Packers Heritage Trail plans unveiled

GREEN BAY - Think you've seen all you need to see of the Packers and the team's history? In about one month, Packers fans will get an up-close look at the team's close ties to the city of Green Bay.

"Titletown" takes pride in its historic ties with the Green Bay Packers.

However, the stories behind the team's still visible, humble beginnings are often lost as time passes by.

But not for much longer.

"One of the things that we discussed was, that if there was one void in it, that was the need for something special for the active Packer fan to do," said Cliff Christl, the president and founder of the Packers Heritage Trail Foundation.

The foundation, joined by representatives from the Green Bay Packers, city of Green Bay, Brown County and the Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, unveiled the trail plans Tuesday at the Neville Public Museum in Green Bay.

• Map: Packers Heritage Trail

Spearheaded by Christl and his wife Shirley, the self-guided tour trail will feature 22 bronze plaques located at geographically important sites to Packers history, throughout downtown Green Bay.

There will also be two trail spurs leading to De Pere and Allouez.

"The plaques are going to last for generations, 100 years or more, but the story is not, because, 100 years from now, what's going to separate the Packers is those first 50 years, Lambeau to Lombardi, those two iconic coaches,” said Christl.

The Packers are also helping with the project.

• Photos: Packers Heritage Trail

The Heritage Trail is modeled after Boston's Freedom Trail, showcasing that city's connections to the American Revolution.

"I have seen the success of that and how that's benefited downtown Boston and I'm excited for the impact this will have, not only on downtown Green Bay, but also on fans," said Mark Murphy, President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers.

The trail head will start at the Neville Public Museum, near the Broadway District.

It will continue out in about a one-mile radius into downtown Green Bay, showing and telling Packers fans - football fans - stories that have long been forgotten.

"I think even people in Green Bay will learn a lot about the history of the Packers,” said Christl. “I mean, there's fascinating stories about these sites that have been long forgotten and I think it's nice to refresh them."

The project is being funded through donations, costing more than $200,000.

The plaques are expected to be in place by mid-June.