7 Awesome Wisconsin Winter Outdoor Activities 

Have you ever experienced a winter in Wisconsin? If you haven’t had the chance to enjoy Wisconsin with a fresh covering of snow on the ground, you will definitely want to plan a visit as soon as possible. Sure, Wisconsin might not the first place I think of for winter fun or winter outdoor activities, after-all, it’s not exactly warm. However, while Wisconsin may be cold in the winter months, it is beautiful and full of fun adventures for any outdoor enthusiast.  

The average temperature in Wisconsin can average around a high of 20 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below, depending on what region of the state you are in. Northern Wisconsin sees colder temperatures, but also more snow and has some great snowmobiling trails while the Southern portion of the state is a bit warmer with less snowfall.

Get excited for winter weather and check out this list of winter outdoor activities to prepare for your winter outdoor adventure in Wisconsin.

*Post Updated 11/1/2023*

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Wisconsin Winter Outdoor Activities:

1. Snow Tubing

If you’re looking for a fun activity for all ages that requires relatively little skill, snow tubing is just the activity for you! Tubing is similar to sledding in that you are sliding down a big, snow-covered hill. However, unlike with sledding, you are in a giant air-filled tube either by yourself, or tied up and connected with your friends and family. My favorite part of tubing is that you don’t have to walk up the slippery hill – you have a conveyor belt that moves you and your tube up so you can slide down again and again without getting tired.

There are numerous places around Wisconsin that offer tubing during the winter months. Pro tip: there are often discounts for going on weekdays or weekday evenings. And it’s usually a lot less crowded. Please check the website for tubing hill’s hours and detailed rates. Below are some favorite Wisconsin tubing options:

• Tyrol Basin (Mount Horeb) 

• Cascade Mountain (Portage) 

• Christmas Mountain (Wisconsin Dells) 

• Alpine Valley Resort (Elkhorn) 

• Wilmot Mountain (Wilomt)

• Mont du Lac Resort (Superior)

• Sylvan Hill Park (Wausau)

2. Ice Skating

I may not be the most graceful when wearing ice skates, but whether I’m on my feet or on my butt, it’s a fun winter activity. Many places rent skates and some places even have hot chocolate if you need a little skating break.

When looking for skating rinks, check local parks, higher-end hotels, and seasonal events. You’ll often find that holiday events like light shows or markets have an ice skating rink.

A few of my favorite places in Madison for ice skating are:

• Tenney Park – Frozen Lagoon 
  • Lagoon Hours
    • Monday through Friday: 11am-8pm 
    • Saturday: 12pm-8pm
    • Sunday: 12pm-6pm
  • Rental Hours
    • Wednesday through Friday: 4pm-8pm
    • Saturday: 12pm-8pm
    • Sunday: 12pm-6pm
  • Rental Prices 
    • Ice Skates – Figure and Hockey
      • Adults: $6/hr
      • Youth (15 and younger): $3/hr
      • $2/ each additional hour
    • Hockey
      • Sticks: $2/hr
      • Puck: $3/each purchase
      • Tape: $2/each purchase 
• The Edgewater Ice Rink (tickets can be purchased in advanced, but it is not required) – The Ice Rink will be opening December 1, 2023 for the season.
  • Ice Rink Hours
    • Monday/Tuesday – Closed
    • Wednesday – Friday, 4-9pm
      • (Open 2pm-4pm Thursday for “Tot Time” for ages 5 & under*)
    • Saturday, 11am – 9pm
    • Sunday, 11am – 7pm
  • Ice Rink Prices
    • Kids 12 and under: $4/hour
    • Adults (13+): $7/hour
    • Rental Prices: 
      • $3  
• Elver Park – Ice Rink
  • Lagoon Hours
    • Monday through Friday: 11am-8pm 
    • Saturday: 12pm-8pm
    • Sunday: 12pm-6pm
  • Rental Hours
    • Wednesday through Friday: 4pm-8pm
    • Saturday: 12pm-8pm
    • Sunday: 12pm-6pm
  • Rental Prices
    • Ice Skates – Figure and Hockey
      • Adults: $6/hr
      • Youth (15 and younger): $3/hr
      • $2/ each additional hour
    • Hockey
      • Sticks: $2/hr
      • Puck: $3/each purchase
      • Tape: $2/each purchase

3. Ice Fishing

I’m impressed every single year when I drive past Lake Monona in Madison and see it FILLED with shanties, no matter the temperature. Ice fishing is a very popular activity in Wisconsin and there are even annual events around the state. Each February, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin hosts the Door County Ice Fishing Tournament. And you thought fishing was just a summer activity!

