Fox River State Trail: De Pere to Green Bay

Voyageur Park in De Pere is a perfect place to start or end a bicycle ride on the Fox River State Trail. When driving to the park by car from Wisconsin State Highway 57 (N. Broadway) in downtown De Pere, turn east onto William Street. Continue east into the park.

Before heading out on the trail, consider exploring Voyageur Park. It’s lands are quite historic. The entrance is marked by a tiny, old-fashioned gas station that is worth viewing, and a nearby historical marker conveys the area’s unique past.

Native American nations lived in this area for centuries before European contact. French fur trade Nicholas Perrot arrived in 1688 and built warehouses here to store trade goods and furs. This area served as his base. From here, he voyaged west into the wilderness to trade with Native Americans, or returned back east to Montreal with packs of furs.

Jesuit missionary Claude Allouez established St. Francis Xavier Mission at present-day De Pere in 1671, with the goal of converting Native Americans to Christianity. French missionary fathers (or Peres) lived near the waterfall on the Fox River, so the area became known as the “Rapides de Peres.”  De Pere’s name comes from that early French expression. In 1673, explorers Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet stayed at the mission before heading upriver on their famous journey to explore the Mississippi River.

There is more than history to enjoy at Voyageur Park. A stroll on the De Pere Riverwalk reveals stunning vistas of the area. The path crosses over the Army Corps of Engineers Lock and Canal. There are two historic lockkeeper houses by the canal. The Riverwalk continues onto a wildlife viewing pier that extends well into the Fox River. Eagles, cormorants, American White Pelicans, and other birds are commonly seen. The view of the city, river, and surrounding nature is impressive.

Voyageur Park has parking, picnic tables, restrooms, playground, information kiosk, self-registration station, and a bicycle self-service station. It is close to several downtown businesses, such as Seroogy’s Chocolates and the historic Union Hotel and Restaurant.

The Fox River State Trail travels north from Voyageur Park next next to the river and through residential neighborhoods. After 0.7 mile, a spur trail leads east up the hill to the Bike Hub. This local shop caters to the needs of bicyclists on and off the trail.

The trail then arrives at the city of De Pere’s Fox Point Boat Launch. Parking lots, restrooms, and picnic tables are located there. This large boat landing mainly serves boaters and anglers, but a station for bicyclists is on the north end of the grounds, just off the trail. It has an information kiosk, self-registration station, and bicycle self-service station. The site works well as a potential trailhead. The boat launch offers a scenic view, and makes an excellent spot to enjoy the river.

Near the boat launch are several fast food and ice cream shops. Follow the short driveway east up the hill to North Broadway. Bicyclists have a choice of 3 offerings. Zesty’s Frozen Custard is a long-time local favorite, and the A&W and Dairy Queen also offer tasty treats.

To reach the Fox Point Boat Launch by car, drive north 1.5 miles from downtown De Pere on Wisconsin State Highway 57 (N. Broadway) to the entrance on the left (west) side of the road. Another route is to exit Wisconsin State Highway 172 onto Wisconsin State Highway 57 (Riverside Drive), and drive 1 mile south to the boat launch driveway.

The trail leaves De Pere north of Fox Point Boat Launch, and enters Allouez. It passes by a residential neighborhood and Sunset Park. A Green Bay Packers historical marker is located at the park. Benches there line the riverbank and offer a panoramic view.

Forests surround the trail for the next mile. After passing under the Wisconsin State Highway 172 bridge, a spur trail leads off to the right (east). It meanders up the hill to Heritage Hill State Park. A hidden gem, this 56-acre park contains over 20 restored historic buildings including a fur trade cabin, Fort Howard guardhouse and hospital, and a 1905 Belgian farmstead. Consult their website for admission details and hours of operation.

The Fox River State Trail continues north through the forested grounds of Heritage Hill State Park. A historical marker shares the history of Wisconsin’s first courthouse. It was located there in the now-defunct town of Menomineeville. The noted trial of Chief Oshkosh in 1830 occurred in this first courthouse. The trial pitted traditional Native American justice against white man’s law. Judge James D. Doty’s decision favored the Native American’s perspective.

After passing through the lands of Heritage Hill State Park, the trail passes by a kayak launch site. Bicyclists who stop here can view the buildings and lands of the National Railroad Museum across the river. The museum is one of the oldest institutions in the United States dedicated to preserving and interpreting the nation’s railroad history.

The trail continues on, cutting through the backyards of elaborate homes overlooking the river. Please respect homeowner privacy. No trespassing signs are posted along the trail.

