Homebuyer’s Guide to Northeast Wisconsin Parks & Trails

March 28, 2019

If you are in the midst of searching for a new home, you’re likely also looking for things to do in your potential new neighborhood and city. People love Northeast Wisconsin for its close-knit community vibes, affordable homes, fish fries, and Old Fashioneds—nonetheless, knowing the recreational activities, parks, and trails nearby can be an asset to where you decide to put in a home offer.

At Unison Credit Union, we want to make your home buying experience as easy as possible, from giving you the inside scoop on things to do in our communities to pre-approvals and home mortgages. Review our parks and trails guide for cities below, and if you want more details on a community in which you may someday reside, check out some of our other helpful guides on living in Northeast Wisconsin:

De Pere

Green Isle Park

Photo courtesy of the Village of Allouez

Near East De Pere, Green Isle Park in Allouez borders the East River and is great for picturesque views, making it a popular spot for wedding and event photos. The park has wooded trails, bridges, and a boardwalk that crosses over a marsh. Green Isle Park is connected to the East River Trail, a 6.5-mile paved trail, and is a favorite for local running enthusiasts. In addition to park amenities such as soccer fields and baseball diamonds, there is a spot for kayakers and canoers to launch off and enjoy the views while navigating the river. Families also enjoy stopping by Zesty’s Frozen Custard for a cool treat before or after their outdoor adventures.

Voyager Park

Photo courtesy of the City of De Pere

A beloved park in De Pere, Voyageur Park’s recently renovated playground is perfect for children of all ages and abilities. The 2018 upgrade includes four slides, interactive music activities, climbing ropes, and a merry-go-round. You’ll often see groups practicing yoga in the park’s large open grass areas and people fishing and birdwatching from the riverwalk. Voyageur Park is along the Fox River Trail, a 20-mile trail stretching from Green Bay to Greenleaf–a favorite for exercise enthusiasts.

Grand Chute

Lions Park

Photo courtesy of Go Valley Kids

Little ones will love this sandy park, its updated equipment, and wood chip-free play area. Neighboring Houdini Elementary School, Lions Park is a short walk to the school’s playground to add a little variety to a fun-filled day outdoors.

Prairie Hill Park

Photo courtesy of Town of Grand Chute

Prairie Hill Park is a town favorite. Complete with a big sledding hill, fishing pond, trails, and a playground, the park is a welcoming gathering place to people of all ages. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy using the pond for catch and release fishing (handicap accessible), and sledders can utilize a heated bathroom in the winter months. Groups can also rent out the pavilion, which includes a fridge and stove for events.

Greenville

Jennerjohn Park

Photo courtesy of the Town of Greenville

This 25-acre Greenville park is a buzzing spot for sports and recreation. Jennerjohn Park has a baseball field, a playground, fountain, tennis courts, and a recreational trail to support outdoor activities in the area. The park is packed in the winter with its sledding hill and ice skating rink. Head to The Twist down the road after a day in the park for a burger and extra large cone.

Pebble Ridge Park

Photo courtesy of the Town of Greenville

Located between an industrial park and residential development, Pebble Ridge Park offers 13-acres of nature for those who enjoy exploring the outdoors. The park contains a small wooded area, prairie restoration, retention pond, walking/nature trails, picnic areas, and a playground. Greenville plans to add a picnic shelter with restrooms in the coming years.

Kaukauna

Grignon Park

Photo courtesy of Natasha Ann via Grignon Park Facebook places page

Known for its disc golf course, Grignon Park offers wooded and open recreational spaces for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is next to the Grignon Mansion and Fox River where park visitors can learn about the area’s history. There is also a soccer field, large sledding hill for winter fun, and walking paths along the river.

1000 Islands Environmental Center

Photo courtesy of 1000 Islands Environmental Center Facebook page via Randy McSorley

The 1000 Islands Environmental Center is a 350-acre conservancy zone in Kaukauna that is perfect for eagle watching. Open to the public for education and recreation, the area has 7.2 miles of trails, one of which is along the river, and 2,000 feet of barrier-free boardwalk. The trails have benches along the side for resting, too. The conservancy zone is open year-round for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Village of Little Chute

Island Park, Heesakker Park & Heritage Parkway Trail

Photo courtesy of Village of Little Chute

The Heritage Parkway Trail, over a mile long, connects two prominent parks in the Village of Little Chute: Island Park and Heesakker Park. Heesakker Park is complete with playground equipment, picnic areas, sand volleyball courts, and hiking trails. An ADA-compliant paved pedestrian bow-string bridge connects to Island Park with a handicap-accessible fishing wharf and paths.

Van Lieshout Park

Photo courtesy of Go Valley Kids

In addition to playground equipment in Van Lieshout Park, the park includes basketball and sand volleyball courts, paved paths, soccer fields, and a baseball diamond. Parents love the wood chip-free area under the playground equipment and Go Valley Kids says, “This Little Chute park is great for little ones … if you need a break from the park, there is a nice little hill to roll down!”

Neenah

Loop the Lake Trail

Photo courtesy of Village of Fox Crossing

Connecting three communities, the 3.2-mile paved Loop the Lake Trail connects the City of Neenah, Menasha, and Village of Fox Crossing. The trail is accessible from downtown Neenah and contains three bridges that allow the trail to continue over Little Lake Butte Des Morts. This trail is great for dog walking, running, biking, and families with strollers. It connects to the well-cared-for Fritse Park in Fox Crossing and other parks along the way.

Riverside & Kimberly Point Park

Photo courtesy of Diana Perron Nelson via Facebook

The beautiful Riverside & Kimberly Point Parks in Neenah have activities for people of all ages. In addition to the newly renovated playground nestled between large trees at Riverside Park (otherwise known as the rocketship park), community members enjoy watching sailboats in the Neenah Channel, walking to the lighthouse at Kimberly Point Park, and viewing stunning homes lining Lake Winnebago on Lakeshore Avenue.

Shattuck Park

Photo courtesy of Neenah Parks & Recreation Facebook page

Home to the Neenah Farmers Market, a splash pad for children to play, and a boat launch, Shattuck Park in Neenah is the hub for events in the city. Whether community members enjoy it for a relaxing lunchtime break or to purchase fresh produce on a Saturday, this clean park is a site to see. Shattuck Park is across the street from the Neenah Public Library. Pick up a delicious sandwich from Great Harvest or Timshel Cafe for a picnic and a good read in the park.

Wrightstown

Van Dyke Park

Photo courtesy of the Village of Wrightstown

Van Dyke Park in Wrightstown is a two-acre park that consists of children’s play equipment, a soccer area, and two baseball diamonds. Used for organized athletic activities such as league games and practices, the park is a popular place for Wrightstown residents.

Shamrock Park

Photo courtesy of the Village of Wrightstown

This four-acre park is located on Royal St. Pats Drive on Wrightstown’s west side. Shamrock Park features a playground and plenty of green space for sports. Open fields are perfect for running, playing, and frisbee.

You Choose Your Neighborhood

There’s nothing like finding a new house that truly feels like home. Kick off your home buying process by getting pre-approved. The Member Advisors at Unison Credit Union are here to help you find your next home. From 15-year to 30-year fixed and adjustable rate mortgages, we’ll find an option that is financially feasible and right for you. Contact us or stop by one of our six convenient locations in Northeast Wisconsin today to get started!