A weekly column written by the staff of Discover Wisconsin highlights things to do and see throughout the State of Wisconsin, and is made available for publication to members of the Wisconsin NewsMedia Association. The column is accompanied by photos for use in print and online. The Discover Wisconsin logo can be downloaded here.
When the temperatures drop, it can be tempting to stay home, curl up under a blanket and wait for spring. But in Wisconsin, we need to embrace chilly weather.
Reedsburg
Reedsburg is an easy choice when you want an easy day trip without having to plan every second of your day. Located in the Baraboo River Valley, this small town has a cute downtown filled with local shops, restaurants, and places to grab a coffee.
Start your day by walking around downtown and popping into a few local shops. When you’re ready to warm up, grab a coffee at Deli Bean Cafe and take your time. One of the best things about a small-town day trip is that you don’t really need a schedule. And if you’re the type of person who enjoys ice cream all year round, make a stop at Double Dip Ice Cream. Is it ever really too cold for ice cream? Wander around, find a new favorite spot, and see where the day takes you.
And if you want to spend some time outside, the surrounding area has plenty of opportunities to get some fresh air. Just make sure to bundle up! Then head back downtown for lunch or a warm drink before heading home. One great option is Jay’s Pub and Grill.
Sand Valley
If you’re someone who actually likes the cold season, Sand Valley should be on your list. Located in Nekoosa, Sand Valley is known for its golf courses, but there’s plenty to do when the golf clubs are put away for the season.
Once the snow arrives, you can explore the property on snowshoes or Nordic skis, go sledding, ice skate, or even play pond hockey. The snowy dunes and trails make the whole place feel completely different from what you’d see during the warmer months.
After spending some time outside, head inside to warm up with a meal or a drink at Aldo’s Farm & Table or the Mammoth Bar. It’s the perfect way to end a cold day, especially when you can look back outside at the snow without actually having to be in it.
Cable
For a classic Wisconsin winter day, head north to Cable. Located in the Northwoods, Cable is surrounded by forests, trails, and plenty of opportunities to get outside.
You can spend the day snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling, depending on what kind of adventure you’re looking for. The area is also home to the American Birkebeiner Trail System, so there’s no shortage of trails to explore.
But you don’t have to spend the entire day outside. Part of the fun of visiting the Northwoods in winter is finding a cozy place to warm up afterward. Grab coffee, stop somewhere for lunch, or find a local spot before heading back out.
And if you decide you’re having too much fun to drive home, there are plenty of cabins and resorts around Cable where you can turn a day trip into a full weekend. Garmisch USA Resort and Staudemeyer Four Seasons are just two of the many great options.
So, when the next cold weekend rolls around, don’t automatically make plans to stay home. Whether you’re wandering around Reedsburg, adventuring at Sand Valley, or heading north to Cable, there are plenty of ways to make the cold weather a little more fun.
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Josie Bartol is a Marketing Specialist and Project Manager at Discover Mediaworks. Watch the show online at DiscoverWisconsin.com. Follow Discover Wisconsin on Facebook (facebook.com/discoverwisconsin), Instagram (instagram.com/discoverwisconsin), and TikTok (tiktok.com/discoverwisconsin).
