These 10 small Wisconsin towns are real-life winter wonderlands

Each winter, the Badger state becomes a snow-flurrying dreamscape. From Cedarburg to Lake Geneva, these 10 Wisconsin towns are the best to visit for a cozy time.

Wisconsin might not have the same skiing attractions as, say, Colorado (hi, Aspen!), but our beautiful state has its own forms of winter wonderlands. From snow-covered pastures that glisten when sunlight dances across them to enchanting ice caves that aren’t that dissimilar to the ones visited by Elsa in “Frozen 2,” Wisconsin’s got everything you need when winter arrives and brings its perennial cozy vibes with it. Best of all, you can find this charm in Wisconsin’s smallest towns, which can help you hibernate—or rest up, though we prefer hibernate—even more peacefully. That does, unfortunately, mean that bigger winter hubs like Wausau and Wisconsin Dells haven’t made it onto this list, but you won’t even miss them when you visit the following 10 real-life winter wonderlands. 

1. Cedarburg

Unlike many of the other towns on this list (spoiler alert!), Cedarburg isn’t surrounded by water. This town is a suburb of Milwaukee, and it’s known for its German heritage, as well as the festivals it hosts not only in the winter but also year-round. These events help the local economy flourish thanks to the visitors they attract, and winter is a prime time for them. For example, the Cedarburg Cultural Center’s Spectacular ELF-tacular will see the community come together to celebrate local art, while A Cedarburg Christmas draws in vast crowds because of its gigantic Santa’s Workshop, which visitors can roam around like they’re in the classic Tim Allen-helmed “The Santa Clause” movie. 

That’s just one facet of Cedarburg’s winter extravaganza, though. The city prides itself on being a top-tier destination during the colder months, making sure to light up its streets with bright, twinkling lights to help everyone feel festive. This makes the town rife for exploration. You can uncover vineyards that look divine when freshly coated with snow and wintry bridges that would make the most aesthetically pleasing Instagram post. 

Just don’t forget to stop and smell the coffee beans along the way, as Cedarburg has a number of stellar coffee shops. First, there’s Cedarburg Coffee Roastery, which is a fully functioning café in addition to an operating roastery. It’s also super cute. The roastery has a 4.6-star rating on Yelp, and reviewers mention loving the café’s chai latte and strawberry cold brew, among other drinks. For something more unique, consider Jave House, which one Yelp reviewer called a “hidden gem.” The drinks here are a little more adventurous—hello, Peanut Butter Mocha—and this stunning coffee shop even sells beer and wine in the evenings, making it a catch-all gathering place. 

2. Lodi

Lodi is a suburb of Madison, and whether you’re coming in from the City of Four Lakes or from further away, there’s plenty to enjoy. In the winter, Lodi lights up like the little star atop a Christmas tree, and while it might not be as bright as Cedarburg, it’s still bright.

The town’s biggest claim to fame during the colder months is the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Now, the trail isn’t entirely in Lodi; altogether, it’s over 1,000 miles long and runs through the lands where 15 different Indigenous tribes have lived in North America. This scenic trail falls under the purview of the National Park Service, and 2.2 miles of it cut through Lodi, giving people from all over a good excuse to come see what this small town is all about.

Though “ice” is in its name, you don’t have to wait for winter to hike the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, but we’re sticklers for a good theme, and walking it when there’s frost on the ground and a chill in the air can create an immersive experience that you might not find elsewhere. Then, while you’re in town, you can do a bout of outdoor ice skating in the town’s rink or catch a free ferry ride across Lake Wisconsin. Just be sure to bundle up to help you brace for those wintry winds!

Lodi is excellent for a day trip, but if you plan on staying, we recommend booking a night or two at Lodi Hill House. You won’t find a hotel quite as charming—or colorful—anywhere else in the area. Then, for a treat as charming as Lodi Hill House, check out Buttercream Bakery, which can also give you your caffeine fix with its lattes and blended coffees. This is just the tip of Lodi’s winter-wonderland iceberg, though. The magic of Lodi resides in its potential to create a truly whimsical day. 

3. Elkhart Lake

Elkhart Lake, meet outdoorsy folks. Outdoorsy folks, meet Elkhart Lake. This town is the it-girl of winter-wonderland destinations if you love getting out into the thick of it—and by “it,” we mean snow and ice. This is so true that the town’s official website has a Winter Vacation Packages section located on its homepage, which includes food credits when you book stays at the local Osthoff Resort, known as “Wisconsin’s premier lakeside retreat.” Of course, the town’s website also mentions its Old World Christmas Market, which returns each year to unite the community in the name of seasonal cheer. This year, the market is open from December 6, and you can visit from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

But back to outdoor activities. Elkhart Lake seemingly has it all: snowmobiling, snowshoe hiking, skiing, ice fishing—the list goes on. There are even dedicated snowmobiling trails. For hiking, the most popular trail is only two miles from the town’s central hub, and you can rent or buy equipment if you didn’t bring your own, allowing any visitor to get in on the action.

