Though we're having a hard time pivoting away from all of the fantastic things to do in Wisconsin this summer, it's even harder not to start planning for all of the epic adventures awaiting us this fall! Fall also happens to be an exceptional time to hit the parks, preserves, and waterways around Wisconsin for birdwatching - and this includes the incredible Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay. 

Each fall in Wisconsin, the annual bird migration is a magnificent sight to behold. From September through November, locals and visitors alike will witness an incredible variety of birds, including sandhill cranes, whooping cranes, tundra swans, migrating raptors, various waterfowl, and migratory songbirds, among others, all heading south to their wintering grounds. 

There are plenty of places to enjoy the annual fall migration of birds, but one of our favorite birdwatching destinations each fall is the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay. This stunning urban wildlife refuge features 600 impressive acres and is home to the second largest wildlife rehabilitation program in the state of Wisconsin. 

The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place to escape for some time in nature this fall. It's also a wonderful place to enjoy some hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and biking. As wonderful as the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is, what makes it better is that it's just minutes from some of the best places to stay in Wisconsin, which means you can enjoy a romantic fall getaway simultaneously.  

Are you ready to get out and explore with us this fall? Seek the unique, and book a room at one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts today!

Visit the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay

There's something peaceful about sitting in nature and watching for various birds moving through an area - especially when the numbers swell during the annual fall bird migration in Wisconsin. Birdwatching is a great way to get out and enjoy the spectacular colors of fall, too. Though you can sit back, relax, and enjoy birdwatching just about anywhere,  it's even better when you go to places like the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay. 

The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is a 600-acre urban paradise in the heart of Green Bay. It offers an easy escape to nature and is a beautiful place to enjoy the fall scenery and some birdwatching. It's also the second largest wildlife rehabilitation program in the state of Wisconsin. Accordingly, there are several educational programs and live exhibits at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. 

More than 200 species of birds have been spotted at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, including large populations of land birds that migrate through each fall. As you walk along the boardwalks and through the forests, fields, marshes, and open water habitats, keep your eyes peeled for waterfowl and other migrating birds in the area.  

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is open to the public year-round and is free to visit. There are 6miles of trails to explore at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, including many wildlife viewing areas. Apart from birds, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife native to Wisconsin, including cougar, fox, river otters, gray wolves, coyotes, deer, sandhill cranes, and so much more. 

Where to Stay:  Astor House Bed and Breakfast, Green Bay

 

More Things to do in Green Bay This Fall

Though the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary offers some of the best birdwatching in the state of Wisconsin, it's certainly not the only place to see some of the state's most colorful inhabitants. It's not even the only thing to do in Green Bay this fall! Green Bay is, of course, most famous for its Green Bay Packers - and fall is all about football.  

Even if you aren't lucky enough to hold tickets to any Green Bay Packers games this fall, don't worry. There are plenty more great things to do in Green Bay this fall. Here are just a few of our favorites: 

1. Even if you don't have tickets to the games, you can still take a tour of Lambeau Field - it's one of the top-rated things to do in Green Bay. While there, don't miss the Packers Heritage Trail and Walk of Legends. 
2. After you've toured Lambeau Field, don't miss a visit to the neighboring Titletown. It's a vibrant complex with great restaurants, activities, shopping, and plenty of outdoor and indoor recreation - including an ice skating rink and tubing hill in the winter! 
3. Visit the National Railroad Museum, which is one of the oldest and largest museums of its kind in the country. One of the top things to see here is the Eisenhower Collection. 
4. Visit the Green Bay Botanical Garden, a spectacular four-season display of garden blooms. It's one of our favorite things to do in Green Bay. 
5. Take in a comedy performance or catch a show at the historic Meyer Theatre. It's a beautifully restored 1930s Vaudeville-style theatre worth seeing, and it's one of the best things to do in Green Bay!
6. Visit the beautiful Hazelwood Historic House, a beautiful historic mansion that dates to the 1800s.
7. Don't miss the chance to visit - and maybe even tour - one of the many fantastic Green Bay breweries. 
8. Learn more about the Oneida Nation and tour some of the historic sites related to this tribe around Green Bay. 
9. Walk or bike along the beautiful Fox River State Recreational Trail. It's one of our favorite things to do in Green Bay - and the scenery improves in fall. 
10. If you want to do more birdwatching, visit the Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve. 
11. Surround yourself in the beauty of fall and take a hike at the Brown County Reforestation Camp. 

