10 Best Destinations for a Winter Vacation in Wisconsin

While the winter season tends to put the travel market in the doldrums, this is an excellent time to experience that dream destination you have always had in mind. Plane ticket prices are conveniently reduced, and hotels offer their best yearly rates, aligning all the elements for your holiday pleasure. Wisconsin's diverse landscapes, from the Great Lakes shores to the forested Northwoods, turn into a wintery wonderland when coated in snow.

Those who dare to brave the chill enjoy access to all the state's top cold-season attractions without the crowds, with the opportunity to explore the beautiful outdoors, attend a festival, or indulge in winter sports. Whatever floats your boat, these are some of the best destinations for a winter vacation in Wisconsin.

Lake Winnebago

When the temperatures drop low enough, the 137,000 acres of Lake Winnebago freeze over, and it becomes an exciting playground with countless recreations for travelers. The lake hosts a thriving population of freshwater fish, especially sturgeon, walleye, and white bass, making it a prime ice-fishing spot in Wisconsin. The nearby Winnebago County Community Park provides miles of groomed trails ideal for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing, resulting in exciting options to discover the winter wonderland around the lake. Before you go out on the lake in the winter, it's important to check the thickness of the ice.

Furthermore, you can attend the Sturgeon Spectacular in Fond du Lac, a fun weekend festival full of activities that will get your spirits high, from snow sculpting and curling tournaments to horse-drawn carriage rides through the downtown area in February. Lodging choices near the lake abound, and the Hilton Garden Inn Oshkosh is among the best you can opt for.

Wausau

This lovely resort city along the Wisconsin River lures winter enthusiasts with an enticing lineup of fun pursuits. It is best known for hosting the Granite Peak Ski Area, which offers over 200 acres of terrain with 58 trail runs and seven lifts. Snowboarders, tubers, and skiers flock to the site to take advantage of its world-class slopes, flanked by a 700-foot vertical drop. The Granite Peak Ski Area is within Rib Mountain State Park, a 1,500-acre wilderness with at least 15 miles of secluded snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails.

Winter is also a great time to discover local arts at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. This quaint facility features indoor and outdoor exhibitions of sculptures and paintings inspired by nature. Finally, the rustic yet gorgeous Stewart Inn provides overnight accommodations in a well-furnished Prairie-style mansion.

Great Wolf Lodge

The Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells is a popular winter destination for a family getaway. It boasts a 76,000-square-foot indoor water park that maintains the water at a toasty 84 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, inviting refreshing dips and fun trips down water slides despite the cold conditions outside. The establishment hosts the annual Snowland, which features child-friendly events to celebrate the winter holiday. These range from a holiday scavenger hunt and a snowfall celebration singalong to customized seasonal arts, making an ideal way to spend time with family.

Part of the package involves Santa meet-ups for children, with a chance to have their wishes fulfilled. Meanwhile, the accommodation is first-class at the Great Wolf Lodge, featuring modern amenities and classy restaurants.

Bayfield

Bayfield's strategic location as a portal to the Apostle Island National Lakeshore promises unmissable opportunities for winter travelers. As the snow comes down, the area transforms into a visual delight, with rust-colored cliffs along the Lake Superior shoreline contrasting with its icy blue waters. Dramatic ice shelves and sheets form as the lake partially freezes over, making for pleasant nature photography ops. Also, several snowshoeing trials let you explore stunning ice caves and overlooks, capturing Lake Superior in its frozen grandeur.

While the town hosts several events during winter, the Bayfield WinterFest is easily the most eagerly anticipated. The celebration is highlighted by the Polar Plunge, where participants immerse themselves in the ice-cold waters of Lake Superior. After an eventful day, you can enjoy a cozy night's sleep at the Old Rittenhouse Inn, which overlooks the lake.

Lake Geneva

Although Lake Geneva is a popular vacation spot throughout the year, winter is unique because there are few tourists in the city. The area has numerous hotels and resorts that provide luxurious lodging and a host of winter fun. For instance, the Grand Geneva Resort has 20 downhill ski runs at the Mountain Top Ski and Adventure Center, beckoning skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the snow. Meanwhile, miles of trails run through Big Foot Beach State Park, ideal for snowshoeing, winter hiking, and cross-country skiing.

