The Small Town in Wisconsin That Comes Alive During the Winter Season

While all of Wisconsin gets a big dose of winter weather every year, for the biggest blast of seasonal fun, set your sights up north. The little Northwoods town of Mercer draws scores of tourists in every season, but it’s especially lively in the winter when it serves as the gateway to endless winter adventures. If you plan on visiting the town and have searched, “things to do in Mercer, Wisconsin,'' then you've come to the right place. Pack your thickest mittens and your warmest boots; here’s why Mercer is the best Badger State winter getaway and home to many of the best winter hikes in Wisconsin.

With a small but mighty population of 1,700, Mercer is a tiny Wisconsin town located in Iron County. It’s about a four-hour drive from Madison or five hours from Milwaukee. Allow a little extra time in the winter, though, as there may be snow and ice on the roads.

The town is known as the Loon Capital of Wisconsin and there’s a big statue called Claire de Loon in the middle of town. The town holds a "Loon Day" festival, which features an arts and crafts fair, live music, and a loon calling contest. In the winter, the loons are long gone but there are plenty of other wild creatures to admire and some of the best places for winter hiking in Wisconsin to explore.

Mercer is the perfect home base for snowmobiling trips. There are over 300 miles of trails in Iron County, and they connect to vast trail networks in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It’s some of the most scenic snowmobiling in the country.

If snowmobiling is not your thing, there are plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy. There are 214 nearby lakes open for ice fishing and some wonderful cross-country ski trails that are close to town.

Snowshoers and fat bikers will also have a good time in Mercer. There are miles of groomed fat bikes and snowshoe trails, just a short drive east of Mercer.

You don’t have to cover any ground at all to enjoy winter in Wisconsin – it’s also a good place to simply enjoy the scenery, let your dog play in the snow, or sit by a fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate.

There are many more Northwoods destinations that welcome winter vacationers – here are some incredible places in Wisconsin that are so worth the drive. Or, check out these fun attractions in Wisconsin; some are great during the winter months.