It’s almost Arbor Day, and if you’re not sure what that is, it’s a day all about appreciating and planting trees! It’s not hard to find something to celebrate in a place like Wisconsin, where 86% of the state’s land was once covered in forests. Why not spend the day wandering through the wooded trails that make the Green Bay area such a lush, leafy wonderland?
Whether you're an avid hiker, a casual stroller, a budding botanist, or just here for the potential goat encounters (yes, really), there’s a trail for you. Check out these amazing local parks and arboretums to get your dose of fresh air and have a reason to go touch grass… literally.
Cofrin Memorial Arboretum
With 7 miles of trails winding through diverse habitats, the Cofrin Memorial Arboretum is a prime spot for enjoying the peaceful beauty of the forest. This place is a dream for wildlife lovers with over 200 bird species and 45 different mammals across its many acres.
If you don’t mind getting your boots a little muddy, follow some of the rougher trails through the forest and enjoy a little adventure, or if you’re more of a “walk in the park” kind of hiker, head to Shorewood Park which offers less rugged 5K, 6K, and 8K routes through a stunning oak savanna, complete with a disc golf course if you’re up for a post-hike challenge.
One of the most magical parts of the arboretum is Mahon Woods, a living snapshot of the forests that once blanketed nearly all of Brown County. Here, you’ll wander under the canopy of towering mature white and red oaks, sugar maples, white pines, and more. In total, around 59 species of trees and shrubs have been documented in Mahon Woods, making it the perfect place to enjoy Arbor Day.
Click here to learn more about the Cofrin Memorial Arboretum and plan your hike.
Sherwood Forest
Tucked away in the village of Hobart, Sherwood Forest offers a delightful 1.1-mile loop that's perfect for a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk. The centerpiece of this park is the Evergreen Arboretum, showcasing over 30 species of coniferous trees, both native and non-native. Each tree is accompanied by informative markers detailing its common and scientific names, growth habits, and other intriguing facts. It’s a living library for tree enthusiasts!
Click here to learn more about the Sherwood Forest and plan your hike.
Hidden Valley Park
Hidden Valley Park is a 19-acre oasis located right in the center of Ashwaubenon, so you won’t have to travel far to enjoy it. Once a vacant field, this park has been transformed into a vibrant green space featuring the Hidden Valley Arboretum. Here, you'll find beautiful hiking trails and over 70 varieties of deciduous trees, each tagged with identification information.
Click here to learn more about Hidden Valley Park and plan your hike.
Baird Creek
Baird Creek is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a network of eight trails that cater to various skill levels. From easy paths to more challenging routes through dense forests, there's something for everyone here. We especially love the paved trail that culminates in a tranquil pond; it’s an accessible option for all visitors.
For the more adventurous hikers, Baird Creek has mountain biking trails that weave through the landscape, offering some excitement through the scenic beauty. In the winter months, these trails transform into routes for cross-country skiing, making it a year-round way to enjoy the woods.
Click here to learn more about Baird Creek’s trails and plan your hike.
Reforestation Camp
The Reforestation Camp, located about 20 minutes northwest of Green Bay, offers a wide variety of trails suited for intermediate and advanced hikers. It’s a haven for those who love to explore on foot, bike, or even horseback. When the snow starts to fall, the Reforestation Camp turns into a winter wonderland with groomed cross-country ski trails, including lighted trails for night skiing, plus designated routes for fat tire biking and snowmobiling.
Bonus: If you’re a hunter, each fall you can make your way to the Brown County Rifle Range located inside the park to sight your firearms and connect with other hunters in the community.
Click here to learn more about the Reforestation Camp and plan your hike.
Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve
With 9 miles of scenic hiking trails, Barkhausen is a favorite for walkers, wanderers, and watchers of winged things. But what really sets this place apart is the Sensory Woods — a first-of-its-kind, all-abilities nature experience designed to help visitors connect with the natural world through sights, sounds, textures, and movement. This incredible space was born out of a passion for accessibility and brought to life through the efforts of park staff, Leadership Green Bay, and many generous community sponsors. The Sensory Woods now features interactive, engaging experiences that create memorable moments for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Click here to learn more about Barkhausen and plan your hike.
