With fresh powder and cozy cabins, Minocqua is the perfect place for a relaxing winter vacation. It’s a popular escape for those looking for peace and serenity. The place is arguably at its peak tranquility in the winter, with green spires of spruce or white birch against a deep blue sky. Imagine icicles shining silver under a pale winter sun or a vast snowy lake dotted with colorful ice fishing shanties. These are just a few iconic portraits of winter painted daily in the Northwoods—from the first snow to the spring thaw.
With over a million acres of public forest, tranquility is always within reach. Nature’s beauty reveals itself in the smallest details—clusters of vibrant red berries on a low-lying shrub, the twisting elegance of centuries-old branches, or the striking symmetry of tamarack trees lining your path. Every trail offers its own quiet masterpiece.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is a staple of Northwoods winter recreation. Our snowmobile clubs and volunteers maintain over 1,700 miles of professionally groomed trails. Some of our most scenic trails are in the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest, the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area, and the Bearskin State Trail. All trails are readily accessible from many of our lodging properties and cabins in Minocqua. Put your helmet on and spend the day cruising through frosted tall pines, clearing your head of any stresses and worries.
Silent Sports
Winter brings a natural stillness, where even the sounds of the forest feel like part of the quiet—a blue jay’s cry, the friendly chatter of chickadees, or the nasal “beep-beep” of nuthatches echo gently through the trees.
The snow-laden Northwoods offer miles of trails perfect for silent sports like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat-tire biking. In the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest, you’ll find serene winter recreation spots, including the Raven Trail, featuring 14.5 miles of beautiful ski trails.
Another popular destination for silent sports is Minocqua Winter Park. More than 50 miles of trails promise adventure, serenity, and natural beauty. Skis and snowshoes are available for rent within the park. Kids will love the 400-foot snow tube run, which is open on weekends and for private parties. The park is also the home of some of the most picturesque ice skating in the state.
Wildlife Spotting
The winter woods hold plenty of secrets for those who take the time to observe. Tracking wildlife is a skill that can be honed with a good field guide, but one animal that often leaves its unmistakable mark is the otter. Playful and social, otters love sliding down hillsides purely for fun. To spot their tracks, look for their distinctive hop-hop-slide pattern, with slides that stretch two to three feet, interrupted by paw prints. Keep an eye out, and you might just catch a glimpse of these delightful creatures in action.
“There’s wildlife to be seen every month of the year; it’s just a matter of observing,” says Senior DNR wildlife biologist Jeremy Holtz. “There’s no substitute for being curious and getting your feet out on the trail,” he says. “That’s the only way you’re going to learn what’s out there to see. It’s how I keep learning.” The DNR offers tracking classes and encourages people to volunteer in its wildlife population surveys.
Winter in Minocqua transforms birding into an accessible and rewarding activity. With bare trees and open spaces, spotting birds becomes more accessible, and snowy owls may even make an appearance in fields or marshes! As lakes freeze over, migrating waterfowl gather near open water, such as where the Minocqua chain flows east of Woodruff. This area also offers excellent opportunities to observe bald eagles, which are often more visible in winter. For prime viewing, head to the open water visible from the intersection of Hatchery and Woodruff Roads.
Warm Retreats
Sometimes, a blustery winter day is best spent indoors. Cozy up by a roaring fire, pop some popcorn, and warm a mug of cocoa—add a splash from Northern Waters Distillery for an extra treat. Dive into a classic board game or pick up a new one at Imaginuity, or explore the bookshelves of your Northwoods cabin for paperbacks and local favorites like Victoria Houston’s Loon Lake mystery series. Keep a quilt close by, as there’s nothing better than drifting into a peaceful nap on a Minocqua winter afternoon.
If the cold leaves you feeling stiff, consider indulging in a sauna. Minocqua Sauna offers a mobile, rentable experience, bringing relaxation to your doorstep, while Unwind in Woodruff provides tranquil treatments to restore your body and mind. Winter in Minocqua invites you to embrace the stillness and savor moments of rest and renewal, turning the season into a celebration of comfort, beauty, and quiet joy.
—Revised from an original article by Molly Rose Teuke
