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Waterfront Wisconsin

Green Bay, a Title Town

Coming back down the Door County peninsula, travelers will pass through the city of Green Bay, located on the Lake Michigan bay of the same name.

Green Bay will be forever linked to the Packers, its pro football team that is deeply intertwined with community life and culture. The team’s stadium at Lambeau Field is the most recognizable landmark in town and, after extensive renovations and expansions that were completed this year, offers a variety of visitor experiences.

Groups can start their football-themed visits with a stop at the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, where they will learn about the famed team’s history, including their winning the first Super Bowl, and see artifacts from famous players. After that, an official tour of the stadium takes them onto the field and into restricted areas such as locker rooms and luxury suites.

While you’re there: Faith-based groups will enjoy visiting a number of special churches and shrines around the Green Bay area. These include St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and Museum, St. Norbert Abbey and Our Lady of Good Help Shrine, the only official Marian shrine in the country.

www.greenbay.com

Madison’s Twin Lakes

You may not think of waterfront when you think of Madison, a city known better as the state capital and the home of the University of Wisconsin. But Madison sits between two small lakes — Mendota and Monona — that offer a number of exciting experiences for visitors.

On Lake Mendota, the waterfront area is known as Mendota Terrace and features a number of attractions. The terrace is known for its many shops and restaurants, as well as a popular summer concert series at the lakeside bandstand. Outfitters at the terrace offer a number of ways to get out on the water and enjoy the lake, including kayak and paddleboard rentals.

Another kind of experience awaits on the shore of Lake Monona. Monona Terrace, the city’s convention center, was designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and many groups stop by for tours that highlight the unique art, architecture and history of the building.

While you’re there: As a famously progressive college town located near fertile agricultural areas, Madison enjoys a burgeoning food scene that rivals many bigger cities around the country. Foodies can dine at any of the many local farm-to-table restaurants around town or take sample dishes from several with Madison Food Explorers or Madison Eats food tours.

www.visitmadison.com

Lakefront Luxury in Lake Geneva

The small town of Lake Geneva makes a big impact on visitors. Located about 80 miles northwest of Chicago, this town on the bank of Geneva Lake became a popular summer destination for wealthy residents of the Windy City, many of whom built lavish vacation homes on the lakeshore in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The best way for groups to get to know the historic and modern luxury of the area is by taking a sightseeing cruise on the lake. The cruises give passengers up-close views of the beautiful homes along the shore and relate stories about the wealthy families that built them.

During the summertime, groups can cruise on one of the boats that deliver mail to the lakefront homes and watch as young mail carriers jump back and forth from the moving boat to the docks in front of each house to deliver the mail.

While you’re there: Just a 45-minute drive from Lake Geneva is Fort Atkinson, best known as home to the Fireside Dinner Theatre. Billed as the state’s most-visited group attraction, this theater features performances in the round by professional actors, plus delicious food, souvenir shops and more.

www.visitlakegeneva.com

Brian Jewell

Brian Jewell is the executive editor of The Group Travel Leader. In more than a decade of travel journalism he has visited 48 states and 25 foreign countries.