Oconto County: Wisconsin’s winter wonderland for outdoor fun
(Oconto, WI) As the temperatures cool down, the fun heats up in Oconto County with a wide variety of winter outdoor activities for the entire family.
“From cross-country and downhill skiing, to snowmobiling and ice fishing, there’s so much fun to be had in Oconto County this time of year, you’ll wish we had winter year-round,” said Samantha Boucher, Oconto County Tourism Director. “Plus, the activities are not only family friendly, they are also budget friendly, making it an affordable way for all to enjoy this beautiful time of year.”
Among the winter activities in Oconto County:
- Paul Bunyan Ski Hill, the “Biggest Little Hill” in the Midwest offers excellent downhill skiing including a newly added terrain park for skiers seeking a thrilling new challenge. You can also go tubbing allowing the whole family to enjoy the outdoor activities, no matter the age. Equipment rentals are available, along with a full-service restaurant.
- Lakewood cross-country ski trails winding through scenic Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, is among the state’s highest quality trails and they are free to access. Five color-coded trails of varying lengths and difficulty provide skiers with an ideal location for a casual ski with friends or a challenging ski to prep for competition.
- Snowshoe through the picturesque Cathedral Pines, a towering canopy of centuries-old pine trees and one of the few remaining old-growth forests in Wisconsin, and the crown jewel of this part of the Chequamegon-Nicolet. Viewing it in the winter is pure magic. Snowshoe rentals are available at Lakewood Ski & Sport.
- Hike to the top of Quartz Hill for a majestic view of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest below. The trek is less than half a mile and worth the adventure to take in the spectacular panoramic view. Depending on snow cover, you may need snowshoes for the short journey.
- Snowmobile the hundreds of miles of trails winding deep into the forest and that link to other trail systems throughout the state. Don’t own snowmobiles? Not to worry. Northwoods Powersports Adventures in Lakewood, WI offers equipment rentals and guided tours through the majestic forest and across the vast frozen lakes of the region. Plus, the trails start from or lead to a variety of excellent dining and lodging facilities, allowing for full day or complete weekend or longer of fun.
- Oconto Falls Tubing Hill offers the perfect family friendly winter activity featuring a 900-foot hill, complete with a tow rope to get you back up to the top for another ride. The activity is free thanks to Oconto Falls Lions Club International. Simply bring your own tube, dress warm and prepare for a day of fun!
- Ice fish one or more of the hundreds of lakes within Oconto County that are abundant with a variety of fish species such as blue gill, bass, perch and the prized walleye. Never ice fished before? We have local guides, complete with the equipment and ice shanties, to put you onto the region’s fishing hotspots.
“These are just some of the many activities you can take part in to keep you from being a hermit this winter,” explained Boucher. “We also have a variety of excellent restaurants and lodging for that cozy, romantic getaway in a beautiful winter wonderland.”
Oconto County is just a short drive from many larger Wisconsin cities, including Green Bay (50 minutes), Wausau, (1 hr. 30 min.) and Milwaukee (2 hrs. 15 min.). “Just a short trip will get you to some of state’s greatest winter activities,” said Boucher. “Get off the couch, bundle up and enjoy the wonderful adventures that await you.”
For more information on Oconto County and all of its winter activities, visit www.ocontocounty.org.