Of the cities we visited, Green Bay was my favorite. The locals were enthusiastic and welcoming and the city seemed thriving. The huge bay was a sportsman's paradise and there were parks everywhere.
But first we had to get there. There were two full nights and a day of cruising between Sault Ste. Marie and the city of Green Bay.
Of course we had the obligatory games, contests, lectures, food, and puzzles to occupy our time. But once we reached the entry to Green Bay (the piece of water), there were many islands and villages to see.
Rock Island is aptly named. The north side of the island, where the Potawotomie Lighthouse is found, seems desolate, but the other side is more welcoming. You still need a boat to get there.
The current lighthouse dates from 1858. It has been restored and is staffed for tours in the summer. There is a steep stair to the left out of the picture that leads down to the beach.
Once we reached the city of Green Bay, the ship tied up alongside a lovely, and much visited, park. I think we may have been the main attraction on this day.
Note the cheese wedges.
The local news team was out doing a special -- interviewing the guests.
Yes, they were on "News at Six" or the local equivalent. They even got a copy of the finished product.
The "welcome wagon" was a converted ambulance. These ladies were welcoming and cheerful. Giveaways were brochures on local sights, two cheesy flavors of popcorn, and sun glasses. Sun glasses? "Just in case the sun comes out," they said.
It didn't.
My morning expedition was to the Green Bay Botanical Garden.
The place was overrun by bold chipmunks who obligingly posed for cute photos. I wasn't aware that chipmunks climbed trees.
Check out pictures of the garden.
Gardens and railroads, no wonder I liked Green Bay. They even have Arabian Horse farms there. And nearby skiing. I could overlook the football mania. Good thing because the waiting line for season tickets is on the far side of 30 years!
Jim and I both went on the afternoon excursion to the National Railroad Museum. We had some trepidation after our experience in Duluth, but this was much more interesting.
There was still a pretty boring train ride, but it had the virtue of being short.
Click to visit the railroad museum.
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