A small town can be your ticket to some gigantic experiences. Hayward. Pop. 2,300, is a paradise for people who love exploring the great outdoors. It’s the gateway to a vast national forest, endless miles of snowmobile trails, gorgeous frozen lakes, and some of the best cross-country ski trails in the country. The beauty of the Hayward area is stunning in any month, but in the winter it’s simply breathtaking. It’s the perfect destination for a winter escape. Here’s what you can experience in Hayward, the best place to visit in Wisconsin in winter:

Hayward is a town of just 2,300 people. It’s located in Sawyer County and it’s a popular getaway destination for people who live in the Twin Cities, Madison, Chicago, and beyond.
Facebook / Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce
It’s a small town, but it's one of the best winter towns in Wisconsin.
The town was named for Anthony Judson Hayward, a lumberman who built a sawmill here back in the 1800s. It was a big logging town and it’s still a place that is connected to the forest.
Facebook / Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce
And now it's the best place to visit Wisconsin in winter.
These days, the economy is tied to far more than lumber. It’s a Mecca for cross-country skiers who enjoy miles of trails that are carefully groomed for classic and skate skiing.
Facebook / Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce
It's one of our favorite things to do in Wisconsin in December. Honestly, it's fabulous all winter long.

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Every winter, the area hosts the American Birkebeiner cross-country skiing race, the largest cross-country ski marathon in North America. It also holds a big fat bike race on the course.
Facebook / American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation
If you're looking for places to visit in Wisconsin in winter, put Hayward on the list.
Snowmobilers will find a lot of wild country to explore. There are more than 600 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, and they are some of the most scenic trails in the state.
Facebook / Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce
Winter towns in Wisconsin don't get much better than this.
Anglers also flock to the Hayward area for the outstanding ice fishing opportunities. This is one of the best areas of the state for fishing and it’s known for its trophy fish. The National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame is located in Hayward – look for the giant musky!
Facebook / American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation
Hayward without a doubt is the best place to visit in Wisconsin in winter. There's so much to do!

Do you think Hayward is the best place to visit in Wisconsin in winter? Let us know in the comments below!

Learn more about things to see and do on a winter getaway in Hayward here. For more winter adventures, here are some more Wisconsin towns that are perfect for a cozy winter getaway.

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More to Explore

Best place to visit in Wisconsin in winter

Megan McDonald | January 13, 2023

What are winters like in Wisconsin?

Winters are cold in Wisconsin, and there is plenty of snow. That means that Wisconsin is a great place for all of the fun winter outdoor activities that you love! 

Some of our favorite winter activities in Wisconsin are:

 

Are Wisconsin winters cold?

Wisconsin winters are very cold. During more than half of the winter season in Wisconsin, you’ll find temperatures that drop below freezing. In fact, the average temperature for January in Wisconsin, its coldest month, is 28 degrees Fahrenheit. And due to its cold temperatures, Wisconsin gets a lot of snow over the winter season, too. Central Wisconsin averages around 40-50 inches annually, and northeast Wisconsin will see upwards of 100-125 inches annually in the Wisconsin “Snow Belt.” The snow belt in Wisconsin is located in Vilas County.

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Hayward, WI 54843, USA