Instead of hunkering down and hiding this winter, I’ve found it best to embrace the chilly weather and get outside to do the things you can only enjoy in lower temperatures.
Wisconsin welcomes winter with open arms and playful hearts. So here are a few ideas for winter weekend interludes.
Feb. 3-4 is Madison’s Frozen Assets Festival, where you can enjoy ice science labs, pond hockey, U.S. Olympic Speed Skater demos and so much more at the Edgewater Hotel on Lake Mendota.
Feb. 16-18 is Delavan’s Sky Circus on Ice. Hosted in Downtown Delavan (neighbor to Lake Geneva) and along the shores of the Lake Lawn Resort, expert ice carvers and astonishing kite performers dazzle while workshops and aerial candy drops make for fantastic family bonding time. Delavan also has super fun Rudy Lange Sledding Hill (just remember to bring your own sled) and Lake Lawn Resort boasts all sorts of indoor and outdoor activities, like a kids club, snowshoeing and so much more.
There’s always skiing, snowboarding and tubing at nearby Wilmot Mountain and tons of supper clubs to warm your bellies.
Milwaukee offers fun winter activities, like skating in downtown Red Arrow Park, curling and family-friendly ice bars.
Drive up to Eagle River, Wisconsin, the Snowmobile Capital of the World. The Northwoods are gorgeous, relaxing and the perfect place for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Snow is usually on the ground through March and thousands of miles of well-groomed, interconnected snowmobile trails await.
With my son on the back of my snowmobile and our daughter on the back of my husband’s, we glided around trails chock full of gorgeous winter scenery, fresh-fallen snow on dense trees and frozen lakes and rivers. The kids loved it so much they’ve already asked to go back.
Feb. 9-11, Eagle River hosts Pond Hockey Championships. Nearby in the Northwoods, Blizzard Blast is on Feb. 17 and Feb. 18 features a Snowmobile Snow Show. My family was in Eagle River for the World Championship Snowmobile Derby, and let me tell you it was FUN! My son and I giddily watched “The Indianapolis 500 of Snowmobile Racing.” Expert drivers whipped around corners and zoomed around the track, reaching speeds of over 100 miles per hour.
We found our favorite waitress of all time at Blue Heron Supper Club. Val was so sweet, enthusiastic and delighted to bring the kids ice cream sundaes. Our villa at Chanticleer Inn provided beautiful views of the frozen water right outside our door and a playground where our kids were enthusiastic about jumping and sliding into the soft, white snow. Eagle River’s Volunteer Fire Department builds a fairytale-worthy ice castle every year, which is fun to visit during the day or under the glow of lights at night.
Before winter leaves us to beckon in spring, seize some time in the snow to seal in some unforgettable memories. Why not take a quick jaunt over to Wisconsin and try something new?