Winter has hit us tough, and a Wisconsinite can only spend so much time inside before he or she tires of the same four walls. Fortunately for us, our state has one of the best park systems in the world and only a few of our parks close for the winter.
Whether it’s a refreshing hike for some fresh air or a cross-country ski trip in the moonlight, there’s plenty to do and every reason to get off the couch, pack up and hit the trails. If you’re wondering where to start, we’ve rounded up some of the best winter hikes in Wisconsin.
S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
It is Wisconsin’s first designated natural area. The path is open every day from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., all year round. Palfrey’s Glen is located near Devil’s Lake State Park.
n5854 Kettle Moraine Dr, Glenbeulah, WI 53023, USA
Two different trail loops are available for cross-country skiers, hikers and snowshoers. There is a lighted ski trail, a heated picnic area and access to the Greenbush Loop System of the Ice Age Trail. There are 60 miles of snowmobile trails through the Kettle Moraine State Forest.
846 County Trunk Hwy C w329, Delafield, WI 53018, USA
With a tower from which to admire the entire area, and plenty of trails of varying lengths and difficulties, there’s no reason to put off a trip to Lapham Peak. It’s the perfect place for Milwaukeeans to get back to nature. Park hours are: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. During the snow season, the 2.5-mile lighted loop is illuminated Monday through Saturday until 9:00 p.m. On Sundays, the park closes at 5 p.m.
8183 WI-19, Cross Plains, WI 53528, USA
This park, located about 30 minutes from Madison, invites city residents to spend time actively outdoors. Covering an area of over 400 acres, it is one of the largest parks in Dane County. The park offers snowshoeing, hiking, ice fishing and cross-country skiing.
State Road, State Rd, Pennsylvania 18853, USA
With 1.7 and 3.1 mile options and opportunities for hiking or skiing, this trail has a lot to recommend it. Parts of the park overlook the Mississippi River, while others are well known for the wildlife they inhabit.
13394 Co Hwy M, New Auburn, WI 54757, USA
702 S Randall Ave, Madison, WI 53715, USA
One of the largest green spaces in Madison. There are plenty of trails here to escape from the city routine.
S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
500 Hanson Lake Rd, Rhinelander, WI 54501, USA
At over 1,500 acres, you can’t narrow it down to a trail. No matter where you are in the north, you’re close to a place worth seeing.
E10320 Fern Dell Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
They have a whole list of winter activities, including ice fishing. Snowshoeing, skiing and tubing are also available.
Wisconsin 35, WI-35, St. Croix Falls, WI, USA
As the name suggests, this park straddles the Minnesota-Wisconsin border and offers stunning river views, creature sightings, and trails.
Kangaroo Lake State Natural Area, 8574 Ox Point Rd, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202, USA
The spring lake is the property of the Nature Reserve. The proximity to Lake Michigan and the trail through unique wetlands make this an enjoyable hike.
Peninsula State Park, 9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212, USA
4350 Mounds Park Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 53517, USA
Open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., this park is located just 40 miles west of Madison. There are plenty of trails for every experience level, and several are also skiable.
Lake Superior Ice Cave Tours, Miner’s Castle Rd, Munising, MI 49862, USA
By this point you’ve probably already guessed that I will be including ice caves in the Apostle Islands whenever I can. To reach the caves you have to walk about a kilometer through a frozen lake. Depending on the weather, you may need ice blocks. The warmer it is, the more people you will meet. But oh my god is it worth it.
Do you think these are some of the best winter hikes in Wisconsin? What other parks, trails and hikes do you choose in winter? Be sure to let us know in the comments! We are always grateful to hear your suggestions.
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More to discover
Winter In Wisconsin
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December 1, 2022
What are the best winter hikes in Wisconsin on the Ice Age Trail?
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is over 2,200 miles long and is located entirely in Wisconsin. To break up the thousand miles, the trail is divided into different hikes. Some of these hikes include:
- The Gibraltar Rock Segment in Columbia County
- The Springfield Hill segment of Dane County
- Grandfather Falls segment in Lincoln County
- Croix Falls segment in Polk County
- Blue Spring Lake segment in Jefferson County
- Walworth County Blackhawk Segment
- Jerry Lake segment in Taylor County
- A section of the Plover River in Marathon County
- The Harrison Hills segment of Lincoln County
These are just some of the segments. In this article, you can read about these and several other sections of the Ice Age Trail that are ideal winter hikes in Wisconsin. The Ice Age Trail is truly unique, and you can aid plan your visit by using Ice Age Trails Alliance website.
Where are the best places for a winter trip in Wisconsin?
When you’re feeling cabin fever and want to explore, consider taking one of these winter trips to Wisconsin and visiting:
- The Adventures of Wolfsong in Bayfield
- Minocqua Winter Park in Minocqua
- Badlands Sno Park in Hudson
- Kurtz Corral in Sturgen Bay
- Frozen waterfalls in Wisconsin across the state
- Waukesha’s Lowell Park
- Madison at Tenney Park
Check out this list to learn more about these places and attractions, as well as some other winter trip ideas for Wisconsin.
