Unexpected Ways to Play in Wisconsin This Winter

Wisconsin is a winter haven for skiing and snowmobiling, but the state also offers a wide variety of quirky and surprising types of snowy fun. From time-honored winter traditions and restorative wellness experiences to the downright silly, you’re sure to find a new favorite way to play.

Watch Ice Oval Racing  

Snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter sports in Wisconsin, but have you ever seen the professionals strut their stuff? Each year, racers gather at Eagle River’s World Championship Derby Complex and the Manawa Snodeo to race both vintage and high-tech snowmobiles around a giant ice oval track–sometimes reaching speeds over 100 miles per hour! Check out the World Championship Snowmobile Derby, the largest and most prestigious snowmobile competition in the sport, to join over 40,000 spectators in celebrating these amazing winter athletes.

Learn to Curl

Scottish immigrants brought curling to Wisconsin in the mid-1800s, embracing the cold weather by playing a game involving sliding irons across the ice as close to a target as possible. These days, you can play the popular sport throughout the state, including at the oldest continuously operating curling club in the United States. 

Visit Sand Valley Resort in Nekoosa, which offers free curling to guests and non-guests on their outdoor pond nestled in scenic Central Wisconsin. You can also take an intro to curling class at Hayward Curling Club, and drop into other clubs in Madison, Stevens Point, Wausau and beyond.

Play Broom Ball and Go Frozen Turkey Bowling

Originally started to beat the winter blues, Mount Horeb’s Scandihoovian Winter Festival includes a full schedule of unique events designed to renew your love of the snow and ice. On scenic Lake Stewart, try your hand at broom ball-a more casual version of ice hockey. And at the local skating rink, go bowling with frozen turkeys in place of balls. With an adult spelling bee, fat tire bike racing and specials at local shops throughout town, this is the perfect opportunity to gather your crew and make extraordinary winter memories.

Do a Cold Plunge and Sauna Experience

Travelers come from all over to enjoy Wisconsin’s wonderful winter season, and one of the most popular activities they choose is a cold plunge and sauna experience. Known for its health benefits, resorts such as Sand Valley and Big Rock Creek offer guests the chance to warm up in steamy saunas before dipping into a refreshingly icy body of water. You can find more offerings with scenic surroundings throughout the state, including Tuli Sauna & Plunge, Kiln Floating Sauna and Hot Spell Sauna. Wherever you choose, you and your group are sure to leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Fly a Kite on the Ice

Be part of a New Year’s Day tradition in Milwaukee by flying a kite on the icy shore of Lake Michigan at the Cool Fool Kite & Ice Festival. Every year on January 1, people gather at Veterans Park on the lakefront to fly kites, watch ice carvers, sip free hot chocolate and welcome the new year. Bring your own or stop at Gift of Wings (with a location within the park) and be part of the magical launch of 500 kites at noon. 

Give Snowga and Kubb a Shot

Residents of northern Wisconsin are experts at embracing the snowy season. During the annual Lake Superior Ice Festival, you and your group can try all kinds of unique winter activities, including yoga in the snow. Instructors will guide you through a laid-back, all-levels-friendly yoga flow with the snow-covered Wisconsin landscape as your backdrop. 

For a game the whole family will enjoy, the festival also offers Kubb. Described as a combination of bowling and horseshoes, this Swedish lawn game (turned ice game) has become popular throughout the Midwest. Teams throw wooden batons to knock over their opponent's blocks, and playing on the ice adds an extra layer of fun.

Try Your Hand at Snowsculpting

Once you’ve got the classic snowman down, why not branch out into other kinds of snow sculptures? If you need inspiration, check out the snow art made by professional artists at Mount Horeb’s Scandihoovian Fest, Fond du Lac’s Sturgeon Spectacular and, of course, Lake Geneva Winterfest, which includes America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational. These larger-than-life creations only last a few days, so enjoy them while you can!

Go Ziplining

In the winter? You bet! Try something new this season by soaring above the snow-covered treetops and sparkling terrain on a zipline tour. From the dense forests of the Northwoods to the dramatic bluffs near Wisconsin Dells, many zipline tours are open year-round and offer the chance to experience Wisconsin’s winter beauty in a totally new light. Just be sure to bundle up!

Searching for more winter fun? Find additional whimsical winter activities to enjoy in Wisconsin.