East River Trail

Meandering south for slightly over ten miles, the East River Trail follows its namesake river through Green Bay and neighboring municipalities of Bellevue, Allouez, De Pere, and Ledgeview. The paved asphalt path is in excellent condition, and the gradient is level. These two features contribute to an effortless ride. Additionally, a network of spur trails branch off from the main path to different parks and neighborhoods, makes commuting throughout the eastside quite manageable. Overall, it is a pleasant excursion on the East River Trail.

The scenery along the East River Trail is diverse. The path journeys through woods, fields, meadows, neighborhoods, and industrial areas. Wildlife and waterfowl are commonly seen during a ride. These include white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, herons, ducks, and Canadian geese. Numerous parks and bridges along the way offer scenic views of the river.

The trail begins on the east side of Green Bay’s downtown area at the confluence of the Fox and East Rivers. At the point of land, the Fox River State Trail ends and the East River Trail begins. A stunning view of Green Bay’s sizable harbor is presented at the start of the trail. An interpretive marker there conveys the history of Green Bay and its waterway.

There is no trailhead at the start of the East River Trail, and it can be challenging to find free parking in the area where the path starts. Weekend parking is available in a few lots off Elm Street. They are situated near the river north of the KI Convention Center. By car, Elm Street is accessed from Wisconsin State Highway 57 (N. Monroe Avenue) in downtown Green Bay.

There are several restaurants and hotels in downtown Green Bay near the trail. Hagemeister Park is a popular restaurant with an outdoor patio, and named for the Green Bay Packer’s first playing field. Titletown Brewing Company features a selection of craft beers and tasty food. St. Brendan’s Inn, a local gem several blocks to the south, serves traditional Irish fare. Hampton Inn & Suites and Hyatt Regency are located very close to the trail.

The East River Trail follows the west bank of the East River for 0.3 miles. It then crosses Monroe Avenue and arrives at Main Street. Trail-goers traverse Main Street to Quincy Street. Next, the route follows city streets. It goes south three blocks on Quincy Street, and turns left (east) on Cherry Street. After 0.8 mile or seven blocks, the route traverses Baird Street in a crosswalk. Along the way is a stoplight at Cherry Street and Webster Avenue. The route turns left (north) and proceed 175 yards along Baird Street and past City Stadium to where the East River Trail resumes on the east side of the road.

Trail-goers may want to stop and visit City Stadium. The athletic field is used by Green Bay East High School, but was also the home of the Green Bay Packers from 1925 to 1956. A Green Bay Packers Heritage Trail interpretive marker is found at the stadium entrance.

Back on the East River Trail, markers aside the path for 100 yards indicate various tree species. Baird Creek Bike Trail next intersects East River Trail. This path goes off to the left (east) and crosses a bridge over East River. The main trail continues south for a half mile along the river’s west bank. In this section, it passes through Joannes Park and Meyer Park.

The trail then meets Mason Street. It goes left (east) along the street and crosses the East River. After the bridge, cyclists turn right (south) to cross Mason Street. Now along the east side of the river, the trail passes a white gazebo and meanders through East River Park. A mile south from Mason Street, the East River Trail leaves Green Bay and enters Bellevue.

South of Mason Street, the East River Trail travels through East River Van Beaver Park for a mile. Two separate spur trails lead to city streets within the park. Amazing views of the east River are seen from the park, but it has no amenities. The trail departs East River Van Beaver Park where it turns left (east) onto Elkay Lane. It turns right (south) on Bellevue Street and advances 350 yards. In this section, it crosses railroad tracks.

The East River Trail resumes to the right (west), traveling by a large factory. It then returns to the East River and continues southward. Less than a half mile from the factory, the path arrives at a trailhead. A parking lot, gazebo, picnic tables, and benches are found there. By car, this trailhead is reached from Bellevue Street by turning west onto Westminster Drive.

Next, the path curves along the east bank of the river, bridges a slough, and meets Allouez Avenue, It is one mile from the Westminster Drive trailhead to Allouez Avenue. Hungry trail-goers may want to visit The Rite Place. It is located immediately off the trail on Allouez Avenue. This popular pub and grill serves a wide assortment of American classics.

The East River Trail continues by turning right (west) and running adjacent to E. Allouez Avenue. It crosses the road, and travels south by the river. A highlight of this section is passing through a low marshy area filled with cattails on a long wooden boardwalk. During spring and early summer, the sound of croaking frogs fill the air. 

Bicyclists have a choice 0.7 mile down the path from Allouez Avenue. They may continue on the east side of the river to a trailhead on Manderly Way, off Bellevue Street. Otherwise, the East River Trail turns right (south), bridges the river, and arrives in Allouez. Back on the west side of the river, the trail passes through Green Isle Park. It features a pavilion, playgrounds, restrooms, picnic areas, athletic fields, tennis courts, walking trail, and fishing.

Green Isle Park is a perfect place to begin or end a ride. By car, the park is accessed from Wisconsin State Highway 172 by exiting onto Webster Avenue. Travel north and turn right (east) on Greene Avenue. Drive one mile to the park entrance.

After passing under Wisconsin State Highway 172, the trail travels by Parkway Riverview Park. It then crosses Hoffman Road and goes through Kiwanis Park. Wiese Park is located another mile down the trail. All three of these Allouez village parks have parking lots, restrooms or portable toilets, picnic tables, and benches. Riverview and Kiwanis Parks have athletic fields. Wiese Park has hiking trails and a disc golf course, and Kiwanis Park has a playground. A bicycle self-service station is also located along the trail in Allouez.

From Wiese Park, the trail enters De Pere. Residential homes parallel the trail, and to the east a natural setting provides a great view. Shortly before the trail crosses County Highway G (Dickinson Road), it moves into the town of Ledgeview. Before crossing County Highway G, the path crosses the East River again, and continues south along its east bank.

After crossing County Highway G, cyclists may consider turning right (west) on a spur trail that crosses the river and enters Ledgeview Park. It is located off Dickinson Road. The park has a picnic shelter, restrooms, playground, and athletic fields. The spur trail loops through the park for another mile. Back on the main trail, the route goes for another 0.3 mile before ending at a different part of Ledgeview Park. This trailhead is located off Creamery Road. It has a parking lot, park benches, and playground.

The two trailheads are in Ledgeview Park. Its entrance is on County Highway G (Dickinson Road), and the parking lot is on Creamery Road. They are reached by car from Wisconsin State Highway 172. Exit onto County Highway GV (Monroe Road) and head south. Drive nearly two miles to the roundabout with County Highway G (Dickinson Road). Go right (west) a half mile to the park entrance. To reach the smaller trailhead, turn left (south) from County Highway G (Dickinson Road) onto Creamery Road and drive a short distance.

^{Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.}

Several restaurants are found by Ledgeview Park. Located in a restored granary, Bleu Restaurant and Lounge prides itself on refined American plates and craft cocktails. Graystone Ale House is a sports bar with craft beers and a more casual dining experience. Trail-goers needing bicycle repair, or looking to browse new products may consider visiting Broken Spoke Bike Studio. It is at the southern end of the trail by Ledgeview Park.

A ten-mile bike ride on the East River Trail journeys through Green and neighboring municipalities. The success of the path is a testiment to the cooperation of each community that manages their portion of it. The trail is in excellent condition. The paved surface is smooth, the trail is well-marked, and there are many parks to enjoy along the way. But the main highlight of the excursion is the many outstanding vistas of the trail’s namesake river.

Trail last ridden and documented in June, 2021.