As the days get shorter and colder, it is easy to dread winter, but like all seasons, winter has charm. Making a Wisconsin Winter Bucket list of fun winter things gives me something to look forward to. Referring back to it when dreaming of summer helps me focus on what I can do this winter, this week, or even today to enjoy this snowy wonderland.
Here is my Wisconsin Winter Bucket List. You can pick one to enjoy this week or try to tackle the whole list. Enjoy!
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The Basics-Affordable, Accessible, and Fun
- Sledding-Grab a sled from a thrift store and hit a local park or buy tickets for a tubing hill
- Ice Skating-Make your own or find the open skate time at your local rink.
- Build a Snowman– All you need to do is wait for the right snow.
- Make s’mores over a campfire-There is nothing like warming your hands by the warm fire on a cold, snowy evening.
- Enjoy hot chocolate-Get fancy with cozy mugs and hot chocolate bombs.
- Mix homemade snow ice cream– My favorite recipe is 10 cups of fresh snow mixed with one can of sweetened condensed milk plus a teaspoon of vanilla. Mix well.
- Trek to a frozen waterfall– They look different every year, depending on the weather.
- Make a snow angel-Yup, you can do it. Lay down in that snow and pretend you’re a kid again!
- Take a snowy hike– There are so many beautiful options. Dress warm and enjoy the moment.
- Make a Gingerbread house– We get the prepackaged ones to make it easier.
- Walk on a frozen lake– Check the thickness of the ice first!
- Take advantage of the shorter days by star gazing.
Adventurous Additions
Looking for more adventure on your Wisconsin winter bucket list? Or are you craving something more unique? I have suggestions for that, too!
- Ski or snowboard-Granite peak is in the center of the state and there are larger hills farther north.
- Take the Polar Plunge for charity.
- Take in the scenery while winter zip lining– They are open all year at Lake Geneva or Wisconsin Dells.
- Rent a fat bike and hit the trails in the snow. Winman Trails has amazing trails but many local mountain bike trails also groom for the winter.
- Grab an ice pick and try ice climbing.
- Find an outdoor hot tub to enjoy the stars. When you get too hot, jump out and roll in the snow before getting back in. Try searching AirBnb for a location.
- Try an Escape Room– The perfect way to spend a cold winter day. Search for clues and solve puzzles to complete the quest and “escape” the room.
- Jump at a Trampoline Park. What a great way to burn energy even when it’s cold.
- Candlelight hike or snowshoe-many local state parks sponsor these events.
- Eat inside a heated Igloo.
Wisconsin Winter Bucket List Destinations
- Wisconsin Dells– An excellent selection of indoor waterparks, the VIP Timbavati Tour, or WizardQuest.
- Willow River State Park in Hudson-A huge waterfall
- Eagle River– Enjoy the Ice Castle.
- Bayfield-See the Ice Caves at the Apostle Islands. You can only visit them under certain conditions, so check ahead.
- Sturgeon Bay– The beautiful Cave Point Park.
- Milwaukee-The butterfly pavilion at the Milwaukee Public Museum.
- Green Bay-Feed the ducks at Bay Beach Wildlife Refugee and sled or ice skate at Titletown next to Lambeau Field.
