Why Winter Is This Charming Wisconsin’s Town Secret Season

The charming village of Dresser, Wisconsin, is located atop the ancient basalt gorge of the Dalles area of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Home to fewer than 1,000 people, the historic community sees plenty of visitors each year who come to take advantage of the river, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, and the area's incredible fall foliage. And when the snow flies in the Badger State, I think Dresser also happens to be one of the best winter towns in Wisconsin.

The big winter draw to Dresser is Trollhaugen Outdoor Recreation Area, with its 30 trails served by four chairlifts and four rope tows. The longest run is a respectable 1,200 feet. Snowboarders will also appreciate the resort's four terrain parks.

If you take your adrenaline in a slightly more laid-back fashion, head next door to Trollhaugen's snow tubing park. There, you'll enjoy six lanes of lift-served, screaming fun, and a snack bar at the bottom. The resort also has a restaurant and bar that offers live entertainment most weekends during the winter season. For more information, visit Trollhaugen Outdoor Recreation Area on the web, where you'll find prices and purchasing information, snow reports, specials, schedule, and hours.

Away from Trollhaugen, you'll find a handful of dining options in Dresser. I'm partial to The Village Pizzeria, which serves not only tasty pizza but a full menu of other great food, including burgers, sandwiches, and pasta. If you're feeling more celebratory or formal, head a few minutes north of town to Dalles House, a classic Wisconsin supper club with everything you'd expect.

While you're in the area, be sure to pay a visit to Interstate State Park, Wisconsin's oldest, which is less than five minutes north of downtown Dresser. It's a gorgeous park along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and home to the western terminus of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Bring snowshoes or cross-country skis, and head out on the miles of trails in the park.

When planning your visit to Dresser, you'll find plenty of hotel options just minutes away in nearby St. Croix Falls. But there are also several closer Airbnb rentals, which I prefer, like this cozy, one-bedroom, one-bath lakefront cottage that's makes a perfect winter retreat for a couple or a solo traveler. It's located about five minutes from Trollhaugen and about 10 minutes from downtown Dresser. Check out the cabin's Airbnb listing for more details and to make your reservation. Have you visited Dresser in the cold weather months? We'd love to hear all about your picks for the best winter towns in Wisconsin.

Ready to discover your new favorite Wisconsin vacation spot? Give Only In Your State's new Travel Planner a try!