When the weather dips below freezing and the sun disappears before dinner is served, many Wisconsinites turn their attention indoors for ways to make it through the winter. But museums and movies can get old quickly, and despite chilly temperatures there’s no manmade replacement for good, old-fashioned fresh air. Even if you are not into skiing or snowmobiling, there is still plenty to do around the state to keep the blood flowing. Check out our list of 15 ways to embrace all the season has to offer.

1. Snowshoeing – Snowshoeing is a great way to get exercise that doesn’t require a high degree of skill like skiing or skating. Many state trails allow snowshoeing, some with stations for resting and warming up along the trail. Visit the DNR Website to find a trail near you.
2. Geocaching – Think of it as a high-tech treasure hunt. Hundreds of thousands of geocaches have been placed in spots around the world and logged on geocache.com. Visit the site to register for free, and enter your zip code to find a cache near you. Plug the coordinates into your GPS device and use it to help you find the “treasure.” Geocaches can be difficult to find in the winter, but many local clubs host special events during the snowy months with temporary caches. Check out the Wisconsin Geocaching Association’s Winter Bonfire and Chili Feed on February 27 at the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha Field Station near Waterville (registration required) or the Waukesha Winter Jamboree on January 23.  Be careful when searching and always seek permission from landowners before trekking onto private property.
3. Ice skating – Minnesota may be the land of 10,000 lakes, but Wisconsin actually boasts more – upwards of 15,000 bodies of water that total one million acres of water. That doesn’t even include the 6.5 million acres of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan that lie within Wisconsin’s borders. All this water means there are plenty of places to skate, slip and slide during the winter. Be sure to check ice conditions before heading out; temperatures need to be consistently below freezing for a few weeks before the ice is thick enough to skate on. For an even safer way to skate, check out some of the state’s outdoor skating rinks. Try the rink at Red Arrow Park in Milwaukee or Phillips Skating Rink in Phillips.
4. Sledding/tubing – Sledding is a classic winter activity that requires no more than a hill, some snow and a flat object to sit on – sled, tube, garbage can lid, even a lunch tray. (For years, University of Wisconsin students have snuck trays out of the cafeteria to sled down Bascom Hill in Madison.) As for that dreaded trek back up the hill, there are many locations around Wisconsin that now offer snow tubing chutes and towropes for getting back up. Check out Sunburst in Kewaskum or Cascade Mountain in Portage.
5. Ice fishing – Cut a hole in the ice and drop in a line. Hard-core fisherman will say you don’t need much more than that, while others prefer to erect house-rivaling shanties complete with televisions, bunk beds and space heaters. If you’re a novice to the sport, there are plenty of workshops across the state open to anyone willing to learn. Or, watch the pros at the World Ice Fishing Championship in Rhinelander, March 13-14.
6. Snow sculpting – Who says you’re too old to build a snowman? Grab some garden tools and a warm, waterproof pair of gloves and carve a winter masterpiece. For inspiration, check out the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship February 3-6 in Lake Geneva.
7. Make your own syrup – With sugar maple trees abundant in Wisconsin (it is, after all, the state tree), there are more than a few maple sugaring operations scattered throughout the state. The tapping season begins in late winter, and many producers and cities host open houses for tours and demonstrations. Check out Maple Syrup Fest March 28 at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center in Madison to learn the history of maple syruping, try your hand at tapping a tree, and taste fresh syrup.
8. Horseback riding – Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together (with you!). Enjoy a serene ride through snow-covered fields and pristine forests this winter (Christmas song not included). Or, try your hand at horseback riding. Many stables offer guided trail rides, no experience required. Red Ridge Ranch in Mauston is open every day for trail and sleigh rides.
9. Tobogganing – The faint of heart should avoid this adrenaline-inducing activity. Grab a wooden toboggan or rent one (most runs have rentals available on site), and fly down a wooden slide on an incline too steep for sledding. Try the run at Iverson Park in Stevens Point or the slide at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee.
10. Dog sledding – Spend a few hours – or an entire weekend - learning to mush. No need to go all the way to Alaska – try your hand at driving a sled dog team right here in Wisconsin. Space is limited, however, and spots fill up quickly so register early. Try Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing in Bayfield or Paw-Tuck-A-Way in Danbury. Or, if you just want to see the action up close, check out the Apostle Island Sled Dog Race in Bayfield February 6-7.
11. Skijoring – If reining in a dozen dogs to take you for a ride seems like a daunting task, skijoring might be an easier alternative. Skijorking comes from a Norweigan word that means “snow-driving” and involves being pulled on cross-country skis by one or more dogs. With a harness around the dog and one around your waist, you’re off and running. The DNR permits skijoring on non-designated cross-country ski trails, and as the sport grows in popularity so are classes. Try Two Moons Kennels in Springstead (715.583.9999).
12. Spelunking – Also known as caving, this adventurous sport will take you below ground to explore crystal and rock formations. Novice cavers may simply hike through caves while more experienced climbers use ropes and harnesses to repel or climb. Wisconsin caves remain relatively warm during the winter (45-52 degrees F), making it the perfect time to explore. Check out Wisconsin’s most famous cave, Cave of the Mounds, which offers daily tours throughout the year. 
13. Broomball – A broom, a ball and an icy stretch. That’s all you need for this hockey-like sport. A few friends to make a game out of it might help, too. The rules are basically the same as hockey, but small brooms are used instead of sticks and everyone runs instead of skates. Serious players can join leagues in Door County, Fox Valley and La Crosse.
14. Kite flying – Although an activity typically associated with warmer months, the brisk winds of winter and the frozen expanses of lakes can create ideal conditions for flying a kite. Join other fliers at events like Fish Creek’s Kites Over the Bay at their annual winter festival, February 5-7.
15. Hiking – It sounds simple, but trudging through snow can be a great way to work up a sweat and experience the natural beauty of winter in Wisconsin. With over 42 state trails, it’s easy to find one close to home. Try the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, which hosts naturalist-guided hikes every Sunday afternoon.

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