As temperatures continue to drop and the sun sets earlier this winter, many Wisconsinites will likely start dreaming of a hot, tropical vacation.
But these places might change your mind and plan a day trip to a cozy winter wonderland instead.
Just in time for December, New York Travel Guides has released its list of highlights for 2023 “110 of America’s Coziest Winter Towns for a Magical Getaway.” The authors of Travel Guides surveyed 575 tiny American towns and rated them based on their popularity with Internet search engines and photographers during the winter, as well as “cozy” winter weather – average high temperature, total winter snowfall and frequency of snowfall.
The most crucial thing, however, is that cities were assessed based on their “cozy activities and atmosphere.” The presence of Christmas or winter festivals is taken into account, as well as the appearance of each city and the number of performing arts theaters, places to stay, cozy restaurants and cafes.
Three Wisconsin cities made the list, making them perfect for your next winter weekend. Bayfield, located in the north near the Apostle Islands, was voted the 19th coziest winter town in America. Meanwhile, much closer to Milwaukee, Cedarburg finished 29th and Lake Geneva finished 39th.
So what makes these three cities such great winter destinations? Here’s what you need to know.
Enjoy Christmas lights and winter sports up north in Bayfield
Over six hours from Milwaukee, at the very top of the state, in the historic tiny town of Bayfield is located on the shores of Lake Superior, just a ferry ride from Madeline Island. Although only just over 500 people call this city home full-time, it welcomes thousands of visitors year-round for its beaches, water sports, restaurants, resorts, and more.
Bayfield is the 19th coziest town in America according to New York guides and is worth visiting for a “magical getaway” this winter. According to Travel Guides, one of the best winter events in the city is the so-called annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Downtown Bayfield, where “you can see beautiful Christmas lights and listen to music.”
The ceremony is part of Bayfield’s Program of the event “Christmas in your hometown”. in November and December, during which tiny business stores are also indexed, special overdue night shopping hoursa Santa Claus ferry cruise and regular musical and improvised performances.
The fun continues in March Bayfield Winter Festivalwhich includes a polar swim in Lake Superior that you can enjoy Bayfield Recreation and Fitness Resources or the nonprofit organization of your choice.
Bayfield has been bragging all winter long a wide range of outdoor activitiesincluding cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing and snowboarding.
After an eventful day in the chilly, Travel Guides recommends visitors visit this place Wonderstate Coffee for a hot drink and fresh, local baked goods. You can also visit many local shops, bars, breweries and restaurants in the city, including: Copper Crow DistilleryAccording to the town of Bayfield’s website, it is the first Native American-owned distillery in the United States.
North of Milwaukee, Cedarburg is home to many winter festivals
If the six-hour trip to Bayfield doesn’t fit your schedule, Cedarburg – which travel guides voted the 29th coziest American town for a winter getaway – is only 30 minutes from Milwaukee.
One of the main events is highly acclaimed “Christmas in Cedarburg” where families can visit Santa’s life-size workshop, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and take part in many other holiday events. Other holiday celebrations include Christmas movies throughout December in the historic Rivoli Theater, “Enchanted Christmas” events. at the Cedarburg Art Museum, solemnly musical performances and Santa Claus Run over a distance of 5 km.
Christmas tree lights lovers will be delighted “Enlighten Ozaukee” a drive-thru holiday lightweight show on select December nights at Zeunert Park in Cedarburg. Cedarburg is also home to Holiday Art Fair presented by the Cedarburg Artists Guildwhere you can find works by over 40 local artists made in a variety of techniques.
With many of Cedarburg’s Christmas celebrations wrapping up, Travel Guides recommends visitors check out the City Winter Festival, which takes place in February. Festival goers can take part in an indoor market, craft beverages, chili barbecue, ice carving contest, dog pulling contest and more.
After all the festival fun, Travel Guides encourages you to treat yourself to a meal Christmas apple in caramel With Amy’s delicious appleslocal gourmet candy company in Cedarburg.
Come and see the giant, illuminated ice castles on Lake Geneva
A year-round resort Lake Genevalocated about an hour from Milwaukee, it was voted the 39th cozy American town for a “magical” winter getaway by Travel Guides.
Travel guides recommend checking “Winter Realms” at the Geneva National Resort and Club. “Winter Realms” is an immersive outdoor Ice Castle experience featuring giant, colorfully lit ice caves and arches. At “Winter Realms” you can also see and experience horse rides, ice volcanoes, igloos, tubing attractions, ice sculptures, ice slides and ice thrones.
At the beginning of February, visitors will be able to take part in the fun at Lake Geneva Winter Festival, home to the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championships. “Witness 15 teams of state champions at work during a three-day competition where their craftsmanship is put to the test as they create extraordinary, oversized snow sculptures,” writes Visit Lake Geneva. Winterfest enthusiasts can also enjoy downtown ice sculpture walks, beach bonfires, live entertainment, and more.
Lake Geneva is also home to many winter sports throughout the winter. To go skiing and snowboarding on the hills of the Grand Geneva Resort. You can also try sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or ice skating at the center. You can even experience winter zipper lining over snow covered trees with ziplines and adventures on Lake Geneva.
If you prefer to stay inside, Lake Geneva hosts numerous winter events and indoor performances, including holiday-themed ones horse shows AND magic shows“parade” of over 40 decorated Christmas trees on the street Lake Geneva Museumand Grand Geneva “Walk Through the Gingerbread House” and a decoration competition.