Keep in mind that a Fishing License is required for anyone over the age of 15. You can purchase a license through the Wisconsin DNR. There are a variety of license options available, so please check the website for the best option for you, along with prices. An annual general fishing license is $20 (resident) or $50 (non-resident), but there are also single-day options, family licenses, discounted licenses for certain individuals and more. Some lakes also require a lake access permit for ice fishing so be sure to check with the city or county of the lake you’ll be visiting to learn exactly what you will need.

4. Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is an easier, relatively affordable outdoor activity that most anyone can do, especially if skiing or snowboarding is not your thing or in your budget. Many people love snowshoeing because it’s a great way to keep up with hiking miles during the winter months.

If you’ve never tried snowshoeing and want to try it before you buy the snowshoes and poles, several places rent snowshoes and equipment, including some local Dane County parks, some Wisconsin State Parks, and REI stores. This article from REI has great information for first-time snowshoers, including equipment needed, basic information, and techniques.

Please keep in mind that many trails in state parks become cross-country ski and snowshoe trails during the winter months (no hiking allowed). If you are looking to hike, check ahead to make sure the park has trails available for regular hiking.

5. Skiing

For all of the skiing enthusiasts, Wisconsin has some great cross country ski trails and downhill ski slopes all throughout the state. While it may not be to the level of Vail or Jackson Hole, Wisconsin has its own special charm. The ski community in Wisconsin is huge and you’re sure to have a blast.

I tried downhill skiing for the very first time in 2023 at Tyrol Basin and had a blast. I can’t say I’m going to be a pro-skier, but I enjoyed trying it out on the bunny hill without any expectations. Also super proud that I put on skies for the first time as a 28-year-old. We are never too old to try new things!!

Below are a few well-know Wisconsin Ski Resorts:

• Wilmot Mountain (Wilmot)

• Granite Peak (Wausau)

• Tyrol Basin (Mount Horeb)

• Devil’s Head Resort (Merrimac)

6. Snowmobiling

If you’re looking to cover some ground, try snowmobiling on Wisconsin’s miles of trails. According to Travel Wisconsin, the state has over 25,000 miles of trail for snowmobilers to enjoy. It’s an especially great way to explore Northern Wisconsin and maybe even stay in some of the great winter resorts the state offers. There are several locations around Wisconsin that offer snowmobile rentals, so be sure to check out options in the area you will be visiting.

7. Sledding

A classic winter snow activity, sledding is the perfect activity for the whole family. As long as you have a hill with some snow and something to slide down on (likely a sled 🙂 ), you can have hours of fun. And you get a great workout in walking back up the snow-covered hill repeatedly. 

Preparing for Your Snowy Adventure:

Before you head out for your winter outdoor activities, make sure you have these cold-weather essentials to keep you warm:

• Winter Hat/Headband – Carhartt Men’s Knit Hat

• Gloves – HEAD Multi-Sport Running Gloves (Touchscreen) / Mittens – isotoner Women’s Chunky Cable Knit Gloves (gloves are easier to hold things and take photos, etc. than mittens, but often I find mittens to be warmer, especially when outdoors for a long period of time) 

• Snowpants – Columbia Snowpants (my favorite!!) 

• Warm Winter Coat

• Winter Boots – I personally use hiking boots because I feel like they slip less, but there are so many options out there so just make sure you find something warm, comfortable, and waterproof

Don’t forget to check the weather before heading out on your winter adventures – it’s better to be over-dressed than left freezing in potentially dangerously cold weather. Let me know your favorite winter activities in the comments!