Wisconsin Snowmobile Trails are Calling Your Name

The Best Wisconsin Snowmobile TrailsWe're fully in the throes of winter in Wisconsin, which means it's time to get out and have some fun. Why not try some new Wisconsin snowmobile trails this winter? We'd guess you haven't explored many of them. After all, Wisconsin is home to an incredible 25,000 miles of snowmobile trails; it's no wonder this has become such a popular winter pastime!

There are an incredible number of ways to have fun in Wisconsin this winter, and our Innkeepers will be your perfect guide, especially when you're looking for those hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path snowmobile trails! Add to your winter adventures a stay at one of our romantic Bed and Breakfasts, and you have the perfect getaway. When it's time to come inside after a day of playing in the snow, our exceptional accommodations await. Experience the best Wisconsin snowmobile trails for yourself this winter, and book a room at one of our unique Bed and Breakfasts.

Thrilling Wisconsin Snowmobile Trails

Winter's in Wisconsin are exceptionally fun. Between cross country skiing, snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding, curling, and hitting up the best Wisconsin snowmobile trails, there's truly never a dull moment! But, regardless of how much fun you'll have in Wisconsin, the best part about staying here is the chance to stay with one of our member Bed and Breakfasts. 

Our Inns are located near some of the state's top attractions, including some truly incredible snowmobile trails. There's little doubt that choosing our collection of Inns for your lodging is the best decision you can make.

Though there are legendary snowmobile trails in the rugged Northwoods of Wisconsin, including Eagle River, St. Germain, and Minocqua, there are many more delightful snowmobiling destinations to consider that aren't so remote.  Take a look at our recommendations below, and choose confidently, knowing each of these areas house a number of delightful Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts.

The best Wisconsin Snowmobile TrailsNortheastern Wisconsin

If you find yourself in the Green Bay or Door County area, head to the Ahnapee State Trail for some extraordinary snowmobiling.  This trail is 48-miles long and connects the communities of Kewaunee and Sturgeon Bay. Another great place to explore in the area is Potawatomi State Park, where you'll enjoy the winding trails along the Niagra Escarpment. There are also miles of trails that run up the remainder of the door county peninsula, and will surely provide you with a beautiful day (or more) worth of fun!

From the Green Bay area, you could launch yourself into a true Northwoods snowmobiling adventure if you wanted to. Prime snowmobiling areas are just a couple of hours to the northwest and could make for an extraordinary day trip.

Northwestern Wisconsin

Bayfield County has more than 600 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and offers some of the best snow in the state of Wisconsin. Popular places to go include Trail 1 in Red cliff and the Moquah Barrens State Natural Area. A little farther south are the trails that circle Lake Namakagon, part of the stunningly beautiful Chequamegon National Forest. 

Central/Southwestern Wisconsin

The rugged town of Wausau is located in Marathon County, which is home to 29 snowmobile clubs, and incredible trails like the Mountain to Bay State Trail, which you could feasibly ride all the way to Green Bay. In total, there are 790 miles of Wisconsin snowmobile trails to ride here. Head south towards the Wisconsin Dells, and you'll find a number of delightful Wisconsin snowmobile trails to explore!

In Sauk County, where you'll find popular getaway towns like Baraboo, visitors can glide through the beautiful Baraboo Bluffs. There are just over 200 miles of snowmobile trails in Sauk County, part of Wisconsin's scenic Driftless Region. Moving west, you'll come across the towns of LaCrosse, Sparta, and Viroqua, also popular getaway towns with a variety of Wisconsin snowmobile trails. Great trails can be found at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, along with more than 250 miles of trails in the greater Vernon County area

Seek the Unique; the Best Lodging in Wisconsin

Find the Best Wisconsin Snowmobile Trails, then relax at a Wisconsin Bed and BreakfastIf you're looking for the perfect lodging in Wisconsin, you'll find it amongst our unique collection of Inns. We offer a range of accommodations in different locations around the state, each offering something unique, and each authentically Wisconsin. After a day on Wisconsin snowmobile trails, odds are you'll be ready for a warm and comfortable place to relax and unwind for the rest of the day. That's exactly what you'll find at our properties. Let us extend to you our award-winning hospitality, and you'll find yourself never wanting to leave. 

When it's time to head back outside for another day of fun, our exceptional breakfasts made fresh by your Innkeeper will hit the spot and keep you fueled for the adventure ahead. Come experience a small slice of Wisconsin's winter wonderland, and book a room at one of our romantic Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts today!

