For legions of Packer fans, Green Bay, Wisconsin, stands as a pilgrimage destination. Lambeau Field is their temple, and the Packers’ owned-by-the-fans identity feeds their faith. Even opposing fans find themselves awed on stadium tours when they walk through the tunnel where the team bursts onto the field. But an off-season visit reveals a different side of this working-class city of 101,000: fantastic restaurants, appealing trails and top-notch attractions for all ages. Whether your blood runs green, gold or just plain red, you’ll come away rooting for Titletown. (888) 867-3342; greenbay.com
What to do
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary A 700-acre park with a wildlife rehab center provides a scenic escape within the city. Free. (920) 391-3671; baybeachwildlife.com
Broadway District shopping Check out Beerntsen’s Confectionary and Besselli boutique. (920) 437-2531; onbroadway.org
Green Bay Botanical Garden The 47-acre property includes the Vietnam Veteran Garden. Admission charged. (877) 355-4224; gbbg.org
Heritage Hill State Historical Park A living-history museum with 25 buildings traces state history. Admission charged. (800) 721-5150; heritagehillgb.org
National Railroad Museum Learn about Pullman Porters at an interactive exhibit, and don’t skip the excellent film. Admission charged. (920) 437-7623; nationalrrmuseum.org
Where to eat
Black and Tan The main-floor bar at this sophisticated downtown spot has a tempting lounge menu; upstairs, enjoy seasonal fine dining. (920) 430-7700; blackandtangrille.com
Cheese Cake Heaven A strip mall cafe serves huge sandwiches and cheesecake. (920) 490-1200; cheesecakeheaven.com
Fox Harbor Pub and Grill A two-tier deck and fire pit draw a casual crowd, especially for Wednesday and Friday fish fries. (920) 593-8327; foxharborpubandgrill.com
Jimmy Seas Pub, Grill and Fenders Beer-battered cod tacos warrant a trip to this hidden spot. (920) 438-7640; jimmyseas.com
Republic Chophouse In a cozy, dark steak house, linger over rich, indulgent meals. (920) 430-7900; republicchophouse.com
Where to stay
St. Brendan’s Inn A classy Irish-theme inn features 28 rooms and a satisfying restaurant. From $119. (866) 604-7474; saintbrendansinn.com
With kids
Bay beach amusement park A roll of quarters buys a day of fun. (920) 448-3365; baybeach.org
Lambeau Field Pint-size fans can practice their Lambeau Leap. (920) 569-7500; packers.com
NEW Zoo Lions, giraffes, moose and more thrive in a wooded setting. (920) 434-7841; newzoo.org
Kroll's West Legendary burgers star at this retro spot near Lambeau. (920) 497-1111; krollswest.com