Fall is nearly here, so it's time to start planning your adventures for the year ahead - including a trip to the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. Discover one of the most romantic places to stay in Wisconsin this fall. Book a room at one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts today!

We'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.

Northeastern 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

If 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!

 

Cross 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

The 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!

 

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! 
• In 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. 

Silver Star B&B Front Porch It’s not unusual for a bucket list to be tied to those landmarks that define a place. In Spring Green, it’s a performance of Shakespeare under the stars at the American Players Theatre; enjoy a gentle sleep at Silver Star B&B located on a bucolic 340-acre estate. In Green Bay, it’s a tour of the just-renovated Lambeau Field; spend the night at Astor House B&B. Run away to Circus World in Baraboo; overnight at Pinehaven B&B or Inn at Wawanissee Point.  Check those off the list! [caption id="attachment_1601" align="alignleft" width="252"] Silver Star B&B Deck[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1602" align="alignright" width="309"] Pinehaven B&B[/caption]  

The Green Bay Historic Preservation Commission, at its 14th annual Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony, awarded the Astor House B&B with a Culturally Significant Award. This award recognizes a building that contributes to or exemplifies cultural trends in the City of Green Bay. The Astor House was the home of Dr. Julius Bellin, founder of Bellin Hospital. Since 1999, Greg (deceased) and Barb Robinson have welcomed guests at the 5 guest room B&B. Of course, being located in Green Bay, Packer weekends fill up fast! 

Scrapbooking is nice as a solitary pursuit, but wouldn’t you rather cut and paste surrounded by a crew of your favorite fellow scrapbookers? If yes, then consider making it an away occasion. Miller’s Daughter B&B in Green Lake hosts scrapbooking weekends fall through winter, with an area designated specifically just for that.  At the Franklin Street Inn in Appleton, innkeeper July Halma, a former art teacher, says her B&B is a “Crop Til You Drop” retreat location. And at Lake Orchard Farm B&Bin Sheboygan, three-night scrapbooking retreats are held in their well-lit clubhouse area, with use of fully equipped kitchen included in the package. [caption id="attachment_1110" align="alignright" width="300"] Clubhouse is full for a scrapbooking retreat at Lake Orchard Farm B&B, Sheboygan.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1109" align="alignleft" width="270"] A group at Miller's Daughter B&B, Green Lake enjoying a scrapping marathon.[/caption]

There’s an area of Wisconsin that goes by Kewaunee County that is oft overlooked because it lies in the shadows of Green Bay and Door County.  Yet, it’s a sweet sliver of the state with some great insider finds, as chronicled in this wonderful travel piece from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  Especially nice to see two of our member inns – Joannes B&B in De Pere and The Red Forest B&B in Two Rivers – recommended under Where to Stay. [caption id="attachment_948" align="alignleft" width="300"] One of three luxurious guest rooms at Joannes B&B, De Pere.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_952" align="alignright" width="270"] A small sampling of the scrumptious breakfasts that await you at the Red Forest B&B, Two Rivers.[/caption]  

These two videos from the Professional Association of Innkeepers International, our trade organization, should strike a chord with all you die-hard Wisconsin B&Bers who relish a friendly face, search out quiet surroundings, and have no desire to stay in someone’s spare bedroom dubiously billed as a B&B experience.  Our innkeepers are grateful for their loyal guests and, who knows, maybe these videos will deliver a few more to their doorsteps! Friendly Welcome   Not a Scary Spare Bedroom To design your preferred B&B stay, try My Stay My Way. [caption id="attachment_403" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Joannes B&B in DePere, minutes from Green Bay Wisconsin, has the Fox River Trail for biking, walking, through their back yard ... if you can bear to leave your luxurious guest room."][/caption]