Recreational Area’s To Visit in Winter

Sure, summer is beautiful around here with late-night sunsets on the lake and green canopies everywhere you look, but lucky for us, the sights never stop – even in the dead of winter. Take a look at these multi-season spots to get an eye-full of natural beauty no matter the season. And remember, with every natural space you visit, please leave it as clean or cleaner than you found it. Pay attention to signs and don’t go on any open water.

Bond and Interstate Falls

Just a short drive north lie some of the region’s best waterfalls that are sure not to disappoint if you can weather the winter chill. Come winter, these beautiful falls turn the area into a frozen paradise that you can typically enjoy to yourself without the summer crowds.

Legendary Paulding Light

Known as “The Dog Meadow Lights,” the Paulding Light has been somewhat of a local legend for over 40 years. On almost any given night, even in winter, you can witness this strange phenomenon of lights floating midair like a mysterious lantern walking toward you. There’s lots of theories and stories of what – or who – it could be, but we say you should decide that for yourself.

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

If you think the Northwoods is pretty in summer, just wait until you see the 1.5 million-acre forest when it’s blanketed in snow. While you won’t be using their campground mid-winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

American Legion State Forest

Established in 1925, this state forest has more than 232,000 acres for you to enjoy all year long. Bring your fat-tire bikes, snowshoes and cross-country skis to explore hundreds of miles of trails through the winding forest. Or, if you want to pick up a little speed, there’s about 400 miles of marked snowmobile trails too.

Vilas County State Forest

Get outside on a huge system of snowmobile trails and take in all of the wintery sights and wildlife while snowshoeing, hiking or cross-country skiing on miles of forested trails.

Sylvania Wilderness

While summer guests get to enjoy camping, swimming, fishing and kayaking, winter guests can come for open season starting in January to glide across 26 miles of non-groomed cross-country and snowshoe trails that pass through old-growth forests and lakeside shorelines.