Get outside and re-discover Wisconsin’s winter scenery in an extraordinary way. When there’s snow on the ground, all you need to do is strap on some snowshoes and challenge your stamina when taking on Wisconsin snowshoeing trails.
Lakeshore Snowshoe Trail
Bayfield
The stunning sea caves of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore transform into breathtaking ice caverns when winter temperatures arrive. The ice-draped sandstone cliffs have the appearance of a frozen, glazed-over cavernous cove decorated with curved stalagmites. This Wisconsin snowshoeing trail provides the prime opportunity to experience one of the state’s most wondrous winter marvels. In addition to crystalline caverns, the many island paths offer looks at lighthouses, abandoned quarries, historic logging camps and picturesque views all around. For more information, visit nps.gov.
Peninsula State Park
Fish Creek
The ever-popular Peninsula State Park is a snowshoe lover’s paradise with four miles of trails and nearly 60 inches of annual snowfall. One of Wisconsin’s largest and most visited state parks, this snowy haven is located in the beloved year-round tourist destination of Door County. In the park, there are three official snowshoeing routes: the 1.5-mile Sentinel Trail circle path, the milelong Minnehaha Trail along the Nicolet Bay, and the new, more difficult 1.5-mile Niagara Trail loop. Also, while on your adventure, be sure to stop at Eagle Tower to view panoramic views of Peninsula State Park and to see the white winter wonderland like never before. For more information, visit dnr.wisconsin.gov.
Kettle Moraine State Forest
Campbellsport
Nearly 30,000 acres of rolling hills, dense woodlands and expansive grasslands are open for exploration and enjoyment by visitors at Kettle Moraine State Forest. These Wisconsin snowshoeing trails have distinctive glacial characteristics that will leave you speechless. Once the snow begins to soar through the sky and coat the ground, be ready to experience the Muir and Carlin trail systems, dream destinations for snowshoeing adventures. Meandering ridges and massive drumlins are not only a reminder of a much icier history, but they can also challenge you to show off your snowshoeing skills. For more information, visit dnr.wisconsin.gov.
Beaver Creek Reserve
Fall Creek
If you’re looking to see just how beautiful winter in Wisconsin can be, then make sure to check out this Wisconsin snowshoeing trail. The best place to start out as a snowshoeing beginner is Beaver Creek Reserve, which offers snowshoe rentals for an amazingly low price. The beautiful Beaver Creek Reserve warms up when the air becomes chilly and the snow begins to fall. On over 800 acres of untouched nature reserve, guests will be greeted by groomed trails and navigational signage to stay on track. Don’t let the cold temperatures stop you from getting some fresh air and exercising this winter, especially if it can mean having fun in the great outdoors. For more information, visit beavercreekreserve.org.
Harrington Beach State Park
Belgium
If you think that Lake Michigan’s beaches are just for the summer months, then you need to experience the sandy setting with snow instead. When it’s cold enough, ice forms along the coast, and grasses in shades of brown and yellow peek through the snow that blankets the sand. In addition to the beautiful beach, Huntington Beach State Park also boasts a white cedar swamp and a 26-acre lake that was once a stone quarry. What really makes this Wisconsin snowshoeing trail so special are the seven miles of paths, one of which runs alongside Quarry Lake and is surrounded by white cedar trees and limestone. For more information, visit dnr.wisconsin.gov.