Discover America’s Most Underrated Winter Wonderland

Bridge over icy river in Chippewa Valley, WI

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As we shut out the ultimate chapter of 2024, most vacationers are looking for 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 yr for epic winter wonderlands like Colorado and Alaska, in addition to countless Christmasy destinations throughout Europe.

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

Bridge over icy river in Chippewa Valley, WI

An area report from the ‘Badger State’ signifies the Midwest’s new tourism hotspot is Wisconsin’s lesser-known winter wonderland, and it is absolutely not a family title.

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

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

Ever heard of it?

Small City Appeal And In style Breweries

Historic building in Chippewa Falls

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

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

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

Subsequent 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 fashionable 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 may get pleasure from insightful excursions of the brewery grounds and sip on $5 drafts throughout common enterprise hours and $2.50 beers for ‘Glad Hour’.

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

These are their winter hours by means of March:

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

Journey Tip: Take a look at Chippewa Falls’ events page for enjoyable winter actions like Irvine Park’s Christmas Village.

Rustic Cabins And Snow-Dusted Pines: Lake Wissota Is A Native’s Favourite Escape

Lake Wissota sunset

Subsequent 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 is just not 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 geared up for snowmobiles main deeper into Chippewa County’s intensive path system.

Snow-dusted pines in Chippewa Valley

There isn’t any higher technique 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 have been me, I might be throughout Inn On Lake Wissota.

Extremely rated, conveniently positioned, and providing fireplace pit seating with up-close lake views, it is easy to see why one latest visitor boasted, ‘The most effective locations we have ever stayed! You will adore it right here and never need to depart!’.

Wisconsin’s Uptick In Tourism

Woman hiking through snow-dusted forest

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

Ceaselessly missed as a go-to vacation spot, Milwaukee, Madison, and Wisconsin’s sliver of the Nice Lakes are too typically missed.

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

Whereas 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 economic system booming.

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

Two women walking in snowshoes

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

For instance, do you know Wisconsin is dwelling to 21 islands? It is true.

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

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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the put up.



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