Blonde girl wearing knit hat and black coat looking up at snowy pines — Snowy pines in Northern Wisconsin. Click on my photos to pin on Pinterest!

Northern Wisconsin is such a fun winter wonderland destination, even if you live in the area. While it’s great to stay inside your cozy cocoon during the winter, everyone should get out and have a little fun! Use this blog to find your next Northern Wisconsin winter adventure. I’ll go over where to stay, what outdoor activities to do, some indoor activity recommendations, and my favorite ski hills around Northern Wisconsin.

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Blonde girl wearing long cream robe with evil eye prints sitting in a barrel sauna with an orange glow and a view of snowy pine trees — The Perry Pines Yurt & Sauna

Where to Stay & Getaway

I highly recommend renting out a cozy cabin in Northern Wisconsin during your winter wonderland getaway. Whether you’re looking for a romantic Valentine’s Day stay, somewhere to warm up after the big Birkie cross-country ski race, or simply a relaxing weekend away in serene Northern Wisconsin, I’ve got the place for you. Here are a few that I recommend!

Modern Lakeside Loft & Sauna

How gorgeous is this cabin rental with a roof-top deck and sauna? Located in Phelps, it’s a great, relaxing retreat to spend a winter weekend. Listen to some records and enjoy the lake views!

Scandinavian Kodiak Cabin

Snowshoe, sauna, and relax in the hot tub at this Scandinavian Kodiak cabin located in Comstock. So perfect for a cozy Christmas weekend with friends or a Valentine’s Day getaway gift.

Blonde girl wearing cream robe running to barrel sauna in the snow with pine trees all around her — The Perry Pines Yurt & Sauna

The Perry Pines Yurt & Sauna

While looking for a getaway, we stumbled upon The Perry Pines Yurt & Sauna and we absolutely loved our stay! The Sauna was of course my favorite part. The Perry Pines Yurt is located in a beautiful secluded area in Cable on Perry Lake. We had a fire, played board games, walked the trails, and spent a lot of time in the sauna. It was such a relaxing weekend.

The Perry Pines Yurt is very close to Hayward, so it’s the perfect place if you’re looking for somewhere to stay during the Birkie weekend.

Madeline Island Cottage Overlooking Apostle Islands

If you’re up for an adventure, bring the whole family to stay at this cottage on Madeline Island. Check out the Apostle Islands Ice Caves (if you’re lucky!) and cozy up to the fireplace. This cottage is just steps to Lake Superior, snowmobile trails, and cross-country skiing. For transportation to Madeline Island in the winter, check ahead at the ferry and windsled schedule.

Couple pose towards camera with their snowboards wearing colorful snow gear, hats, and ski goggles — Snowboarding fun

Outdoor Activities to do Around Northern Wisconsin in the Winter

Besides getting cozy by the fire, there are a ton of other fun activities to do in Northern Wisconsin in the Winter. Some of my favorite things to do include snowboarding, driving through Christmas lights, and snowshoeing. Here are a few of my recommendations on where to go and what to do.

Trollhaugen Ski Area

One of our favorite ski hills to visit is Trollhaugen Ski Area. It’s located in Dresser near the St. Croix River. Trollhaugen has a lot of fun runs and some cool terrain parks. They also have a snow tubing park. One of our favorite parks about going to Trollhaugen is the night snowboarding and skiing. I definitely recommend checking it out!

Christie Mountain Ski Area

Christie Mountain is where I grew up learning to ski and snowboard. I spent a lot of my winter weekends, during my childhood, here with friends. This ski hill is located in the Blue Hills in Bruce. They also have a snow tubing park if skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing.

Granite Peak Ski Area

Another great place to ski and snowboard in Granite Peak Ski Area by Wausau. This ski hill is the largest ski resort in Wisconsin and one of the biggest in the midwest. It has 4 terrain parks and 58 runs!

Perkinstown Winter Sports Area

Head over to Perkinstown Winter Sports Area in Medford for tubing fun. This is a great spot for the whole family with cheaper prices than other ski hills. You can also find snowshoe and cross-country ski trails here.

