There’s a quiet that descends upon the landscape after a fresh snowfall; it’s a palpable sense of peace that you can feel. It’s this feeling, this moment, that artists try to capture on canvas and film, and that poets try to immortalize with language. It’s something best experienced, though; a fleeting point in time that will become a hazy memory during the warmer months of the year. While the cold and snow are often associated with the holiday season, the magic really happens all winter long, all across the country, when the conditions line up just so. The following are 20 places that transform into magical winter wonderlands in the U.S. under a fresh blanket of snow and are best seen in person. So bundle up and brave the cold, because these wondrous winter landscapes across the U.S. are absolutely worth visiting.

Related Stories

These 12 U.S. Destinations Are Picture-Perfect For Outdoor Adventures This Winter

These 12 U.S. Destinations Are Picture-Perfect For Outdoor Adventures This Winter

These Incredible Outdoor Destinations Are Worth Bundling Up To Explore This Winter

These Incredible Outdoor Destinations Are Worth Bundling Up To Explore This Winter

These Award-Winning Wineries, Breweries, And Distilleries In The United States Are Truly Spectacular

These Award-Winning Wineries, Breweries, And Distilleries In The United States Are Truly Spectacular

There’s magic in a fresh winter’s snow: This cold-weather phenomenon exists simply as a quiet, beautiful, fleeting work of art. While winter may not be everyone’s favorite time of year, there’s something truly magical about this season –  especially in places in the USA where it snows in December, ahead of the holidays. And if you think these real-life snow globes are wondrous, you’ll absolutely want to visit these frozen ice castles this winter, too. You’ll forget all about the cold temperatures once you see these man-made frozen wonders. They are truly a sight to behold!

Before heading out to any cold-weather destination during winter in the USA, be sure you have all the cold-weather essentials you need! From base layers, sweaters, leggings, coats, hats, boots, and gloves to a slew of gear like day packs, luggage, thermal blankets, and even tire chains, one must be extra prepared when traveling in the winter. Make this winter an enjoyable one by having the best winter gear possible. Remember, some of these items make great holiday gifts too as do the items in our list of 75 Best Gift Ideas For The Traveler in Your Life.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Winte Wonderlands In The USA

What are some of the best winter wonderland places to visit in the U.S.?

There is something truly magical about snow. It can transform any destination into one of the most magical, enchanting, and breathtaking areas you have ever visited. Some of the best winter wonderlands in the USA include:

 

What are some charming mountain towns in the USA that I should visit during the winter?

The winter in America's mountain towns are truly spectacular. Often, these towns are where you can find some of the best outdoor recreation activities during this chilly time of year. It is also where many towns become some of the best winter wonderlands in the U.S. Some of our favorite mountains towns in America to visit during the winter include:

 

Where are some other must-visit destinations in the U.S.?

It is hard to narrow down all of the incredible destinations around the country, particularly those that deserve a spot on your bucket list. Fortunately, we have created several lists featuring some of the best of the best in the country. Use these lists to help you build your own bucket list. A few ideas include: