Discover America’s Most Underrated Winter Wonderland

Bridge over icy river in Chippewa Valley, WI

Share The Article

Final Up to date

As we shut out the ultimate chapter of 2024, most vacationers are in search of out sunny escapes comparable 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 12 months for epic winter wonderlands like Colorado and Alaska, in addition to limitless Christmasy destinations throughout Europe.

However Wisconsin most likely did not cross your thoughts, did it?

Bridge over icy river in Chippewa Valley, WIBridge 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 identify.

Nestled between Madison, Milwaukee, and gorgeous Lake Superior is a hidden gem with hovering customer numbers – and no, it isn’t 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 Attraction And Standard Breweries

Historic building in Chippewa FallsHistoric 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 may 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 stay 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 widespread Leinenkugel’s Brewery, which you’ve got possible seen their merchandise in your native grocery store’s cabinets.

Leinenkugel's BreweryLeinenkugel's Brewery

What makes this brewery further particular is the Leinie Lodge, the place you possibly can get pleasure from insightful excursions of the brewery grounds and sip on $5 drafts throughout common enterprise hours and $2.50 beers for ‘Blissful Hour’.

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

These are their winter hours by means of March:

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

Journey Tip: Try 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 sunsetLake Wissota sunset

Subsequent door to Chippewa Falls is tranquil Lake Wissota State Park, good 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 just isn’t 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 ValleySnow-dusted pines in Chippewa Valley

There is not any higher solution 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 had been me, I would be throughout Inn On Lake Wissota.

Extremely rated, conveniently positioned, and providing hearth pit seating with up-close lake views, it is easy to see why one current visitor boasted, ‘Among the finest locations we have ever stayed! You may like it right here and never wish to go away!’.

Wisconsin’s Uptick In Tourism

Woman hiking through snow-dusted forestWoman hiking through snow-dusted forest

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

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

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

Whereas official statistics aren’t fairly tallied up for 2024, it is anticipated Chippewa Valley will see a good larger spike, and locals are thrilled to see the economic system booming.

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

Two women walking in snowshoesTwo women walking in snowshoes

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

For instance, do you know Wisconsin is residence 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 method right here, it is inevitable to see much more points of interest pop up, particularly since Chippewa Valley talks a giant sport as a ‘year-round vacation spot’.

↓ Elevate Your Journey↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No advertisements, VIP Content material, Private Journey Concierge, Large Financial savings, Each day Offers, Members Discussion board & Extra!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: The place vacationers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even discover like-minded journey buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your electronic mail handle to subscribe to Journey Off Path’s newest breaking journey information, straight to your inbox.

This text initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the submit.



Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Translate »