10 Great Places for Cross Country Skiing in Wisconsin

Cross Country Skiing in WisconsinCross country skiing and snowshoeing are two of the most popular winter sports in Wisconsin, and are both an extraordinary way to explore the state's exceptionally beautiful winter landscapes. Many of the best places for winter activities like these are Wisconsin's State Parks and forests. These protected lands are beautiful any time of year, but when the snows begin to fall, they take on an extra magical quality that simply must be enjoyed.

Some trails are single-track for traditional cross country skiing, while others are built for skate-style skiers, and still others are wide enough for both. Wherever you end up this winter, make sure one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts are at the heart of it all.

When it comes time to find the best places to stay in Wisconsin, you'd be hard-pressed to do better than our collection of Inns. Our member properties are located in all the best destinations around the state, ready to welcome you with the warm hospitality we've become known for. Find your special place this winter, and book a room at a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast today!

Cross Country Skiing in Wisconsin

With over 700 cross country skiing trails in the state (and even more ungroomed trails), it's impossible to list all of the wonderful places for cross country skiing in Wisconsin. But, we do have a few great recommendations to get you started, including some properties that have trails on their very property. Travel Wisconsin provides a great snow report tool that can help you time your trip to optimal conditions. 

  1. Justin Trails Resort near Sparta has its very own network of groomed cross-country ski trails on their 200-acre property.  When you're ready to venture out for more, they are near Wildcat Mountain State Park, the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, and the Black River State Forest, all excellent destinations for cross country skiing. 
  2. Devils Lake State Park and Mirror Lake State Park near Baraboo both offer exceptional trails for cross country skiers. 
  3. Nine Mile Forest and Sylvan Hill Park in Wausau are two of the most popular places for cross country skiing in Wisconsin
  4. Getaway up north in Sturgeon Bay, and enjoy some wonderful winter recreation on the Ahnapee State Trail, at Whitefish Dunes State Park, where you can cross country ski along the bluffs of Lake Michigan.
  5. Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay is the perfect place for Beginners to test out their stamina on cross country ski trails. 
  6. The Lapham Peak portion of the Kettle Moraine State Forest is located near Waukesha and is a great place for cross country skiing. It offers one of the longest downhill portions of ski trails in the state. There's a warming hut along the trail, and both rentals and lighted night skiing are available. 
  7. Mt. Ashwabay near Bayfield offers more than 40 km of cross country ski trails, and exceptional views of the area, including views of the Apostle Islands.
  8. Hartman Creek State Park in Waupaca is a beautiful place to spend the day cross country skiing. The nearby Iola Winter Sports Club is also a great place to spend the day (or night!) on the 20+ km of trails. They also host a ski jump, if you feel so inclined.
  9. Copper Falls State Park near Ashland offers multiple loops of classic and skate-groomed trails suitable for a variety of ability levels. Skiers will enjoy winding through mature hardwood forests and enjoying the scenic views of the Bad River.
  10. Blue Mound State Park in Blue Mounds, home to the highest point in southern Wisconsin, features excellent cross country skiing opportunities for all abilities. 

Ski the Birkebeiner Cross Country Ski Event in 2020

Cross Country Skiing in WisconsinThe American Birkebeiner Cross Country Ski event is North America's largest and most prestigious X-C ski marathon. It's an extraordinary event that will take place from February 22, 2020. In total, 12,000 cross country skiers from around the world will participate in the Birkebeiner (50k Skate/55k Classic), the 29K Kortelopet, Prince Haakon 15K, the children's Barnebirkie, and Junior Birkie.

The 107-kilometer Birkie Trail system, located between Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, attracts a variety of athletes around the year but is never more spectacular than it is during the winter.

The Best Places to Stay in Wisconsin

At the end of a long day on Wisconsin's cross-country ski trails, we know you'll be ready for someplace warm to relax and unwind. That's why we recommend staying at our collection of Inns, rated as the best places to stay in Wisconsin. Make the most of these cold winter months, and enjoy getting out and exploring the beautiful state of Wisconsin! A great getaway isn't complete without exceptional lodging, which is exactly what you'll find at our member Bed and Breakfasts. 

Our Innkeepers invest a lot of time and energy into making sure they offer the best places to stay in Wisconsin, which starts with offering you accommodations as close to feeling like home as possible. Start your day off on the right food with an impeccably-prepared breakfast. Our innkeepers take incredible pride in their recipes and provide you with a delicious meal at the start of your day! We take time to make sure every detail of your stay has been thoughtfully tended to. Use our search tool to find the best places to stay in Wisconsin this winter!

 

Spend Your Next Romantic Getaway at a Wisconsin B&B

Romantic Getaway at a Wisconsin Bed and BreakfastAre you looking for the perfect romantic getaway destination, where you can spend the time needed to rekindle or nurture your relationship this winter? You'll find exactly what you're looking for at a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast. After all, romance is our business. It's what we do best! 

