Winter in Wisconsin delivers fast-paced outdoor fun, relaxed indoor escapes, and seasonal celebrations across the state.
Snow-covered days invite adventure seekers, while cold evenings set the stage for cozy entertainment and festive gatherings.
Families, couples, and solo travelers can all find memorable ways to enjoy the season, with options ranging from outdoor sports, indoor attractions, and community events.
1. Snowshoeing in State Parks and Resorts
Snowshoeing delivers a relaxed winter activity that fits beginners and experienced hikers. Marked routes, quiet forests, and scheduled evening programs allow visitors to enjoy winter conditions at a comfortable pace without technical gear or prior training.
Top spots provide easy access and structured trail systems.
Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells offers on-site snowshoe access paired with resort amenities. Three trails cover beginner and intermediate difficulty levels, making progression simple across a single day.
All-day access is handled through the Cold Water Canyon Clubhouse, and trail use also includes cross-country skiing routes.
- Three maintained snowshoe trails on resort property
- All-day passes available at Cold Water Canyon Clubhouse
- Shared trail access for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
@lilmsawkward AD We love fun, free, and family-friendly activities! If you’re planning a visit to the Poconos, a stop at Promised Land State Park is a must. Snowshoeing is such an underrated activity that it’s completely beginner-friendly (trust me—I’m not the most gifted when it comes to winter sports and still find this so fun). Snowshoes can be loaned from the park’s office, so you can explore the different trails and paths throughout this huge 3000 acre park. I recommend heading out on the Little Falls Trail. Promised Land is also home to a pair of bald eagles- so see if you can safely spot their nest from afar when you visit. @VISIT PA @Explore the Pocono Mountains #WinterInPA #PAGetaway #PoconoMtns #VisitPA ♬ Wes Anderson-esque Cute Acoustic – Kenji Ueda
Wisconsin DNR candlelight snowshoe events add a nighttime option during January and February 2026. Soft lighting, marked paths, and staff support create safe evening conditions. Social features often include warming stations and refreshments.
- Rib Mountain State Park on January 10 and February 14 between 6 and 8 p.m.
- Wildcat Mountain State Park on January 10 between 5 and 8 p.m.
- Governor Thompson State Park on February 14 between 6 and 9 p.m.
Why it’s great rests in simplicity and atmosphere. Snowshoeing requires minimal instruction and moves at a calm pace.
Candlelit routes encourage relaxed movement and scenic photos, making outings suitable for couples, families, and small groups.
2. Tubing Thrills Across the State
@hikinghijabie Nothing beats the thrill of snow tubing with my kids—my favorite winter tradition! ❄️ From the laughter to the rush of sliding down, these moments are what make winter magical. What’s your favorite snowy activity? #SnowTubing #WinterFun #FamilyTraditions #OutdoorAdventures #MakingMemories #MinnesotaWinters #MomLife #hikinghijabie #hikingummah #amanahrec ♬ original sound – itshelenmelon
Tubing focuses on speed and fun without technique requirements.
Hills across Wisconsin range between short family runs and extended chutes built for higher speeds. Conveyor lifts and controlled lanes keep the experience efficient and safe.
Top tubing hills differ in size, speed, and pricing structure. Sunburst Ski Area near Milwaukee ranks among the fastest options, featuring steep drops and multiple lanes designed for repeat runs.
- More than 40 tubing chutes
- A 90-foot vertical drop
- Speeds reaching 30 miles per hour
- Thursday through Sunday operation
- Online advance pricing set at $30
Cascade Mountain in Portage offers one of the longest tubing runs in the state. A large tubing park supports both children and adults, and weekday specials combine food and activity.
- A 900-foot tubing chute
- Non-peak pricing at $30 for ages seven and up
- Child pricing at $15 for under six
- Tube and Dinner specials on Tuesday and Thursday non-peak days at $30 for four hours plus dinner
Ariens Hill at Titletown in Green Bay centers on accessibility and community pricing. Unlimited daily access encourages casual participation.
- $9 Sunday through Thursday
- $11 Friday and Saturday
- $4 community nights
- $18 Gameday pricing
Crystal Ridge near Franklin adds themed sessions with evening entertainment. Select Saturdays feature glow tubing supported by lighting and music.
Why it’s fun comes down to ease and energy.
Tubing requires no instruction and suits all ages. Built-in safety controls manage speed, and combo options often connect tubing with skating or dining.
3. Cross-Country Skiing Adventures
Cross-country skiing combines steady movement with winter scenery across groomed trails and wooded routes. Pace control allows participants to adjust effort levels based on fitness and experience.
Featured locations include resort-based trails and state forest routes.
Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells maintains shared paths that support both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Day passes simplify access without long-term commitments.
Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit adds seasonal programming through candlelight events scheduled for January 17 and February 14. Evening skiing and hiking allow extended use after sunset.
Why try it centers on fitness and accessibility. Cross-country skiing delivers strong cardiovascular benefits while remaining low-impact.
State parks keep costs reasonable through vehicle admission passes, and trail networks support extended outings without crowds.
