5 Wisconsin Day Trips That Are Even Cooler During The Winter

Wisconsin has no shortage of wonderful places to discover, including wild waterfalls, expansive marshes, and scenic overlooks. When the leaves fall, the lakes freeze, and a blanket of fresh white snow covers the state, they take on a whole new seasonal beauty. Put on a warm coat and don’t forget your favorite winter travel essentials – here are five winter day trips worth taking in this season.

1. Horicon Marsh

There are two big seasons that draw people to Horicon Marsh in Dodge and Fond du Lac Counties -- spring and fall -- to see massive migrations of birds like geese and ducks. The winter is a little quieter, but the marsh has a tranquil, sweeping beauty that’s worth seeing out.

2. Big Manitou Falls

Just south of the city of Superior, Pattison State Park is home to stunning waterfalls called Big and Little Manitou Falls. When the temperatures drop and the water freezes, they become natural ice sculptures.

3. Pewit's Nest

This little gorge in Sauk County was formed by the retreat of the last glacier – it’s beautiful and tranquil in any season but especially so in the winter when the creek freezes.

If you’re luck, and the conditions are just right, you’ll see some delicate ice formations at Pewit’s Nest.

4. Wyalusing State Park

You can see for miles in this 2,600-acre state park, which is in far western Wisconsin. It has 500-foot bluffs that flanks the Mississippi and in the winter you may spot a few bald eagles.

5. Devil's Lake State Park

This sprawling 9,200-acre state park is located south of Baraboo and it’s one of the state’s most-visited parks. The biggest crowds arrive on summer weekends, but the winter is magical, when the lake begins to freeze and the trails are uncrowded.

Learn more about Wisconsin public lands on the state Department of Natural Resources website. Once you’ve explore the wilds of Wisconsin, you may want to return to civilization – here are some small towns that come alive during the winter season.