When snow falls on Wisconsin, it transforms. You will be amazed by how some of your favorite sites look even more amazing with a fresh blanket of snow. Don’t believe me? Here are 12 awesome shots of sites that prove winter in Wisconsin is, simply put, jaw-droppingly beautiful.
1. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, 415 Washington Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814, USA
These 21 islands in northern Wisconsin will blow your mind any time of year, but particularly in the winter. When the lake has frozen over and is deemed safe, people are actually allowed to walk out and through the caves, which have transformed from sea caves to ice caves. Already magnificent structures, they look so amazing in the ice.
2. Devil's Lake State Park
Devil's Lake State Park, S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
As Wisconsin's most visited state park, it doesn't get too much love over the winter. And that should change. Just look at the awesome view of the lake you get when the trees are bereft of leaves. You can really appreciate the imposing rock formations, too.
If you're wonder what winter in Wisconsin is like, check out this YouTube video of Devil's Lake State Park in winter from Elliot The Redd:
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3. Kettle Moraine State Forest
Kettle Moraine State Forest, Kewaskum, WI 53040, USA
Kettle Moraine State Forest is such a massive area that it is actually split into two units. But whatever unit you choose to explore, you will leave happy. There are 250 miles of hiking trails to explore, and 100 miles of cross-country trails. Feeling lazy? That's just fine - you can take your car on the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, a 115 mile drive that links the two units.
Wisconsin's Driftless Area looks super stunning in the winter. Located in western Wisconsin along the mighty Mississippi, Perrot State Park offers some phenomenal views off of its 500-foot bluffs.
5. Horicon National Wildlife Refuge
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, Headquarters Road, Mayville, WI, USA
Indeed, the wildlife do not all disperse when the weather turns colder. Many of them stay right here in Wisconsin. And boy, do they look stunning against the snow. Just look at this shot of a cardinal taken at the refuge.
6. Big Manitou Falls
Pattison State Park, 6294 WI-35, Superior, WI 54880, USA
Wisconsin's largest waterfall, towering and tumbling 165 feet, Big Manitou Falls is imposing. When all of the area around it is snow covered and when bits of ice form in the falls themselves, it is just taken to a whole other level.
Consuming 1.5 MILLION acres in Wisconsin, Chequamegon-Nicolet pretty much is Wisconsin's Northwoods. Whether you are walking in the middle of the woods or along the beaches, it isn't winter in Wisconsin unless you are exploring the Northwoods.
8. New Glarus Woods State Park
New Glarus Woods State Park, W5446 County Highway Nn, New Glarus, WI 53574, USA
New Glarus makes a darn good beer, but the town is something else, too. For instance, you will love walking around the New Glarus Woods State Park. Explore over 430 acres of forest and prairie.
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9. Peninsula State Park
Peninsula State Park, 9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212, USA
Door County in the winter is totally underrated. People flood from all over to see Peninsula State Park in the fall, but you'd be surprised by what you find in the winter. Just look at this gorgeous shoreline.
10. Blue Mound State Park
Blue Mound State Park, Mounds Park Road, Blue Mounds, WI, USA
Blue Mound offers some fantastic views of Wisconsin, as it is the highest point in southern Wisconsin. You can also get to this observation tower (one of two) for even more elevation. Unique geological features make this is great place to explore, especially during the winter months.
11. Governor Dodge State Park
Governor Dodge State Park, 4175 WI-23, Dodgeville, WI 53533, USA
Occupying 5000 acres in Dodgeville, Governor Dodge State Park has all sorts of gems to offer you, like sandstone bluffs and even a waterfall. There are two lakes, which also look stunning when frozen over.
12. Willow River State Park
Willow River State Park, County Highway A, Hudson, WI, USA
With its panoramic river scenery, Willow River State Park is a must-see. Great views of the Willow River, beaches, prairie and a nature center are just some of the offerings here at Willow Falls State Park.
Aren’t these spectacular? We sure think so. Whenever you’re out enjoying winter in Wisconsin, don’t forget to pack all the winter essentials that you’ll need to stay warm and safe while you’re out there!
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More to Explore
Winter In Wisconsin
Trent Jonas|December 14, 2023
What is there to do during winter in Wisconsin?
As a northern state, Wisconsin is one of those places where folks embrace all the seasons, and that means that you will find plenty of things to do during winter in Wisconsin! Some of our favorite things to do during winter in the Badger State include:
Embracing Winter - quite literally. The town of Winter, Wisconsin, takes its name quite seriously and has made a name for itself as a winter destination in our gorgeous state. Whether you want to head out on the trails for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, fat biking, or cross-country skiing - or simply snuggle up with some cheese curds and a Spotted Cow or brandy old fashioned, you’ll find Winter to be a perfect place to spend winter in Wisconsin.
Enjoy a water park! No, it’s not what you think - as home to the Wisconsin Dells, the Badger State is the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” but that doesn’t just mean outdoor water parks. Not at all! You’ll find many, super-fun and expansive water parks in Wisconsin that offer plenty of fun and thrills for water park enthusiasts of all ages. Even better news? While many are, in fact, located in the Wisconsin Dells area, there are plenty of indoor water parks located across the state - so there’s probably even an indoor water park near me - and you, too! This is why we think visiting an indoor water park is one of the best things to do during winter in Wisconsin!
