Tucked Next To Green Bay Is A Charming City With River Views, Parks, And A Vibrant Downtown
The quaint city of De Pere is just a 5-mile drive south of Green Bay, Wisconsin. De Pere was originally two cities on either side of Fox River, which merged in 1890, so it technically has two historic downtown districts across the river from one another. Visitors can walk both on a self-guided history tour, admiring century-old churches, the ornate St. Norbert College, and other important landmarks. Downtown is lined with shops, restaurants, and a cultural center that hosts art exhibits and community events. For nature vibes, the city has a well-maintained path along the banks of Fox River which leads to Voyageur Park for relaxing afternoon picnics or casting lines for walleye.
De Pere's roots go all the way back to the mid-17th century, when it was a French trading outpost. Its name derives from that early European influence and its location on Fox River. It was originally "Les Rapides Des Peres," which means "The Rapids of our Fathers." These days, De Pere has more than 25,000 residents.
De Pere's location, 10 minutes from Green Bay, means it could serve as a quieter base for visitors to Green Bay or as a stop for a meal and waterfront relaxation while traveling in eastern Wisconsin. Hotels are plentiful, there are highly-rated restaurants, and the peaceful Fox River can be enjoyed from Voyageur Park or out on a kayak. Either way, the river adds a layer of nature to this charming suburb.
Shopping, eating, and community fun in De Pere, Wisconsin
Mulva Cultural Center is a great place to start when exploring downtown De Pere. The modern building near the river hosts art, photography, and educational exhibits, as well as programs including a beginner-friendly pressed flowers and resin tray workshop. There's also a café that serves coffee and baked goods in a large, open area with towering windows bathing the space in natural light. Lunch options include salads and wraps.
Historic downtown De Pere is split between Main Avenue District on the western side and South Broadway Historic District to the east. Downtown De Pere's website recommends a self-guided walking tour of heritage sites. Visitors can admire St. Norbert College's architecture and St. John Lutheran Church before crossing the river to check out the late 19th century Union House Hotel. The two districts also have a number of shops offering everything from chocolates and pottery to tennis gear. For a Wisconsin-style souvenir, apparel, or local jam, Smith's Mercantile has a fun selection of merchandise.
It's easy to find a quality meal in and around De Pere. At the time of this writing, Black Honey Hashery is the city's top-ranked restaurant on Tripadvisor, serving breakfast, lunch, and quality coffee from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. Reviewers on Google Maps rave about its diner-style breakfast menu, which features eggs over hash browns, biscuits and gravy, and pancakes. Later in the day, drop by Brickhouse Craft Burgers & Brews, which has a 4.3-star rating on Google Maps and nearly 1,800 reviews. It serves classic bar fare such as burgers with its own blend of Wisconsin beef and local cheese.
Parks, riverwalks, and getting into nature near Green Bay
The region around Green Bay is famous for oases like the wildly beautiful Peninsula State Park, which has sandy beaches. In De Pere, it's all about enjoying city parks and views of Fox River. A riverside promenade connects downtown to the water, passing a lock system from the 1800s and the quaint Locktender Building, which once housed the operator and their family. From the nearby pier, visitors can spot fish, bald eagles, and pelicans. Taking inspiration from Parisian bridges, many visitors also leave a padlock on the railing.
Finally, the river path leads to Voyageur Park. At 21 acres, this riverside gem has plenty of space for picnics or tossing a Frisbee, while the large playground is great for kids. It's a beloved De Pere green space, with a 4.7-star rating on Google Maps and more than 1,800 reviews. Visitors particularly enjoy the docks and all the fishing opportunities.
To get on the water, Fox River Kayaking Co. has rentals and guided tours, some of which pass right through locks. You can cruise with a group or head off on your own adventure and utilize the company's shuttle service. On dry land, western Wisconsin might be home to America's first rail-to-trail route, but Green Bay has the Fox River State Trail, an accessible path for cycling, skating, and horseback riding. It starts in downtown Green Bay and follows the river for 25 miles, cruising through De Pere and other suburbs. When you're ready for a rest, enjoy quality wine in nearby Fox River Valley, which is home to Wisconsin's under-the-radar wine trail.