20 Wondrous Places That Become Winter Wonderlands Under a Blanket of Snow

There's a quiet that descends upon the landscape after a fresh snowfall; it's a palpable sense of peace that you can feel. It's a feeling that artists try to capture on canvas and film, and that poets try to immortalize with language. It's something best experienced in person, though; a fleeting point in time that will become a hazy memory during the warmer months of the year.

While cold weather and snow are often associated with the holiday season, the magic of winter stretches across the country all season long. When conditions are just right, these 20 U.S. destinations transform into breathtaking winter wonderlands you have to see to believe. So bundle up and brave the chill, because these spectacular landscapes are worth the trip.

1. Leavenworth, Washington

This Washington town feels like a Hallmark movie come to life, no matter the season. Whether you're paddling down the dazzling Wenatchee River in the summer, eating your weight in sauerkraut during Oktoberfest, or delighting in holiday festivities come Christmastime, every season brings something special. From Thanksgiving to February more than half a million holiday lights shimmer in the Village of Lights, creating one of the most beloved Christmas towns in the U.S.

But the magic truly begins after the holiday season. In this peaceful, post-holiday stretch, the crowds have left, and what remains is a twinkling village nestled in one of the country’s most beautiful regions.

2. Bend, Oregon

Of all the towns in the Pacific Northwest, Bend truly has it all. This friendly town in central Oregon is known far and wide for its amazing outdoor recreation, which is on a whole other level during the wintertime. Swap your hiking boots for skis as you take on Mt. Bachelor, a dormant volcano, that's now home to 4,300 acres of lift-accessible terrain and the highest skiable elevation in all of Oregon and Washington.

Don snowshoes during a guided winter hike with Wanderlust Tours. Or simply sit back in a charming Bend accommodation that's known for its retro vibes and cozy campfires. While Bend isn't one of the snowiest towns in the U.S. (that top honor goes to Syracuse), it averages around 27 inches a year. We promise you'll feel warm and welcome in this adorable Oregon town, even during the coldest months of the year.

3. Sun Valley, Idaho

We have Sun Valley, ID, to thank for the relatively new concept of a "ski vacation." Sun Valley Resort opened in 1936, and, in addition to being America's oldest ski resort, it was also home to the country's first chairlift. In the more than 80 years since, Sun Valley has become a beloved and popular wintertime destination in the U.S., earning numerous accolades from countless media outlets. In addition to offering an abundance of winter recreation, Sun Valley is also one of the most objectively beautiful places in the country, especially during the cold months.

Under fresh powder, Sun Valley's endless blue skies seem even more brilliant. Come and immerse yourself in the landscape of Sun Valley this winter, and prepare to be amazed.

4. Whitefish, Montana

Big Sky Country was made for snow, with its epic expanse of land and sky positively dazzling after a fresh dusting. And in Montana, Whitefish is the perfect winter destination for families. A kid-friendly ski town that's also a gateway to Glacier National Park, Whitefish offers visitors a quintessential winter getaway. There are numerous lodging options on Whitefish Lake, each offering a unique array of amenities perfect for whatever getaway you're seeking.

Whether you've come to ski or snowboard, hike or dog sled, or simply soak up the views from the warmth of your own cozy cabin, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more enchanting winter getaway in Montana.

5. Jackson, Wyoming

While many people make plans to visit Jackson’s mountain resorts in the wintertime, this gorgeous valley offers more than just world-class skiing. This cozy little mountain village is about as charming as it gets, offering guests a slice of small-town life that's hard to come by these days. Ice skating in the town square feels like something out of a snow globe scene, with or without a fresh coating of snow.

Outside of town, the National Elk Refuge offers an unrivaled nature experience, giving guests the unique opportunity to take a sleigh right through a real-life winter wonderland. With elk and deer roaming wild this time of year, this is a beautiful, bucket-list experience you can only have in Wyoming.

6. Lake Tahoe - California and Nevada

There's never a bad time to visit Lake Tahoe. Easily one of the prettiest and most popular lakes in the country, Lake Tahoe sits on the state line between California and Nevada, surrounded by the majestic, snowcapped peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Located at 6,225 feet above sea level, Lake Tahoe is the highest alpine lake in the country, and the second deepest. But superlatives aside, it's absolutely ravishing, especially in the winter.

