Minocqua • Arbor Vitae • Woodruff • Hazelhurst
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Things to Do in Minocqua In Winter

Northwoods Winter Activities

When winter settles over Minocqua, it brings a new season of family fun to our charming corner of Wisconsin. As lakes freeze, summer activities transform into thrilling winter adventures. Swap out your bathing suit for ice skates and your fishing pole for a tip-up as you experience the excitement of reeling in a trophy walleye through thick ice!

Gone are the summer boats, replaced by snowmobiles weaving through miles of snowy trails, each track a story of winter exploration. Bundle up and hit the snowy paths on cross-country skis or snowshoes, winding through peaceful, snow-draped forests. After a day outdoors, cozy up fireside at one of our warm lodges or cabins—where winter feels like home.

Trail

Conditions

Check back here for weekly updates on snow depth, grooming schedules, and current conditions for all winter activities. Our local crews work hard to maintain Mincocqua’s network trails for your enjoyment. 

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Snowmobiling

Thanks to the hard work of our area snowmobile clubs and volunteers, an extensive network of professionally groomed trails — more than 1600 miles — are maintained in the Minocqua area.

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Ice Fishing

Whether you love the solitude of being out on a frozen lake, the challenge of the sport, or the camaraderie found in an ice shanty town, ice fishing is an activity for everyone.

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Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, & Fat Tire Biking

Many popular summer trails become even more picturesque covered in snow. Hopping on a pair of skis, snowshoes, or a fat tire bike gives you a year-round pass to explore a variety of trails.

More Ways to

Love Winter

Ice Skating

Make family memories teaching the little ones to skate for the first time or glide around hand in hand on a chilly date night.

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Snow Tubing

Tubing is easy and doesn't require any expensive equipment. Racing down a local hill will fill anyone with a rush of excitement and a face full of snow.

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Winter Zipline

This year-round attraction becomes even more adventurous in the winter. Fly over snow-covered pines and see a unique and icy perspective of the area.

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Snowmy Kromer

With a height of 30 feet and a waist of 16 feet, it’s hard to miss Snowmy Kromer! This larger-than-life figure has become a regular roadside fixture along Highway 51 as you pass the Let's Minocqua  Visitors Center and approach the bridge entering Minocqua each winter.  Read more on the Legend of Snowmy Kromer.


See the Northern Lights

The dark skies of the Northwoods make Minocqua a perfect spot for catching the Northern Lights (when conditions are right). While we can't guarantee nature’s light show will appear on your visit, knowing when and where to look increases your chances of seeing this spectacular phenomenon!

The best viewing happens on clear nights away from town lights. Local favorite viewing spots include boat landings and lakeshores, with open views of the northern horizon. Keep an eye on Aurora forecasts, which are often announced a day or two ahead.