 

10 Fun Things to do in Wisconsin This Winter

10 Fun Things to do in Wisconsin This WinterIf you're looking for things to do in Wisconsin this winter, we have the perfect guide for you. Winter in Wisconsin is incredible fun, and our Innkeepers will be your perfect guide! Though it may be cold outside, that doesn't mean you have to stay indoors. In fact, Wisconsin is the perfect wintry destination, complete with a variety of fun things to do. Come spend some time on our cross country ski trails, get in touch with the place where snowmobiling was created as you speed down the miles of snowmobile trails, or strap on a pair of snowshoes and head out into Wisconsin's winter wonderland. 

There is little doubt about it.  There's something magical about Wisconsin when it's covered by a powdery blanket of snow. Pair your winter adventures with a stay at one of our member's romantic Inns, and you have the perfect getaway. Experience Wisconsin for yourself this winter, and book a room at one of our unique Bed and Breakfasts.

10 Things to do in Wisconsin This Winter

If you haven't yet made a trip to Wisconsin during the snowy winter months, we can definitively say you're missing out on something special. Wisconsin is an exceptional destination for snow-lovers. This is only made better by the fact that our Inns are located near some of the state's top attractions. Wisconsin really is the perfect place to get away this winter.  Come see this magical winter wonderland for yourself!

Many of the following activities can be enjoyed just about anywhere in the state, so turn to our knowledgeable Innkeepers for their local recommendations on the best places to enjoy these winter activities in Wisconsin.

  1. With over 25,000 sensational miles of snowmobile trails in Wisconsin, there is truly no shortage of fun things to do in Wisconsin in the winter.  Snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter activities in the state. After all, the first snowmobile sled was created here!  
  2. Cross country skiing is another popular winter pastime in Wisconsin. From the American Birkebeiner in February to groomed and ungroomed trails around the state, there's something for all abilities in Wisconsin. See our previous blog for some of our favorite cross country skiing destinations. 
  3. Snowshoeing is one of the easiest ways to enjoy winter in Wisconsin. Many of our member B&B's offer snowshoes, and have access to trails right on their own properties. Moreover, there are a number of groomed and ungroomed trails around the state suitable for snowshoeing. 
  4. In years past, biking was often relegated to spring, summer, and fall. By winter, bikes around the state were put away for the season. Fat Tire Biking has changed that, allowing Wisconsinites to reclaim previously hard-to-reach areas on two wheels. Fat bikes have extra-wide rims with low-pressure tires making it possible to glide across the snow with ease.
  5. Granite Peak Ski Area in Wausau is the perfect place to head for Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding, but it's not the only place to go in Wisconsin. Other downhill skiing destinations include Trollhaugen Outdoor Recreation Area in Dresser, Whitecap Mountains Resort in Upson, Sunburst near West Bend, or Cascade Mountain and Wilmot Mountain in southern Wisconsin.
  6. Have you ever been Skijoring? It's an exhilarating combination of dog sledding and cross country skiing, and it's become quite popular around the state. You can even find skijoring trails and lessons at Justin Trails Resort, a member of the Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast association.
  7. The fishing doesn't stop in Wisconsin just because it's cold outside.  As the snow begins to fly and the lakes and ponds freeze over, you'll soon spot shanty's and anglers outside trying their hand at ice fishing. It's a time-honored tradition here in Wisconsin. 
  8. Enjoy Wisconsin's wintry wonderland from the warmth and comfort of a snow train.
  9. Keep an eye on the weather, and head to the winter ice caves near Bayfield as soon as they form. The caves are accessible only when Lake Superior freezes, forming a land bridge to the cave. They are well worth the wait and the planning!
  10. Looking for new things to do in Wisconsin this winter? Try your hand at ice climbing! Governor Dodge State Park, which offers group climbs, is a great place for this.

The Best Lodging in Wisconsin

10 Fun Things to do in Wisconsin This WinterIf you want to stay in the best lodging in Wisconsin, then look through our unique collection of Inns. We offer a range of accommodations that cater to a variety of needs. After a day spent exploring Wisconsin's winter wonderland, you'll be looking for a warm and comforting place to wind down, rest, and recuperate. A few days spent with our extraordinary hospitality, and you'll find yourself never wanting to leave. 

After one of the best nights of sleep you'll have away from home, start a new day off on the right foot with our exceptional breakfasts. Multi-course breakfasts are one of the many perks you'll enjoy when you stay at a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast.  Each day statts with a breakfast made fresh by your Innkeeper.

