With its strategic and protected location on the waterway of the same name, it’s not surprising that Green Bay was the very first city in Wisconsin. As such, there’s a ton of history to be learned about this area and one of the very best ways to do so is at the outdoor museum and park at Heritage Hill. A Wisconsin state park, Heritage Hill sits on 54 acres and has 24 historical and reproduction buildings representing the early history of Northeastern Wisconsin from 1672 to 1940.
This state park is part gorgeous location and part living history museum. There are numerous preserved historic buildings here as well as reproductions. You can learn about early life in the state before it was even fully founded and the fur trade that brought people here.
The park actually sits on land that was once Camp Smith, the first American settlement west of Lake Michigan. Here you can learn about life after the War of 1812.
The village area with all the buildings is meant to show what the area looked like right after statehood. Here you'll find original buildings dating back to 1803. There are numerous rescued and renovated buildings that served early Wisconsin residents and getting to see and learn about the different businesses up close and personally is a great way to learn history.
During Fall and Winter, the park is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission in just $4 and visitors are invited to walkabout and discover all the gorgeous scenery. The interpretive buildings aren't open, but there's still plenty to see and learn.
Any time the park is open, a group of eight or more can schedule a tram tour that allows you to get to see much of the 54 acres here. Cost for tram tours is $10 and a guide will explain all the amazing history gathered here.
Heritage Hill is part park and part learning opportunity and while many residents are familiar with places like Old World Wisconsin, too many have no idea this amazing park is right in Green Bay to explore.
It's so easy to get your kids excited about learning and history when they feel like they can be a part of it. Immerse them in the buildings, culture and community here and watch them connect with the background of Wisconsin.
This is a fascinating and tangible way to learn about Wisconsin's history while also enjoying a gorgeous, outdoor location. It's the perfect historical park that let's you and your family learn and be in nature.
You won't want to miss out on all Heritage Hill has to offer, from live, costumed guides and volunteers to interactive experiences, war reenactments and more. This facility is a true gem, preserving state history and inviting residents to take part.
Heritage Hill State Park is located at 2640 S Webster Ave., Green Bay, WI 54301. You can learn more about the park on their website and see more pictures on their Facebook page.