You won't find anyone that caters to romance the way we do at Wisconsin's unique collection of Bed and Breakfasts. While it's true that Wisconsin certainly has established its reputation as being a destination for adventurers and fun-loving craft beer aficionados, there are so many more wonderful things about our incredible state to enjoy. Book a romantic getaway with us this winter, and enjoy all we have to offer at the finest Bed and Breakfasts in all of Wisconsin.

10 Reasons for a Romantic Getaway in Wisconsin

There is no doubt; our collection of Inns is unbeatable when it comes to booking a romantic getaway.  There is a reason people choose our Bed and Breakfasts time and time again for their memory-filled vacations. You'll notice what sets us apart from the first moment you arrive at your chosen destination.  You'll be welcomed with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that captures the very essence of romance.  From there, what you do on your romantic getaway is up to you, but our friendly and knowledgeable Innkeepers will certainly be there to guide you along your journey however needed. 

Wherever it is you choose to spend your time, here are 10 great reasons to make sure a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast is part of your plan:

  1. Many of our Bed and Breakfast are housed in romantic, beautifully restored historic homes. This lends an undeniable character and charm to your accommodations and is part of what makes our accommodations so unique.
  2. Our focus is on the hospitality you experience while here. Our incredible hospitality extends into every detail of your stay will be taken care of without you even having to ask.
  3. Do you love modern amenities and luxury?  You won't have to sacrifice!  Many of our Inns offer these same wonderful amenities and oftentimes offer even more. 
  4. Start off each and every morning of your stay with a sensational, made-from-scratch breakfast. Most of our innkeepers consider themselves to be foodies, and they take immense pride in crafting a delicious start to your day.  Sometimes, you can even arrange to have breakfast served to you in the privacy of your own guest room!
  5. Are you looking for someplace special to spend an evening?  Perhaps you want to share a round of cocktails, or enjoy an intimate dinner for two with a little live music and entertainment? Luckily for you, our Innkeepers are local experts in their area and are more than willing to guide you.
  6. If you want to stay near the most popular attractions in Wisconsin, as well as some of the state's top hidden treasures, then come stay at a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast!  The location certainly matters when it comes to planning the ultimate romantic getaway. 
  7. If you don't want to go outside, there's nothing wrong with that.  Enjoy a romantic getaway inside, curled up in the cozy accommodations of our Inns.
  8. Take advantage of our member's packages and special indulgences. They often offer those perfect last touches that will make your romantic stay just that much more special. 
  9. Take the time to pamper yourself a little bit, and add some indulgent touches to your stay. A number of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts offer these sorts of services, either or site, or partnered with local businesses. 
  10. Relax during your stay, knowing that our member Inns are all licensed, inspected and insured. We know how important this is, and it's not something you'll find with all short-term rental properties like Airbnb. 

Romantic Getaway at a Wisconsin Bed and BreakfatFind the Most Romantic Lodging in Wisconsin

Whether you see a lot of Wisconsin or just a little bit of it while you're here, we know time spent at any of our Bed and Breakfasts will be some of the most romantic times you've ever spent away from home. You'll usually find the best deals and specials directly on a given properties website, so as you make plans for your next romantic getaway in Wisconsin, definitely make sure you book direct with the property you're interested in. 

Wisconsin is calling, and you must go. Come visit us this winter, and let us show you how to sweep your loved one off their feet. Book your stay at one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts today!

Break The Cabin Fever

Group-Snowshoe-Bay-Point-Inn

 

There is no place like your warm, cozy home in your favorite easy chair in the dead of winter, right? But let's face it, too much time inside can make you stir-crazy. Cabin-fever usually sets in just about now, even for the most hearty Wisconsinites. When your efforts to beat those winter blah's at home have been exhausted by finishing that good book, putting the last piece of the puzzle together, or completing that home-improvement project, then we have some terrific remedies to help cure those winter blues. We have winter activities!

Wisconsin does have some beautiful, picture-perfect winter days. You know the kind... when the sparkle of the sun shines on the newly fallen white snow, making everything look like magic glitter. We feel the best way to beat the winter doldrums is to get outside and enjoy this winter snow globe. We have perfect suggestions on where to go and what to do to enjoy some memorable winter activities. Whether the tried and true sledding (Spoiler alert: You don’t have to be a kid to indulge in this one) and skiing or a new winter activity like fat-tire biking or snowshoeing. A Wisconsin B&B getaway is just the ticket... staying at home and having to shovel is not what we have in mind when we say, go out and experience the Wisconsin winter wonderland! 

