In Wisconsin, we bleed Green and Gold. From September through January, Sundays revolve around being in front of the television ready for kickoff and wearing our favorite player's jersey. For those lucky enough to score tickets to a home game, there's nothing quite like being at Lambeau Field, tailgating in the parking lot and cheering on the Pack with 80,000 fellow Cheeseheads. But even when the final pass has been thrown, the last grill packed up and the jerseys put away at the end of the season, you can still experience all the thrills that come with being a Packer fan with a trip to Green Bay. Here are some of the Discover Wisconsin crew's favorite Packers activities for your Green Bay getaway.
1) Packers Heritage Trail
The brainchild of Green Bay Packers Team Historian Cliff Christl, the Packers Heritage Trail is a self-guided walking tour that takes visitors past significant places from the Lambeau and Lombardi eras of Packers history. The trail celebrates the intertwined legacy of the team with its devoted fans who have made the Packers what they are today. If you don't feel like walking the whole way, guided Segway tours of the trail are available with Segway the Fox.
2) Packers Heritage Trail Plaza
If you don't have time to tackle the entire Heritage Trail, be sure to at least stop by the Packers Heritage Trail Plaza located on the corner of Washington and Cherry streets in downtown Green Bay. Considered the centerpiece of the trail, here you'll find life-size monuments of Packers legends and old photographs of the early team.
3) Lambeau Field Stadium Tour
See a number of behind-the-scenes areas and learn about the rich history of Lambeau Field when you take a stadium tour. Hear about all the new renovations, check out the view of the field from a private suite and even walk through the players' tunnel. Walking the same path that so many Packers legends have before is enough to give even the most dedicated Bears fan chills.
4) Packers Hall of Fame
Opened in 2015, the Packers Hall of Fame is located right in the Lambeau Field Atrium. Fans can relive the greatest moments in Packers history, hear from legendary players and coaches and see historic memorabilia throughout the interactive exhibits. Watch plays from the Ice Bowl, view the trophies from the Packers world championships and even see a replica of Vince Lombardi's office.
5) 1919 Kitchen & Tap
After a full day of Packers fun, everyone needs a bite to eat, right? Luckily, 1919 Kitchen & Tap is located right in the Lambeau Field Atrium. Experience a new twist on classic Wisconsin comfort food (yes, there are cheese curds.). Enjoy a delicious Bloody Mary with house-made bitters or indulge in the Peanut Butter Bread Pudding.
6) Oneida Nation Walk of Legends
Made up of 24 granite monuments, the Oneida Nation Walk of Legends is dedicated to the history and heritage of the Green Bay Packers. Each monument celebrates a Packers legend, including Bart Starr, Vince Lombardi and Tony Canadeo.
7) Packers Training Camp
Before the season begins, catch a glimpse of this year's team at Packers Training Camp. Fans can welcome the team to practice each day and watch the players work on drills at their practice field across from Lambeau. And kids - don't forget your bike. You never know who may want to "borrow" it on their way to practice ...
8) Packers Family Night
Kick off the football season at Packers Family Night. Fans can tailgate in the parking lot before heading into Lambeau to watch the team perform on field drills and play in a scrimmage. With tens of thousands of excited fans filling Lambeau Field, Family Night can feel like a real game. At the end of the night, fans and players alike enjoy a spectacular fireworks show that lights up Lambeau Field.
9) Packers Pro Shop
Whether you're a lifelong fan or a brand-new Cheesehead, you can never have too much Packers gear. Find everything (and I mean everything - clothes, posters, furniture, even a Packers toaster) you need to cheer on the Pack at the brand-new Packers Pro Shop.
10) Tundra Tailgate Zone
If you've scored tickets to a home game at Lambeau Field, enjoy the ultimate pre-game celebration at the Tundra Tailgate Zone. Gear up for the game with live music, great food and drinks and maybe even meet a Packers alumnus. No tickets? No problem. The tailgate is open to the public before, during and after the game.
For more on the Packers, watch "Green Bay - The Football City" on "Discover Wisconsin" April 23-24.
- Jennifer Ingish is a producer for the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.
1) Packers Heritage Trail
The brainchild of Green Bay Packers Team Historian Cliff Christl, the Packers Heritage Trail is a self-guided walking tour that takes visitors past significant places from the Lambeau and Lombardi eras of Packers history. The trail celebrates the intertwined legacy of the team with its devoted fans who have made the Packers what they are today. If you don't feel like walking the whole way, guided Segway tours of the trail are available with Segway the Fox.
2) Packers Heritage Trail Plaza
If you don't have time to tackle the entire Heritage Trail, be sure to at least stop by the Packers Heritage Trail Plaza located on the corner of Washington and Cherry streets in downtown Green Bay. Considered the centerpiece of the trail, here you'll find life-size monuments of Packers legends and old photographs of the early team.
3) Lambeau Field Stadium Tour
See a number of behind-the-scenes areas and learn about the rich history of Lambeau Field when you take a stadium tour. Hear about all the new renovations, check out the view of the field from a private suite and even walk through the players' tunnel. Walking the same path that so many Packers legends have before is enough to give even the most dedicated Bears fan chills.
4) Packers Hall of Fame
Opened in 2015, the Packers Hall of Fame is located right in the Lambeau Field Atrium. Fans can relive the greatest moments in Packers history, hear from legendary players and coaches and see historic memorabilia throughout the interactive exhibits. Watch plays from the Ice Bowl, view the trophies from the Packers world championships and even see a replica of Vince Lombardi's office.
5) 1919 Kitchen & Tap
After a full day of Packers fun, everyone needs a bite to eat, right? Luckily, 1919 Kitchen & Tap is located right in the Lambeau Field Atrium. Experience a new twist on classic Wisconsin comfort food (yes, there are cheese curds.). Enjoy a delicious Bloody Mary with house-made bitters or indulge in the Peanut Butter Bread Pudding.
6) Oneida Nation Walk of Legends
Made up of 24 granite monuments, the Oneida Nation Walk of Legends is dedicated to the history and heritage of the Green Bay Packers. Each monument celebrates a Packers legend, including Bart Starr, Vince Lombardi and Tony Canadeo.
7) Packers Training Camp
Before the season begins, catch a glimpse of this year's team at Packers Training Camp. Fans can welcome the team to practice each day and watch the players work on drills at their practice field across from Lambeau. And kids - don't forget your bike. You never know who may want to "borrow" it on their way to practice ...
8) Packers Family Night
Kick off the football season at Packers Family Night. Fans can tailgate in the parking lot before heading into Lambeau to watch the team perform on field drills and play in a scrimmage. With tens of thousands of excited fans filling Lambeau Field, Family Night can feel like a real game. At the end of the night, fans and players alike enjoy a spectacular fireworks show that lights up Lambeau Field.
9) Packers Pro Shop
Whether you're a lifelong fan or a brand-new Cheesehead, you can never have too much Packers gear. Find everything (and I mean everything - clothes, posters, furniture, even a Packers toaster) you need to cheer on the Pack at the brand-new Packers Pro Shop.
10) Tundra Tailgate Zone
If you've scored tickets to a home game at Lambeau Field, enjoy the ultimate pre-game celebration at the Tundra Tailgate Zone. Gear up for the game with live music, great food and drinks and maybe even meet a Packers alumnus. No tickets? No problem. The tailgate is open to the public before, during and after the game.
For more on the Packers, watch "Green Bay - The Football City" on "Discover Wisconsin" April 23-24.
- Jennifer Ingish is a producer for the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.