Winter hit us hard and there’s only so much time a Wisconsinite can spend inside before they get a little fed up of the same four walls. Lucky for us, our state has one of the best park systems in the world and only a few of our parks close down in the winter.
Whether it’s a bracing hike to breathe fresh air or a moonlight cross-country skiing trip, there’s plenty to do and every reason to get up off the couch, bundle up and head on out to the trails. If you’re wondering where you begin, we’ve rounded up some of the best winter hikes in Wisconsin.
This is Wisconsin's first designated natural area. The path is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, year-round. Palfrey's Glen is located near Devil's Lake State Park.
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2. Greenbush recreation area trails - Kettle Moraine State Park Northern Unit
Two different trail loops are open to cross-country skiers, hikers and snow-shoers. There is a lighted ski path, a heated picnic area, and access to the Greenbush loop system on the Ice Age Trail. There are also 60 miles of snowmobile trails through the Kettle Moraine State Forest.
With a tower to view the whole area and multiple trails length and difficulties to choose from, there's no good reason to put off a trip to Lapham Peak. It's an ideal place for Milwaukeeans to get back in nature. The park is open Park hours: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. During the snow season, the 2.5-mile lighted loop is lit Monday through Saturday until 9 p.m. The park closes at 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Located about 30 minutes from Madison, this park invites the city dwellers into the great outdoors. With more than 400 acres, it's one of the biggest parks in Dane County. The park has snow shoeing, hiking, ice fishing and cross-country skiing.
With a 1.7 and 3.1-mile option and the ability to hike or ski, this trail has lots to recommend it. Parts of the park offer Mississippi River views, while others are well-known for the wildlife they support.
There are 23 miles of well-marked trails for this part of the Ice Age Trail in the Chippewa Moraine Reserve. Read more about the fascinating Ice Age Trail in this article
Is this cheating since I already included Palfrey's Glen? Maybe, but there is so much diverse terrain in this park that it seems fair to split it up. From climbs on down to the forest floor, there's plenty to explore here. One of the coolest things about Devils Lake State Park is that it offers camping all year long. If you're going in the winter, don't forget the long underwear!
With more than 1,500 acres, it's impossible to narrow this down to a trail. No matter where you are up north, you're near a place worth lacing up the boots to see.
The spring-fed lake is property of the Nature Conservancy . The trail's proximity to Lake Michigan and travels through unique wetlands make this a fun trip.
13. Peninsula State Park - Door County
Peninsula State Park, 9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212, USA
With 10 cross-country skiing trails, three snow shoe trails, and 17 miles of snowmobile trails in addition to winter hiking, Peninsula State Park is a must for the winter outdoorsman. You can check out this article to find out more about what makes Peninsula State Park so amazing and have some of the best winter hikes in Wisconsin.
Open year-round from 6 a.m .to 11 p.m. , this park is just 25 miles west of Madison. There are multiple trails for every experience level and a few groomed for skiing, as well.
At this point you've probably figured out I'll include the Apostle Islands ice caves any time I can.
It's about a mile hike across the frozen lake to get to the caves. Depending on the weather, you might need ice cleats. The warmer it is, the more people you'll run in to. But oh my, is it worth it.
Would you consider these to be some of the best winter hikes in Wisconsin? What other parks, trails and hikes do you take in the winter? Make sure to tell us in the comments! We always appreciate hearing your suggestions.
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More to Explore
Winter In Wisconsin
Katie Feldkamp|December 01, 2022
What are some of the best winter hikes in Wisconsin as part of the Ice Age Trail?
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is over 1,200 miles long, entirely in the state of Wisconsin. To break up the thousand of miles, the trail is divided into various hikes. Some of those hikes include:
Gibraltar Rock Segment in Columbia County
Springfield Hill Segment in Dane County
Grandfather Falls Segment in Lincoln County
Croix Falls Segment in Polk County
Blue Spring Lake Segment in Jefferson County
Blackhawk Segment in Walworth County
Jerry Lake Segment in Taylor County
Plover River Segment in Marathon County
Harrison Hills Segment in Lincoln County
These are just a few of the segments. You can read about these and several other segments of the Ice Age Trail that are picture-perfect winter hikes in Wisconsin in this article. The Ice Age Trail is truly exceptional, and you can also help to plan your visit by using the Ice Age Trail Alliance website.
Where are some of the best places to take a winter day trip in Wisconsin?
When cabin fever strikes and you want to go exploring, consider taking one of these winter day trips in Wisconsin and visit:
Wolfsong Adventures in Bayfield
Minocqua Winter Park in Minocqua
Badlands Sno Park in Hudson
Kurtz Corral in Sturgen Bay
Wisconsin’s Frozen Falls all throughout the state
Waukesha’s Lowell Park
Madison’s Tenney Park
Check out this list to learn more about these places and activities as well as several other suggestions for winter day trips in Wisconsin.