 

winter 2012 house + barnCrystal River Inn - Winter through the trees

         Apple Tree Lane B&B, Waupaca                                                                 Crystal River Inn, Waupaca

With a resort community like Waupaca, located in Central Wisconsin, there are plenty of winter sports for you to enjoy in and around the city.  Among the favorites, is  cross country skiing, snowshoeing , or fat tire biking on the many trails throughout Hartman Creek State Park. Just north of Waupaca, in Iola, you will find 6.5 KM of lighted trails at the Iola Winter Sports Complex, which also features ski jumping and Nordic Combined. Nearby, in Wild Rose, Nordic Mountain has fantastic tubing hills and downhill skiing! You can ask any Waupaca innkeeper for ideas and recommendations to suit what you're looking for when it comes to getting out and about this winter. The innkeepers at Apple Tree Lane B&B, Crystal River Inn, and Green Fountain Inn are the experts in Waupaca.

 

Eagle Centre

Eagle Centre House, Eagle

Eagle Centre House B&B in Eagle is located very near the Southern Kettle Moraine Forest and Lapham Peak, which has miles of snow shoe and cross country ski trails as well as snowmobile trails in the area. The many lakes scattered around make for great ice fishing spots. About 20 minutes away from the inn is Alpine Valley Ski Resort in East Troy. Don't forget to also check out the sledding hill right on the property of the Eagle Centre House B&B!  After a day of chilly winter activities, head back to the inn where the wood burning stoves add heat, ambiance, and romance in the "tap" room and the ladies parlor.

 

Hidden Serenity

Hidden Serenity B&B, West Bend

Speaking of the Kettle Moraine, Hidden Serenity B&B in West Bend is located adjacent to the Northern Kettle Moraine, which offers incredible cross country skiing, snow shoeing and down-hill skiing. Just 10 minutes away from the inn, you'll also find Sunburst - a fun, family-orientated ski, snowboard, and tubing area located north of Milwaukee. Sunburst offers 77 acres of pure winter fun with skiing, snowboarding, and the world's largest tubing park with over 40 runs. They offer 12 runs with the longest being 2,600 feet. Or, tap into your inner child and build a snowman, or two or three or...!

 

Stewart Inn f.p.-1

Stewart Inn, Wausau

The top skiing resort in Wisconsin is just five miles from the Stewart Inn, located in Wausau. Granite Peak offers 75 runs, a 700-foot mountain, two high speed lifts, and skiing mid-November through early April. They also offer groomed cross country skiing trails (9 mile recreation and Sylvan Hills) and tubing. After a day on the hills, relax in style with a nightly wine & cheese reception and a gourmet breakfast the next day, all included with every stay at Stewart Inn!

Don't forget, you can always find a list of more member inns that participate in or offer Snow Sports experiences under the "Area Experiences" tab of our website.

After a day of winter activities, you will look forward to heading back to your warm and welcoming Inn and enjoying a hot chocolate or glass of wine, asking the innkeeper for expert recommendations of the best restaurants and evening activities and then knowing your luxurious accommodations will be waiting for you upon your return. And, don't forget, you won't have to shovel!

 

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Are you ready to Seek the Unique?

Calling All Hardy Explorers

Here in Wisconsin, we never let winter get in the way of a good outdoor event.   Stay at a Wisconsin B&B and you’ll always know you have a warm, cozy bed and warm, homemade breakfast to come back to.  So here are our picks for some terrific outdoor fests for each weekend in February, with links to B&Bs in the area, starting with the 24th annual Hot Air Affair in Hudson, February 1-3.  The weekend includes hot air balloon launches, a parade and geocaching.  The Snowflake Ski Jump Tournament will be held in Westby, February 1-2.  There’s the Sturgeon Stampede in Fond du Lac, February 8-10, with skating, broomball, ice bowling, and ice sailing.  The centerpiece of the Manawa Snodeo in Manawa, February 15-16, is the vintage snowmobile and motorcycle racing under the lights.  Rounding out the short month is the American Birkebeiner Cross-Country Ski Event in Hayward, February 21-23.  Also, feel free to take a gander at Travel Wisconsin's Snow Conditions Report and click on your favorite activity to see what the conditions are like. Feeling hardy?  We hope so. [caption id="attachment_1034" align="alignleft" width="216"] Ski Jump Tournament courtesy of the Westby House Inn, Westby.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1030" align="alignright" width="240"] Guest gears up for an afternoon of snowshoeing at Justin Trails B&B Resort, Sparta.[/caption]                 [caption id="attachment_1026" align="aligncenter" width="182"] Hudson Hot Air Affair[/caption]