Also, Lake Geneva's frozen surface presents a platform for ice skaters to enjoy the season, and boring a hole into the ice results in a cool ice-fishing session. You can also book an adrenaline-filled zipline tour with Lake Geneva Ziplines and Adventures to witness the town's winter wonderland from above. Be sure to time your trip with the annual Winterfest and view spectacular snow sculptures by champions across the country.

Cedarburg

Between its winter events, cold-season adventures, and wine-tasting opportunities, Cedarburg ranks among the best destinations for a winter vacation in Wisconsin. Guests can partake in an array of winter sports, from ice skating on the frozen surface of Cedar Creek to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing along the abandoned trails of Herman A. Zeunert Park. Wine and Craft beer tastings are a go-to activity during winters in Cedarburg, helping to keep off the chill. Luckily, multiple establishments accord guests this opportunity, including Cedar Creek Winery and Rebellion Brewing USA.

The Cedarburg Covered Bridge is a visual spectacle against the backdrop of snow-covered trees. Blending historic architecture and beautiful nature, the landmark offers a reason to get out and explore the sights. Cedarburg hosts several historic inns where you can spend the night, led by the Washington House Inn of 1886.

Elkhart Lake

This picture-perfect waterfront village of Sheboygan County is endowed with fine natural settings backed by glistening lake waters and green nature areas. When it starts snowing, these transform into visual spectacles, with ice-fishing fans accessing lovely spots on the shore of Elkhart Lake to enjoy their favorite pastime. Visitors can head to Fireman's Park Elkhart Lake for a comfortable time in the open spaces. The site has a lovely beach for picnickers and isolated shoreline trails that invite you to discover its wilderness through cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Elkhart Lake's Schnee Days Winter Festival spreads winter cheer through various entertaining activities. This awaited event incorporates cook-offs, live music, arts, and a 5k run to bring locals and tourists together. Finally, Siebkens Resort provides a cozy downtown lodging spot if you plan to stay overnight.

Minocqua and the Northwoods

Wisconsin's Northwoods are endowed with rich nature and make for a pleasant winter getaway. This is especially true for the tiny village of Minocqua, which lies on a peninsula on Minocqua Lake. There is no shortage of activities at the Minocqua Winter Park, home to over 60 miles of snow trails and a recreational hub for skiers, snow tubers, snowboarders, and fat-tire bikers. Thanks to Adventure North Snowmobile Tours, tourists enjoy a unique look into the snow-blanketed wilderness surrounding Minocqua through adrenaline-filled snowmobiling excursions.

Minocqua also offers excellent ice-fishing opportunities on the frozen waters of Kawaguesaga and Minocqua lakes. Meanwhile, multi-day visitors can book a stay at the Best Western Plus Concord Inn.

Westby

Set the stage for a Scandinavian winter getaway when you visit this tiny village of Norwegian descendants in Vernon County. Westby blends small-town charm and Nordic vibes to deliver a remarkable winter experience. Guests can keep the cold at bay with activities at the Snowflake Ski and Golf Club. The property has five ski jumps and a 9-hole golf course at the base of the jumps. Don't miss out on the annual Snowflake Ski Jumping Tournament during the first week of February. This fun event allows newcomers to try ski jumping and experience the rush that comes with it.

Elsewhere, Nordic Lanes provides an easygoing setting where you can spend time with peers. It features several bowling lanes and concession stands with tasty treats. When you need a place to stay the night, look no further than the rustic yet beautiful Old Towne Motel.

Germantown

Besides its German heritage, which first-timers are always intrigued by, Germantown harbors several park areas often filled with snow. This means countless snowshoeing and winter hiking trails to explore the great outdoors, accessible at Schoen Laufen Park and Firemen's Park. A vibrant craft winery scene welcomes guests for fine wine-tasting opportunities to help them forget about the cold.

If you appreciate great wines, remember to stop by Apple Works Winery and indulge in the region's award-winning varieties. Alternatively, you can explore the town's famous beer culture at Von Rothenburg Bier Stube. This quaint location guarantees the ultimate experience, as guests enjoy pints of authentic German beer paired with delicious traditional dishes like pretzels and Geman sausages. Finally, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson will welcome you with its coziness to kick off your boots and bundle up for the night.

Don't let the cold of winter confine you indoors; there is a magical world waiting to be discovered outside in the United States. These destinations for a winter vacation in Wisconsin are perfect examples of what you can expect from the Badger State when you visit in the cold season. Whether you want to be part of a lively winter festival, engage in active snow sports, or relax by the fires in a world-class lodge, the possibilities are endless when you vacation in Wisconsin.