Come experience a small slice of this winter wonderland, and book a room at one of our unique Bed and Breakfasts today!

 

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!

 

6 Great Places to go Canoeing & Kayaking in Wisconsin

Kayaking and Canoeing in WisconsinThe state of Wisconsin boasts over 15,000 lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers, and 659 miles of shoreline on the Great Lakes. Combined, this makes Wisconsin the perfect destination for paddling this summer. No matter your age or skill level, getting out on the water during Wisconsin's warm summer months is an ideal way to spend at least part of your vacation.

When thinking of canoeing or kayaking in Wisconsin, the state's big rivers and lakes immediately come to mind; places like The Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, or the Apostle Islands Lakeshore on Lake Superior. However, what's nice about Wisconsin are the many smaller rivers and streams found all over the state. 

Best yet, many of these top paddling destinations are near one or more of our Member Bed and Breakfasts, which just so happen to be ranked the best places to stay in Wisconsin.  We make it easy to relax and enjoy your vacation. Find an Inn, and book your room today!

Wisconsin's Best Places for Canoeing & Kayaking

Wisconsin's regions are unique, as are the lakes and rivers on which to paddle.  Whether you choose to vacation in the north, south, or central parts of Wisconsin, there are plenty of paddling opportunities to enjoy.  Here are 10 of our favorites to consider this summer:

  • The Namekegon River in the northern part of Wisconsin is stunningly beautiful. It's part of the National Wild and Scenic River System and flows into the St. Croix River. Here, you can enjoy over 90 miles and multiple days of paddling.
  • The Kickapoo River, located in Wisconsin's scenic Drifltess Area, is one of the most popular rivers for canoeing and kayaking. This river winds its way through a deep valley, with towering limestone cliffs rising above you. The bigstock-Young-Couple-Paddling-Kayaks-o-240647467-1most scenic stretch of the river is the 22 miles between Ontario and La Farge. The river winds its way through both Wildcat Mountain State Park and the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, and is particularly beautiful during the colorful fall months. 
  • If you're looking for a "big river" experience, head to the Lower Wisconsin River, where you'll find a wide, flat river to enjoy. There aren't any rapids or dams to contend with on the portion between Prairie Du Sac and Sauk City. Along the way, you'll enjoy tall bluffs rising beneath canopies of dense forests, and plenty of scenery and wildlife to keep you company. 
  • If adrenaline-pumping rapids are more your speed, then head to the Wisconsin River near Wausau. Wausau's Whitewater Park attracts top boaters from around the country and hosts a variety of regional and national whitewater competitions. Another popular choice is the Eau Claire River.
  • The Bois Brule River is also a delightful place for canoeing or kayaking. The river includes 16 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail, and it's one of the best-known rivers east of the Mississippi. 
  • If leisurely lake paddling is more your speed, explore all or part of the Lake Superior Water Trail or the Lake Michigan State Water Trail.

Unwind at the Best Places to Stay in Wisconsin

Nothing beats relaxing at a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast after enjoying a long and scenic day on one of the state's rivers or lakes. Many of our Inns boast easy access to Wisconsin's top rivers and lakes. Not only that, but they boast exceptional hospitality and are ranked as some of the best places to stay in Wisconsin.  Start planning your paddling adventure today, and book your vacation at one of Wisconsin's top lodging properties

12 Waterfall Hikes to Take in Wisconsin This Spring

12 Best Waterfall Hikes in Wisconsin Spring is one of the best times of year to go chasing waterfalls in the beautiful state of Wisconsin. The melting winter snows and rainy spring months create swollen rivers and waterfalls that are truly spectacular sights to behold.

In a recent blog, we touched on some of the wonderful hiking trails around the state; especially those trails that are off the beaten path and which may not yet be on your radar.  This month, we'd like to talk about another popular type of trail in Wisconsin.

All over the state, there are beautiful trails that lead to gorgeous waterfalls. The lure of a scenic waterfall at the end of a hike is irresistable, especially during these beautiful spring months. The state of Wisconsin has plenty of lakes, rivers, and forests, which of course also means plentiful waterfalls.

No matter where you choose to vacation, odds are you'll be near one of these gorgeous waterfall hikes. And if you're looking for some of the best places to stay in Wisconsin, we can help with that, too! Choose from our member Bed and Breakfast listings, where you'll find the top-rated places to stay in Wisconsin. 

