Green Bay
When considering bike trails in Green Bay, the Fox River State Trail and Mountain Bay State Trail are well-known options. Several lesser-known trails are well-used by locals, and offer the chance to go off the beaten path. While characterized as “metropolitan” bike trails, much of the scenery is natural. Trail conditions are generally excellent. They are maintained by various municipalities and organizations, and free for public use. Interpretive markers and facilities are found on several segments. The bike paths are busy on weekends, so cyclists should always practice good trail etiquette, including verbal cues when passing.
The area around the mouth of the Fox River was home to Native Americans for centuries. In 1634, Jean Nicolet arrived and formed an alliance with Native Americans. Commissioned by Samuel de Champlain, founder of New France, Nicolet also sought to open up the fur trade and find a shorter route to the Orient. Later in the 17th century, Jesuit missionaries established a mission at what is now De Pere. French-Canadian Nicholas Perrot used “La Baie” as a hub for his fur trade business, and the French military built a small fort there to protect trading interests. After the Seven Years’ War, Great Britain took over Green Bay and used the fort for a short time. Charles de Langlade (who many saw as the “Father of Wisconsin”), had visited Green Bay frequently, and finally settled there in 1765.
It was not until after the War of 1812 that Green Bay saw a significant American presence. In 1816, Fort Howard was constructed by the U.S. military on the site of the former French and British forts. The fort oversaw the fur trade and relations with Native Americans. It operated until 1841, and again from 1844 to 1852. In the 1860s, the advent of the railroad brought more economic growth to Green Bay. After exploiting the lumber resources, paper-making industry developed along the Fox River and still employs a large number of people.
Route Descriptions