After another long Wisconsin winter (and a historic blizzard!), even the tiniest spring flower feels like a celebration. While peak bloom season in Green Bay typically arrives around mid-May, you don’t have to wait that long to enjoy the show. Late April and early May bring a wave of early bloomers. Daffodils, snowdrops, hyacinths, and many other spring perennials are popping up across the city and putting a little extra spring pep in our step.
If you’re ready to shake off the winter blues and soak up some color, here are some of the best places around Green Bay to catch those early spring blooms.
(📸: Julie M. Gile Photography; Green Bay Botanical Garden)
Green Bay Botanical Garden
If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for spring flowers, this is it. With more than 350,000 blooms, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a greater variety of flowers anywhere else. The Botanical Garden offers an impressive lineup of early-season favorites. You’ll find everything from delicate snowdrops and dwarf irises to friendly daffodils, hyacinths, and early tulips.
They even provide a bloom guide so you can time your visit just right, depending on what you want to see. While mid-May is when things really hit their zenith, there’s plenty of beauty to enjoy well before then.
(📸: Baird Creek Preservation Foudation)
Baird Creek Greenway
if you prefer your flowers with a little adventure, Baird Creek is your spot. This urban nature escape is home to a variety of spring ephemerals—those short-lived but stunning flowers that make their appearance early in the season. Keep an eye out for marsh marigolds, skunk cabbage (maybe don’t lean in for a sniff of this one, though), and other lovely blooms. Plus, don’t miss their guided wildflower hike on May 9th!
Bentwood Place Park
This little hidden gem might not be on everyone’s radar, but it should be, especially if you love tulips. Tucked near Burns Avenue and West Mason Street, Bentwood Place is a tiny passive park known throughout the neighborhood for its charming tulip displays.
(📸: Blaser's Acers)
Blaser's Acres
Speaking of tulips, if you just can’t get enough of this early-spring celebrity, then head to Blaser’s Acres for their annual Tulip Festival. This annual festival is held on Mother’s Day weekend (May 9th–10th) and features more than 50,000 vibrant tulips. Bring your mom for a special Mother’s Day photo op and don’t forget the bouquet!
Brown County Dog Park
Got a dog who’s been cooped up all winter? This is the perfect place to let them run wild while you enjoy some early blooms. The park is home to springtime favorites like trilliums, trout lilies, and hepatica. Your pup gets the zoomies out, and you get a peaceful moment with the flowers—win-win!
(📸: St. Norbert College)
St. Norbert College
Known for its picturesque campus, St. Norbert College really shines in the spring. Carefully designed landscaping and gardens come alive this time of year, creating a beautiful backdrop for a walk through campus. Spring blooms typically peak right around graduation season, which means you’ll catch the campus looking its absolute best for those grad photos!
Even More Places to Spot Spring Blooms
If you’re in the mood to explore, there are plenty of other spots around the area where spring flowers make an appearance:
- Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary trails
- Cofrin Memorial Arboretum at UW–Green Bay
- He-Nis-Ra Park
- Tank Park
- Pamperin Park
- St. James Park
