Why I Love Winter in Greater Green Bay, WI
There’s no question about it – when people think about winter in Greater Green Bay, WI, the first thing that comes to mind is Packers football (either braving the chilly weather in the stands or snuggling on the couch to watch the game from home). But Kristine Blum, a mom of two who moved to the area from Northwoods, WI, 12 years ago, says enjoying Packers football games is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to embracing winter in the state’s oldest city.
Blum lives by the adage that there is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing, and having the right gear makes all the difference when it comes to embracing and enjoying winter in Greater Green Bay, WI.
Why do you love living in Greater Green Bay, WI, particularly during the winter?
I came here for college and never left. I love the community mindset and the desire to bring together arts, culture and sports. You’re really in a great hub for everything. There are so many groups that work to make this a place where you can feel warm and welcome. It’s never boring here, and there’s always a wide variety of events, markets and activities happening. It’s cold, but we can’t get away from it, so we make the most of winter and bring the warmth of our great community outdoors.
What’s it like living in the smallest major league professional sports market in North America during football season?
We get super excited for our football up here, so the winter season walks hand in hand with Packers season. Green Bay does a great job of offering special events on Fridays and Saturdays, then Sundays are game days. Sundays are flexible – you can go to Titletown (a community development just west of Lambeau Field with a park, restaurants and more), head somewhere to watch the game with friends, or snuggle in at home to relax and wind down before Monday comes.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy the region after a snowfall?
We are huge fans of the free sledding hills in the area, such as Triangle Hill, Meadowbrook, and especially Firemans Park. Not only does it have one of the biggest hills in the area (with options for sledders of all ages), but you might get lucky and get to watch the ambulance and fire truck (the fire station is in the park) come in and out. They also have a free little library and playground.
How do you keep your kids busy and happy on days when no one wants to be outside?
We enjoy going to You Belong. It’s a wonderful, inclusive and welcoming nonprofit. They have an indoor sensory adventure zone, and it’s such a great play space. We also have a YMCA membership and love the shallow entry pool at the East Side location and the indoor play center at the downtown Ferguson branch. My kids also like going to the juggling club at Howard Commons, an activity complex where they can spend time outside ice skating and go inside to warm up.
What are your favorite places to explore in Greater Green Bay, WI, during the winter?
L.H. Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve in Suamico and Fonferek’s Glen are fantastic stops in Green Bay. At Barkhausen, there are snowshoeing and skiing opportunities, but we also love just hiking through the snow. Fonferek’s Glen has a great frozen waterfall, and if it’s safe, you can climb behind the curtain of ice. We’re also lucky to be near Door County, which is between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. We like to drive to Cave Point County Park and view the ice formations off Lake Michigan.
What’s your favorite way to warm up in between your many outdoor activities?
Kavarna Coffeehouse is in downtown Green Bay on Broadway, right in the middle of everything. They offer seasonal signature drinks, and the owners are always giving back to the community. It is truly the coziest, cutest place.
Luna Coffee Roasters is a hit spot when the winter snow starts to fall. I love to go for a walk in downtown De Pere, and Luna is right on the main street. I might grab a hot cider or chai, and with the snow, it feels magical. There’s a vintage clock at the end of the road, and the city puts up their wreaths and winter decorations – it feels like I’m in a Hallmark movie. The area is so beautiful, and because of St. Norbert College, it’s great for wandering pedestrians.
Do you have a favorite winter event in Greater Green Bay, WI?
We love the Garden of Lights every year at the Green Bay Botanical Garden. It’s a good reminder that the gardens are pretty in the summer, but you can enjoy them just as much in the winter. My kids especially like the lights shaped like flowers and bugs. It’s a great way to utilize the garden’s appearance in the middle of winter with the snow.
This article is sponsored by Your Move Green Bay and the Greater Green Bay Chamber.