Suamico, WI

Suamico is a village in Brown County, Wisconsin, located on the shores of Green Bay. It is a scenic residential community known for its outdoor recreation, the NEW Zoo, and its status as the largest village in the U.S. by total area.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The full official name of the community is the Village of Suamico . It is a village in Brown County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Suamico is part of the Green Bay Metropolitan Statistical Area . The region is a significant economic and cultural hub in Northeastern Wisconsin, known for the Green Bay Packers, the Port of Green Bay, and its thriving manufacturing and healthcare sectors .

Date of Foundation and Age

The area was first established by the Wisconsin Legislature as the Town of Suamico on August 2, 1848 . The Suamico Post Office was established on July 20, 1857, and the town was platted by John Bruce in 1873 . The community remained a town until a referendum in September 2003, when it voted to incorporate and became the Village of Suamico . As of 2026, the village is 178 years old since its first establishment.

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Suamico is located in eastern Wisconsin at the geographic coordinates 44°38′16″N 88°03′40″W . The village is situated at the mouth of the Suamico River, where it flows into the Bay of Green Bay, a part of Lake Michigan . According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 59.40 square miles (153.85 km²), with 36.34 square miles (94.12 km²) of land and 23.06 square miles (59.73 km²) of water . The elevation of the village is 591 feet (180 meters) above sea level . Suamico is geographically notable for being the largest "village" in the United States by total area when combining both land and water .

Type of City and Economic Specialization

Suamico is primarily a residential "bedroom community", with most of its development occurring since 1980 . Its economy is supported by local industries, and it is the home of the Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo (NEW Zoo) , Green Bay Cheese, and Winona Foods .

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Suamico was 12,820 . The village is classified as a small town or large village. The population has grown significantly, increasing by 30.6% between 2000 and 2010, and another 13.0% by 2020 . The village is predominantly white, with a median household income of $84,295 .

"Visiting Card" of the City (In Short)

Suamico is a peaceful waterside village that serves as the gateway to outdoor adventure in Northeastern Wisconsin. It is best known for the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park, its access to the Bay of Green Bay for boating and fishing, and its proximity to the attractions of the larger city of Green Bay . With over a third of its area covered by water, it offers a unique blend of residential comfort and natural beauty .

Geography

Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Bays)

Suamico is uniquely defined by its water resources. The village is situated on the shores of the Bay of Green Bay, a large inlet of Lake Michigan . Flowing through the village and into the bay is the Suamico River, which was historically used for sawmills in the 1850s and 1860s . Because 38.8% of its total area is water, Suamico is considered the largest village in the U.S. by total combined land and water area .

National and Nature Parks

While the village itself has several parks, it is surrounded by significant nature preserves. The Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve, located just a short drive away, is a 900-acre preserve with trails through wetlands and forests, ideal for birdwatching and wildlife observation . Within the village is the Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo (NEW Zoo) , which also features an Adventure Park with a climbing structure and zip lines, set within a natural environment . Other nearby natural attractions include the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary and the Cofrin Memorial Arboretum in Green Bay .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Suamico has a humid continental climate, characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm summers . The area experiences significant seasonal variation in temperature and is partly cloudy year-round.

Average Temperatures by Month

Temperatures in Suamico vary widely. The warm season lasts from late May to mid-September, with the hottest month being July, when the average high is 81°F (27°C) and the average low is 62°F (17°C) . The cold season lasts from late November to early March, with the coldest month being January, featuring an average low of 13°F (-11°C) and a high of 26°F (-3°C) .

Precipitation and Humidity

Suamico receives moderate precipitation throughout the year, with slightly higher amounts during the summer months . The village receives approximately 776 mm (30.6 inches) of rain per year . June is typically the wettest month, with an average of 3.5 inches of rain . Snowfall is significant from November through April, with January and December seeing an average of 4.6 inches of snow . Average humidity is around 83% .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Suamico for warm-weather activities is from mid-June to early September .

Landmarks

[Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo (NEW Zoo)]

The Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo (NEW Zoo) is Suamico's premier attraction and one of the main reasons people visit the area . It is a large, naturalistic zoo that is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world. Adjacent to the zoo is the NEW Zoo Adventure Park, which features a 36-foot climbing structure and a series of aerial challenges, bridges, and zip lines . It is a family-friendly destination that offers both wildlife education and outdoor adventure.

[Grassy Island Range Lights]

Located nearby on the shore of Green Bay are the Grassy Island Range Lights . This pair of lighthouses was constructed in 1872 to guide boats into the Green Bay harbor. They are an iconic and historic site, representing the rich maritime history of the region .

[Lambeau Field]

While not in Suamico, Lambeau Field, the legendary home of the Green Bay Packers, is located just 16.7 km (about 15-20 minutes) south in Green Bay . It is a major landmark for the entire region. Visitors can tour the stadium, visit the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, and experience the history of one of the most famous teams in American football .

[The Automobile Gallery]

Another nearby landmark in Green Bay is The Automobile Gallery . This non-profit gallery presents automobiles as works of art, featuring a collection of beautifully restored and unique classic and collector cars. It is a popular destination for car enthusiasts and families alike .