Our advice? Check in to Heavenly Ski Resort in California, a paradise of wintertime recreation that's cozy and charming. That sounds heavenly to me!

7. Ogden, Utah

Park City generally steals the snowy spotlight in Utah, and for good reason, but Ogden is a true treasure of a town that's well worth exploring during the winter season. In addition to being a stone's throw from numerous incredible ski slopes and resorts, Ogden offers guests a rustic and rugged experience that's truly unrivaled. Its Historic 25th Street, a notoriously dangerous neighborhood in the days of the Wild West, is now one of the most delightful places in the country today.

Visit Park City the winter months, when the snow-capped mountains frame the twinkling town lights, and you're sure to fall in love with this postcard-worthy place.

8. Vail, Colorado

If there's a state that's synonymous with "winter recreation," it's Colorado. That's why we love Vail, a village that offers visitors so much more than just a place to hang their skis (though make no mistake about it; Vail has some of the most sought-after slopes in the country). Each year, Vail Valley transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-capped peaks, festive concerts, and town festivals straight out of a Hallmark holiday movie.

Vail Village is home to an abundance of adorable shops, ice skating rinks, and swoon-worthy accommodations, all but guaranteeing a winter getaway you'll never forget.

9. Minneapolis, Minnesota

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the Lake of the Isles truly stands above the rest. This lake in Minneapolis, a true national treasure, is beautiful all year round; but in the winter, it quite literally shines. During the annual Luminary Loppet, Minneapolis and its prized lake shine to the tune of 1,200 glowing luminaries. In a town that sees more than 50 inches of snowfall each year, Minnesotans embrace the season (and the cold weather) with an exuberance and joy that's truly heartwarming.

10. Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

Wisconsin's Elkhart Lake looks like something straight out of a postcard. Whether you opt to snowshoe through the Wisconsin wilds, go cross-country skiing in Kettle Moraine State Forest, lace up your skates at June Vollrath Park’s skating rink, or try your hand at ice fishing, winter adventures abound at Elkhart Lake. And if you're more of the apres ski type, you'll be positively delighted by the spas and luxury accommodations at this favorite wintertime destination in Wisconsin. Sounds like a relaxing winter getaway, doesn't it?

11. Pictured Rocks - Grand Marais, Michigan

Each winter, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is transformed by snow and ice into an otherworldly landscape that’s reminiscent of Planet Hoth from "The Empire Strikes Back." But this Michigan landscape is not a figment of George Lucas’s imagination; it’s one of the most captivating winter wonderlands in the U.S. Come wintertime, the caves at Painted Rocks are covered in hundreds of sparkling icicles, with waterfalls that are quite literally frozen in time (so if you visit, you’ll most definitely need to bring ice picks and cleats).

In February, Painted Rocks National Lakeshore is the site of the annual Michigan Ice Fest attracting some of the best climbers in the country.

12. Asheville, North Carolina

In the wintertime, there’s nowhere in the country that’s grander than The Biltmore. Built by George Vanderbilt between 1889 and 1895, this 178,926-square-foot mansion is located on 8,000 acres of pristine property just outside of Asheville, NC. As the largest privately-owned home in America, it's a place of stunning scenery, lush gardens, ornate architecture, and historic relevance. While the house itself is a major attraction (the Biltmore draws over a million visitors each year), the massive and meticulously kept gardens on the estate only enhance the home's stunning beauty – especially in the winter.

During the holidays, more than 55 trees are installed and adorned with hundreds of twinkling lights and garlands. The showstopper is a 35-foot tree in the estate’s Banquet Hall — the tallest among the many Christmas trees inside this grand castle. And with a dusting of snow falling softly on the Biltmore’s kingdom? It's absolutely enchanting.

13. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Enchanting villages dot the Pennsylvania landscape, but there's only one town that has earned the title of Christmas City. Bethlehem, perhaps the best Christmas town in Pennsylvania (and possibly the country), is positively overflowing with old-fashioned charm. Its rich history is everywhere: Historic Moravian Bethlehem, the town's newly designated National Historic Landmark District, is one of only eight in Pennsylvania and one of only about 200 in the country. Main Street is home to the Moravian Bookshop, the oldest bookstore in America, as well as countless boutiques and galleries, perfect for perusing on a snowy day.

