De Pere Riverwalk & Wildlife Viewing Pier

The De Pere Riverwalk, rich in natural beauty and local history, runs along the east side of the Fox River, adjacent to the De Pere Dam, and can be accessed through Voyageur Park. This scenic walkway provides public access to the river and a rare glimpse of Government Island, a historic district. Visitors can easily stroll from downtown shops, restaurants, and hotels to this site, surrounded by spawning fish and wildlife, just steps away from the Fox River Trail.

Originally a simple concept, the Riverwalk project faced several technical, regulatory, and financial challenges. It began in 2007 after the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) replaced the aging Claude Allouez Bridge. During this time, GRAEF suggested the idea for the Riverwalk to the City of De Pere. GRAEF was later selected to lead the design and construction engineering for this unique facility.

The initial plan was to use the old bridge piers and footings to support a 600-foot pedestrian pier downstream of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dam. However, a cost analysis showed it would be more efficient to build new piers on the existing footings. The final design included a pedestrian pier, a fixed-span pedestrian bridge, a lift bridge, a boardwalk, and a fishing dock.

The project required extensive coordination with stakeholders and regulatory agencies due to its location in the De Pere Lock and Dam Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After years of planning and regulatory approval, the project was completed in two phases by 2013. Today, the Riverwalk offers residents and visitors alike access to a previously hard-to-reach natural and historical gem along the Fox River.