4. Ice Skating in Iconic Locations
@wewisconsin Skate through the Winter Woods in Boulder Junction, WI! After its debut season last year, The Glide is returning for winter 2025-26. This 0.8-mile ice skating trail winds through snow-covered pines, offering a one-of-a-kind way to experience Wisconsin’s Northwoods. #WinterWoods #TheGlide #iceskatingtrail #BoulderJunction #WisconsinWinter #discoverwisconsin #wisco #travelwisconsin #outwigo #creatorsearchinsights ♬ Wanderlust – Degraus
Ice skating across Wisconsin pairs outdoor activity with city settings and seasonal programming. Rinks operate in parks, lakefront areas, and community plazas.
The best rinks provide rental access and structured sessions. Red Arrow Park Slice of Ice in Milwaukee offers a downtown skating option supported by nearby dining and events.
Opening depends on ice stability, making advance checks important.
- Skate rentals at $11 for adults
- Skate rentals at $9 for guests under 18
- Skate sharpening available for $7
Edgewater Rink in Madison opens December 10 and sits near a lakeside hotel. Firepits and a pizza restaurant surround the rink, adding comfort between sessions. Rentals cost $3 with timed 60-minute tickets.
Hy-Vee Plaza in Green Bay operates near Ariens Hill and supports both casual and event-based skating.
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- $9 Sunday through Thursday
- $11 Friday and Saturday
- $16 Gameday pricing
- $4 community nights
Why go includes setting and atmosphere. Urban backdrops and waterfront views enhance skating sessions.
Evening music and themed nights add energy, making rinks suitable for family outings and date nights.
5. Indoor Waterparks and Arcades
Indoor attractions maintain energy levels during cold or snowy conditions. Wisconsin Dells remains a year-round destination thanks to large-scale indoor waterparks.
Top spots combine rides and family areas under one roof. Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells features an indoor waterpark designed for multiple age groups.
- Matador Mat Racers
- Rainbow Rapids
- Incatinka Play Area built for younger children
Pesos O’Plenty Arcade sits within the resort and offers both classic and modern games.
Ticket redemption allows guests to exchange winnings for prizes.
Why it’s a must focuses on comfort and convenience. Indoor waterparks avoid weather limitations while keeping activity levels high.
Resort amenities include restaurants, condos, and a fitness center, making multi-day stays practical.
6. Winter Festivals Full of Local Flavor
Winter festivals support community engagement through outdoor displays, seasonal food, and group activities. Events often combine art, sports, and entertainment.
Major festivals scheduled for 2026 spread across the state and calendar.
- JanBoree in Waukesha running January 16 through January 25 with fireworks, ice sculpting, and toboggan slides
- Snow Daze in Kenosha on January 24 featuring downtown ice sculptures
- Frozen Assets Festival in Madison on February 7 and 8 with figure skating, hot chocolate, a 5K run, and science demonstrations
- Lake Geneva Winterfest running January 28 through February 1 with beach snow sculpting, bonfires, and s’mores
- Sturgeon Spectacular in Fond du Lac on February 13 through February 15 with curling, scavenger hunts, and a Bloody Mary competition
What to expect includes open access and variety. Many events remain free and family-friendly.
Food trucks, warm drinks, and casual contests keep schedules flexible. Indoor and outdoor options allow comfort adjustments during cold spells.
7. Candlelit Hikes and Nighttime Experiences
Evening winter activities add atmosphere while keeping movement light and controlled. Candlelit trails support relaxed pacing and visual interest.
Wisconsin DNR organizes events across January and February 2026 in multiple state parks. Activities include snowshoeing, skiing, and hiking, often supported by volunteers and park staff.
- Marked candlelit trails
- Hot chocolate and cider stations
- Bonfires near trailheads
- Required park admission or trail passes
Standout locations include Mirror Lake State Park, Newport State Park, and Interstate State Park, each offering scheduled nighttime events.
Why it’s special lies in mood and accessibility. Soft lighting changes trail visibility and encourages photography.
Low-impact movement suits all ages and experience levels.
8. Cozy Indoor Escapes and Culinary Warm-Ups
Indoor relaxation pairs well with outdoor activity during winter months. Food, drinks, and warm seating provide recovery after time outdoors.
Ideas include brewery and distillery visits across Milwaukee and Madison.
Seasonal menus feature winter ales and spiced ciders, with many taprooms offering hearty food options.
Outdoor fire pits at Chula Vista Resort remain available for warming up after snow activities. Seating areas allow social breaks without returning indoors immediately.
Pub food tours and guided tastings gain popularity during colder months.
Many breweries schedule indoor tours that combine education with sampling.
Why it’s a must centers on comfort and balance. Warm indoor venues support recovery after cold-weather outings.
Local businesses benefit during winter tourism, while guests enjoy food, drinks, and relaxed social spaces.
Summary
Wisconsin winters deliver variety across outdoor sports, indoor attractions, and seasonal celebrations.
Tubing hills, snowshoe trails, ice rinks, and waterparks ensure options remain available throughout the season.
Cold weather never limits opportunities for memorable winter experiences across the state.