Chasing Winter Thrills After Sunset in the Northwoods

We know how to do winter here in Wisconsin, and that includes enjoying frosty adventures even after the sun sets. So grab your favorite crew and plan a trip to the Northwoods, where snow-filled fun overflows.

While there are many great spots for winter fun in the Northwoods, Hayward and its surrounding area are a fantastic choice. Not only does the area average some 60 inches of the fluffy stuff every winter, but it’s home to the American Birkebeiner Trail System and the world-renowned American Birkebeiner.

American Birkebeiner

The “Birkie” is North America’s largest cross-country ski race, running 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Cable to Hayward for skate skiers and 53 kilometers (32.9 miles) for classic skiers. The American Birkebeiner Trail System, which encompasses the Birkie course, contains more than 100 kilometers (62 miles) of trail, including nine trailheads for easy access.

While many people use the Birkie trails during the day, they’re especially magical in the evening. Gather the family and head for the trail system’s lighted paths, which you can access from the County Highway OO and Fish Hatchery Creek trailheads. Each site sports several lighted trails for endless fun. As you glide along the soft, white snow, enjoy its sparkling glow, courtesy of ice crystals reflecting the light.

If you’ve got your pooch in tow, the Birkie Ridge trailhead is the place for you. Here, you’ll find a dog-friendly skiing loop where you can try skijoring. Skijoring is a novel winter sport that involves being pulled on skies by a dog (or two) connected to you via a bungee tow line.

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

Another great option for nighttime fun is fat-tire biking. More than 70 miles of groomed trails in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest await those riding fatties, as the bikes are fondly called. Beginners should check out the HASTA Hospital Ski Trails at the Tamarack Health Hayward Medical Center, or the aptly named Big Easy Loop at the County Highway OO trailhead. (More challenging paths are easily available, too.) It’s hard to top the exhilaration of pedaling through thick stands of pine and mixed hardwoods, blanketed in white, while stars twinkle above.

Not into skiing or biking? Then strap on a pair of snowshoes and wander along one of the numerous snowshoe paths in the area. Ease into it by first trekking along the half-mile Library Nature Park trail, which winds through the forest and wetlands behind Hayward’s Weiss Community Library. Then head for the Makwa Trail, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful spots for snowshoeing, due to its intimate feel and ever-changing landscape.

Hayward Sports Center and Community Park

If you’ve got ice skating fans in your family, check out the Friday night skate parties (check the calendar for exact dates) held at the Hayward Sports Center and Community Park. Glide around the rink to great tunes while enjoying the rink’s lively atmosphere. Skate rentals are available if you don’t own your own pair. This is a great way to support the local ice community while enjoying a fun evening.

A little too tired to exert yourself once the sun sets? You can still enjoy the gorgeous Northwoods by finding a quiet, open spot away from town and engaging in a little stargazing. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the Northern Lights spreading their colorful rays across the sky.

Although Hayward offers a beautiful daytime winter atmosphere, the fun and wonder truly take hold after dark. Thanks to the early sunset during these colder months, you'll have plenty of time each evening to explore activities and create lasting memories together.