10 Fun Things To Do Near De Pere, Wisconsin (Brown County Travel Guide)
Looking for a laid-back Midwest getaway with real small-town charm?
De Pere, Wisconsin, just south of Green Bay in
Brown County, is a great place to slow down, enjoy the river, and explore northeast Wisconsin.
Whether you’re road-tripping through the state, visiting family, or planning a weekend escape, here are
10 things to do in and around De Pere that mix outdoor fun, history, food, and a little bit of Green Bay Packers magic.
1. Stroll the Scenic Riverwalk & Wildlife Viewing Pier
De Pere sits right on the
Fox River, and the
De Pere Riverwalk is one of the best spots in town to enjoy the view.
Walk out along the
Riverwalk and Wildlife Viewing Pier and you’ll get:
- Peaceful views of the river and dam
- Great birdwatching, including pelicans and eagles in season
- Benches to sit and relax
I spent a good 20 minutes just watching the water and boats drift by here. It’s quiet, calm, and feels a world away from busy highways—even though you’re just a few minutes from downtown De Pere.
It’s an easy walk for most people and a perfect first stop to get a feel for the town.
Tip: Go close to sunset for beautiful photos and cooler temps on a hot summer day.
2. Explore Historic Downtown De Pere
De Pere’s downtown is small, but it’s got character. You’ll find brick buildings, local shops, and plenty of places to eat and drink within a few walkable blocks.
Some ideas while you wander:
- Pop into local boutiques for gifts, home decor, and clothing
- Grab a coffee from a local café and people-watch
- Check out murals and historic buildings along Broadway and Main
Downtown De Pere feels like the kind of place where the barista might actually remember your name if you came back the next day. It’s relaxed, friendly, and very walkable.
If you’re planning a
weekend getaway in Wisconsin, this is a great “home base” area to stay, eat, and explore.
3. Visit St. Norbert College’s Beautiful Campus
Right next to downtown, you’ll find
St. Norbert College, a small private college with a surprisingly pretty campus along the river.
Even if you’re not a student—or traveling with one—it’s worth a walk:
- Stroll along the riverfront paths
- Check out the modern and historic buildings
- Catch a performance or lecture at the college if schedules line up
College campuses often make great walking spots because they’re safe, well-kept, and open. St. Norbert is no exception, and in fall the trees turn amazing shades of red and orange.
If you’re traveling with teens who are starting to think about college, this can pull double duty as a relaxed, no-pressure campus visit.
4. Hike or Bike at the Fox River Trail
If you like getting outside, the
Fox River State Recreational Trail is one of the best things to do near De Pere.
The trail starts in downtown Green Bay and runs right through De Pere, heading south into Brown County’s farm country. It’s mostly flat and great for:
- Walking and jogging
- Family bike rides
- Leisurely strolls with ice cream in hand
You’ll pass river views, neighborhoods, and open fields. It’s an easy way to stretch your legs after a long drive.
Helpful to know: Some sections of the trail may require a small daily fee for biking or horseback riding, so it’s smart to check current info from Brown County Parks before you go.
5. Enjoy Parks and Playgrounds Along the River
Traveling with kids? De Pere has several parks that are great for burning off energy.
A few local favorites include:
- Voyager Park – Right along the river with walking paths, a fishing pier, and open space.
- Legion Park – Popular for baseball, playgrounds, and casual family time.
- Voyageur’s Water Playground (seasonal) – A fun splash pad-style spot when the weather is hot.
These parks are all within a short drive of downtown De Pere. Pack a simple picnic—sandwiches, chips, and a cooler—and you’ve got an easy afternoon planned.
I like using parks like these as “buffer time” on a road trip day. They give everyone a break from sitting in the car without needing to plan something huge or expensive.
6. Spend a Day in Green Bay: Lambeau Field & Titletown
Here’s where De Pere really shines: you’re just about a 10–15 minute drive from
Green Bay and
Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers.
Even if you’re not a huge football fan, Lambeau is worth a visit:
- Take a stadium tour and walk through the players’ tunnel
- Visit the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
- Shop for fan gear at the Packers Pro Shop
Right next door is
Titletown, a newer development with:
- Green space and a huge playground
- A winter tubing hill and ice rink in colder months
- Restaurants, bars, and a brewery
Staying in De Pere but spending a day in Green Bay gives you the best of both worlds: small-town charm and big-league energy.
7. Discover Local History at the National Railroad Museum
A short drive from De Pere, in Green Bay, is the
National Railroad Museum—a must-do if you have kids who love trains or you’re a history buff.
What you’ll find:
- Historic locomotives and train cars you can get close to
- Indoor and outdoor exhibits
- A short train ride (seasonal, extra cost) around the grounds
It’s one of those places that’s more interesting than you expect. Standing next to a full-size steam engine really gives you a sense of how powerful these machines were.
If you’re building a
family-friendly De Pere itinerary, this is an easy half-day addition.
8. Visit the Neville Public Museum & Stroll Downtown Green Bay
For more culture and history, head to downtown Green Bay and the
Neville Public Museum of Brown County. It’s about a 10–15 minute drive from De Pere.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Exhibits on regional history and Native cultures
- Rotating art and science displays
- Hands-on areas that keep kids engaged
Afterward, walk along the
Fox River in downtown Green Bay, grab lunch, or check out local shops and breweries. The downtown area has been growing, and it makes a nice urban contrast to peaceful De Pere.
9. Sample Northeast Wisconsin’s Food & Craft Beer Scene
One of the best parts of visiting small cities in Wisconsin is the food. De Pere and nearby Brown County lean heavily into:
- Cheese curds (of course)
- Fish fries on Friday nights
- Craft beer and local breweries
In and around De Pere, you’ll find:
- Local pubs and grills serving classic Wisconsin comfort food
- Craft breweries and taprooms just a short drive away in Green Bay
- Cafés and bakeries perfect for breakfast before a day of exploring
If you’re not sure where to start, ask a local where they go for Friday fish fry or their favorite place to watch a Packers game. You’ll usually get passionate answers—and that’s half the fun.
10. Take a Scenic Drive Through Brown County Countryside
When you’ve explored De Pere itself, hop in the car and take a relaxed drive through
Brown County.
Within 20–30 minutes, you can reach:
- Peaceful country roads lined with farms and fields
- Roadside stands with fresh produce in summer and fall
- Colorful foliage drives if you visit in late September or October
You don’t need a detailed plan here. Just pick a direction south or east out of De Pere, keep your gas tank and snack bag full, and see where the road takes you.
It’s a simple way to experience the quieter side of
northeast Wisconsin—and it pairs perfectly with a laid-back base in De Pere.
Planning Your Trip to De Pere, Wisconsin
Here are a few quick tips to make your
De Pere trip smoother:
- Best time to visit: Late spring through fall for walking, biking, and river views. Winter brings snow, ice skating, and cozy indoor fun.
- Getting around: A car is very helpful. Most key spots are within a 10–20 minute drive.
- Where to stay: Look for hotels or vacation rentals in De Pere or the south side of Green Bay for easy access to both areas.
De Pere is one of those places that isn’t flashy, but it grows on you. It’s friendly, easy to navigate, and close to bigger attractions without feeling crowded.
What Would You Add to This De Pere Bucket List?
Have you visited
De Pere or Brown County, Wisconsin?
- Did you find a favorite coffee shop or bar?
- Do you have a go-to walking route along the Fox River?
- Is there a local event or festival you think travelers should know about?
Share your tips and experiences in the comments! Your ideas help other travelers plan better trips—and might inspire my next visit too.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family planning a Wisconsin getaway. A simple share can help more people discover the quiet charm of De Pere and the fun things to do nearby.
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