(Green Bay native here)
National Railroad Museum – they have a good collection, but really only a must-see if you’re a train buff
Packers Hall of Fame – a must-see if you’re a Packer fan, and only just slightly less of a must-see if you’re a football fan in general. They also offer tours of Lambeau Field. Be forewarned that, of course, it’s football season, and, if you’re there on a weekend of a Packer home game, it’ll be a zoo. (They’re home on 9/30, then on the road on 10/7 and 10/14.)
I can help you with the Door County two days.
It seems you have decided to stay in Sturgeon Bay. Although it is the largest city in Door County (10K pop), it isn’t usually the destination. Most people think of Door County as what’s north of Sturgeon Bay. But it’s a good place to come back to at night.
I suggest you plan at least a one-day tour of the northern part of the county. State hiway 42 goes north thru the west part (Green Bay shore) and 57, the east (Michigan shore). Each hiway goes thru all the major towns; the most activity and shops are on 42, but the other side (the “quiet side”) has its charm.
Drive north on 42 (or take Bayshore Drive out of Sturgeon Bay if you want to see more of the water), and you will go thru Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Ephraim, Sister Bay, Ellison Bay, and Gills Rock, at the tip of the peninsula. (You can probably skip Gills Rock and turn around at Ellison Bay.) Stop at any of the many galleries, gift shops, stores and restaurants that catch your eye.
Wilson’s in Ephraim is good for lunch and/or ice cream. There really are no bad restaurants!
Then turn around and come back on 57 thru Baileys Harbor and Jacksonport.
On your way north, you might spend some time at Peninsula State Park. A state park sticker is required, and can be obtained for different prices depending on how long you want it to be good for. I suggest paying for a 1-day pass at least, as you may want to visit other state parks in Door County or Wisconsin (we have four!), and the pass is good for all of them.
As N9IWP suggests, go to Eagle Tower in Peninsula Park. Take your binoculars and camera to the top of the 75’ tower, as it’s probably the highest point in the peninsula.
In Ellison Bay, watch carefully for Ellison Bay Bluff County Park, easy to miss, but a great view from the cliff.
On your way back, you might want to stop at Cave Point County Park (use your GPS or map, it’s just south of Jacksonport), which is adjacent to Whitefish Dunes State Park (see, I told you your park sticker would come in handy!). One is rock cliff, the other is all-sand beach; quite a contrast. If the day is windy, Cave Point is fun, as the waves crash into the caves and shake the entire cliff.
Then, if you time it right, you can stop at Donny’s Glidden Lodge for dinner, and you’re only 10 miles from Sturgeon Bay. Reservations are recommended, as this is probably the best restaurant in Door County, on the shore of Lake Michigan. Use your GPS, but it’s not much out of the way. Tell Tim, the bartender and part owner, that you heard about this place from SDMB! (And he won’t know what you’re talking about)
On another night, see if you can find a fish boil. Most are summer only, but ask the Visitor’s Bureau what ones are still going when you arrive. The Visitor’s Bureau is just south of Sturgeon Bay as you come into town, on the right. They should be very helpful.
For breakfast/brunch in Sturgeon Bay, there are two really great places; the BlueFront Cafe, and the Inn at Cedar Crossing. Both are upscale; if you want a local, greasy-spoon hangout instead, try the Corner Cafe, across from the Inn at Cedar Crossing. I’ll leave the locations up to your googling skills, and they may be walking distance from wherever you are staying.
You might enjoy a walk across one of the 2 downtown drawbridges over Sturgeon Bay waters, then returning on the other. You get a great view of the marinas and if you are lucky, a big ship or yacht will come through and force you to wait!
Almost forgot – if you’re coming from Green Bay or going back that way, be sure to stop at Renard’s Cheese, a few miles south of Sturgeon Bay. It’s the only cheese factory left in the county, and they make cheese curds fresh daily! Ask them to replace the tape on a bag of curds with a twist tie so you can eat them in the car; they’ll know what you mean.
If you are coming up from Algoma instead of Green Bay, I suggest not STH 42, but County S. There is a second Renard’s on County S and the distance is a little shorter, anyway. Use your GPS!
Renard’s isn’t open late, or on Sunday’s, so stop in when you can.
If I can clarify anything, please ask. Or PM me if you need more specifics. Hope you enjoy your visit!
Thanks Musicat!!!
That was really helpful. I’ve p.m. you with more questions.