10 Easy Road Trips from Green Bay, Wisconsin (That Take You Out of Brown County)
Planning a visit to
Green Bay, Wisconsin and want to explore a little farther than the city limits? Or maybe you live in Green Bay and need some new ideas for a quick day trip that doesn’t feel like the “same old, same old.”
You’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you’ve got beaches, lighthouses, small-town diners, hiking trails, and classic Wisconsin supper clubs just waiting for you. And the best part? These ideas all take you
outside Brown County into nearby counties like Door,
Kewaunee, Oconto,
Manitowoc, Calumet, Outagamie, and Shawano.
Use this list as your go-to guide for
short road trips from Green Bay that are perfect for a day or a relaxed weekend.
1. Door County Lighthouse Loop (Door County)
If you’ve never driven up the
Door Peninsula, start here. From Green Bay, head northeast and you’ll hit some of the most iconic places in Wisconsin in under an hour.
You can make your own little “
Door County lighthouse tour” and see a few in one day:
- Sturgeon Bay – Your gateway town, with shops, cafes, and water views.
- Cana Island Lighthouse – One of the most famous, reachable by a short causeway (sometimes a bit wet, so wear good shoes!).
- Eagle Bluff Lighthouse – Located inside Peninsula State Park with incredible bay views.
Walk the grounds, climb the towers when they’re open, and soak up that “Great Lakes maritime” vibe. On a sunny day, the water looks almost ocean-like, and it’s easy to forget you’re still in Wisconsin.
Road trip tip: Pack a light jacket even in summer. The breeze off Lake Michigan can turn cool fast.
2. Peninsula State Park & Fish Creek Fun (Door County)
Peninsula State Park is one of those places you can visit 20 times and still find something new to do. From Green Bay, it’s roughly a 1.5-hour drive, depending on traffic and stops.
Once you’re inside the park, you can:
- Drive the scenic loops and stop at overlooks.
- Hike easy trails to bluff-top views.
- Rent a bike and cruise along the shoreline.
- Relax on the small beach and watch the boats.
Afterward, pop over to
Fish Creek right outside the park entrance. Grab ice cream, browse little shops, or sit by the marina and people-watch.
If you’re wondering, “Is it worth a full day?” — yes. You can easily spend sunrise to sunset here.
3. Kewaunee’s Lake Michigan Views & Pier Walk (Kewaunee County)
Looking for something quieter than Door County but still right on Lake Michigan? Head east from Green Bay to the small town of
Kewaunee, sitting peacefully on the lakeshore.
Highlights in Kewaunee:
- Walk the long pier out toward the Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse.
- Stroll downtown and check out local boutiques and cafes.
- Relax in the lakeside parks and watch the waves roll in.
It has that laid-back “Great Lakes harbor town” feel but without big crowds. I once spent an entire afternoon here doing nothing more than walking, sitting on benches, and grabbing coffee — and it was perfect.
4. Algoma’s Beach, Boardwalk & Art Scene (Kewaunee County)
Just down the shore from Kewaunee is
Algoma, another great stop for a short
Lake Michigan day trip from Green Bay.
What to do in Algoma:
- Walk the beach and lakefront boardwalk.
- Check out local art galleries and murals around town.
- Visit the harbor area and watch fishing boats come and go.
Algoma has a small-town charm that feels very “Wisconsin coastal.” It’s a nice mellow spot if you want scenery without a jam-packed schedule.
Idea: Combine Kewaunee and Algoma into a single loop. Hit one in the morning, grab lunch, then spend the afternoon in the other.
5. Manitowoc’s Maritime History & Lakeshore Drive (Manitowoc County)
If you like ships, submarines, and waterfront walking paths,
Manitowoc is a must-do. It’s about an hour south of Green Bay along the Lake Michigan shore.
Highlights include:
- Strolling the lakefront trails and beaches.
- Checking out the harbor and watching the S.S. Badger car ferry (in season).
- Exploring the downtown area for food and shopping.
The drive itself can be part of the fun. You can come down through rural farmland and then suddenly you’re at the big blue lake again. It’s a nice contrast to Green Bay’s urban and industrial areas.
6. High Cliff State Park on Lake Winnebago (Calumet County)
Need something close but still outside Brown County?