There are several places to stop on the trail as it journeys by the river and behind Allouez businesses. Two historical markers explain the history of “Shantytown.” This community began on the banks of the river in the early 1820s, and was one of the first American settlements in Wisconsin. Another Green Bay Packers historical marker is there too. A fishing dock gives an amazing view of the river, including a massive paper mill. Several park benches line the trail, and self-registration and bicycle self-service stations are found there.

The next half mile of the Fox River State Trail passes through St. Francis Park, a Brown County park designated for trail-users. There is no parking lot, but the park has restrooms, picnic tables, benches, an information kiosk, and an outdoor athletic course.

A historical marker in St. Francis Park conveys the sad but interesting story of Dr. William Edward Minahan. He was on the ill-fated Titanic when it hit an iceberg and sank in 1912. His wife and daughter survived, but he perished and is buried in a crypt in Woodlawn Cemetery. The crypt sits on a bank overlooking the river, and is seen from the trail.

The Fox River State Trail then passes under a railroad bridge. It enters the city of Green Bay at Marine Street and continues to Porlier Pier across from Porlier Street. There are several historical markers along this section of the trail, including one at Hazelwood. This 1837 historic home is operated by the Brown County Historical Society, and is often open for tours. Check their website for admission details and hours of operation. It was the home of Morgan and Elizabeth Martin, a distinguished couple in early Wisconsin.

At the corner of Adams and Porlier Streets, the state portion of the trail ends. There is street parking on Adams Street. Park benches, an information kiosk, self-registration station, and bicycle self-service station are found there next to the large trail sign. Porlier Pier extends into the river for pedestrians to enjoy the view.

The trail continues north to downtown Green Bay. After passing under the Mason Street Bridge, a plaque marks the site of an old French church and cemetery. The 18th-century French-Canadian fur trader, Charles Michel de Langlade, lived nearby. He is considered to be the first European settler in Green Bay, and has been called the “Father of Wisconsin.”

Cyclists may also want to read the marker explaining the history of “The Milwaukee Road” depot. It was built in 1898 and was the only depot on the city’s east side. The building is an example of Flemish Renaissance Revival architecture. Today it is a private business.

A marker north of the Main Street Bridge tells the history of Fort Howard. Situated on the west side of the river, this early fort housed an American military presence from 1816 to 1852. Zachary Taylor, William Beaumont, and other famous Americans served there; and several original Fort Howard buildings may be toured at Heritage Hill State Park. It’s original site is located just north of the old Chicago & Northwestern Railroad passenger depot on the west side of the Fox River.

Many restaurants are in downtown Green Bay, some adjacent to the trail. Fox Harbor Pub and Grill serves pub food and drinks in a historic building. St. Brendan’s Inn is a longtime Green Bay favorite, with a pub and inn. The restaurant features Irish food and drinks. Their root soup, shepherd’s pie, sticky toffee pudding, and cider drinks are delicious. Al’s Hamburgers on S. Washington Street gives visitors an authentic diner experience. Captain’s Walk Winery on Crooks Street offers wine tastings and sales in a historic Italianate building.

After passing under the Walnut Street Bridge, the trail makes its way across Green Bay’s planked city deck. The deck is often busy on weekends and evenings during warm weather months. Cyclists should be mindful of pedestrian traffic. Hagemeister Park is directly off the deck, and is another popular restaurant to visit. The restaurant is named for the first playing field of the Green Bay Packers.

Microbrewery enthusiasts may want to bike west across the Main Street Bridge to tarry at Titletown Brewing Company. Adjacent to the brewery is the Neville Public Museum. This accredited institution has a remarkable collection of artifacts, artwork, archaeological objects, and media. It is worth taking the time to tour its various exhibits. 

The entertainment district ends after crossing Main Street. The trail passes by a Hampton Inn that is attached to Green Bay’s convention center. The landscape then changes to scenes of heavy industry. Bicyclists see the port of Green Bay, with large piles of stone and coal on the west side of the river, and another large paper mill at the confluence of the Fox and East Rivers. At this confluence, the Fox River State Trail continues on as the East River Trail.

Parking at the trail’s northern terminus is available on weekends in the lot off Elm Street between the KI Convention Center and Wisconsin Public Service. By car, take Elm Street east from Wisconsin State Highway 57 (N. Monroe Avenue) in downtown Green Bay.

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

It is 5.8 miles on the Fox River State Trail from Voyageur Park in De Pere to downtown Green Bay. Biking on this section of the trail requires traveling at slow speeds and frequently yielding to pedestrians. Be sure to announce when passing walkers on the trail. Obey all posted trail signs. Despite the heavy use on weekends, this section of the Fox River State Trail provides a scenic and enjoyable ride, with opportunities to absorb the area’s history.

Trail last ridden and documented in September, 2020.