Seeking Advice for Visiting Green Bay for a Packers Game
April 29, 2015 10:01 AM Subscribe
In honor of his retirement, my father and I are planning a trip to Wisconsin to see a Packers game at Lambeau in September or October. Neither of us has ever been to Wisconsin, and I would love any advice about the logistics of traveling around and staying in Green Bay, other interesting or fun things to do, or any other Green Bay or Wisconsin specific advice.
Now that the 2015 schedule is out, we've begun to make plans and we're working on picking a game.
Travel Logistics: We'll be flying from New York, probably early on Saturday, and returning sometime Monday. Right now, the plan is to fly into Milwaukee and rent a car to drive the 2ish hours to Green Bay, since those flights are $200 cheaper than flights that go to Green Bay.
1. Is there any reason to pay the extra money to fly to Green Bay, and forego renting a car?
2. If we choose a September game, we might try to catch a Brewers game as well, probably on the day we arrive. Any advice on how much time we should allocate to get from the airport to Miller Park? I'm assuming that unless the Brewers turn their season around completely, we'd be able to get tickets day of the game in September, but please correct me if I'm wrong.
3. Any particular problems with Milwaukee airport, or with the drive from Milwaukee to Green Bay? (If we went to a Brewers game, we might be doing the drive in the dark, but with GPS/maps.)
Staying in/Getting around Green Bay: I see that there is a bus system, but it isn't quite clear to me yet how comprehensive or useful it could be.
4. I'd love any advice on whether it is worth relying on bus for at least some transport (particularly to/from the game), or whether taxis are a better bet (and whether they are even an available option on game day).
5. Also would appreciate hearing how walkable Green Bay is, downtown and around Lambeau. Assuming the temperature is above freezing, and it isn't raining/snowing, we'd probably prefer to walk places if possible, up to a few miles in either direction, but only if the walk is safe (more concerned with not walking on the side of a highway than crime, but welcome advice on either, since NY is so safe these days that we often take safety for granted).
6. Any thoughts on how far away from Lambeau is too far away for a hotel/Airbnb? Relatedly, any recommendations for accomodations on the cheaper side (we are happy with Econolodge/Days Inn/motel style places), or for places to stay away from.
Green Bay food/drink/sightseeing: we like sports (pro and college, primarily football, baseball, basketball), history (anything industry or labor related in particular), walking around interesting neighborhoods, classic rock/folk music, and books. Food-wise, we'd probably stick with pub food, burgers or sausages and fries, or pizza.
7. Other than Lambeau, how would you recommend spending a couple of hours/a day in Green Bay?
8. Restaurant/bar recommendations are welcome
9. Anything else to suggest?
Lastly, we're not Packers fans, but assume we won't be showing up in opposing team's gear or acting like drunken fools. I know tons of tourists come to Lambeau every game, but as someone who lives in a tourist-mecca as well, I'd like to be as considerate as possible when we're the tourtists. Anything to watch out for or be concerned about with respect to being visitors in Green Bay?
Thanks so much!
Now that the 2015 schedule is out, we've begun to make plans and we're working on picking a game.
Travel Logistics: We'll be flying from New York, probably early on Saturday, and returning sometime Monday. Right now, the plan is to fly into Milwaukee and rent a car to drive the 2ish hours to Green Bay, since those flights are $200 cheaper than flights that go to Green Bay.
1. Is there any reason to pay the extra money to fly to Green Bay, and forego renting a car?
2. If we choose a September game, we might try to catch a Brewers game as well, probably on the day we arrive. Any advice on how much time we should allocate to get from the airport to Miller Park? I'm assuming that unless the Brewers turn their season around completely, we'd be able to get tickets day of the game in September, but please correct me if I'm wrong.
3. Any particular problems with Milwaukee airport, or with the drive from Milwaukee to Green Bay? (If we went to a Brewers game, we might be doing the drive in the dark, but with GPS/maps.)
Staying in/Getting around Green Bay: I see that there is a bus system, but it isn't quite clear to me yet how comprehensive or useful it could be.
