Ask a Local: What Are Your Current Green Bay Obsessions? | Discover Green Bay Beyond Legendary
Welcome to another edition of our Ask a Local series! This time around, we were on a mission to uncover the latest local obsessions—the spots that people can’t stop raving about, hidden gems only locals know, and all of the awesomeness the city has to brag about!
To build this list, I once again did some boots-on-the-ground pestering of my friends and family and a little crowdsourcing in the Green Bay subreddit. Whether you’re a lifelong local or just visiting, keep reading to check out some of Green Bay’s current faves!
Murals, Murals Everywhere!
Green Bay is in its public art renaissance, and the vibrant murals that are popping up all around the city are proof that creativity is everywhere. From whimsical designs to bold statements, these works of art are bringing color and inspiration to the streets, and better yet, they’re all designed and painted by talented local artists.
Some faves include the ever-changing, magical window murals at the Brown County Central Library created by local comic artist Aaron Renier, the cats galore mural on the entrance of Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary, and, of course, the popular and oh-so-Instagrammable butterfly wings found on the wall of Vincent Urban Walker & Associates on Dousman Street.
Take your own mural tour of the city by following the Green Bay mural guide.
Get Weird at the UFO Museum Gift Shop & Records
The UFO Museum Gift Shop & Records on University Avenue is one of those “if you know, you know” spots, and trust us, you want to know! Where else in Green Bay can you find both new and old vinyl, Garfield memorabilia for days, and tentacles for your fingers? Plus, they’re more than just records and whoopie cushions. They also regularly organize and host shows featuring amazing local bands across a variety of genres and put together the annual music festival, GB UFO Invasion Fest.
As Reddit user hellgawashere, “The UFO museum is such a vibe, and the manager is a really nice guy. They have some amazing memorabilia and have every record I’ve ever needed.”
Where The Buffalo Roam
If you’re looking for a unique experience, head just outside the city to Oneida and check out the Buffalo Overlook at Oneida Nation Farm. This scenic overlook gives you a front-row view of the majestic buffalo herd and has “a really nice gazebo to look over their buffalo with facts about where they came from and what they’re used for” (from Reddit user hacroswell). It’s the perfect spot to take a peaceful break, snap a few photos, and strike a pose with the massive 6-foot bronze buffalo statue!
The Best Bites to Eat
As expected, many of our polled locals cited restaurants that they absolutely can’t get enough of right now, including:
Cheesesteak Rebellion: “My inner child loves Cheesesteak Rebellion!” said Reddit user rexus_mundi. And it’s not hard to see why. With the best cheesesteaks in the galaxy, Star Wars paraphernalia everywhere, and a whole room dedicated to pinball and vintage arcade games, this is the place to be for those looking for a delicious bite and a playful atmosphere.
Pink Guava: Pink Guava on Bodart Street is best known for its delicious bubble tea, but the folks on Reddit were particularly wild about their hot dogs! That’s right, they do boba AND hot dogs! Reddit user DoYouMissTheBlend calls the hot dogs “one of Green Bay’s most hidden gems” and user SkirtSwaySensual says, “Pink Guava’s hot dogs are next level, period.” So, if you’re craving hot dogs and boba (which you probably are now), you know where to go!
Gallagher’s: Another Green Bay staple, Gallagher’s Pizza, was mentioned a couple of times by folks online and IRL. With four different locations to visit, you’re never too far from some of the best pizza in town and tons of options at their lunch and dinner buffets. Our recommendation? Check out the calzones, which Reddit user OdaDdT lamented missing now that they’ve moved out of the area.
Some other hot spots mentioned:
Disc Golf Galore
Another popular answer from locals was the many quality disc golf courses throughout the area. Green Bay has long been a haven for disc golfers from all over the northeast Wisconsin area, and right now is the perfect time to catch all the best fall colors as you move from hole to hole. Some local favorites include Shorewood, Perkins Park, Pamperin Park, Pinecrest, and the Triangle Sports area. Click here to find more disc golf parks nearby.
Fall Colors on the Trails
It probably comes as no surprise that many of the people surveyed mentioned the outdoor trails we have all over the Green Bay area. Green Bay’s hiking and biking trails really are an outdoor lover’s dream, especially during the vibrant fall season. Some of the top trails mentioned for some fall outdoor adventure were the Cofrin Arboretum trails at UW-Green Bay, Baird Creek trails, and the East River Trail. Get out there while the trees are still putting on a show!
Ice, Ice Baby
Need your sports itch scratched with something other than football? Green Bay hockey is ready and waiting for you! Locals cited both Green Bay Gamblers and the St. Norbert’s Green Knights games as great ways to get your hockey fix. The Gamblers just opened their home schedule with two games against the Omaha Lancers and are riding the momentum of a sweep with a complete shutout from goalie Gavin Moffatt, who stopped all 25 shots from the Lancers in their first game. As for the Green Nights, their season begins November 1st against St. Olaf College at the De Pere Cornerstone Community Center. Grab your tickets for the Gamblers or Green Knights, and get ready to cheer!
Fall Blooms at the Botanical Garden
You might think that things at the Green Bay Botanical Garden die down as summer comes to an end, but Reddit user yell08_gira reminds us that “there are still rose blooms and lots to see” even in mid-October. Plus, “their programming is top notch and a great place to go alone, with friends, or with kids.” Check out their Fall classes, take a peaceful stroll through the fall blooms, and while you’re at it, grab your tickets and mark your calendars for this year’s annual Garden of Lights!
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Love Green Bay? We want to hear about it! Stay up to date on Ask a Local pieces on the Green Bay subreddit or email Ask a Local writer Sophie Bebeau at sophiebebeau@gmail.com.
GRB: ASK A LOCAL: WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT GREEN BAY OBSESSIONS?
