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!

 

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]
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