4. I'd love any advice on whether it is worth relying on bus for at least some transport (particularly to/from the game), or whether taxis are a better bet (and whether they are even an available option on game day).
5. Also would appreciate hearing how walkable Green Bay is, downtown and around Lambeau. Assuming the temperature is above freezing, and it isn't raining/snowing, we'd probably prefer to walk places if possible, up to a few miles in either direction, but only if the walk is safe (more concerned with not walking on the side of a highway than crime, but welcome advice on either, since NY is so safe these days that we often take safety for granted).
6. Any thoughts on how far away from Lambeau is too far away for a hotel/Airbnb? Relatedly, any recommendations for accomodations on the cheaper side (we are happy with Econolodge/Days Inn/motel style places), or for places to stay away from.
Green Bay food/drink/sightseeing: we like sports (pro and college, primarily football, baseball, basketball), history (anything industry or labor related in particular), walking around interesting neighborhoods, classic rock/folk music, and books. Food-wise, we'd probably stick with pub food, burgers or sausages and fries, or pizza.
7. Other than Lambeau, how would you recommend spending a couple of hours/a day in Green Bay?
8. Restaurant/bar recommendations are welcome
9. Anything else to suggest?
Lastly, we're not Packers fans, but assume we won't be showing up in opposing team's gear or acting like drunken fools. I know tons of tourists come to Lambeau every game, but as someone who lives in a tourist-mecca as well, I'd like to be as considerate as possible when we're the tourtists. Anything to watch out for or be concerned about with respect to being visitors in Green Bay?
Thanks so much!
Best answer: I can't speak to some of your questions, but I do have some thoughts.
Re: the Packer game. You will almost have to drive there, but be prepared to park pretty far from the stadium. Most of the parking (besides the lots) is on residential streets. Once you're in the stadium, enjoy some of the great food Lambeau has, particularly the "horse collar." Be prepared for one of the loudest experiences of your life once the game starts. It's an amazingly good time, and Green Bay has some of the best fans in the country. And as long as you're not doing anything socially unacceptable, you will be fine, even without Packers gear.
And ditto Pogo...definitely fly to Milwaukee and drive to GB. There's a lot of wonderful scenery and things to see/do in between the two cities.
posted by altopower at 10:44 AM on April 29, 2015
Re: the Packer game. You will almost have to drive there, but be prepared to park pretty far from the stadium. Most of the parking (besides the lots) is on residential streets. Once you're in the stadium, enjoy some of the great food Lambeau has, particularly the "horse collar." Be prepared for one of the loudest experiences of your life once the game starts. It's an amazingly good time, and Green Bay has some of the best fans in the country. And as long as you're not doing anything socially unacceptable, you will be fine, even without Packers gear.
And ditto Pogo...definitely fly to Milwaukee and drive to GB. There's a lot of wonderful scenery and things to see/do in between the two cities.
posted by altopower at 10:44 AM on April 29, 2015
Best answer: Is there any reason to pay the extra money to fly to Green Bay, and forego renting a car?
There's not going to be a direct flight, so I think you run the risk of delays. If you only have 2 days, I'd drive from Milwaukee. You're going to rent a car anyway, right? I live in Milwaukee and I'm not too familiar with GB but in general, public transport and taxis really suck in Wisconsin. Going to/from the game would be easy (I'm sure all the bars/hotels there have shuttles) but going anywhere else is likely to be a drag.
Any advice on how much time we should allocate to get from the airport to Miller Park?
Depends a little on time of day, but generally no more than 20 minutes from the time you start the car to the time you enter the stadium parking lot. The only really shitty traffic bottleneck is west of the stadium, and there's no reason you would need to go there.
Any particular problems with Milwaukee airport, or with the drive from Milwaukee to Green Bay?
Nope, it's a super easy straight shot from Milwaukee to Green Bay. Lots of places to stop for gas or fast food or restrooms. The Milwaukee airport is well designed and there's no construction there AFAIK.
Anything to watch out for or be concerned about with respect to being visitors in Green Bay?
Don't talk loudly about how awesome Chicago (the city or the team) is, and you'll be fine. People are super polite compared to NY; it might actually be a bit unnerving to you.
