9 activities that belong on every Wiconsinsite’s winter bucket list

Add these 9 Wisconsin adventures to your bucket list for a winter full of fun. 

Winter in Wisconsin might be chilly, but it’s also a magical time of year. Here, snow on the ground and ice on the lakes don’t deter us from a good time. In fact, these weather conditions make for fun and unique Midwestern adventures!

From ice-fishing to snowshoeing along the Ice Age Trail and even curling in Cedarburg, make sure to add these 9 exciting activities to your Wisconsin winter bucket list.

1. Ice-fishing

With Wisconsin bordering two of the five great lakes with many more in between, it’s no wonder that ice-fishing tops Wisconsinite’s winter bucket list. You’ll have no problem finding a lake to fish on, but a few fan favorites are Lake Winnebago, Dairy Land Reservoir, and Boom Lake in Rhinelander.

2. Cutting your own tree

There are over 50 cut-your-own-tree farms in Wisconsin, so the perfect tree for your home is right around the corner. A couple of the farms that get rave reviews include Hann’s Christmas Farms in Oregon—where you’ll find more offers and activities than just cutting your own tree—and Sugar Creek Tree Farm near Alpine Valley, with 32 acres of land that offers seven tree varieties to choose from.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

3. Skiing

No matter how much snow we get in the Wisconsin winter, skiing is possible in several locations across the state. Even if the accumulation doesn’t hit record-breaking volumes this winter, you’ll still be able to hit the slopes with the help of snow-making machines. Some ski spots you can add to your bucket list are Granite Peak in Wausau, Devil’s Head Resort in Merrimac, and Cascade Mountain in Portage. 

Photo courtesy of Connie Ma/CC BY-SA 2.0.

4. Snowshoeing Ice Age Trail

The Ice Age Trail is a 1,000-mile footpath running from St. Croix Falls, Polk County, to Potawatomi State Park in Sturgeon Bay. It’s one of 11 scenic trails within the US that are broken down into 11 smaller sections through 30 counties in Wisconsin. For trail alerts, maps, and winter hiking tips, check out this site. 

Photo courtesy of Royalbroil/CC BY-SA 4.0.

5. Curling in Cedarburg

Cedarburg certainly isn’t the only place you’ll find curling, but it’s many Wisconsinite’s favorite locations. If you’ve never seen a curling game, it might be confusing to see a team of skaters heaving a heavy stone across the ice while curlers smooth the ice in its path. Although it isn’t as popular as hockey or other winter sports, the game has historical roots going back to medieval Scotland. With over 30 clubs in Wisconsin, you’ll be able to visit the one closest to you to try out this sport. 

6. Skijoring

Skijoring is an activity where that combines skiing and our favorite furry friends. While its human is on upright skis with poles, a dog helps pull them along for an exciting experience. This is a great dog-friendly activity that gets both you and your pup out and about. If you’d rather watch than participate, there are some skijoring events you can go see.

Photo courtesy of National Parks Gallery.

7. Tubbing in Tyrol Basin 

Taking a tube out to slip and slide isn’t just for waterparks or the lazy river. Tubbing in the winter is fun for thrill seekers of all ages. Tubbing can be done all over the state, but rave reviews have come from Mount Horeb, where the Tyrol Basin opens December 20th and runs through about March 3rd. 

8. Horse-drawn sleigh rides

Dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh isn’t just a holiday song, it’s a must-add to your winter bucket list. Although several spots are open in early December for the holidays, many offer the opportunity as long as there is snow on the ground. Consider hitching a ride in a large sleigh or booking a private ride for a more intimate experience. 

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

9. Lake Superior Ice Festival 

Mark your calendars today because the Lake Superior Ice Festival is scheduled for January 24 and 25, 2025! Here, you’ll find fun for the whole family, including food vendors, ice sculptures, and kids’ activities. The event itself is free, but there are fees to participate in different activities, like ice racing.

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