In the midst of this snowy, freezing polar vortex, it’s worth looking ahead to sunnier, warmer times. You definitely want to mark your calendar for this awesome and unique weekend in July. Once again, Tall Ships from around the world will converge on Green Bay to create a totally amazing experience. This three-day event features on-board ship tours, sailing excursions, music, entertainment and a maritime marketplace. Tall Ships Wisconsin takes place July 26-28, 2019 and you absolutely want to play to be there.
This event last took place in 2016 in Wisconsin and it returns this year for a whole new unique and fascinating event. The lineup of exact boats hasn't been announced yet, but you can bet you'll see a number of amazing recreations of ships from the 16th century on up to the late 1800s, the heyday of shipping on the Great Lakes.
Last time nine different ships representing eras across hundreds of years converged on Green Bay. Event attendees get to tour the ships and talk to crew to learn about life aboard these massive beauties. You can schedule sailing trips and add on all kinds of amazing experiences to your tall ships day.
So much of this weekend is hands-on and educational and that's what makes it worthwhile. Your kids will love exploring these massive ships and all their amazing details that have been painstakingly recreated. Ship mates play music, answer questions and talk about life on the "seas." It's as close as you can get to living at that time and encountering the folks that used to do this for their livelihood - or for the protection of our country.
You'll be amazed by the sheer size and intricacy of these massive ships. Almost always remade and recreated by hand, each is a painstaking reproduction that's usually made in the manner the original would have been crafted. That means old school tools and methods to create a massive, seaworthy vessel that you will love exploring.
This event is one of a few across the Great Lakes that brings these ships together and creates a Tall Ship Challenge. Folks along the Lake Michigan coast will want to pay attention for the ships' schedules in the days following the Green Bay event as they'll be able to see the ships moving to their next position in the Southern part of Lake Michigan. Getting to see the ships in action after having seen them up-close never fails to drop your jaw.
It's awesome to get to see ships made in the styles of different countries, eras and uses to compare and contrast how they're made. Access to materials and differences in technology affect how each ship is constructed. It's fascinating to see what changes over the years and what doesn't. It's sometimes amazing to understand that what they made in the 1500s could still be viable and useful today.
In addition to the ships, the World's Biggest Rubber Ducky will be in Green Bay, complete with its own selfie station. You won't be able to resist a silly photo with the most giant version of Ernie's favorite bathtime toy.
The Tall Ships Festival is truly one of the best things you and your family can do this summer. Start planning now, get yourself a room and plan to spend a few days traveling back in time to a life very different than ours now.
You'll love the history and nostalgia that comes from exploring these ships and feeling like you've really stepped into another dimension. You'll be transported to an entirely different life and transfixed by all the lovingly handcrafted details that gave these ships and their stories new life.
The Nicolet Bank Tall Ships event takes place July 26-28, 2019 at the Port of Green Bay in Leicht Memorial Park, which is located at128 Dousman St., Green Bay, WI 54303.
You can learn more about this event from their website or head over to Facebook for up-to-date announcements on which ships will take part in this year’s festival.
