When you think of Green Bay, world-class football, cheese curds, and a whole lot of history may be the first things that come to mind- but our waterside views are equally as legendary. Beyond the downtown riverfront, Green Bay and its neighboring communities are packed with quiet parks, secluded beaches, and scenic trails tucked along the Fox River, the bay of Green Bay, and Lake Michigan.
Whether you’re looking to launch a kayak, catch an unforgettable sunset, or simply find a calm spot to read a book by the water, here are hidden waterfront spots in and around Green Bay just waiting to be explored!
Green Bay & UWGB Shoreline
Communiversity Park
📍 2531 Nicolet Dr, Green Bay, WI 54311
Tucked away on the edge of University of Wisconsin Green Bay’s campus, Communiversity Park is one of the city’s best kept secrets for watching the sun dip below the horizon. With peaceful walking paths, a sandy shoreline, and great waterfront views, it’s an ideal spot for an afternoon picnic or a quiet moment of reflection.
Lambeau Cottage Park
📍 2487 Nicolet Dr, Green Bay, WI 54311
Just a hop and a skip away from Communiversity Park, you'll find Lambeau Cottage Park. This historic spot marks where Green Bay Packers founder Earl “Curly” Lambeau once built his summer getaway. Today it’s a tranquil park offering sweeping bay views, shaded shoreline, and a unique connection to the football lore!
Ken Euers Nature Area
📍 N Military Ave, Green Bay, WI 54303
Located on Green Bay’s northwest side near Duck Creek and the bay shore, this hidden wetland reserve offers a true escape into nature without leaving town. Scenic trail loops and wooden boardwalks wind through marshlands and shoreline habitats, making it a favorite hideaway for birdwatchers, wildlife photography, and a quiet walk.
Howard, Suamico & Northwest Shore
Pamperin Park
📍 2801 County Road RK, Green Bay, WI 54303
While famous for its instagram-worthy bridge, and fun park, the serene waterside banks of Duck Creek flowing through the park offer a peaceful retreat right in Howard. This spot is perfect for a family outing, a long walk, or even a Christmas card photo!
Sunset Beach Park
📍 3384 Sunset Beach Ln, Suamico, WI 54173
True to its name, this cozy neighborhood park at the mouth of the Suamico River offers front-row seats to some of the most beautiful sunsets in Brown County. It features a small sandy launch area perfect for slipping a kayak or paddleboard into the bay waters for a calm sunset paddle.
Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve
📍 2024 Lakeview Dr, Suamico, WI 54173
Spanning over 1,000 acres of preserved wetlands, forests, and meadows near the bay shore, Barkhausen is a nature lover's dream. Miles of trails and elevated boardwalks lead you through thriving marshland habitats where you can observe native waterfowl, calm open waters, and maybe even a turtle!
Sensiba State Wildlife Area
📍 3358 Sunset Beach Ln, Suamico, WI 54173
For those seeking a more rugged, undisturbed coastal adventure, Sensiba State Wildlife Area sits right where the Suamico River meets Green Bay. This protected marshland offers primitive trails, excellent waterfowl hunting and birding, and pristine shoreline access for hand launching canoes and kayaks.
De Pere, Ashwaubenon, & Fox River
Voyageur Park
📍 100 William St, De Pere, WI 54115
Perched right along the Fox River in the heart of De Pere, Voyageur Park combines lively riverfront energy with quiet scenic pockets. Walk along the paved shoreline trail, watch boats pass through the historical De Pere lock system, or cast a line into the river while enjoying a sunny day.
Fox River Trail
📍 800 S. Adams Green Bay, WI 54301
Spanning miles along the east bank of the Fox River through Green Bay, Allouez, and De Pere, this paved multi-use trail offers endless water vistas. Whether you’re biking, rollerblading, or enjoying a leisurely stroll, the leafy canopy overhead and continuous riverfront scenery make every mile feel like a scenic retreat.
Ashwaubomay Memorial River Park
📍 2881 S Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304
Nestled along a quiet bend of the Fox River in Ashwaubenon, this park is a local haven for water lovers. Beyond its popular swimming lake, the park features tranquil riverbank access, walking paths, and a public boat launch perfect for casting off onto the Fox River or enjoying a quiet moment along the shore.
Northeast Shore
Bay Shore Park
📍 5637 Sturgeon Bay Rd, New Franken, WI 54229
Perched high atop the Niagara Escarpment, Bay Shore Park offers some of the most dramatic water views in Brown County. Hike down the scenic wooden breakwater steps to access the rocky shoreline of Green Bay, or sit high on the bluffs to take in sweeping, uninterrupted bay vistas and crisp coastal breezes.
Red Banks Alvar State Natural Area
📍 WI-57, Green Bay, WI 54311
Located near the historic site where some say French explorer Jean Nicolet first made landfall in the 1600s, Red Banks Alvar combines rich history with rare ecology. The blufftop views here offer striking overlooks of Green Bay, while the surrounding open limestone pavement (alvar) creates a truly unique geological landscape to explore.
Wequiock Falls County Park
📍 3426 Bay Settlement Rd, Green Bay, WI 54311
Wequiock Falls is a hidden pocket park centered around a stunning natural ravine. Here, Wequiock Creek cascades over the exposed rock of the Niagara Escarpment, creating a picturesque waterfall, especially impressive during spring thaw or after rain that feels like your own private sanctuary.
H.J. DeBaker Eagles Nest Park & Boat Launch
📍 3265 Nicolet Dr, Green Bay, WI 54311
Located along the northeast shoreline of Brown County, Eagles Nest Park provides essential bay access paired with expansive open-water views. It's a favorite spot for launching watercraft, watching bald eagles soar along the coastal bluffs, or capturing gorgeous early-morning water photos.
Algoma & Lake Michigan Coastline
Crescent Beach
📍1025 Lake St, Algoma, WI 54201
This gorgeous stretch of sandy shoreline in downtown Algoma is one of Lake Michigan’s sweetest shoreline gems. Perfect for barefoot beach walks, building sandcastles, or listening to the crashing of waves, Crescent Beach feels like a getaway all on its own.
Legion Park
📍 620 Lake St, Algoma, WI 54201
Positioned right where the river mouth, harbor, and beach meet, Legion Park is a prime waterfront gathering space. Featuring shaded picnic areas, playground structures, and front-row seats to both river and lake activities, it’s the perfect place for families to unpack a picnic lunch by the water.
Ready to Explore Greater Green Bay's Waterfronts?
From serene inland riverbanks to sprawling Lake Michigan beaches, Greater Green Bay is packed with coastal beauty just waiting to be discovered. Grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic, and set out to explore these hidden waterfront spots on your next Northeast Wisconsin adventure!
Don't forget to tag your photos with #LoveGB so we can follow along on your waterside explorations!