High Cliff State Park in Calumet County sits on the northeast shore of
Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin’s largest inland lake.
From Green Bay, it’s generally under an hour, depending on your route.
At High Cliff, you can:
- Hike easy to moderate trails to cliff overlooks.
- Enjoy picnic spots with wide-open lake views.
- Walk through wooded areas and spot wildlife.
There are also interesting rock formations and old quarry areas. On a clear day, looking out over Lake Winnebago almost feels like standing at the edge of the ocean.
Personal note: This is one of my favorite “after-work” or “Sunday afternoon” getaways from the Green Bay area. It feels far, but it really isn’t.
7. Appleton’s Downtown, Riverfront & Shopping (Outagamie County)
Want a change of pace from nature? Head to
Appleton in Outagamie County for a more urban-style day trip full of food, shopping, and river views.
Things to do in Appleton:
- Walk downtown along College Avenue and explore local shops.
- Check out the Fox River area with its paths and overlooks.
- Enjoy a long lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants.
Appleton has a fun energy, especially on weekends and evenings. It’s great if you want a little city feel without driving all the way to Milwaukee.
Tip: This makes an easy winter road trip too, since most activities are indoors or close by.
8. Oconto’s Harbor, Parks & Northwoods Feel (Oconto County)
Drive about 30–40 minutes north of Green Bay and you’ll reach
Oconto, where the Fox Valley vibe slowly shifts into more of a “Northwoods gateway” feel.
In and around Oconto, you can:
- Visit the harbor area and nearby parks.
- Walk short trails and enjoy the quieter shoreline.
- Explore small-town streets and grab a bite to eat.
It’s an easy way to get a taste of northern Wisconsin without committing to a long trip. The roads are simple, traffic is usually light, and the drive itself is relaxing.
9. Shawano Lake & Country Roads (Shawano County)
If you love lakes, head west to
Shawano County and spend some time near
Shawano Lake. It’s a popular spot for boating and fishing, but you don’t have to be on the water to enjoy it.
Consider:
- Driving the backroads around the lake and stopping at public access points.
- Grabbing lunch or dinner at a local bar and grill or supper club.
- Finding a quiet spot along the shore to sit and unwind.
This area feels very “classic Wisconsin”—lakes, pines, cabins, and friendly locals. If you’re craving a slower pace, Shawano is a solid choice for a short road trip from Green Bay.
10. Scenic Barns, Backroads & Farm Stands (Multiple Counties)
Not every road trip needs a single big destination. One of the most underrated things to do near Green Bay is simply to head out on the backroads of
Calumet, Kewaunee, Oconto, Outagamie, or Shawano County and see where the day takes you.
Here’s a simple idea:
- Pick a direction (east toward the lake, west toward the farms, or north toward the woods).
- Use a paper map or offline map and avoid the highway when you can.
- Stop at farm stands, small-town bakeries, and roadside parks.
You’ll see red barns, rolling fields, old churches, and tiny main streets that feel frozen in time. It’s low-key, affordable, and surprisingly refreshing.
Question for you: When’s the last time you took a drive with no strict plan, just to see what you’d find?
Planning Your Road Trips from Green Bay
To make your
short road trips from Green Bay smoother, keep a few basics in mind:
- Drive times: Most of these spots are within 30–90 minutes of Green Bay.
- Seasons: Summer and fall are prime, but winter trips to places like Appleton or Manitowoc can still be fun.
- Gear: Toss a light jacket, water, and some snacks in the car. If you’re hiking, add comfortable shoes.
- Local flavor: Try at least one local diner, café, or supper club on each trip. That’s where you really taste Wisconsin.
Whether you’re into beaches, lighthouses, small towns, or forests, there’s something near Green Bay for every mood and every season.
Share Your Favorite Green Bay Area Road Trip
Have you taken a memorable
day trip from Green Bay to Door, Kewaunee, Oconto, Manitowoc, Calumet, Outagamie, or Shawano County? Did you find a hidden beach, a cozy café, or a scenic overlook most people drive right past?
I’d love to hear about it.
- Drop a comment below and share your favorite spot or route.
- If this list gave you ideas for your next weekend, share this post with friends or family planning a trip to Green Bay.
Who knows? Your tip might become someone else’s new favorite road trip.
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