Water, Parks, and Public Life
August 17, 2026
The Zippin Pippin was a bet on Green Bay joy
The Zippin Pippin brought another family attraction to Bay Beach and a new reason to visit.
The Zippin Pippin brought a family attraction to Bay Beach and became a visible part of the park.
Jim Schmitt was a major proponent of bringing it to Green Bay. At the ride’s tenth anniversary, he said it had helped increase both ridership and concession revenue.
The appeal was straightforward: give people another reason to visit Bay Beach. The ride is one documented part of the park’s larger story.
Why this still matters
Bay Beach succeeds when it gives residents and visitors another reason to spend time there.