Winter is here and you may be feeling a little awkward at home with your kids. Don’t let cooler temperatures and snow keep you indoors – there are so many ways to enjoy this time of year!
Winter in Wisconsin offers us plenty of days to get out and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of nature while we relax. And to top it off, you don’t have to worry about swatting mosquitoes or poison ivy! If you and your family haven’t tried your hand (well, foot?!) at snowshoeing, this season is the perfect time to do so.
Feeling a little intimidated by researching all the details? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn our tips on how to successfully snowshoe with kids (including little ones), where to rent snowshoes, and plenty of both nearby and day trip locations to enjoy an invigorating snowshoe adventure this winter with family.
Tips for a successful family snowshoe walk:
- Snowshoes can be rented to children around 4 years venerable. However, buyer beware – diminutive children may only last a few minutes. This brings me to my next tip…
- Consider pulling younger children on a sled or toboggan (or if kids get tired of snowshoeing). We also took a blanket for sledding. Also consider babywearing for your littlest winter lovers. I’ve also found that wearing a giant coat with your baby in front and zipping the coat over your baby’s feet and body creates a cozy bed for your little bundle.
- Snowshoes can be attached to regular snow boots and are usually made of aluminum. In some places you can still rent classic wooden versions (one of them is 1000 Islands in the Caucasus). Snowshoe sizes are determined by weight. Do you want to invest in something of your own? We had great success at Scheel’s in Appleton. Snowshoes can also be purchased or rented at the REI store in Appleton.
- Snowshoe trails are not maintained, and in many places you can also snowshoe off-trail! Most trails require 6 inches of good snow for a successful snowshoe adventure. Fluffy, fresh snow is the best!
- Please call ahead for conditions and to ensure snowshoes are available.
Where to snowshoe in the Northeast
Bubolz Nature Preserve in Appleton
Bubolz offers 13.5 miles of snowshoe trails! They will update their website about trail conditions or you can call. Always call ahead on weekdays to check rental availability.
- Address: 4815 North Lynndale Drive, Appleton, Wisconsin
- Telephone: 920-731-6041
- bubolzpreserve.org/plan-a-visit/ski-and-snowshoe-rentals/
- Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m
- Saturday 9:00 – 15:00
- Sunday 11:00 – 15:00
- CLOSED on Monday
- Rental fees:
- Members: $5 per pair
- Non-members: $10 per pair
- Trail fee only: $5 with your own gear for non-members and FREE for members.
READ MORE: Walk through a winter wonderland at Bubolz Nature Reserve in Grand Chute
Heckrodt Wetlands Preserve, Menasha
The snowshoe trail is approximately 1/2 mile long, not including the prairie trail. The prairie trail will add about 1/4 mile. The terrain is relatively flat. Head to Camp Winnecomac to see the best trails. Additionally, Heckrodt only rents snowshoes when there is at least six inches of fresh snow – it’s best to call ahead and make sure you’ll be able to rent snowshoes even if there appears to be enough snow.
- Address: 1305 Plank Road, Menasha, Wisconsin
- Telephone: 920-720-9349
- heckrodtnaturecenter.org/snowshoe-rentals/
- Nature Center opening hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m
- Saturday: 12 – 15:00
- CLOSED on Sunday and Monday
- Rental fee: $5
READ MORE: An adventurous day at the Heckrodt Wetland Reserve Bonus: treehouse playground!)
1000 Islands Environmental Center, Kaukauna
They can be rented from the Ecology Center and used both within and outside 1000 Islands. If you want to try classic hardwood frame snowshoes, this is the place!
- Address: 1000 Beaulieu Court, Kaukauna, Wisconsin
- Telephone: 920-766-4733
- Hours:
- From Tuesday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
- Saturday 10:00 – 15:30
- CLOSED on Sunday and Monday
- 1000islandssenvironmentalcenter.org/about-us/faq/
- Rental Fees
- Adults: $2.50 per pair
- Children: $1.50 per pair
- Weekend or weekday off-site: USD 5.00 per couple
- Friends of 1000 Islands members: FREE
READ MORE: Tips for visiting the 1000 Islands Environmental Center in Kaukauna.
High Cliff State Park in Sherwood
Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in High Cliff State Park, except groomed cross-country ski trails when snow-covered. The Forest Management Trail is good for winter hiking and snowshoeing.
READ MORE: 26 Amazing Wisconsin State Parks in 2 Hours or Less from Appleton!
Mosquito Hill Nature Center, New London
Snowshoeing trails are open and rentals are available when conditions permit. Please call in advance to check trail conditions. Mosquito Hill also has a great little natural playground that’s just as fun in the snow!
READ MORE: Mosquito Hill Nature Center: Learn about the local environment near New London
Ledge View Nature Centre, Chilton
The trails are open year-round from dawn to dusk, and the nature center is open every day except bank holidays. Call ahead to set up your rental and check snow conditions. They rent both wooden snowshoes for tender snow and aluminum snowshoes with tines for icier conditions.
- Address: W2348 Short Road Chilton, Wisconsin
- Telephone: 920-849-7094
- ledgeviewnaturecenter.org/676/Rentals
- Nature Center Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m
- Rental fee: $5 per pair
READ MORE: Exploring Chilton – nature center, caves, wooden park and ice cream!
Navarino Nature Center, Shiocton
Check out their winter map for designated snowshoe trails. Before you go, learn about winter events, including plenty of snowshoeing! Be sure to bring your sled to the sledding hill and stop at the Nature Center for a $1 balmy cocoa or cappuccino!
READ MORE: Regenerate with your family in nature all year round at the Navarino Wildlife Sanctuary and Nature Center
Hartman Creek State Park in Waupaca
Check winter map at Hartman Creek State Park to find 3.5 miles of designated snowshoe trails! They also offer overnight snowshoe hikes from time to time, so check out their website.
READ MORE: Hartman Creek State Park: Stay and Play at Beautiful Chain ‘O Lake in the Waupaca Area
Looking for even more snowshoeing spots? If you’re looking for a family snowshoe trip, check out these parks:
Devil’s Lake State Park
Devil’s Lake is breathtaking in the winter months, and oh boy, is it worth the trip! When snowshoeing, stick to trails that aren’t steep or rocky. We suggest trying a section of the Upland Loop Trail (4 miles) or asking the Nature Center for suggestions.
- Address: S5975 Park Road, Baraboo, Wisconsin
- Telephone: 608-356-8301
- Parking hours: Open every day from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. all year round
- Nature Center opening hours:
- From Monday, Wednesday to Friday from 10:00 to 16:00
- CLOSED on Tuesday
- Saturday – Sunday 10:00 – 17:00
- dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/devilslake/recreation/winter
- Rental fee: FREE, first come, first served lender available at the Nature Center. Please call first to check opening hours and availability.
READ MORE: Wisconsin’s Most Favorite State Park: Devil’s Lake with Kids
Newport State Park
Newport State Park does NOT offer snowshoe rentals, but it does offer approximately 5 miles of trails for snowshoeing or winter hiking! Newport State Park is also designated a Dark Sky Park (one of only two in the Midwest and 18 in the nation), making it an ideal spot for stargazing if you spend time after dim. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in one of the darkest places in our state!
READ MORE: Experience Rustic Wonder and Dark Skies at Newport State Park in Door County
Get out and discover! Any fresh snow is perfect for snowshoeing. What’s your favorite place to snowshoe?
