In
Wisconsin, outdoor adventure doesn’t stop when the temperature drops. The state (a new TURNER client) is a less well-known – and affordable – wintry playground that can compete with other snowy destinations. Start planning your Wisconsin winter escape now …
Active Adventure In Winter
You’ll have no trouble staying warm as you enjoy these high-adrenalin winter activities. https://vimeo.com/87667762
- Fat Tire Biking – Mountain biking is a 365-day-a-year pursuit in Wisconsin – thanks to fat tire biking. Fat bikes have extra-wide rims with low-pressure tires making it possible to cruise on soft terrain like snow. Just east of Madison, Dane Co CamRock Trail delivers 150 feet of elevation and single-track trails of challenging terrain.
- Skijoring – The Nordic sport of dog skijoring (a blend of cross-country skiing and dogsledding) lives on in Wisconsin. The Justin Trails Nordic Center provides lessons for those wanting a crash course, as well as a special dog loop for skijoring with your furry friend.
- Snowmobiling – For those who like to add a little speed to their winter recreation, Wisconsin’s 25,000 miles of trails won’t disappoint. Eagle River is known as the Snowmobile Capital of the World. It’s not only home to the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame – it also offers a 500-mile groomed network of trails that take riders through a beautiful Wisconsin Northwoods landscape.
Family Friendly Fun
Traveling with kids? Check out these Wisconsin activities that will keep everyone happy and entertained on your family winter vacation.
- Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding – Wisconsin boasts the third-most ski and snowboard resorts in the U.S. You’ll find an endless variety of runs for every experience level, making the state perfect for a family snowsports-centric escape. Cascade Mountain in the Portage offers four terrain parks and 10 quick and easy lifts, including the high-speed Mountain Top Express. Granite Park Ski Area at Rib Mountain State Park is a favorite among snowboarders, with groomed runs that seasoned shredders love.
- Snow Tubing – A great activity for the whole family, snow tubing is easy – and a whole lot of fun. The Rock Snowpark in Franklin – the world’s largest tubing park – features 20 lanes of tubing and a conveyor belt that makes it super easy to get back to the top for another run. Meanwhile, Cascade Mountain in Portage offers up a 900' chute to glide down on a tube.
- Snow Trains – Wisconsin is home to various snow trains, all with their unique and exemplary twists. The Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad in Trego will take you through the winter wonderland of Washburn County. For a romantic wintry ride, snuggle in a cozy cabin of the Mid-Continent Railway’s Snow Train.
Winter Celebrations
The cure for cabin fever is to get a little weird! These only-in-Wisconsin winter events showcase the creative and whimsical spirit of the state’s residents.
- Lake Superior Ice Festival (January) – Taking place at the end of January, the Lake Superior Ice Festival is the perfect event for the whole family. It includes a kids' zone complete with snow slide and Ice Princesses to entertain the young ones! Watch the ice sculptors and get your picture on the ice throne or watch the pond hockey classic. Looking for something less active? Browse the many art and craft booths or warm up by the bonfire and toast a s'more.
- Snow Sculpting Championship & Winterfest (January-February) – With a full roster of events spanning nine days, Lake Geneva’s Winterfest includes a winter carnival, snow race and chili cook-off. The main event is the ever-popular snow sculpting competition.
- Fish Creek Winter Festival (January-February) – Candlelight skiing, ice bowling— and a costumed extravaganza known as the Fruit Loop Run highlight this annual event. Don’t miss the Stumpf Fiddle Contest and dazzling fireworks show, either. Fun and games include minnow racing, chocolate sampling, and free trolley rides to the cherry pit spitting contest at Orchard Country Winery & Market.
- Hudson Hot Air Affair (February) – Hot air balloons – in the middle of winter? The Hudson Hot Air Affair features all kind of action. Balloonists shoot bursts of fire into the night to the sound of kazoo marching bands. Also, there are fireworks over the river and spectacular sunrise balloon launches, all making for some very Instagrammable photo ops.