Not interested in the great outdoors? That’s okay, too. If you prefer indoor activities, check out the town’s natural history museum. “I work at the Museum…so I’m a little biased. But yes, it’s pretty awesome [for a] town of 825 [residents]! It’s the most beautiful building in town,” one Redditor replied to another user who asked if the museum was worth visiting. 

We’ve established that there’s plenty to do in Elkhart Lake, but you need to know where to stay and eat, too (outside of The Osthoff Resort, of course). Here, we recommend Siebkens Resort, which has old-school coastal flair without looking outdated—a feat, to be sure. It has a private beach and an outdoor pool that’s open during the warmer months, but even in the winter, you can enjoy the rest of what this resort has to offer, including its restaurant that serves us dreamy-looking fried fish. For breakfast and lunch, we recommend Off the Rail, where you can get everything from elevated takes on classic breakfast sandwiches to innovative paninis and more.

4. Cable

Located in northern Wisconsin, less than 60 miles from Lake Superior, Cable brings the epitome of winter-wonderland vibes to life each and every year. Like some other towns on this list, Cable is known for its outdoor activities, and in the winter, that means plenty of snowmobiling and skiing. In fact, the town contains the American Birkebeiner Trail, which is part of a massive cross-country ski-trail network. There’s even still time to register to compete in the 51st Annual Slumberland American Birkebeiner, which is slated for February 22, 2025, and will see passionate skiers race to the snowy, slippery finish line. Meanwhile, over 1,200 miles of snowmobile trails await you in Cable if that’s more your speed.

In addition to skiing and snowmobiling, common outdoor winter activities in Cable include ice fishing and ice skating. That’s because Cable is dotted with watering holes, ranging from rivers and ponds to bigger lakes. And with many boat providers throughout the area, you’re never from a frosty escape into the unknown. What can you look forward to catching in the cold? Well, bass, bluegills, crappies, and perches are all common habitants of Cable’s waters. Then, go for a bout of skating on the city’s community rink. Conveniently enough, Brick House Café is situated by the rink, allowing all skaters the opportunity to stop for a warm drink whenever they need it. (We’ll take two.)

Speaking of Brick House Café, you’ll want to stop here whether you go skating or not. This restaurant has a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor, and it’s home to some seriously good grub, including biscuits and gravy and Crème Brûlée French Toast. Reviewers also particularly love the café’s Caramel Latte. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, check out The Rivers Eatery @ The Ideal Market, which has 4.8 stars on Google. “We love coming here. Every pizza is excellent!” one Google reviewer wrote. “It’s definitely a must stop place!”

5. Bayfield

Bayfield is picturesque, so it’s not too surprising that visitors flock to it en masse. In fact, this touristy town has less than 1,000 permanent residents—it’s officially Wisconsin’s smallest city—but it comes alive in the summer and winter because of its sights. The city sits on Lake Superior, so in the summer, it’s full of people swimming, lounging on the beach, and taking boats out for a fun day under the sun. However, in the winter, the lake becomes a serene, safe haven—an unparalleled beauty to behold.

This isn’t to say that there’s nothing to do in Bayfield during the colder months, though. The city’s Hometown Holidays event brings the local community and guests together each winter for a series of fun outings, including a day with Santa, shopping sprees to uplift small businesses, and the town’s annual Christmas tree lighting. You can also hike, ski, and snowshoe in Bayfield if outdoorsy activities are more your speed.

There’s plenty to eat and drink in Bayfield, too. You can give the crowd-favorite Mannypenny Bistro, which has a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor, a visit for sizzling pizzas and slick brews, or you could head into the Landmark Restaurant at Old Rittenhouse Inn for a more upscale experience. Brownie points if you stay there, too. Did we mention that there’s a fireplace in most of the rooms? That said, there’s no shortage of cute places to stay in Bayfield. (We’re partial to the cutesy St. James Social boutique hotel.)

6. Mount Horeb

A suburb of Madison, Mount Horeb is sometimes known as “the troll capital of the world,” which has helped the town cement its Norwegian heritage for decades. This heritage is also why it’s a premier winter destination in Wisconsin. It gets just as snowy as other towns throughout the state, but it has an added level of charm thanks to its unique aesthetic and culture. In fact, where other entries on this list have focused mostly on physical activities, Mount Horeb is more about art and immersion. Case in point: You can journey around the city to see its trolls—many of which are carved from wood—and sculptures, which will look extra beautiful with a light dusting of snow on them. You can also indulge in the town’s chocolate shops, cafés, and breweries. All of this makes Mount Horeb one of the most Instagrammable towns in the state.

