Just south of Green Bay, you’ll find De Pere, a little city with a lot of history and plenty of personality all its own. De Pere is so much more than a suburb of Green Bay. With charming downtown areas on both sides of the Fox River, locally loved restaurants, boutique shopping, and some seriously unique things to do and see, it’s a destination worth exploring all on its own.
With some of the area’s favorite restaurants, a pinball arcade, alpaca ranch, and even a shop dedicated just to K-pop, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy when they spend a day in De Pere.
Where to Stay
Make yourself at home at the Kress Inn, tucked into St. Norbert College’s beautiful riverside campus. It’s a great pick for a getaway, especially if you’re attending an event at the nearby Bemis Conference Center.
Sleep Inn & Suites offers a comfortable stay on De Pere’s west side, while TownePlace Suites De Pere by Marriott puts you right in downtown De Pere on the east side. You’ll also find Cobblestone Hotel & Suites just across the bridge on the west side.
Where to Eat
Come hungry! De Pere has plenty of local favorites, and narrowing down your options might be the hardest part of your visit.
Start your morning at Oakley’s, The Exchange Coffee, Mercantile & Eatery, Black Honey Hashery, or Voyageurs Bakehouse (try the sourdough cinnamon roll—trust us). For more bakery items, check out Vintage Rose Bakery & Sandwich Shop or Two Birds Bakery, both serving up a little bit of everything, along with plenty of coffee and breakfast goodies.
Soup lovers, this one’s for you! Meet your new favorite spot: Hey Soup Sister. With rotating daily specials, vegan and dairy-free options, and frozen soups to take home, there’s always something new to try at this soup spot. And if you’re a next-level soup lover, you can even join the annual De Pere Soup Walk each fall and grab a bowl at Hey Soup Sister, among other delicious De Pere options.
For a classic Wisconsin supper club experience, head to the Union Hotel. Operating since 1883, this historic hotel and supper club serves up old-school Wisconsin charm, complete with old fashioneds.
Looking for a more casual atmosphere? Cocoon Brewing offers a family-friendly brewery experience with outdoor yard games and cozy “cocoon” rental cabins featuring comfortable seating, TVs, Bluetooth audio, and table service. It’s a great spot for a group gathering.
For dinner, choose your own adventure. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at Orsetta Craft Kitchen & Bar or fine dining at Bleu Restaurant & Lounge. Prefer something more laid-back? Brickhouse Craft Burgers & Brews offers classic American fare and even a bacon flight featuring five varieties of bacon. Are your taste buds craving more international cuisine? Check out Nuk’s Thai Cuisine, Eat 30 ramen cafe, Mexico Lindo, or Pasquale’s. And at Drift Inn, you can try the chili that has earned a reputation as one of the area’s best.
Where to Explore
One of De Pere’s most unique stops is Sabamba Alpaca Ranch. Meet the herd of adorable, fluffy alpacas, schedule a private tour, or spend a full day getting hands-on with the animals during their Alpaca Experience. Before you leave, browse the shop for alpaca products.
For a little culture, visit the Mulva Cultural Center. Explore art, immersive exhibits, and programs for all ages, plus a state-of-the-art theater featuring films about everything from nature to history to music and more. Rotating exhibits mean there’s always something new to discover.
If you need some fresh air, pack a picnic and head to Voyageur Park. Enjoy Fox River views, paved walking paths, a playground, and fishing opportunities. Then wander over to the De Pere Riverwalk and Wildlife Viewing Pier near the dam. Keep your eyes open for pelicans, bald eagles, kingfishers, and other wildlife.
Where to Play
Think pinball peaked in the '80s? Think again. District 82 Pinball Arcade is Wisconsin’s largest pinball arcade, with more than 100 machines ranging from vintage classics to modern favorites, and featuring free play included in a flat hourly or all-day rate.
Catch a movie and a bite at the charming De Pere Cinema Cafe, or get outside at Hilly Haven Golf Course. Its trails offer hiking and biking in warmer months, then transform into cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking trails in winter.
Feeling creative? Paintin’ Pottery offers pottery painting, mosaics, and other hands-on art projects. Or head to ComedyCity Theatre for live improv and themed shows that are guaranteed to keep you laughing.
Where to Shop
De Pere is a dream for boutique browsers. Find gifts and locally made goods at Ginger Birch or Smith’s Mercantile, browse fashion at Hey Daisy, or hunt for secondhand treasures at De Pere Christian Outreach and Hoarders for a Cause.
Book lovers can sip wine or coffee while browsing at Pages & Pours, while gamers can dig into retro favorites at Game Trade. And for a truly specific kind of shopper, Idolscape is a K-Pop shop that carries albums, plushies, photo cards, and more.
Before heading home, make two essential stops: Seroogy’s, a local chocolatier delighting sweet tooths with their famous meltaway bars and fudge since 1899, and Scray Cheese, where you can stock up on locally crafted cheese and, of course, some of the area’s best cheese curds!
