Baird Creek Bike Trail
The Baird Creek Trail is on Green Bay’s east side, and named for the small stream that flows west into the East River. For much of its course, the asphalt path passes through a forested parkway. The trail has interpretive markers and park benches at scenic spots.
The trailhead is at 324 Baird Creek Road. From Interstate Highway 43, take exit 118 to the east onto E. Mason Street. Turn left (north) immediately onto Superior Road, which parallels the highway for 1 mile. Then it turns left (east) under the highway and becomes Baird Creek Road. The parking lot is 0.3 mile further on the left (south) side of the road. The trailhead has no amenities except a trail map.
From the parking lot, the trail slopes downhill to meet Baird Creek. The creek is named after Henry S. Baird, an early settler who moved to Green Bay with his wife Elizabeth in 1824. A lawyer, Henry Baird traveled the frontier with Judge James Duane Doty, holding court at Green Bay, Prairie du Chien, and Michilimackinac (Mackinac Island). Baird served as mayor of Green Bay in 1861-62, and is remembered as the “Father of the Wisconsin Bar.”
Baird’s Creek runs through a wooded valley on a bed of limestone. At different places along the creek, small waterfalls crop up. These are visible from the trail. Park benches along the path encourage people to enjoy the serenity and view wildlife, including white-tailed deer.
The trail descends as it moves westward through the forested parkway. While not noticeable from the trail, the Triangle Sports Area is situated to the north. For years, this area was known as “Little Switzerland” because of its good hills for tobogganing. A ski area opened in 1953, and today the park also has disc golf and mountain biking trails.
After 1.2 miles, the trail climbs about 40 feet to Baird Creek Park. This park has an athletic field and playground. The bike path then meets Danz Avenue and heads left (south) alongside the street. The route bridges the creek and turns right (west) across road. The path continues 0.6 miles through forested and residential areas.
The trail still follows Baird Creek, but the next half-mile runs through an industrial area. Care should be taken when crossing the railroad tracks there. A Green Bay Packers Heritage Trail marker is found near the trail’s crossing at Main Street.
Another interpretive marker is near Riverside Ballroom, where the trail skirts its parking lot. This historic ballroom opened in 1936, and was one of the final venues for the 1959 Winter Dance Party tour featuring Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper. The concert was held on February 1, two days before the tragic plane crash that took the performers’ lives.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
The 3.2-mile trail ends after crossing Baird Creek. Another Green Bay Packers Heritage Trail marker is located there. Trail-goers may continue straight (south) on a short spur trail to Anne Sullivan School, or turn right (west) and cross the river to join the East River Trail at Joannes Park. Parking is available at both Green Bay locations. Anne Sullivan School is located at 1567 Deckner Avenue. The address for Joannes Park is 215 S Baird Street.
Trail last ridden and documented in June, 2021.