Of course, there are still some wintry physical activities for those who prefer to work up a sweat rather than sit by a cozy fire or snap #trendy photos. Mount Horeb has fantastic skiing, snow tubing, and snowboarding opportunities at the nearby Tyrol Basin. “One of the [Midwest’s best] ski and snowboard hills! Great selection of hills with a variety of difficulty levels for all riders,” one Google reviewer wrote of Tyrol Basin. “Unbelievable food, made to order, at the bar! All around one of the best atmospheres around! Great place to take the family!”

Whether you head out to the slopes or saunter around town snapping pictures, you have to stop in Sjölinds Chocolate House while you’re in town. Here, you can get delicious lunch options, but the emphasis is definitely on the chocolate, including indulgent bars that are perfect to take home as a keepsake of your time spent in Mount Horeb. Outside of chocolate, the shop’s desserts include Swedish Almond Tarts, Princess Cakes, Pure Chocolate Tarts, Cheese Cakes, Mousses, and more.

Finally, if you’re looking for somewhere to stay, we recommend the Sunniva Inn, which is the cutest bed and breakfast in town. Each room and suite is a little different, and the prices vary from $140 to $235 per night based on which one you book—but think of staying here as an investment, as you’ll feel right at home no matter how far you’ve traveled to be there.

7. Land O’Lakes

Snow decking the rooftop? Check. Stunning white-dusted fields? Check. Coziest cabins in northern Wisconsin? Double check. Land O’Lakes is where you want to head for a weekend getaway of not doing much other than snuggling under fluffy blankets, drinking several mugs of hot chocolate, and watching your favorite cold-weather Netflix movies (hello, “Falling for Christmas” starring Lindsay Lohan). Of course, if you’re someone who needs to get out and do something, we totally get it, and Land O’Lakes has something for you, too. For example, there’s skiing and snowshoeing in the area, but the town’s real selling point is its cabins—and the sweet, sweet views and relaxation that come with them.

Let’s start with the activities, though. In addition to skiing and snowshoeing (these are pretty common in all of these winter-wonderland towns, eh?), you can go snow tubing and snowmobiling. The latter isn’t so surprising given that the area’s full of forests and fields, making perfect paths for a snowmobile. However, that’s only the beginning, as Land O’Lakes is home to some more unusual—but fun—winter activities, like surfing and dog sledding. There aren’t many places you can go dog sledding, but Land O’Lakes keeps this tradition alive. Likewise, you might think that surfing in the winter is a bad idea, but the town’s Travel Wisconsin page notes that it’s actually perfect in the winter because of the bigger waves that come from the season’s higher winds.

Now, we promised beautiful, homey cabins, and we intend to keep that promise. Just look at the Lake Front Home on VRBO, which, in fact, sits on a lake and can sleep up to 15 people, making it perfect for a girls’ weekend or a full-family trip. This cabin comes out to $420 per night, but if you split it between several people, you can stay for almost nothing and leave with memories of a true winter wonderland. Just make us one promise in return: Watch the sun rise or set over the lake. It’s a special sight to behold. Then, once the sun’s gone down, pop over to The Bear Trap Inn for a decadent dinner. It’s one of the best restaurants in the town—it has 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor—and its menu brings you nothing but the freshest meat, seafood, and produce. It makes for a meal you won’t forget for years to come.

8. Westby

Like Mount Horeb, Westby is full of Norwegian heritage, and you can find it exemplified in statues and even some food around the town. For starters, you need to visit Nordic Creamery, where you can taste not only the freshest ice cream in town but also local artisan butter and cheese. (Pro tip: You can order from Nordic Creamery online, so even if you can’t make it to this real-life winter wonderland this year, you can still support a small business—and taste high-quality foods.) 

Like Mount Horeb, you can get into plenty of fun skiing in Westby. This is because the town’s home to one of the top 10 largest hills in the country, and the Snowflake Ski Club uses it as its base of operations. Anyone can become a member and ski here, and you can even compete in skiing tournaments, with the next event—the Large Hill Ski Jumping Tournament—being slated for January 31 to February 1, 2025. Perhaps the best part is that the venue’s clubhouse has not only a functioning fireplace to keep you warm and cozy but also a functioning bar to keep you warm on the inside. Here, you can truly relax and enjoy winter in all its majesty.

