The Top Choices Offer Opportunities for Cross-Country Skiing, Camping, and Snowmobiling.
The snowy season has become a popular and busy time in the Wisconsin state park system, with opportunities for a number of winter activities. With 664 miles of trails to explore, cross-country skiing is the most popular winter sport in the state parks. More than 20 parks offer opportunities for winter camping, and snowmobilers can travel on more than 925 miles of trails.

Kettle Moraine State Forest

Kettle Moraine State Forest provides an excellent winter recreation outlet. The Southern Unit includes 30 miles of groomed and marked cross-country ski trails, and the Emma Carlin Trail is set aside for winter hikers and snowshoers. There is a reservable, enclosed picnic shelter available for gatherings, and there are great ice fishing spots at three locations. Snowmobilers will find 56 miles of trails that connect with surrounding county and club trails. Forty campsites are also available for winter camping at Ottawa Lake. The Northern Unit offers 23 miles of groomed cross-country trails and 60 miles of snowmobile trails. Indoor group camping is available as well as 16 campsites during the winter months.

Blue Mound State Park

Home of the highest point in southern Wisconsin, Blue Mound State Park provides opportunities for many winter activities, including camping, hiking, snowshoeing, sledding and cross-country skiing. Skiing is by far the most popular winter sport in the park.

Blue Mound has nine miles of cross-country ski trails that wind through forest and open fields. Winter camping enthusiasts can also choose from 82 campsites.

Interstate State Park

The granddaddy of the park system, Interstate State Park is located on the Wisconsin/Minnesota border. The park?s 11 miles of cross-country ski trails offer both the novice and experienced skier an opportunity to see remote areas of the park during the winter months. The two miles of snowmobile trails also provide an excellent connector route to nearby county and club trails.

Red Cedar State Trail

Known for its scenic, naturally formed blue wall of ice, Red Cedar State Trail offers 13 scenic miles of cross-country ski trails and 2 miles of snowmobile trails.
When you visit a Wisconsin state park, forest, trail or recreation area during the winter, keep an eye out for events such as family snowshoeing, winter nature hikes, and candlelight skiing, many of which offer toasty mugs of hot cocoa after your invigorating winter adventure.

Return to Best of the Best Winter State Parks page
Winter Tubing in Wisconsin - courtesy of Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources The Top Choices Offer Opportunities for Cross-Country Skiing, Camping, and Snowmobiling.
The snowy season has become a popular and busy time in the Wisconsin state park system, with opportunities for a number of winter activities. With 664 miles of trails to explore, cross-country skiing is the most popular winter sport in the state parks. More than 20 parks offer opportunities for winter camping, and snowmobilers can travel on more than 925 miles of trails.

Kettle Moraine State Forest

Kettle Moraine State Forest provides an excellent winter recreation outlet. The Southern Unit includes 30 miles of groomed and marked cross-country ski trails, and the Emma Carlin Trail is set aside for winter hikers and snowshoers. There is a reservable, enclosed picnic shelter available for gatherings, and there are great ice fishing spots at three locations. Snowmobilers will find 56 miles of trails that connect with surrounding county and club trails. Forty campsites are also available for winter camping at Ottawa Lake. The Northern Unit offers 23 miles of groomed cross-country trails and 60 miles of snowmobile trails. Indoor group camping is available as well as 16 campsites during the winter months.

Blue Mound State Park

Home of the highest point in southern Wisconsin, Blue Mound State Park provides opportunities for many winter activities, including camping, hiking, snowshoeing, sledding and cross-country skiing. Skiing is by far the most popular winter sport in the park. Blue Mound has nine miles of cross-country ski trails that wind through forest and open fields. Winter camping enthusiasts can also choose from 82 campsites.

Interstate State Park

The granddaddy of the park system, Interstate State Park is located on the Wisconsin/Minnesota border. The park?s 11 miles of cross-country ski trails offer both the novice and experienced skier an opportunity to see remote areas of the park during the winter months. The two miles of snowmobile trails also provide an excellent connector route to nearby county and club trails.

Red Cedar State Trail

Known for its scenic, naturally formed blue wall of ice, Red Cedar State Trail offers 13 scenic miles of cross-country ski trails and 2 miles of snowmobile trails.
When you visit a Wisconsin state park, forest, trail or recreation area during the winter, keep an eye out for events such as family snowshoeing, winter nature hikes, and candlelight skiing, many of which offer toasty mugs of hot cocoa after your invigorating winter adventure.

Return to Best of the Best Winter State Parks page