Posted in Wisconsin
January 04, 2017
19 Natural Wonders in Wisconsin That Are Especially Breathtaking in Winter
It’s easy to want to cuddle under a blanket or in front of a fire during our long, cold winters and dream of the days when you can get back outside. But there’s so much natural beauty in Wisconsin that’s only enhanced by the cold weather and snow it brings. The beauty isn’t necessarily better – just different. And seeing all these gorgeous places in winter just helps you appreciate how lush they can be in the summer.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
A winter stopover for Canadian geese, the Marsh should be on your list just to view some of the great winter wildlife. Fresh snow is perfect for seeing new tracks.
In the summer the waterfall can be just a slow trickle at times, but in the winter the water freezes and builds up to make gorgeous and ever-changing view. Plus, it's easy to access and near parking and picnic areas.
This little inlet off Green Bay forms ice fairly early in the winter and it looks like cubes in your drink. The views from what feels like the edge of the world don't hurt, either.
All of Door County transforms in the winter. The warm water meets cool air and forms sea smoke, the water starts to freeze and the trees hold the snow. It feels a little otherworldly and worth the trip.
Snow clings to the limestone bluffs and trees, ice forms on the Mississippi River and you get to look out over it all.
Trekking through the trees in the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine is awesome no matter what time of year, but there's beauty in the starkness and stillness of the forest in the winter.
The larger of Madison's two lakes gets a bit more wild in the winter. Plus, there are tundra swans.
A great place for Milwaukeeans to get into nature close to home, the Lapham Peak Unit feels like a wonderland in the winter.
This post-glacial ravine has water "leaking" from it year -round, but in the winter those streams freeze up and create an amazing view.
This area features a couple of rivers and three large lakes and when it freezes over, there's a harsh beauty to it. What's normally chock full of noise and animal chatter is now serene and silent.
Wisconsin's largest falls is just south of the city and to see its power held in suspension when the water freezes is awe-inspiring.
Whether it's the view up at the Devil's Doorway or in the surrounding woods, there's so much to hike and see in this state park in the winter.
The falls here normally flow into a 200-foot gorge. They take a bit to fully ice over, so they're part water part ice and all gorgeous.
This large lake looks like something out of a sci-fi novel as the ice and snow pile up.
When the surrounding flatlands and grasses are dusted with snow and the water starts to frost over and there's mist in the air, it's like you could be in the arctic.
The "dells" that the area is named for are gorges carved by the Wisconsin River. The jagged ridges of the sandstone collect snow and ice and the bare trees help create a stark, beautiful landscape.
At 1.5 million acres, this forest covers much of northern Wisconsin. Sure, all trees look pretty when dusted with snow, but when it's trees as far as you can see and the only sounds come from nature, there's something special to see.
There's something so poignant about the Mighty Mississippi caught in the midst of a northern winter. Without the constant stream of boats and barges, it's a great place to reflect - and watch for eagles.
This one seems so obvious it almost got left off the list. The icy caves are an amazing wonder that feel like maybe you might discover Superman hiding in one.
What other natural wonders draw you out of hibernation in winter?
Looking for more outdoor Wisconsin fun? Check out 15 Picturesque Trails In Wisconsin That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking.