Try to time your visit to Christmas City for Christkindlmarkt, a beloved annual tradition and one of the best holiday festivals in the U.S. The festival, which typically runs on weekends from mid-November until right before Christmas, promises something for the whole family. From ice skating and ice carving demonstrations to shopping and kids' activities, all ages are to be entertained.

14. New York City, New York

New York City is iconic, and our favorite season to visit is, hands down, the winter. Strolling through the busy city streets while flurries fall from the sky makes this massive city feel like its very own snow globe. And Central Park blanketed in a fresh coating of snow? That's a core memory waiting to made.

In addition to the usual Big Apple attractions like the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and storefront windows along Fifth Avenue, Bryant Park hosts an outdoor ice rink - complete with ice bumper cars in New York City - that's sure to keep everyone warm and thoroughly entertained this winter.

15. Lake Placid, New York

With its picturesque lodges and breathtaking scenery, Upstate New York is a dream winter destination — yet few places capture its beauty quite like Lake Placid. The top-tier amenities and stunning natural landscapes make it one of the best places to travel to if you’re looking for a fun family vacation or a romantic weekend in the mountains. No matter when you visit, you'll be positively enchanted; but we're partial to wintertime, as the whole area becomes a sublime snowy paradise. For a bucket-list experience, check into Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa.

This luxury resort in Lake Placid features a private beach, complimentary boats, world-class spas, top-rated restaurants, and Insta-worthy accommodations, all in one of the most resplendent regions of the country.

16. Cambridge, Massachusetts

Cambridge is quintessential Old New England, its streets and buildings harkening back to another, more romantic, era. In the wintertime, Cambridge's allure can't be beat, with the snow coating the cobblestone streets and towering old trees in the most magical of ways. Bundle up and wander through the city on foot. When you get cold, stop inside one of the historic restaurants in Cambridge for a bite to eat and a pint to drink. As you gaze at the flurries falling outside, you'll realize that there's nowhere else in the world you'd rather be.

17. Burlington, Vermont

With easy access to pristine slopes and a vibrant downtown that's peak New England charm, it's no wonder travelers flock to Burlington, VT, each winter. One of my favorite things about living in Burlington is everything you can do when it snows - from snowshoeing on winding trails to sitting by the window and watching the inches add up. Burlington averages 75 inches of snow each year, making it one of the snowiest towns in the U.S. and an enchanting destination for those of us who love winter.

For those with kids in tow, Burlington is has plenty of family-friendly attractions like ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center or the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory. You'll find more family favorites along Church Street, the town's idyllic main thoroughfare which looks like a real-life snow globe when the flurries start falling.

18. Stowe, Vermont

Approximately 45 minutes from Burlington, VT, is Stowe, a town best known for its fall foliage, but we'd argue that this town puts on an even more magnificent show in the winter. Snow-capped peaks, Swiss-style chalets (like the Trapp Family Lodge), and old clapboard houses dot the landscape of this bucolic town village in New England. These charming spots become all the more alluring after a fresh dusting of snow. While you'd be hard-pressed to find a more picturesque setting for your very own American ski holiday, the town also offers plenty of off-the-slope attractions: incredible spas, delightful local shops, and award-winning restaurants.

19. Kennebunkport, Maine

It simply doesn't get more quintessentially East Coast than Kennebunkport, Maine. This unassuming beach town in Maine is all weather-worn boats and unpretentious sea shacks. While some might think twice about visiting Maine during the throes of winter, we'd counter that there's no better time to experience the Pine Tree State. The crowds have gone; the seasonal seafood shacks have closed, and what remains is pure, unadulterated Maine beauty. And there's no better place to experience this than Kennebunkport, a town that has been lauded as one of the best places to live on the East Coast.

After visiting this quaint small town, you might just want to drop everything and move here, too. We wouldn't blame you if you did!

20. Fairbanks, Alaska

It can be difficult to stand out in a state that's covered in snow for most of the year, but Fairbanks, AK, most certainly does. This Alaska town is the most marvelous place to dance under the midnight sun or make snow angels under the northern lights. From fishing on the Chena River to world-class hunting and cross-country skiing, Fairbanks has something for everyone, and is the epitome of an Alaskan winter wonderland.

If you think these real-life snow globes are wondrous, you'll want to visit these ice castles in the U.S. this winter, too. You can add your favorite destinations to your winter getaway wishlist using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.