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Wisconsin’s state parks and forests house more than 4,600 campsites. Thirty-two parks remain open all winter, including Governor Dodge State Park in Iowa County.

Governor Dodge State Park
 

Five Great "Girl" Getaways

By Mary Bergin

Hey, girlfriend. Time to get away for a day - or longer - and no matter where you are around Wisconsin, you have choices.

Appleton
Make like Houdini and turn a few bucks into a whoppin’ shoppin’ experience in the heart of the Fox Cities. About 400 retailers, within two miles, help make it happen. Best base camp: CopperLeaf Boutique Hotel. Sip wine, dip in the whirlpool, indulge in a trio of spa services for $89 (room is extra).

Cedarburg
Homespun goodness blankets the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts, on a historic farmstead.  Head downtown to stock your own sewing room or sift through the handicrafts and antique treasures of others. More than a few great dining spots, too, and daily tours and tastings at the Cedar Creek Winery.

TravelWisconsin.com - Shake Rag Alley
Mineral Point
Create or just contemplate at Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts, where women’s retreats lift the spirit. Workshops teach everything from painting to performing. Also intriguing: A cornucopia of boutiques and galleries (Fall Art Tour, Oct. 19-21) and cultural pride (Cornish Festival, Sept. 28-30).

Wisconsin Dells
Don't worry - you can visit the Dells and avoid "the kids" at the same time. Pack a meal and check into Sundara Spa to pretend that money is no object. A $750,000 villa (with gourmet kitchen) sleeps up to eight, for as little as $400 per night. Tired of lounging? (As if!) Catch a show or shop the outlet mall.

Hudson
No need to cross the St. Croix River; state parks like Willow River and Kinnickinnic offer time and space for one-on-one girl bonding, hiking, and birding. Downtown retailers go all out for Girls Night Out, held four times a year, with product samples, demos, sales, and fun. The next one’s Oct. 11.