Winter in Wisconsin can be bone-chillingly cold. But that doesn’t mean you necessarily need to stay indoors all season long. In fact, there are some attractions in the Badger State that are all the more enchanting come wintertime. Whether you’re looking for adventure, entertainment, or perhaps a new cozy place to visit with friends, you’re bound to find it on our list of the best winter day trips in Wisconsin. So, without further ado, here are some of the best places to visit in Wisconsin in winter.

1. Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing
86990 S Pratt Rd, Bayfield, WI 54814, USA
Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing/Facebook
Did you realize it was possible to experience dogsledding right here in Wisconsin? Thanks to Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing, this winter-friendly adventure can be yours to experience. Your four-hour adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And best of all? It even includes a hot lunch! For more information on one of the best winter day trips in Wisconsin, be sure to check out Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing online.
2. The Milwaukee Curling Club
W67N890 Washington Ave, Cedarburg, WI 53012, USA
The Milwaukee Curling Club/Facebook
You might giggle when you see curling during the Olympics, but have you actually tried it? Turns out it takes a whole lot of skill. It's loads of fun and great for people of all ages and abilities. The Milwaukee Curling Club is one of the best. For more information, be sure to check out the Milwaukee Curling Club website.
3. Trophy Ice Fish
4521 Sherwood Point Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, USA
Trophy Ice Fish/Facebook
You might be an avid fisherman, but have you ever tried ice fishing? It is a totally different game out there on the ice. And while it requires patience and plenty of extra layers, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Nowhere is ice fishing more popular in Wisconsin than up in Door County. Trophy Ice Fish will give you a memorable first experience. For more information, check out the Trophy Ice Fish website.
4. Alpine Valley Resort Wisconsin
W2501 Co Rd D, Elkhorn, WI 53121, USA
Alpine Valley Resort Wisconsin/Facebook
There are plenty of places to ski in Wisconsin, but Alpine Valley Resort in Lafayette is a favorite. This beloved local destination is homey and has a variety of ski runs for people of all skill levels. Curious to learn more? Head on over to Alpine Valley Resort Wisconsin online.
5. Mercer Area Sno-Goers
2625 Margaret St, Mercer, WI 54547, USA
Mercer Area Sno-goers/Facebook
Who doesn't love the idea of snowmobiling in the wintertime? For some of the best trails in Wisconsin, visit Mercer (southern Iron County). This organization maintains over 200 MILES of trails. How incredible is that? Learn more when you visit Mercer Area Snow-Goers online.

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6. Wilmot Mountain
11931 Fox River Rd, Wilmot, WI 53192, USA
Wilmot Mountain/Facebook
Sure, you can find a nice big hill and go snow tubing, but can you find one as big as Wilmot Mountain? We doubt it! Wilmot Mountain also offers skiing and snowboarding if that is more up your alley, but honestly, going down a tube is classic Wisconsin winter fun. Learn more about one of the best winter day trips in Wisconsin when you visit Wilmot Mountain online.
7. Apostle Islands
Apostle Islands, Wisconsin, USA
TheMichaelMcKenzie/Flickr
We can't say enough about how awesome the Apostle Islands are, but they are even more impressive during the winter. Yes, you can tour these ice caves in the wintertime. Make sure to bring warm clothes and a camera as you will want to try to capture all of the beauty! Learn more about what makes these Wisconsin sea caves so surreal during the winter.
8. Bigfoot Zipline Tours
1550 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, USA
Bigfoot Zipline Tours/Facebook
Located in the Wisconsin Dells, Bigfoot Zipline Tours offers year-round zip line adventure. Just imagine how exhilarating it would be to zip over Wisconsin's frozen landscape at top speeds! Bigfoot Zipline Tours may keep unique hours, so be sure to check out the official website before planning your visit.
9. Tenney Park Shelter
402 N Thornton Ave, Madison, WI 53703, USA
Tenney Park Shelter/Facebook
Is there anything more wonderful during winter than to go ice skating outside? Tenney Park, in Madison, might be the best place to grab your honey and go a few times around the rink. Learn more by visiting the official Tenney Park website.
10. Copper Falls
36764 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen, WI 54546, USA
Friends of Copper Falls State Park / Facebook
People love waterfalls, but have you ever seen a waterfall in the winter? It can actually be even more spectacular. One of the best frozen waterfalls to see is Copper Falls. Copper Falls State Park is located in Mellen.

What are some of your favorite winter day trips in Wisconsin? Be sure to share them with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

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winter day trips in Wisconsin

Beth C. | January 07, 2022

Are there any good winter hikes in Wisconsin?

There are some great winter hikes in Wisconsin! There's so much to see and do in the Badger State this time of year. In fact, there are even some hiking trails that are even lovelier during the wintertime. Here are some of the best hikes to check out:

  • One of our favorite wintertime trails is Palfrey's Glen in Merrimac. Considered to be the first designated natural area in Wisconsin, this trail is a lovely place for solitude and reflection.
  • Another area to explore this season is Lapham Peak in the Kettle Moraine South Unit. During the winter season, the park lights the 2.5-mile loop for added visibility.

Some other winter hiking destinations in Wisconsin that belong on your radar are:

  • Indian Lake County Park in Cross Plains
  • Whitetail Meadows Trail in Wyalusing State Park
  • Chippewa Ice Age Trail in New Auburn
  • Vilas Park in Madison
  • Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo
  • Chequamegon National Forest in Rhinelander
  • Mirror Lake State Park in Baraboo
  • Interstate State Park in St. Croix Falls
  • Kangaroo Lake State Natural Area in Bailey's Harbor
  • Peninsula State Park in Door County
  • Blue Mound State Park in Blue Mounds
  • Lake Superior Ice Caves in Bayfield

Curious to learn more? Check out our previous article: 15 Picturesque Trails In Wisconsin That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking.

What's the snowiest town in Wisconsin?

Most of Wisconsin experiences snow during the winter season, but there are some destinations that get more than their fair share. One prime example would be the small town of Hurley. Some fun facts about Hurley?

  • This winter-friendly town holds the record for the largest seasonal snowfall in Wisconsin.
  • During the winter of 1996-1997, Hurley received nearly 278 inches of snow.
  • On average, Hurley receives 162" of snow...per year.
  • Expect around 185 days per year to be below freezing.

Learn more about what life is like inside Wisconsin's snowiest town.

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