Be sure to buy some beer and cheese and kringle! Feel free to memail me if you have any Milwaukee questions.
posted by desjardins at 11:45 AM on April 29, 2015
There's not going to be a direct flight, so I think you run the risk of delays. If you only have 2 days, I'd drive from Milwaukee. You're going to rent a car anyway, right? I live in Milwaukee and I'm not too familiar with GB but in general, public transport and taxis really suck in Wisconsin. Going to/from the game would be easy (I'm sure all the bars/hotels there have shuttles) but going anywhere else is likely to be a drag.
Any advice on how much time we should allocate to get from the airport to Miller Park?
Depends a little on time of day, but generally no more than 20 minutes from the time you start the car to the time you enter the stadium parking lot. The only really shitty traffic bottleneck is west of the stadium, and there's no reason you would need to go there.
Any particular problems with Milwaukee airport, or with the drive from Milwaukee to Green Bay?
Nope, it's a super easy straight shot from Milwaukee to Green Bay. Lots of places to stop for gas or fast food or restrooms. The Milwaukee airport is well designed and there's no construction there AFAIK.
Anything to watch out for or be concerned about with respect to being visitors in Green Bay?
Don't talk loudly about how awesome Chicago (the city or the team) is, and you'll be fine. People are super polite compared to NY; it might actually be a bit unnerving to you.
Be sure to buy some beer and cheese and kringle! Feel free to memail me if you have any Milwaukee questions.
posted by desjardins at 11:45 AM on April 29, 2015
Best answer: Uh, for some reason I didn't account for game day traffic in my travel estimate from the Milwaukee airport to Miller Park. I would still be very surprised if you went much over a half hour from leaving the airport parking lot to entering the stadium lot. The only important thing you gotta know is that the stadium will be a left exit when coming from the east.
posted by desjardins at 11:53 AM on April 29, 2015
posted by desjardins at 11:53 AM on April 29, 2015
Best answer: Are you planning to stay on Green Bay the day of the game? If so, your hotel likely has a shuttle to and from the stadium. Be aware that traffic is a nightmare for a couple hours before and after the game, and parking is in short supply. I highly recommend the hotel shuttle if at all available. Some hotels will even let you park in their lot and take the shuttle for a nominal fee (like $5 a head). I've had good luck with this hotel: call them and ask about shuttle to game.
http://www.americinn.com/hotels/wi/greenbaywest/
Parking near the stadium will cost you $20-30 depending on how close you want to get.
As far as stadium etiquette, Green Bay fans are overwhelmingly polite. I've never seen so much as an unkind word said to a rival fan at the games I've gone too.
Avoid the food in the stadium. It's overpriced and not very good. Buy a brat from one of the stands that surround the edge of the parking lot. Friendly fans who are tailgating in the parking lot may offer you one as well. Kroll's on the south west side of the stadium is a good bet for beer/brats before the game.
posted by cosmicbandito at 12:03 PM on April 29, 2015
http://www.americinn.com/hotels/wi/greenbaywest/
Parking near the stadium will cost you $20-30 depending on how close you want to get.
As far as stadium etiquette, Green Bay fans are overwhelmingly polite. I've never seen so much as an unkind word said to a rival fan at the games I've gone too.
Avoid the food in the stadium. It's overpriced and not very good. Buy a brat from one of the stands that surround the edge of the parking lot. Friendly fans who are tailgating in the parking lot may offer you one as well. Kroll's on the south west side of the stadium is a good bet for beer/brats before the game.
posted by cosmicbandito at 12:03 PM on April 29, 2015
Best answer: I travel to a town ~1 hr north of GB frequently for work and often stay in GB for part of my trip. Never been there on a game day and haven't been to Miller Park, so can't provide advice in those areas.
Definitely drive from MKE, as others have said. Easy drive, direct flight, totally worth it. I often stop at Water Street Brewery in Grafton on the way up if it's lunch or dinner time. Kohler is on the way up, if that's of interest to you.
No issues with MKE airport, it's bigger than GRB but still pretty small. The Recombobulation Area sign gives me a chuckle every time I go through security.