Parks and Outdoor Recreation

The village and its surroundings are rich in parks and natural areas. Bay Shore Park offers a sandy beach on the Bay of Green Bay, picnic areas, and scenic walking trails, making it a perfect spot for swimming and relaxing by the water . Village Park in Suamico provides playgrounds, sports fields, and open green space for community activities . For hikers and bikers, the Baird Creek Trail and the Fox River Trail offer paved and natural paths through scenic landscapes .

Transport

Main Airports in the City and Region

Suamico is served by Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) , which is located approximately 10 to 22 miles south of the village, depending on the specific destination . It is the primary commercial airport for the region, offering flights to major hubs in the United States. The airport code IATA is GRB .

Main Railway Stations

While there are no passenger railway stations in Suamico itself, railway lines run through the village. These include a line of the Canadian National Railway (formerly Wisconsin Central) and the local Escanaba and Lake Superior Railroad .

System of Public Transport (Bus)

Public transportation in the region is provided by the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BAT) . Their services connect Suamico and other suburban communities with the city of Green Bay .

Main Highways and Roads

Suamico is well-connected by road. The primary route through the village is the four-lane highway formed by the concurrent U.S. Highway 41 and U.S. Highway 141, which runs north-south . These highways provide direct access to Green Bay to the south and to other cities in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the north. Interstate 43 also terminates in the Green Bay area, providing a link to Milwaukee . Highway 32 is another significant local route .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

While Suamico is a smaller village, its dining scene offers a taste of classic American comfort food with a few local favorites that have become destinations in themselves.

A Local Favorite: Sweets & Eats

One of the most beloved culinary spots in Suamico is Sweets & Eats, a family-friendly establishment that has earned a stellar reputation in the community . Located at 2630 School Ln, this multifaceted venue is more than just a restaurant; it's a local gathering place. It specializes in a few key areas:

With over 280 reviews on Google averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars, it's clear that Sweets & Eats is a cornerstone of the local food scene, offering a combination of great food, friendly service, and wholesome fun .

Dining in the Greater Suamico Area

For those looking to explore further, the dining options in the nearby Green Bay area are easily accessible. Reviews for restaurants in the region often highlight the quality of classic American dishes. For example, visitors have noted perfectly cooked burgers with great flavor and fresh, generously portioned salads, like a Cobb salad with perfectly grilled chicken . This indicates that the surrounding area maintains a high standard for traditional American comfort food.

Museums

Suamico and its immediate surroundings offer a focused, yet rich, historical experience, primarily centered on the heritage of the community itself.

Howard-Suamico Historical Society Museum

Located nearby in Green Bay at 605 Maywood Ave, the Howard-Suamico Historical Society Museum is the primary institution dedicated to preserving the unique story of Suamico and its neighboring village, Howard . This museum serves as a treasure trove for those interested in local history.

Key Features and Collections:

Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve

While primarily a nature preserve, the Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve in Suamico (WI 54173) also functions as an informal museum of natural history . It features informative exhibits about the local environment, wildlife, and waterfowl preservation. Visitors can learn about the region's ecosystems while enjoying over 1,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and trails. With a near-perfect 4.8/5 rating from over 65 Google reviews, it's a highly regarded destination for both recreation and education .

Sport and Sports Legends

Suamico may be a quiet village, but it has a notable connection to professional sports, primarily through its proximity to the legendary Green Bay Packers.

Famous Athletes Associated with Suamico

The village has become a residential choice for several personalities from the nearby Green Bay Packers NFL team . This includes both current and former players who have chosen to make Suamico their home, integrating into the community. One notable historical figure connected to the area is Marcus W. Robertson, a recipient of the Medal of Honor, who also resided in Suamico .

Endurance Sports

Beyond team sports, Suamico is home to athletes competing at high levels in other disciplines. Monica Curruchich, a resident of Suamico, is an accomplished ultramarathon runner . Her achievements include completing the grueling 50-mile "Door County Fall 50" race in 2024 with a time of 9:53:02, demonstrating the presence of world-class endurance athletics in the community .

Universities and Educational Institutions

While Suamico itself does not host a university, it is strategically located within a short driving distance of numerous respected colleges and universities in the Green Bay area and beyond, making it a convenient residential area for students and academics .

Higher Education Near Suamico

There are 24 colleges within a 100-mile radius of Suamico. The closest and most accessible institutions include :

Healthcare Institutions and Services

Residents of Suamico have direct access to quality healthcare services within the village itself, as well as to major medical centers in the nearby Green Bay area.

Local Healthcare in Suamico

The Aurora Health Center, located at 2890 Lineville Rd in Suamico, provides a wide range of outpatient medical services to the community . As part of the larger Aurora BayCare system, this clinic offers:

Medical Equipment and Supplies

For specialized needs, Suamico is also home to Unique Health Care Products, Inc., a company founded in 1990 that operates as a wholesale distributor of medical equipment and supplies . This indicates a local commercial presence in the broader healthcare sector.

Regional Medical Centers

For more specialized or hospital-based care, residents are a short drive from major medical facilities in Green Bay, including the main Aurora BayCare Medical Center, which provides advanced medical technologies and specialized surgical services .

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