Snowmobiling

If you’re looking for a lot of snow, head up to Hurley for some snowmobiling. Hurley gets lake effect snow, so the snowmobile trails are often open earlier and longer.

Another great snowmobiling location is in the Blue Hills in Bruce. It’s fun to wind through the twisty trails and stop at the local snowmobile club’s warming shacks. The past few years, there has been less snow than usual. Make sure to check the snowmobiling trail openings before booking your trip.

If you’re looking for a snowmobile rental, check out Runamuk Rides out of Hayward. There are a ton of snowmobile trails around the area. It’s a winter playground!

Colorful Irvine Park Christmas lights at night — Irvine Park Holiday Village

Holiday Lights

I love driving through Holiday Lights in December. My favorite stop to make is in Chippewa Falls at the Irvine Park Holiday Village. It’s free for all visitors to drive or walk through with over 125,000 lights! It’s so magical.

Ice Fishing

There are countless places to go ice fishing around Northern Wisconsin. Pick a frozen lake and start fishing! A few lakes I recommend checking out are Fireside Lakes in Big Bend, Dairyland Reservoir in Flambeau, Squirrel Lake near Minocqua, and Grindstone and Lac Courte Oreilles near Hayward.

Don’t miss Fun on the Frozen Flambeau ice fishing contest in February. It takes place at Leonhard's Landing in Tony and you can win prizes for catching a fish!

Rectangle cut out of frozen lake with frozen ice blocks around open water hole — Cold Plunge

Take A Cold Plunge

If you get bored of ice fishing, take a cold plunge! It may seem crazy, but it’s actually pretty fun and definitely invigorating. Check out the Special Olympics Wisconsin Polar Plunge at Loopy’s Grill and Saloon in Chippewa Falls if you’re looking to take a dip in icy waters.

Ice Skating

Another classic outdoor winter activity is ice skating! Even if you’re not very good at it, it’s fun to learn and get outside. Boulder Junction Winter Park has an awesome ice skating trail through the woods. Other fun ice rinks to check out are at Pinehurst Park in Eau Claire and Valley Sports Academy in Lake Hallie.

Woman posing with arms out in front of icy frozen water at Devil's Punchbowl — Devil’s Punchbowl in Menomonie

Hike to a Frozen Waterfall

Visit Pattison State Park near Superior and hike to Big Manitou Falls and Little Manitou Falls to see their frozen beauty. Wisconsin State Parks are always beautiful, but they’re extra peaceful and serene in the winter.

Over in Menomonie is another awesome frozen waterfall at Devil’s Punchbowl. It’s just a short trail down some stairs to view this icy masterpiece.

Top down image of snowshoes on feet of two people with snowshoe poles — Snowshoeing with Ross

Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing

There are cross-country ski and snowshoe trails everywhere you look around Northern Wisconsin. Here’s a few to check out: The Ice Age Trail throughout Wisconsin, Beaver Creek Reserve in Fall Creek, American Birkebeiner Trail in Hayward, Sister’s Farm Trails in Ladysmith, Blue Hills Cross Country Ski Trails in Weyerhaeuser, Minocqua Winter Park & Nordic Center in Minoqua, Mt Ashwabay Ski and Recreation Area in Bayfield, and Pinehurst Park in Eau Claire.

Watch the American Birkebeiner in Hayward

Every February, Hayward hosts the American Birkebeiner, or the Birkie. The Birkie is the largest cross-country ski race in North America. Thousands of spectators come to watch and have a good time. It’s a classic Hayward event where people all over Wisconsin and beyond come out to watch and celebrate.

Play in the Snow

Bundle up and go play in the snow! You’re never too old to make a snow angel, build a snowman, or have a snowball fight. Invite your friends over and have a snow day. Take photos and warm up with hot chocolate afterwards.

Woman wearing knit hat and black coat standing in front of snow covered pine trees — Winter in Wisconsin

Indoor Activities to do Around Northern Wisconsin in the Winter

If snow isn’t your thing, stay indoors and explore these fun activities including thrifting, a waterpark, and an arcade!