My favorite restaurants in GB are Chives just north of GB and Hinterland, but I've also had good meals at Titletown and Plae Bistro.
I usually stay at the Fairfield Inn, which is totally fine, but I'm sure there are cheaper options as well.
posted by jshort at 2:12 PM on April 29, 2015
Definitely drive from MKE, as others have said. Easy drive, direct flight, totally worth it. I often stop at Water Street Brewery in Grafton on the way up if it's lunch or dinner time. Kohler is on the way up, if that's of interest to you.
No issues with MKE airport, it's bigger than GRB but still pretty small. The Recombobulation Area sign gives me a chuckle every time I go through security.
My favorite restaurants in GB are Chives just north of GB and Hinterland, but I've also had good meals at Titletown and Plae Bistro.
I usually stay at the Fairfield Inn, which is totally fine, but I'm sure there are cheaper options as well.
posted by jshort at 2:12 PM on April 29, 2015
Best answer: Maybe there is public transit in Green Bay but I sure wouldn't count on it.
You're not going to be in danger anywhere in GB, especially on game day. There's just billions of people around. There's a little cluster of hotels within easy walking distance (worth pointing out, though, that rival teams stay in Appleton so they don't have to stay in GB).
With a full day in Green Bay in September or October...I'd leave. Drive up to Door County and tool around there; I grew up 20 minutes from Green Bay and there is definitely nothing to do there, but Door County is beautiful and makes a good day trip. Fish Creek and Ephraim are cute with lots of shops and things; Peninsula State Park and Washington Island are good for hiking or biking. If you just want to kill a few hours, though, the Packers-related stuff is all fun - I think the Hall of Fame is open on game days and it totally worth it.
posted by goodbyewaffles at 4:56 PM on April 29, 2015
You're not going to be in danger anywhere in GB, especially on game day. There's just billions of people around. There's a little cluster of hotels within easy walking distance (worth pointing out, though, that rival teams stay in Appleton so they don't have to stay in GB).
With a full day in Green Bay in September or October...I'd leave. Drive up to Door County and tool around there; I grew up 20 minutes from Green Bay and there is definitely nothing to do there, but Door County is beautiful and makes a good day trip. Fish Creek and Ephraim are cute with lots of shops and things; Peninsula State Park and Washington Island are good for hiking or biking. If you just want to kill a few hours, though, the Packers-related stuff is all fun - I think the Hall of Fame is open on game days and it totally worth it.
posted by goodbyewaffles at 4:56 PM on April 29, 2015
Best answer: Green Bay's Neville Public Museum is really nice, downtown, and right across from Titletown Brewing. I was just digging up some links to other, smaller-but-interesting historical places and then remembered, OMG, Heritage Hill State Park. They brought all the old places together in one convenient theme park! It sounds weird, it is weird.
posted by mimi at 7:26 AM on April 30, 2015
posted by mimi at 7:26 AM on April 30, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
If you want a scenic rural America route, highway 57 through New Holstein and Chilton is nice enough, and 67 through Kettle Moraine is pretty, especially in the morning. Hwy 45 from Oshkosh to Fondy is also a nice drive.
Packers games are typically crazy - lots of tailgating and always packed. It's fun, if that's your thing. I'd drive there, and get there early, and plan to tailgate - especially if the weather is nice. But you could walk from one of the nearby hotels easily enough. The bus system is... rudimentary. I don't know how reliable it is - I've never known anybody to use it.
Green Bay itself isn't terribly walkable, but it's not bad. It's got a nice enough downtown area and some good restaurants and stuff. It's a very blue collar mid-western town. You might consider a trip up the peninsula to Washington Island or Sturgeon bay. If your timing is right, the colors will be changing and it's very pretty.
It will take ~20-60 minutes to get from the airport to Miller Park, depending on traffic and time of day. It's not a long distance, but it is downtownish and a good accident will turn the freeway into a parking lot. I've never known anyone to have trouble getting tickets to a brewers game, so I wouldn't think that would be a worry.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 10:33 AM on April 29, 2015