Tucked Near Green Bay Is A Quaint Village Day Trip With Local Eateries, A Park, And Midwestern History

The next time you find yourself near Green Bay, Wisconsin, and you're eager for a tasty and interesting day trip excursion that will take you off-the-beaten-track, look no further than the charming hamlet of Luxemburg. While it might be spelled differently than the small European country of Luxembourg, it was originally settled by Luxembourgish (and Belgian) immigrants, hence the name. This region was a hotbed of affordable land in the mid-19th century, and scores of immigrants from Luxembourg and Belgium decided to settle here, buying up parcels of farmland and building lives that influenced local culture. 

Many of the town's residents speak highly of Luxemburg's close-knit community spirit, friendliness, and safety, with one Niche reviewer noting that "this town is very family-friendly, and you nearly recognize every face you see." There's much more than meets the eye in this serene village of just under 1,500 inhabitants, including delicious cuisine, outdoor space, and engaging history, all of which combine to make Luxemburg well worth a visit when you're in the area.

Luxemburg is easy to get to: it's only about a 20-minute drive from the heart of vibrant Green Bay, not to mention reasonable proximity to Door County, meaning that it makes for an accessible and low-effort excursion for an outing or a meal. If you're arriving in the area from further afield, you'll likely want to fly into Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB), which is a half-hour drive away from Luxemburg. Load up your car, cue the road-trip tunes, and hit the road for a day trip to this quaint getaway.

Luxemburg may not be known as "the cheese capital of the world" like Plymouth, Wisconsin, but for a small town, it punches well above its weight when it comes to local dining options. Head to Farmhouse Bar and Grill for a mouthwatering meal in a laid-back setting. From juicy burgers to cheese curds and beyond, this eatery offers unfussy but delicious American classics that will please the whole family. Diners love the food and the friendly vibes here, with one Yelp reviewer making particular mention of the "hilarious and fun" bartender in addition to the range of tasty "menu items galore."

You could also opt to grab a table at popular Joe Rouer's Bar, which is in fact not simply a bar but actually a delectable and truly local burger joint, right down to the Wisconsin butter. Here, you can choose between various burger options and a wide range of toppings and customizations to suit your fancy. One Google reviewer goes so far as to say that Joe Rouer's Bar has the "best cheeseburger in the area," adding that the chili is worth ordering, too.

When it comes to breakfast eats, don't skip out on Sweet Seasons. This self-described "family style restaurant" boasts outdoor seating, making it a prime spot to hit if you're traveling with the whole family and looking for a welcoming place to start the day. Here, you can tuck into classics, including a variety of egg options, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, and more. As one reviewer on Facebook notes, "The chef has been there for years, so the food is consistently fantastic."

Once you're all fueled up, make your way to Red River County Park to get a dose of the great outdoors. Nestled on the banks of Green Bay itself, this park has many amenities such as a baseball diamond, a playground, picnic areas, and grills. If you're an avid birdwatcher — or simply looking to catch a view of some wildlife while you're at the park — you'll be pleased to know this is a hotspot for waterfowl, including long-tailed ducks, pelicans, herons, and piping plovers. Note that pets are not permitted. If you haven't had your fill of Wisconsin's natural beauty, head to the Kewaunee section of the Ice Age Trail, which passes through 30 counties, next.

While Luxemburg's history and the region's Luxembourgish roots are best preserved by the Kewaunee County Historical Society and Luxembourg American Cultural Society & Center in the towns of Belgium and Kewaunee, visitors can go on a self-directed tour around Luxemburg to get a glimpse of this Midwestern town's rich history. As Recollection Wisconsin humorously explains, "Early businesses in Luxemburg included a tavern and a cheese factory, which very adequately represents the peak Wisconsin lifestyle." To explore what remains of these early years, start off at St. Mary Luxemburg Church, whose current building dates back to the late 1800s. Then pop over to the South Luxemburg Historical Marker, located on Main Street right next to St. Mary's Cemetery, which provides fascinating information on the town's history. Close by, you'll also find the Voie de la Liberté (or Road to Freedom) marker, which honors slightly more recent history, namely, the American soldiers who fought in World War II. For more European history in Wisconsin, make a trip to Belgium, Wisconsin, a charming village with quaint beaches.