Christmas Curb Appeal at Wisconsin B&Bs part 3

We're still waiting for fluffy white stuff to fill the air, and that means there's still time do your outside decorating sans snowshoes.  In the northwoods, Mother Nature eventually takes care of much of the decorating – nothing like a fresh snowfall at dusk at Pinehurst Inn (Bayfield), with warm lights glowing inside, to remind us of the beauty of the season.  At the Cobblestone B&B in Birchwood, the antique cross-country skis remind us of fun after the holidays.  These 'snowy reminders'  from a few previous seasons are just what we need to get motivated. [caption id="attachment_931" align="alignright" width="200"] Old wooden cross-country skis are a fitting tribute to the founder of the American Birkebeiner (the largest X-C race in North America) Tony Wise, who grew up in this home, now the Cobblestone Bed & Breakfast. Innkeeper Mary Lou knows how to keep the chill out with breakfast next to a crackling fire on a wintry morn.[/caption]

Reconnect with Your Inner Explorer

There are 150 quality-certified inns in Wisconsin that are just calling out to you to get reacquainted with that explorerside of yours. And that means more than just staying at the inn.  It means getting out and taking in all that Wisconsin has to offer. [caption id="attachment_887" align="alignright" width="300"] Cobblestone B&B, Birchwood is a great place to relax after a day spent hiking or snowshoeing the nearby Ice Age Trail or skiing in the American Birkiebeiner.[/caption] Our B&B owners are pros at providing itinerary ideas, so ask away.  We also look the liberty of putting together some dandy tours built around wineries, microbreweries, artisan cheese tastings, biking, birding, and golf courses.  If eco-travel is as important to you as it is to us, then you’ll enjoy visiting these Travel Green Wisconsin-certified properties. We thought an overview by region might be helpful too. If an event is the nudge you need to escape for a few days, then let this events calendar be your guide. One last tip: Sign up for our enewsletter and get insider ideas delivered once a month. Now get out there! Wisconsin Public Radio's Whad 'Ya Know Quiz Prize Winners - redeem your Whad 'Ya Know gift certificate at participating B&Bs.

In Search of Snow in Wisconsin

About this time of year people are usually firmly divided into two camps – those who can’t get enough of the fluffy white stuff and those who would rather visit the dentist than trudge around in the snow.  The latter group is all smiles, given Wisconsin is conspicuously bereft of snow drifts.  That’s not to say there’s no snow at all.  In fact, in the very northern counties of our state, more specifically the Hurley and Mercer areas, you’ll find fair snow conditions for snowmobiling according to observers for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.  Close-by B&Bs, all within an hour's drive, include Inn at Pinewood in Eagle River (criss-crossed by miles of snowmobile trails) and Bayfield's Artesian House, Rittenhouse Inn, and Pinehurst Inn.  Cross country ski enthusiasts take heart, the Polk County area in far western Wisconsin reports good conditions, and there are two inns to choose from – the St. Croix River Inn in Osceola and the Wissahickon Farms Country Inn in St Croix Falls. Like to downhill ski?  Head to Granite Peak in Wausau, and stay at the Stewart Inn, a real Arts & Crafts masterpiece.  Or try Cascade Mountain or Christmas Mountain Village, both in the Wisconsin Dells area, where you’ll also find Bowman’s Oak Hill B&B as well as White Rose Inns.  Rest assured, snow will fall just as surely as Wisconsin B&B innkeepers will welcome you to their inns with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa, a roaring fire, a cozy bed and the warmest hospitality this side of anywhere.  Happy holidays! [caption id="attachment_298" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="A snowy welcome at Wissahickon Farms in St Croix Falls, on Wisconsin's western border."][/caption]    

Wisconsin Snow Conditions Report is Live and Making Headlines

For a number of years now the Wisconsin Department of Tourism has offered visitors a handy tool – an up-to-the-minute snow conditions report.   It’s great for all you outdoor enthusiasts who downhill ski, snowmobile, cross-country ski, snow shoe, winter hike, or just enjoy a sleigh ride or sledding.  Volunteer reporters around the state regularly update the online interactive map, which is conveniently divided by activity – snowmobiling, downhill ski and snowboarding, and cross country skiing.  You can also sign up to receive a weekly snow report via e-mail.   This year, the Tourism Department cleverly used a Wisconsin map made to look like a mitten to announce the report was up and running, and that’s when things got interesting.  Let’s just call it a case of “Mitten-gate.”  Seems Michigan claims it’s the Mitten State and has been for some time.  Wisconsin Tourism was quick to offer a mea culpa of sorts, saying it doesn’t want to steal the Mitten State moniker; it wants to be known as the Fun State.  The good-natured back-and-forth made headlines all over the country!  Check out the story in USA Today.   By week two, the mitten map of Wisconsin was also sporting a cheesehead, proving we Wisconsinites do have a sense of humor.  

Wisconsin Snow Conditions Report is Live

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism has just launched its Snow Conditions report - you can access it by clicking this link: Wisconsin Snow Conditions Report. What's especially handy is that they offer three map views - one for downhill skiing, one for cross country skiing and one for snowmobiling. For those of you who like some snow with your B&B travel, best to bookmark this web site. Happy schussing!
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