East River Trail
Snaking south for slightly over ten miles, the East River Trail follows its namesake river through Green Bay, Bellevue, Allouez, De Pere, and Ledgeview. The paved asphalt path is in excellent condition, and numerous spur trails lead to various parks and neighborhoods.
The trail passes through woods, fields, neighborhoods, and industrial areas. Numerous parks are found along the way. Wildlife is commonly seen, including deer, turkeys, rabbits, herons, and geese. Several bridges offer scenic views of the river.
The trail begins in downtown Green Bay, at the junction with the Fox River State Trail. This is where the Fox River and East River join, surrounded by the city’s sizable harbor. An interpretive marker conveys the history of Green Bay and its waterway.
Weekend parking is available in the lot off Elm Street. It is situated along the river next to the KI Convention Center and Wisconsin Public Service. By car, it is accessed by taking Elm Street east from Wisconsin State Highway 57 (N. Monroe Avenue) in downtown Green Bay.
There are several restaurant and hotel options in downtown Green Bay. Among them are Hagemeister Park, a popular restaurant with an outdoor patio, named for the first playing field of the Green Bay Packers. 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. The Hampton Inn & Suites and Hyatt Regency are located off the trail.
The East River Trail follows the west bank of the river for 0.3 miles, crossing Monroe Avenue, and arriving at Main Street. The next section requires biking on city streets for one mile. One option is to follow Main Street to the left (east), and turn right (south) on Baird Street. The trail resumes on the east side of the road after crossing the East River. Another option involving less traffic is to go across Main Street on Quincy Street. Turn left (east) on Pine Street, right (south) on Roosevelt Street, and left (east) on St. Clair Street. Turn left (north) on Baird Street and proceed to where the bike path continues on the east side of the road.
Before venturing down the path off N. Baird Street, trail-goers may be interested in heading south 175 yards to City Stadium. Home to Green Bay East High School, the athletic field was also used by the Green Bay Packers for football games from 1925 to 1956. A Green Bay Packers Heritage Trail interpretive marker is found at the stadium entrance.
Back on the trail, markers aside the path for the next 100 yards indicate various tree species. Afterwards, the trail meets a bridge over the East River. The path that crosses the river is the Baird Creek Bike Trail. The East River Trail continues south along the river’s west bank for a half mile, through Joannes Park and Meyer Park.
The trail then joins Mason Street. The route goes to the left (east) along the street and crosses the East River. After the bridge, cyclists must cross Mason Street to continue south on the path, 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 path leaves Green Bay and enters the village of Bellevue.
Two separate spur trails lead to city streets within this mile section. After entering Bellevue, the trail turns left (east) onto Elkay Lane and then right (south) along Bellevue Street. The East River Trail travels 0.3 mile adjacent to Bellevue Street and crosses railroad tracks. The path then turns right (west) and passes by a large factory. It returns to the bank of the East River and continues to the south. Not far after passing by the factory, it 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.
The trail then 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 trail continues by turning right (west) and running adjacent to E. Allouez Avenue. It then crosses the road, and travels south, close to 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.
After 0.7 mile, cyclists have a trail choice. They may continue on the east side of the river to a trailhead on Manderly Way, off Bellevue Street. Otherwise, they may cross the bridge over the river into the village of Allouez. Now 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 Road G, the path crosses the East River again, and continues south along its east bank.
After crossing County Road 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.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
These two trailheads are both in Ledgeview Park. The main park entrance is located on County Road G (Dickinson Road) and the small parking lot is on Creamery Road. They may be reached by car from Wisconsin State Highway 172. Exit onto County Road GV (Monroe Road) and head south. Drive nearly 2 miles to the roundabout with County Road G (Dickinson Road). Go right (west) a half mile to reach the main park entrance. To reach the smaller trailhead, turn left (south) from County Road G (Dickinson Road) onto Creamery Road and drive a short distance.
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.
Trail last ridden and documented in June, 2021.