Bay and St. Norbert College students settle in and find their new fave spots in the city. Think the coziest coffee shops for study marathons, local restaurants worth becoming a regular at, and outdoor escapes when you need a brain break from campus life.
Let’s get you settled into your new home!
Explore!
The number one tip we heard from locals? Get out there and explore your city!
“There are a lot of inexpensive things you can do, and make sure you check the events tabs on the Discover Green Bay website [thanks for the shoutout!] and Facebook for all the stuff happening around town. There’s so much to do if you know where to look,” says redditor rosegold_glitter.
Need some inspo? We’ve got you covered. Our blog archives are basically a treasure map to the best of Green Bay. Here are a few to get you started!
-
Green Bay Under $20: A Week’s Worth of Affordable Eats and Activities
-
Fat Biking in Green Bay: Where to Ride, Rent, and Join the Fun
When it comes to exploring, transportation matters. While Green Bay does have public transit options, most locals agree—a car is your best bet.
“I highly recommend you bring a car so you can get the most out of your college time in GB,” one redditor told us. Another added, “Driving only takes 15 minutes to get anywhere in town.”
No car? No problem! Both UW-Green Bay and St. Norbert campuses have plenty happening right outside your dorm. Reddit user Dadneedsabreak suggests: “Get involved with some on-campus activities you enjoy. Find friends to do things with so you don’t feel like you always have to go somewhere.”
And as rosegold_glitter puts it: “Take advantage of as much of what your campus offers, it will be cheaper than going elsewhere. Making finding a group, sport, or club you enjoy doing as a way to make friends your #1 priority. Your time as an adult grows as you make friends - don't isolate yourself.”
Take advantage of the outdoors
One of the best things about living in Green Bay? You’re surrounded by nature. The city is the state’s gateway to the Northwoods, which means there’s no shortage of beautiful green spaces and outdoor adventures, whether you’re right on campus or just a short drive away.
At UW-Green Bay
Locals say you can’t beat catching a sunset at nearby Joliet Park—it’s peaceful, scenic, and “it's way less crowded than the park on campus.” When you’re ready for a nature fix, head to the Cofrin Arboretum right on campus. It’s a true gem with miles of trails for hiking, biking, and (come winter) cross-country skiing. Along the way, you’ll pass prairies bursting with wildflowers, wooded paths, babbling creeks, ponds, wetlands, and even a stretch of the Niagara Escarpment.
At St. Norbert College
Just steps from campus, you’ll find the perfect route for walking, biking, or clearing your head after class. Locals also recommend a stroll to Voyageur Park, a riverfront spot that’s perfect for picnics and people-watching.
If you need a quick study break or a weekend adventure, Green Bay’s outdoors are calling, and they’re basically in your backyard!
Embrace your sporty side
If you’re already a Packers fan, you know you’ve landed in the right city. But the green and gold aren’t the only game in town. Locals say you should also check out the top-notch Division I athletics at UW-Green Bay. From basketball to golf, softball to Nordic skiing, the Phoenix brings exciting, elite-level sports to the court, course, and trails year-round.
Want to get in on the action yourself? One local redditor suggests: “Get into disc golf if you aren’t already. There’s a wonderful course on the UWGB campus.”
And that’s just the start. Other great disc golf spots around the area include Baird Creek, Pamperin Park, Pinecrest, and Legion Park in De Pere.
Find your favorite cafe
Need a caffeine boost or a cozy spot to camp out with your laptop? Green Bay’s café scene has you covered. Whether you’re fueling up for an early class or looking for a place to hide from your group project teammates (we won’t tell), there’s no shortage of spots where you can sip something delicious and maybe even make friends with the barista.
One local redditor put it best: “When it comes to caffeine, quality over quantity. Head to a local coffee shop for a coffee drink. They’re potent and taste better than your chain offerings.”
Some top local picks to check out:
Pro tip: Try a few until you find “your” place—the one where they start your order before you even say a word. That’s when you know you’re a regular.
Find your favorite bite to eat
If you’ve got a craving, trust us, you’ll find a restaurant that fits the bill. Green Bay’s food scene is packed with flavors from around the globe and local hidden gems you’ll be bringing your friends and family to when they visit.
Locals’ top picks for students include:
-
Food trucks (check out our recent round-up for the best ones!)
And if this list just made you hungry, we’ve got plenty more where that came from. Browse our blog archives for restaurant round-ups, foodie guides, and more ways to eat your way through Green Bay.
Use your campus resources
College comes with a lot of new experiences, and sometimes, a few challenges. The good news? Both UW-Green Bay and St. Norbert have tons of resources designed to help you thrive, and most of them are free (or very cheap) for students.
As one local put it: “It’s a big adjustment with a lot of new experiences. They should know their campus has support in many ways such as counseling services, medical services, and student support services both academically and for outside of the classroom. This applies to all the local colleges. And most of, if not all, is free to students.”
From medical services and tutoring to career planning, social events, and clubs for just about every interest, your campus is packed with opportunities to get involved and get support. You’ll also find fitness classes, intramural sports, and even outside the box perks like therapy dogs during exam week at UW-Green Bay. If you need help with a research paper, a place to work out, or just a mental health boost, chances are your campus already has exactly what you need.
Welcome to your city!
Whether you’re sipping lattes at a cozy café, cheering on the Phoenix, hiking a trail between classes, or joining a campus club, every new experience brings you closer to feeling like a true local.
So take the advice from the people who know this city best: get out there, try new things, and don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation. You never know what tip or new friend you might find. Green Bay is ready to welcome you, and now you’ve got a head start on making the most of it.
