In Wisconsin, adventure calls no matter the season. If we’re not in the trenches of a snowstorm or experiencing temperatures 5 degrees and below, then there’s no reason to rewatch The Office for the 3rd time when you could be out exploring somewhere or something new.
Take the snowy winding roads to the start of the Driftless area, where you can experience a house full of so many oddities that you begin to wonder if you’re dreaming it all – especially the 200 foot long deep sea creature. Or, pick through a 78,000 square feet antique mall in the heart of the state, where you can find row after row of treasures.
These 9 destinations below are within a 2-hour(ish) radius of Milwaukee and are just a few of the unique activities Wisconsin offers that make it worthwhile to leave the house – even in the winter.
So, bundle up, start your car, stop at Kwik Trip for a coffee and box of glazers, and hit the road because life doesn’t stop once summer ends.
Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary
Walk or drive through this 4-acre wildlife sanctuary to enjoy animals like wolves, tigers, bears, and more in expansive natural habitats. If you’re brave enough, you can take your gloves off and head to their petting zoo section to give some good scratches to the critters there.
1901 Shalom Dr., West Bend, WI 53090
The House on the Rock
Famous for its Infinity Room, which dangles in mid-air, The House on the Rock has 80 rooms filled with all kinds of stuff – simply put. In this super unique attraction, you’ll find everything from self-playing mechanical orchestras to an indoor carousel, an old Wisconsin town you can walk through, a nautical-themed room, and well, you’ll have to visit to see what else they’ve got going on. NOTE: They are only open in the first part of the winter and are closed January – March.
5754 State Road 23, Spring Green, WI 53588
Winter Carnival in Madison (Feb 5-7)
This is a carnival that celebrates the best of Wisconsin in the winter right on frozen Lake Mendota. There will be ice skating nights, pancake breakfasts, Red Bull Light the Lamp, you can learn to ice fish, plus more activities both on and off the ice.
800 Langdon St. Madison, WI
2 Roots Wine & Art Gallery
Find your new favorite bottle of wine while also browsing the art pieces hanging on the wall at 2 Roots.
Aquavia Lumina
A multimedia walking experience like no other. Aquavia Lumina lights up the Wisconsin Dells and takes visitors on a journey through towering rocks while you experience projections, music, light displays and set designs in their immersive storyworld.
Fish Creek Winterfest (Feb 7-8)
Fish Creek’s Winterfest is the peak of small town winter charm. This weekend festival is filled with activities for people of all ages. Want to watch a fiddle championship? You can find it here. Does a candle-lit ski sound fun? They’ve got it. How about just sitting inside a heated tent with food and drinks to soak up the community spirit? You can do that too.
4174 Maple Street, Fish Creek, WI
Columbus Antique Mall
3 floors. 78,000 square feet. 400 booths. What won’t you be able to find here? The Columbus Anqiue Mall is the perfect spot for stepping back in time and browsing through relics. Its a vintage lovers ultimate dream for snagging the coolest furniture, glassware, clothes or curios.
Cave Point County Park
For those who love an outdoor adventure, hiking through Cave Point State Park when it’s at its most frozen is a quintessential Wisconsin winter experience. Frigid Lake Michigan waters build thick layers of ice on the rocky cliff-face, making a sparkling spectacle that will take your breath away.
Kohler Design Center
A unique stop for those who love to get inspired and are always thinking about their next home renovation project.