Winter Activities in Wisconsin

Winter in Wisconsin is a lot like summertime, with just a few more layers of clothing. And instead of hiking boots, snowshoes are the norm. When you go tubing, expect snowy hills in lieu of flowing rivers. Snowmobiles replace ATVs and lakes, albeit frozen, become a haven for ice fishing.

Wisconsin winter adventures may be chillier, but they are just as fun for every family member. And add in the sparkling, snow-covered scenery — winter here is beautiful and unforgettable.

It’s All Downhill

For a fun family adventure, enjoy our winter wonderland on skis, a snowboard or a tube.

Spend a day on the slopes skiing and snowboarding, among other winter activities, at Granite Peak in Wausau. The ski area caters to everyone from beginners to black-diamond skiers and features nearly 60 trails, a few terrain parks and group lessons for kids and adults. For a bit of cross-country skiing, explore the beautiful and groomed trails near the Justin Trails Resort in Sparta. Cross-country skiing is a big deal in Wisconsin, which hosts the annual American Birkebeiner cross-country skiing marathon every year.

If you and your family would like to try snow tubing, head over to the Bruce Mound Winter Sports Area. You can also go snowboarding and skiing there; the trails light up at night for skiers. At Nordic Mountain in Wild Rose, your kids will go crazy when they see a park dedicated to snow tubing there. You can go up to 40 miles per hour on a tube.

If you want to get around a little faster, try snowmobiling. You can rent snowmobiles and more at area shops like Minocqua Sport Rental. And if you’re looking for something a little different, Wisconsin has a bunch of unexpected winter activities, like ice climbing.

Traversing the Terrain

Enjoy more winter fun on ice skates and snowshoes.

Our frozen outdoor lakes and indoor rinks are perfect for ice skating. The Mill Pond Ice Skating Rink, for instance, offers free outdoor skating and turns on the lights for skaters at night. For indoor ice skating any time of year, check out the Janesville Ice Arena.

When snow covers the ground, it’s time to put on your snowshoes and go for a winter hike.

Find groomed paths for snowshoeing at the Anvil National Recreational Trail, which also hosts cross-country skiing all winter long. Beaver Brook Trail System in Spooner sits on nearly 2,000 acres of land with backcountry snowshoeing paths found throughout the wildlife area. 

Come and explore the magic that is Wisconsin in the wintertime and remember to pack extra layers for everyone in the family.