Westby is the southern half of Wisconsin, though it’s still further north than Mount Horeb, which is about a two-hour drive away. This means that you have your pick of troll-and-skiing options when it comes to booking your next winter wonderland vacation. If you opt for Westby, may we recommend staying at The Viroqua Heritage Inn? It’s actually a few miles from Westby, but driving a few miles into town is worth it when you can stay somewhere as glamorous as this bed and breakfast. It’s perfectly Victorian and well-maintained, and it’s eye candy to boot. Then, once you drive into town, check out Daily Brew Co. for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate to stave off the winter cold and keep you invigorated for all of the fun you’re going to have. 

9. Monroe

We all know the old adage that, like birds, many people fly south for the winter, and if you’re a Wisconsinite who wants to do the same without leaving the state, head for Wisconsin’s southernmost winter-wonderland town: Monroe. Situated south of Madison, Monroe has an old-school flair without feeling stuck in the past, and perhaps the best time to witness this is in the winter. The town looks unbelievably gorgeous when dusted with snow—we can’t recommend enough snapping photos of Monroe’s central clocktower after a fresh snowfall—and there’s plenty to do here.

In the winter, Monroe becomes home to many festivals and markets. These become perfect weeknight or weekend activities—after all, who doesn’t love sipping on steaming hot chocolate while walking around a communal gathering with holiday music playing in the background? This year, the annual Christkindlmarkt will be held from November 29 through November 30, while the New Glarus Christkindlimarket is slated to pop up from December 6 to December 8. There’s also the Fire & Ice Festival—a decadent event full of ice sculpting, cookie decorating, Santa photo ops, fire twirling, plenty of food, and more—from December 6 to December 7 and the downtown Lighted Christmas Parade on December 6. Basically, if you want to get into the holiday spirit on the earlier side this year, Monroe’s got you covered. Just make sure to flush a few ice cubes in the toilet the night before to help your chances of snowfall during these events (are we the only ones who grew up with this folk tale?). 

All of these activities will make you work up an appetite, but Monroe’s restaurants will keep you fed and happy. Check out North Side Pub & Grill for some delicious down-home grub, including a variety of tacos, a fish fry, loaded nachos and fries, and mouthwatering sandwiches and burgers. Don’t forget to order a signature drink—we recommend Jimmy’s Jamaican, a tropical drink consisting of pineapple, rum, and brandy that will keep you warm under the chilly winter sun. For even more classically Wisconsin fare, check out Buggyworks Restaurant & Pub, where you can get everything from fresh pretzels and cheese curds to bacon burgers and salaciously saucy ribs. Finally, if you need somewhere to stay, we recommend Carriage House Bed & Breakfast. This romantic building from the mid-1860s that’s been gorgeously renovated will help you fall in love with Monroe from the moment you first set your eyes on it. It’s also close to the town’s center, putting you within walking distance of stunning, snow-studded memories (and lots of artisan cheese).

10. Lake Geneva

Rounding out our list is none other than Lake Geneva, a small town an hour outside of Milwaukee that’s known mostly as a resort town. Take one look at the incredibly wealthy-looking homes—mansions, really—that dot the town, and you’ll see why. Folks flee here for an escape, and not just during the summer. Luckily, Lake Geneva is just as gorgeous in the winter as it is when kites pierce the sky and summer brine fills the area, and you don’t have to put down a deposit on a mansion to live out your quiet-luxury dreams.

When it comes to winter activities, Lake Geneva truly has something for everyone. You can traipse around the Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy in hopes of spotting some seasonal animals (such as mourning doves and barred owls), or you can go skiing or ziplining if you have a wild streak. The biggest event of the season is, hands down, the annual Winterfest celebration. This year, it will be held from January 29 to February 2, 2025, at Riviera Plaza and Flat Iron Park, and it will feature ice sculpting like you’ve never seen before, as well as bonfires on the Geneva Lake beach and more. Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the Winter Realms exhibit at the Geneva National Resort & Club. This open-air exhibit plunged you into ice caverns like no other, and while it’s closed for the 2024 season, you won’t want to miss it next year.

All of this exploring will make you hungry, but fret not—Lake Geneva has plenty of good grub. One beloved restaurant is Flat Iron Tap, which serves up delicious, elevated bar food and craft burgers. Or, if you want something a touch warmer, which would admittedly be nice during the colder months, check out House of Bogini. The dishes here are prepared with health in mind, including incorporating a lot of warm spices and fresh herbs. As for somewhere to stay, the Maxwell Mansion is a stunning boutique hotel that offers an experience you won’t get anywhere else. It’s located right on the lake, and at just $200 a night, you can’t beat its charm. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.