Hope Gospel Mission Bargain Center store sign in the winter — Hope Gospel Mission Bargain Center Eau Claire

Thrifting

Thrifting at the start of the year is one of my favorite winter activities. I always find the best scores in January when people are cleaning out their closets and donating to thrift stores. In small town Northern Wisconsin, you can find a ton of treasures. Check out Hope Gospel Mission in Eau Claire, Menomonie, and Mondovi. Don’t count out your local Northern Wisconsin Goodwills, Salvation Armys, and Savers.

Chaos Water Park

Make a splash at Chaos Water Park in Eau Claire all year around. Kids of all ages will surely have a blast. Their water attractions include water slides, a lazy river, an aquatic playground, a pool, and hot tub. Check out their water park pass deals here or book a night at Metropolis Resort to get your passes included.

Two men playing skee-ball in a dimly lit arcade — Playing skee-ball at The Reboot Social

The Reboot Social

Go back in time and have some fun at The Reboot Social, an arcade bar and grill in Eau Claire with awesome retro games and bowling! Grab your friends and spend the night competing in pinball, skee-ball, racing games, and more.

Snowy pines after fresh snow — Winter in Northern Wisconsin

Northern Wisconsin Towns to Explore

Don’t miss these Wisconsin cities on your visit up North!

Hayward

Hayward is a great vacation destination all year around. They have countless snowmobile trails, ice fishing, and host the American Birkebeiner. While you’re in Hayward, check out all of their great restaurants and shops like Tremblay’s Sweet Shop and Angler’s Bar. I have a Hayward blog with all my recommendations if you’re interested in more!

Bayfield

Another Northern Wisconsin city to check out is Bayfield. It’s actually Wisconsin’s smallest city and it’s best known for being the gateway to the Apostle Islands. During the winter, the Apostle Islands Sea Caves on Lake Superior freeze. If the conditions are just right, you can hike to see the ice caves. It’s a pretty cool phenomenon to witness! Make sure to check it out if you’re in the area and research ahead of time to ensure the lake is frozen solid. You can find more details here.

Eagle River

Take a snowmobile trip up to the “snowmobile capital of the world,” Eagle River and watch the World Championship Snowmobile Derby. While you’re up there, take a photo next to Eagle River’s giant ice castle made by hand by the Eagle River Fire Department.

Superior

Superior has the Great Lake Superior, frozen waterfalls in Pattison State Park, and some delicious burgers at Anchor Bar & Grill. Just across the border in Duluth, Minnesota, is Spirit Mountain. This is another fun ski hill that I recommend!

Man wearing gray hat and jacket playing with golden retriever puppy in the snow — Winter fun in Chippewa Falls

Chippewa Falls

Chippewa Falls is magical in the winter. Like I mentioned above, my favorite place to drive through Holiday Lights is at the Irvine Park Christmas Village. Chippewa Falls also has a ton of outdoor winter fun like ice fishing on Lake Wissota and skiing, hiking and snowshoeing at Lake Wissota State Park. It’s also fun to grab a drink at Leinie Lodge no matter what time of year it is. Check out my Chippewa Falls blog for more recommendations on where to eat and what to do!

Eau Claire

Eau Claire is a blast no matter the season. There are so many great outdoor areas to explore in the winter like Pinehurst Park, Valley Sports Academy, and Lowes Creek County Park. They have an awesome Gear Share program, where you can rent winter gear at no cost. This community is just so amazing! Not only does Eau Claire have an abundance of opportunities for outdoor winter fun, but they also have so many delicious restaurants, cute shops, and entertainment around the Chippewa Valley. Check out my Eau Claire blog for more recommendations.

overhead shot of hands holding winter cocktails together — Seasonal cocktails with friends at Helix in Altoona

Overall Thoughts on Northern Wisconsin in the Winter

Northern Wisconsin is definitely a winter wonderland destination with so many fun activities to explore. Kick the winter blues with a weekend getaway to a cozy cabin, a serene hike through the snowy woods, or an invigorating dip in a frozen lake. Before you know it, it’ll be summer in Wisconsin once again!

Camera used to document my travels: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV 35mm lens, Olympus Om-1 35mm film, and iPhone