Lake Michigan Destinations stock photo

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary

Find Your Wild Side!

Just outside the hustle and bustle of Green Bay Wisconsin lies a quiet place along Lake Michigan where nature abounds.

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is set upon 700 acres and is the largest park in Green Bay. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to see wildlife in a natural habitat, view animal exhibits, and hike or ski on the various trails within the park. The Sanctuary cares for over 4,000 orphaned or injured animals annually, and is the second largest wildlife rehabilitation program in Wisconsin.

Park Highlights

There’s so much to see at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary! Stop first at the Nature Center, three floors that feature exhibits, an estuary room, library, gift shop, and public restrooms. Then begin your hike through the wolf and deer habitats, the lookout tower and the coyote habitat. Along the water you’ll find a floating boardwalk and waterfalls, plus the Duck Shack. At the Observation Building you can buy shelled corn to feed waterfowl, see live bird of prey and waterfowl exhibits, view the animal nursery and wildlife rehabilitation area. This is what Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary prides themselves on–saving and preparing animals so they can live on their own in the wild. Fishing docks allow you to spend some time trying to catch fish, but use care and do not leave any fishing lines behind, as animals can become entangled. There is also a picnic area near the entrance to the park.

Trails

The public is welcome to use the 6.5 miles of trails within Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. Trails are for hiking and skiing only–no bikes are allowed. The park asks that you stay on the marked trails, do not bring pets, and do not disturb the plants and animals. Smoking and alcoholic beverages are not allowed. During the winter, hikers and snowshoes are not allowed on the groomed ski trails.

Programs & Events

Kids love Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, and the feeling is mutual! Programs are featured throughout the year aimed at educating children while they have fun. Nature Nuts, Talon Talks, Furs and Feathers, and Animal Stories for Pre-Schoolers are just a few of the program designed for the younger set. Adults enjoy Trail Fitness Walks, Ice Fishing Workshops, Snowshoe and Cross Country Skiing Events and Public Campfires. Or attend a holiday event around Halloween, Christmas and Easter and the Annual Birthday Party for the Animals. There’s never a shortage of things to do at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary.

Contact Info

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is open all year, every day, with different seasonal hours.

For more information:
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
1660 East Shore Drive
Green Bay, WI 54302
(920) 391-3671

Experience More of Northeast Wisconsin

Discover More Lake Michigan Destinations

Gladstone, Michigan

Nicknamed “Happy Rock”, Gladstone, Michigan is known as “The Year Round Playground” with a spectacular choice of parks and activities.

Peshtigo, Wisconsin

One attraction of importance to Peshtigo is the Peshtigo Fire Museum, which reflects the city during the time period after a devastating fire.

Sturgeon Bay Wisconsin

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Sturgeon Bay is a charming historical community that embraces its world famous shipbuilding hub and honors their boat and water heritage.

Douglas, Michigan

Known as the “Village of Friendliness since 1870”, Douglas offers a diversified variety of art galleries and fine dining.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is a bustling, popular city which brings any visitor plenty of sites to see, activities to do, and historical landmarks to explore.

Lake Forest, Illinois

Lake Forest began as a town in 1857 and is a convenient destination for visitors travelling south to Chicago.