Cherney Maribel Caves County Park
Ready to level up your Arbor Day hike with some geological wonders and a side of ghost stories? About 25 minutes southeast of Green Bay, you’ll find both at the magical Maribel Caves County Park. This park features a rugged cliff line that runs alongside the river, separating a gently rolling, partially wooded upland from a rich, forested lowland.
Of course, you’ll get plenty of trees on your hikes here, but you’ll also get to enjoy the showstopping caves. You can wander trails that lead to accessible cave entrances, and join guided cave tours every third Sunday of the month from May through October (9:00am–3:00pm). These tours are led by knowledgeable volunteers who share the fascinating geological history of the park.
And while the beauty of the forest and caves is worth the trip alone, there's one more feature that makes Maribel Caves extra intriguing: the ruins of Hotel Hell. Once a glamorous spa resort for the rich and famous, it’s said to have later served as a Prohibition-era hideout for Al Capone, who allegedly ran a moonshine operation there. Now, the crumbling ruins of the old hotel add an eerie edge to the landscape and are often listed among Wisconsin’s most haunted places. (Want to dig deeper into its spooky past? Check out our haunted places blog.)
Click here to learn more about Maribel Caves and plan your hike.
Neshota Park
Tucked into the quiet countryside of Denmark just south of Green Bay, Neshota Park is a hiker’s dream through varied landscapes where the Neshota River meets King Creek. The park is criss-crossed with several miles of well-marked trails that wind through woods, cross over rivers, and cater to all skill levels. Whether you're new to hiking or looking for a more rugged trek, you’ll find a beginner trail, two intermediate trails, and one advanced trail to match your pace. Equestrian enthusiasts can also saddle up and enjoy the dedicated horse trails that weave through the park. In the winter, trails are groomed for cross-country skiing, with marked snowshoe routes for those who prefer a quieter, crunchier path.
Click here to learn more about Neshota Park and plan your hike.
Meadowbrook Park
Tucked in the heart of Howard, Meadowbrook Park is a laid-back spot that’s perfect for casual outdoor adventures. The park features a nice mix of paved and unpaved trails, making it accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and bikes, while still offering a little off-road fun for those looking to explore the natural terrain. Hikers will find plenty of scenic pathways winding through the park’s open meadows and wooded areas, and mountain bikers can enjoy a 1-mile mountain bike trail, a short but fun loop that’s great for beginners or anyone wanting a quick ride.
What makes Meadowbrook extra special? Goats! Yep, the Village of Howard occasionally brings in goats to help manage invasive vegetation. It’s part of a sustainability initiative that clears the way for future pollinator gardens.
Click here to learn more about Meadowbrook Park and plan your hike.
Christa McAuliffe Park
Christa McAuliffe Park is a hidden gem nestled right here in the city, making it a perfect escape when you want to feel immersed in nature without leaving town. It features a well-maintained trail system with fun, easy hikes through the woods. While a spring hike through McAuliffe Park offers all the scenic beauty of the forest, in the fall, the park transforms into something magical. Visit this park in October to see the entire forest burst into a glowing canopy of yellow leaves, creating one of the most stunning autumn walks in the area.
Click here to learn more about McAuliffe Park and plan your hike.
Get Involved This Arbor Day
Feeling inspired to give back to the green spaces that make our area so special? This Arbor Day, the City of Green Bay is calling on tree lovers to roll up their sleeves and help care for the places we all enjoy. On Tuesday, April 22, more than 300 volunteers are needed for a day of environmental stewardship from 9 am to 1 pm. Make a hands-on difference through projects like:
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Tree planting
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Trail system improvements
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Invasive species removal
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Habitat restoration
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Park clean-up efforts throughout the city and surrounding areas
Learn more and sign up to help here!
