Unexpected Winter Activities

Wisconsin offers unique and unexpected ways to experience the season besides traditional activities like skiing and snowboarding. Our topography and adventurous spirit lend themselves to surprising winter activities, everything from skijoring to surfing. So, come and join us for an adventure of a lifetime and do winter the Wisconsin way.

Adventure

On your next winter vacation, bring your dog(s) along and go skijoring in a Wisconsin state park with non-designated trails or recreational spots like Minocqua Winter Park, which has skijoring routes. This unexpected winter activity is a mix of dog sledding and cross-country skiing, practiced recreationally and competitively in Wisconsin.

You can always opt for traditional dog sledding. Instead of skis, hop on a sled and enjoy the quickly passing views of snow-covered hills and trees. Like skijoring, dog sledding is a recreational and competitive sport. Our state hosts countless dog sledding races, like the Northern Pines Sled Dog Race. Cheer on competitors or race yourself!

Just because snow is on the ground doesn't mean biking is off-limits. If biking is your favorite outdoor activity, you can still explore our beautiful trails on a fat tire bike. Prime locations include the counties of Ashland, Douglas, Bayfield and Iron. Those areas receive lots of snowfall, creating the perfect terrain for fat tire biking.

In the winter, water fun isn’t out of the question either, as long as you have the proper gear for a surfing trip with friends on Lake Michigan off the coast of Sheboygan. During the winter season, high winds produce strong waves perfect for surfers.

Family Fun

Go on a winter hike or snowshoeing adventure with your family and discover another unexpected side of Wisconsin.

While the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is already a unique destination, it becomes even more so during the winter season, when ice caves form. Journey on a hiking trail to see the natural work of art accessible when weather conditions permit.

Another solid family bonding activity is ice fishing. During your icy excursion, you may catch everything from walleye to northern pike. Popular ice fishing spots include the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, which features countless frozen lakes.

For more unexpected winter activities, go on an ice climbing excursion or try ice curling; our state is home to several curling clubs open to newcomers.

Add a couple of these winter activities to your itinerary and warm up to all the possibilities awaiting you and your loved ones in Wisconsin.