The Niagara Escarpment gives Brown a distinctive natural setting: at Fonferek’s Glen and Wequiock Falls, the rock formation reveals itself in different ways. Cultural sites and traces of history are also among the region’s discoveries.
Waterfalls and Rock Formations
Fonferek’s Glen brings together a 30-foot waterfall, dolomite cliffs and a stone arch within the Niagara Escarpment. At Wequiock Falls, a large gorge brings you close to the rock formation. While Fonferek’s Glen combines several striking features in one place, at Wequiock Falls the gorge shapes the view of the rock. The park is also home to the Jean Nicolet Monument and an official Wisconsin historical marker highlighting Red Banks.
Trails and Winter Experiences
The trails at Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve begin and end at the West Shores Interpretive Center. Check current access to the Interpretive Center before your visit. Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary has nearly five miles of free trails for walking, hiking and cross-country skiing. Check trail access and seasonal conditions in advance, especially if you’re planning a specific activity.
E.J. “Ollie” Smith Reforestation Camp covers more than 1,400 acres. In winter, it has groomed cross-country ski trails, including lighted trails, as well as fat-bike and snowmobile trails. If you’re visiting for one of these winter activities, check current trail conditions beforehand. The Neil Anderson Canopy Tour at NEW Zoo & Adventure Park follows a treetop trail from the Adventure Park to NEW Zoo, through trees and above animal habitats. Check booking and availability before your trip.
Trails with Distinctive Features
The Fox River State Recreational Trail runs for 20 miles from downtown Green Bay to the Brown–Calumet County line along a former railroad corridor. A notable feature of the Allouez section is an outdoor fitness course called the Health Trail. Thus, the Fox River Trail has a specified route and endpoints, while the Allouez section is associated with a particular fitness course.
The Brown County section of the Mountain-Bay Trail is surfaced with compacted limestone gravel. The trail runs through three counties; trail rules and permitted uses may vary by section. So check local guidance and current rules for the section you plan to use. Information about the surface and trail rules can help you find your way without treating the different sections as one continuous route.
Culture, History and Regional Stories
Heritage Hill State Historical Park is home to 26 original and reconstructed buildings. They represent historical and cultural developments in northeastern Wisconsin from the 17th century to the present. The National Railroad Museum is the only railroad museum in the United States designated by the U.S. Congress.
At the Neville Public Museum, the Generations Gallery presents topics ranging from fossils to football, along with stories about the people of northeastern Wisconsin. The Brown County History Trail offers another way to explore regional history: it connects visitors with more than 100 sites throughout the county. A free digital pass lets you visit and check in at historic sites throughout the county.
The Brown County Fair also places regional history in a specific context: its exhibits and demonstrations promote agriculture and share the history, traditions and achievements of Brown County. Together with the buildings, museum exhibits and History Trail locations, these offer different ways to engage with the region’s past and cultural life.
Discover more destinations: Green Bay, Allouez, Ashwaubenon, De Pere, Howard, Wood County, Shawano County, Sauk County.
For the broader travel overview: Wisconsin.
