Hobart, WI

Hobart traces its roots back to the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, which inhabited the areas around Dead Horse Bay and Lake Michigan. In the late 19th century, the federal government established the Oneida Indian Reservation. European settlers further developed the area around Green Bay. Hobart, which incorporated in 2002, still rests within the boundaries of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, and visitors can find green signs marking these historical boundaries.

Much of Hobart's culture revolves around the Green Bay Packers and football. Hobart residents can explore this culture at the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame next to Lambeau Field. Also at Lambeau, the annual Festival of Lights showcases a massive, 50-foot Christmas tree lighting ceremony within the first week of December. Come for the food, drinks and family entertainment.

Fine dining abounds in the Hobart and Green Bay area, and locals can discover a whole selection of international and innovative concept kitchens in downtown Green Bay and along the shoreline. Hobart has a few culinary gems scattered throughout the village limits that feature classic Americana menus serving world-class barbecue and steaks.

Located 5 miles away on Hanson Road in Green Bay, The Wellington Steakhouse introduces visitors to a hearty display of classic surf-and-turf fare. You don't need to dress formally here, as the casual and unpretentious atmosphere of this restaurant allows patrons to feel right at home. From certified Angus beef to freshly caught seafood from Lake Michigan and beyond, the Wellington Steakhouse doesn't compromise on taste. Locals recommend the massive 18-ounce ribeye with horseradish cream or the 10-ounce Maine lobster tail.

Featured in a beautiful setting near the Brown County Golf Course, the Safari Steak House serves up a traditional supper club menu. Whether for Saturday night or for some after-golf grub, Safari Steak House delivers high-quality platters full of sea scallops, jumbo shrimp and haddock. Other attractive items on the menu include the steakhouse burger and the French dip sandwich.

Enjoy coffee and sandwiches in a trendy setting at the Crystal Coffee Cafe & Beanery on Packerland Drive. Ideal after a cold football game at Lambeau or for a pleasant mid-afternoon snack with friends, this coffee shop remains famous for its wide selection of traditional and exotic brews. Breakfast, wraps, salads and sandwiches are served all day, and locals recommend the Barefoot Bay Special sandwich or the breakfast fruit panini.

Wisconsin's special relationship with beer and football makes itself especially prominent in Green Bay and Hobart. Hobart residents always have several options for exciting nightlife, including both loyal sports clubs and trendy lounges. Titletown Brewing and Hinterland Brewery offer tours and innovative beer tastings throughout the year. Purcell’s Lounge combines the comfortable feel of a sports bar with the sophisticated aura of a wine bar.

Miles of open countryside crossed by highways and county roads mean that Hobart residents need a car when going about their daily activities. Simple tasks such as picking up groceries or commuting to work require a car, and traveling to downtown Green Bay takes about 20 minutes. The Green Bay Metro bus system reaches Hobart via Highway 54 and Airport Drive, and the Green Bay Public School District bus works with students to develop convenient bus stops. Greyhound Lines has a bus stop in the Olde Main Street District along Cedar Street for longer trips throughout Wisconsin and the rest of the United States.

Residents can take County Highway GE northwards to connect with Wisconsin Highway 54 for convenient access to downtown Green Bay. Wisconsin Highway 172 gives locals access to U.S. Route 41, which connects with Appleton and Fond du Lac in the south. Most homes in the area feature spacious driveways and lawns, allowing for free curbside parking throughout the village.

Although no bike lanes are available throughout Hobart, bicyclists can enjoy spacious road shoulders and fairly minimal traffic. Residents can also walk along county roads, but both bicyclists and walkers should wear bright clothing or use a light when traveling at night. For quicker trips, locals can use ride-sharing services such as Uber or call ahead for a taxi.

Among the 33 square miles of land mass comprising Hobart, residents can find themselves in pristine Wisconsin wilderness and agricultural land wherever they go. Most homes include spacious yards and sit near richly forested areas full of wildlife and picturesque creeks.

Hobart has two official village parks catering to visitors of all ages, ideal for outdoors recreation or social events. Both the Hobart Hall Park and the Four Seasons Park include playground equipment, baseball diamonds, soccer fields and shelters. Dogs are allowed within these two parks, but owners must keep their pets on a leash and use the provided doggy bags. Four Seasons Park features a 1-mile trail where local dog owners often meet and socialize. Access to the parks is always free.

The Southwest Business Centre Park on Fernando Drive caters to sports enthusiasts with the Ashwaubenon Sports Complex. Whether locals prefer hockey, tennis or soccer, this complex provides the equipment and space athletes need. Other facilities include a skate park, two basketball courts and a playground for children.

Located along the Newtown Blackmour State Trail in nearby Seymour, about 10 miles west of Hobart, locals can visit the Annual Hamburger Festival, arguably the greatest annual event in the United States. Seymour is known as the home of the hamburger, where, as locals claim, Charles Nagreen first coined the term in 1885. This three-day family event in August includes a balloon rally, the World’s Largest Hamburger Parade and the display of a 190-pound Giant Cheeseburger.

The cost of living in Hobart runs moderately higher than Green Bay averages, with residents typically paying about 3 percent more. Newcomers to the area should expect the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment to hover around $500 a month.

Traveling to the Green Bay city center via Green Bay Metro costs $1.50 for a one-way ticket. Car owners typically pay about 9 percent less than national averages on gas. Grabbing a pint of beer from local pubs should only cost about $3, though this price rises on Packers game days.

Consisting of mostly farmland and wide open spaces, Hobart does not have much of an exciting shopping scene. Roadside shops and authentic Oneida Nation stores abound along the roadsides and within Oneida territory, but for boutique shopping, locals often travel into downtown Green Bay. The Bay Park Square shopping center, located only 6 miles east of Hobart along Oneida Street, connects Hobart locals with big-name chain stores such as American Eagle, Ashcroft & Oak Jewelers and many others.

Hobart locals can enjoy close proximity to Cooks Corner, one of the largest kitchen supply stores in the nation. Featuring thousands of restaurant-quality kitchen supplies as well as small electric appliances, cookbooks and iconic Wisconsin cheeses, this massive kitchen superstore ensures trendy, well-functioning kitchens.

A shopping experience would never be complete without a trip to the Green Bay Packers Pro Shop. From authentic jerseys to Packers decor for the home, this shop features everything a loyal Packers fan needs. Packers novelties and collectibles at this expansive store include glasses, framed photos, sweatshirts and much more.

Hobart residents have several options when stocking up on standard groceries and brand-name foods, including a massive Copps grocery chain on Lombardi Access Road. For organic fruits and vegetables as well as sustainable meats, locals only need to head to the Oneida Apple Orchard farmers market. Feel free to pick over 20 different types of apples right from the tree during the market's Big Apple Fest. Northstar Bison offers 100-percent grass-fed beef and pork. Make sure to check out the Farmers Market Bash for family-fun entertainment and fresh produce during the summer months.