Green Bay is known for its rich history, from Native American heritage to our powerful role in professional football. What you might NOT know is that Green Bay has an equally impressive prehistoric past that’s just waiting to be discovered.
From dinosaurs to fossils to glacier movements that shaped the very ground we walk on, take a journey through time as we explore the earliest days of this place that we call home!
Places to Discover the Past
Neville Public Museum
210 Museum Place, Green Bay, WI 54303
Embark on your thrilling prehistoric journey at the Neville Public Museum in Downtown Green Bay! Travel back in time as you walk through the museum’s natural history exhibits, featuring Ice Age fossils from when Mastodons roamed the region. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with the life-sized mammoth! The Neville Museum’s interactive displays and educational programming will answer all of your questions about what life was like back when these massive mammals walked the earth.
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
1660 East Shore Drive, Green Bay, WI 54302
Next make a stop at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can transport yourself back to a time when ancient creatures once ruled the Earth. Within lies a treasure trove of prehistoric fossils, offering a glimpse into the history of Earth's ancient reptile! Be sure to capture the cutest photo op by nestling within a life-sized turtle shell, and as you meander through the Sanctuary, gain a deeper understanding of how these very creatures played a role in the evolution of the beloved mammals we have today!
Native American Heritage
W892 County Rd Ee, De Pere, WI 54115
Our history is not limited to geological wonders and dinodons! Our region’s history includes the Menominee, Ho-Chunk, and Oneida Nation, who were among the first peoples to inhabit what is now known as Wisconsin. You can immerse yourself in this rich history by visiting the Oneida Nation Museum and Cultural Center. Learn about their traditions, artifacts, and customs as you educate yourself on the Indigenous people who have called this area home for generations.
Fonferek’s Glen
2825 Dutchman Rd, Green Bay, WI 54311
For a more immersive prehistoric experience, take a trip to Fonferek's Glen, a beautiful geological site just outside of Green Bay. This natural area features a 30-foot waterfall and a deep limestone gorge carved out over thousands of years. As you explore the glen, consider the powerful forces of nature at work during the Earth's formative years. Imagine the prehistoric animals, dinosaurs, and humans that walked the very gorge you are walking on today!
Events to Experience it First-Hand
Jurrasic World Live Tour
October 26th - 28th
If you've ever dreamt of coming face-to-face with prehistoric giants, this is your chance! Witness life-sized, life-like dinosaurs inside the Resch Center, aka the dense jungles of Isla Nublar. This event is a journey through time and imagination that promises to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. With captivating storytelling, jaw-dropping special effects, and a dose of heart-pounding action, the Jurassic World Live Tour is the ultimate adventure to add to your prehistoric itinerary!
Evolution Dinosaur
February 14 – April 28, 2024
Embark on an indoor adventure this spring inside of the newly unveiled Mulva Cultural Center in De Pere. Among their inaugural lineup of experiences is the exciting "Evolution Dinosaur" exhibit. Get up close and personal with 30 different animatronic dinosaurs from the Cretaceous Era. Watch them come to life as they take you on an educational journey that's perfect for kids and adults alike. Explore the depths of your dino knowledge with interactive tools and displays that will stick with you for years and years to come!
Come Experience It For Yourself!
Green Bay is not just a football city; it's also a place to explore, experience culture, and uncover the past. From Ice Age fossils to Indigenous heritage to natural wonders shaped by ancient glaciers, this area has a fascinating story to tell. So, if you're looking for a unique and educational adventure, come explore the prehistoric side of Green Bay and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich history that this city has to offer.
In partnership with the Resch Center, Discover Green Bay will be giving away one family pack (4 tickets) to the Jurrasic World Tour event, valued at over $100! To join in on the fun, share this blog post with your friends and tag @discovergreenbay