12 Best Waterfall Hikes in Wisconsin

There are a number of waterfall hikes in Wisconsin worth taking. Some are popular, and therefore the trails more crowded.  Others are less frequented and just as beautiful, if not more so. A number of Wisconsin's best waterfalls are concentrated in the northern part of the state, but there are several worth visiting in other areas as well.  Browse through this list of the top waterfall hikes, and see where Wisconsin's beauty will take you.

  • Though it's one of the more obvious waterfall hikes to include, no list would be complete without Big Manitou Falls in Wisconsin. It's the tallest waterfall in the state, plunging down a magnificent 165 feet in Pattison State Park. 
  • Amnicon Falls isn't too far from Big Manitou Falls, and is certainly worth seeing if you're in the area.  The upper and lower falls are breathtaking in their own right, but when viewed from the park's signature covered bridge, it elevates the experience. 
  • Guests staying near the Bayfield area won't want to miss Lost Creek Falls, a true hidden gem. The waterfall cascades over a mossy ledge in a picturesque gorge, and can be walked behind for a truly beautiful vantage point.  It's a great place to capture an instagram-worthy photo, too! 
  • 12 Best Waterfall Hikes in WisconsinIn Wisconsin's beautiful Northwoods, you'll find Potato River Falls cascading down a series of stairs through the river gorge. 
  • A nearby gem to Potato River Falls is Copper Falls State Park. The namesake falls is worth the journey, where you'll enjoy the sights in this breathtaking red granite canyon, with the waterfall dropping 30 feet. 
  • In the west on the Michigan border near Minneapolis, visitors will find one of the prettiest waterfall hikes in the state in Willow River State Park. Willow Falls takes several drops on the river, and hikers can get up close and personal with the waterfall, making it an excellent choice for photographers.
  • Just around the corner from Willow Falls is Cascade Falls, in Wilkie Glen on the St. Croix River. Visit at dusk, and you'll be delighted by the LED light show in the falls. 
  • In southern Wisconsin, near Madison, hikers will love the short trip to Stephens Falls in Governor Dodge State Park, which during the spring and summer is framed by the vibrant greens of moss and ferns.
  • North of Madison, head to Montello's Granite Querry, where four waterfalls spill over the walls of the querry, delighting visitors.
  • In central Wisconsin near Wausau, you'll want to make a stop at the Dells of the Eau Claire River. Stones in the river have been carved out over centuries, and these ancient volcanic rocks make for beautiful cascading waterfalls.  It's a delightful place for a picnic, and on warmer days you can even splash around in the water yourself. 
  • In Northeastern Wisconsin near Green Bay, waterfall enthusiasts will love Marinette County's waterfall tour. Marinette county is fondly referred to as Wisconsin's waterfall capital. The self-guided tour includes gems like Veteran's Falls, Strong Falls, and Long Slide Falls. 
  • There are two great waterfalls in Brown County near Green Bay:  Wequiock Falls and Fonferek Falls, both of which make beautiful cascades over parts of the Niagara Escarpment.

The Best Places to Stay in Wisconsin

Whether you see just one waterfall or create your own tour of the state to see them all, there's a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast nearby ready to welcome you for a comfortable night (or more) of rest. Not only do these Inns represent some of the best places to stay in Wisconsin, but they offer a broad range of accommodations and styles.

Our member Inns range in style and amenities, but one thing is a constant: You'll be welcomed with unbeatable hospitality, incomparable local knowledge, and a delicious breakfast made daily from scratch. This is, after all, what makes our Inns the best places to stay in Wisonsin. Seek the Unique in Wisconsin, and stay at one of our Bed and Breakfasts this spring while touring the best waterfall hikes our state has to offer. 

Wisconsin B&B Owners Like to Travel Too

[caption id="attachment_874" align="alignright" width="300"] Jay Karen, CEO of PAII speaking at WBBA's 2011 Conference at the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, WI.[/caption] Owners of B&Bs love to travel.  You read that right.  They like to leave the inn from time to time to experience other cities and other inns.  And that’s just what they get to do at least annually at the November Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association’s innkeeper conference.  It’s a time to tour B&Bs, discuss traveler preferences, celebrate accomplishments including our soon-to-be released cookbook, and reconnect as friends.  B&B owners are in it because they love what they do and that really comes through at that gathering.  It comes through when they get back to the inn too!  By the way, if you’re interested in becoming an innkeeper, give us a call and we’ll find a place for you at the next Aspiring Innkeepers Seminar, November 4, 2012 at the Jefferson Street Inn, Wausau.
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