Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
Rate this placeNearby: Lakeside Place Park Baird Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is a 700-acre urban wildlife refuge located in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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Summary
The sanctuary offers visitors an opportunity to observe and interact with a variety of native animals and plants. It is an excellent destination for nature lovers, bird watchers, and families looking for an educational and fun outdoor experience.
One of the primary reasons to visit Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is to see the diverse range of animals that call it home. The sanctuary is home to more than 4,500 animals from over 150 species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the most popular animals to see include bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, white-tailed deer, and river otters.
In addition to observing animals, visitors can explore several points of interest within the sanctuary. These include the nature center, bird feeding stations, hiking trails, and observation towers that provide stunning views of the area. The sanctuary also offers several educational programs and events throughout the year, such as guided hikes, bird watching tours, and nature-themed workshops.
One interesting fact about Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is that it was established in the 1930s as a refuge for injured and orphaned animals. Since then, it has grown to become one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in the Midwest.
The best time of year to visit Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is during the spring and fall when migratory birds are passing through the area. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful fall foliage and witness the sanctuary's animals preparing for winter. However, the sanctuary is open year-round, and each season offers unique opportunities for visitors to experience the natural beauty of the area.
Overall, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is an exceptional destination for anyone interested in exploring the natural world and observing a variety of native animals. With its diverse range of animals and plants, educational programs, and beautiful scenery, it is a must-visit attraction in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Brown County Fairgrounds
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Cecil B. Depeau Bay Shore Park Campgrounds
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Bay Shore Park Campground
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Lakeside Place Park
Baird Park
Communiversity Park
Bay Beach Park
Farlin Park