5 unique winter attractions to see in Wisconsin
Get out and explore Wisconsin this winter! You’ll find unique attractions across the state, from giant snowmen and scenic ice skating ribbons in the Northwoods to snow-covered trails at the country’s largest freshwater marsh. Here are a few places you should check out when the snow flies.
The Glide at Boulder Junction Winter Park
This one-of-a-kind attraction can be found in Boulder Junction in the heart of Vilas County in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. The Glide is a 0.8-mile ice skating ribbon that circles Boulder Junction Winter Park and takes skaters among the snow-covered trees of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. It’s free and open to the public from 10am to 10pm daily (when conditions permit). A limited number of skates can be borrowed on site; Coontail in downtown Boulder Junction also offers rentals. Learn more.
Snowmy Kromer, Minocqua
Everybody knows about the iconic Stormy Kromer winter hat, but have you ever heard of Snowmy Kromer? This larger-than-life—much larger than life!—snowman towers 30 feet over the Minocqua Visitors Center on Highway 51 in winters when there’s enough snow for him to come to life. Bedecked with his signature size 96 Stormy Kromer cap, Snowmy is a popular photo op for people visiting Minocqua in the winter months. Learn more.
World Snowmobile Headquarters, Eagle River
Eagle River in Vilas County is the Snowmobile Capital of the World® for good reason—it’s got more than 500 miles of excellent snowmobile trails, its winter calendar includes signature events like the World Championship Snowmobile Derby, and it’s got attractions snowmobilers will love. Located next to the World Championship Snowmobile Derby Track, the World Snowmobile Headquarters is home to a museum highlighting the history of the sport, the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame, and a gift shop. Learn more.
Powers Bluff County Park, Marshfield
Head 15 minutes southeast of downtown Marshfield in central Wisconsin to find this 160-acre park that’s home to a small ski hill with three downhill/snowboard runs and a tubing hill with four fast-paced tube runs. Powers Bluff is also home to trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and part of Wood County’s snowmobile trail system runs through the park. Learn more.
Horicon Marsh, Dodge County
This incredible natural attraction in Dodge County (located between Madison and the Fox Cities in central Wisconsin) is an astonishing place to visit in any season: it’s a freshwater marsh that spans 33,000 acres and has been categorized as a Wetland of International Importance and a Globally Important Bird Area. In winter, the marsh’s trails are open to hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing (note that trails are not specifically groomed for winter activities). Learn more.
