Discover America’s Most Underrated Winter Wonderland

Bridge over icy river in Chippewa Valley, WI

Share The Article

Last Updated

As we shut out the ultimate chapter of 2024, most vacationers are in search of out sunny escapes corresponding to Florida, Mexico, and even so far as Europe’s sunniest area, the Algarve.

On the flip facet, a few of us embrace the coldest season of the 12 months for epic winter wonderlands like Colorado and Alaska, in addition to limitless Christmasy destinations throughout Europe.

But Wisconsin in all probability did not cross your thoughts, did it?

Bridge over icy river in Chippewa Valley, WI

A neighborhood report from the ‘Badger State’ signifies the Midwest’s new tourism hotspot is Wisconsin’s lesser-known winter wonderland, and it is certainly not a family identify.

Nestled between Madison, Milwaukee, and beautiful Lake Superior is a hidden gem with hovering customer numbers – and no, it isn’t the land of cheese and soccer both.

An enchanting area dotted with thrilling winter sports activities experiences, timeless cities, and sprawling postcard-worthy landscapes, amongst different shocking delights, is none apart from Chippewa Valley.

Ever heard of it?

Small Town Charm And Popular Breweries

Historic building in Chippewa Falls

A go to to Chippewa Valley will transport you to a Hallmark film. Picture winding backroads lined with snow-dusted pines and small cities oozing rustic attraction with down-home diners and quaint retailers.

If there’s one city you might need heard of – key phrase: may – is the stunning city of Eau Claire, thought-about to be the ‘North Star’ of Chippewa Valley.

This artsy school city transforms right into a quintessential white Christmas getaway and provides a broad vary of historic inns to trendy boutique hotels with dwell jazz.

Next up on the Chippewa Valley wheel is equally named Chippewa Falls, an idyllic winter escape with a picturesque city heart, circa 1900’s Bed and Breakfasts, and standard Leinenkugel’s Brewery, which you’ve got doubtless seen their merchandise in your native grocery store’s cabinets.

Leinenkugel's Brewery

What makes this brewery further particular is the Leinie Lodge, the place you possibly can get pleasure from insightful excursions of the brewery grounds and sip on $5 drafts throughout common enterprise hours and $2.50 beers for ‘Happy Hour’.

Make positive to take a look at their seasonal beers, like fan-favorite Snowdrift Vanilla Porter or my private favourite, Summer Shandy.

These are their winter hours via March:

Sunday – Wednesday
12:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday – Saturday
10:00am – 8:00pm

Travel Tip: Check out Chippewa Falls’ events page for enjoyable winter actions like Irvine Park’s Christmas Village.

Rustic Cabins And Snow-Dusted Pines: Lake Wissota Is A Local’s Favorite Escape

Lake Wissota sunset

Next door to Chippewa Falls is tranquil Lake Wissota State Park, excellent for these prepared to courageous the chilly and luxuriate in all of the enjoyable actions that snow brings.

One distinctive attraction is the chance to ice fish, however simply bear in mind that ice thickness just isn’t monitored.

For the extra adventurous, circle your calendars for January 15, 2025 for a night candlelit gathering for skiers, snowboarders, and hikers for winter thrills previous sunset.

The park boasted roughly 8 miles of well-groomed trails for skiers, 10 miles for snowshoeing, and one other 5 outfitted for snowmobiles main deeper into Chippewa County’s intensive path system.

Snow-dusted pines in Chippewa Valley

There’s no higher method to immerse your self within the magical surroundings surrounding Lake Wissota.

There are quite a few cozy cabins lining the lake and into the forest listed on Airbnb and Vrbo.

If it had been me, I’d be throughout Inn On Lake Wissota.

Highly rated, conveniently situated, and providing fireplace pit seating with up-close lake views, it is simple to see why one latest visitor boasted, ‘One of one of the best locations we have ever stayed! You’ll find it irresistible right here and never need to go away!’.

Wisconsin’s Uptick In Tourism

Woman hiking through snow-dusted forest

Also listed in WQOM’s report is Wisconsin’s general uptick in tourism.

Frequently ignored as a go-to vacation spot, Milwaukee, Madison, and Wisconsin’s sliver of the Great Lakes are too usually ignored.

However, the out of doors recreation sector grew 9.4%, which speaks to Chippewa Valley’s enchantment.

While official statistics aren’t fairly tallied up for 2024, it is anticipated Chippewa Valley will see a fair greater spike, and locals are thrilled to see the financial system booming.

With overtourism and even gentrification being a giant concern these days, there can by no means be too many welcoming locations.

Two women walking in snowshoes

Wisconsin is stuffed with delights past Chippewa Valley as properly, so if you go to, do not let it’s your end-all-be-all getaway.

For instance, do you know Wisconsin is house to 21 islands? It’s true.

That being stated, Chippewa Valley is undoubtedly the state’s most underrated winter getaway, and as extra guests make their approach right here, it is inevitable to see much more sights pop up, particularly since Chippewa Valley talks a giant sport as a ‘year-round vacation spot’.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No adverts, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where vacationers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even discover like-minded journey buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your e-mail deal with to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s newest breaking journey information, straight to your inbox.

This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the submit.



Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *