So you've decided to adventure through the snow belt of the Midwest, eh? Finding the right place to unwind and hit the hay is a pretty important part of the vacation experience. Thus, I've pieced together my list of some of Wisconsin's most incredible lodging options. There's something for everyone ... no matter what sort of winter escape you prefer.
For the avid snowmobiler
Hiller's Pine Haven - St. Germain
With Hiller's Pine Haven's 11 lakeside cottages and prime location on Little St. Germain Lake, it's a top spot for Vilas County visitors looking to take advantage of the area's phenomenal snowmobiling trails. Not to mention the Northwoods scenery is unbeatable. And if your need for speed still hasn't been met, give your sled a rest and try hunting, bird watching, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or ATVing in the summer.
For the indoor and outdoor recreationalist
Grand Lodge Waterpark Resort - Rothschild
Attempting to please an entire family with varying winter hobbies? Consider the largest indoor waterpark north of the Wisconsin Dells, Grand Lodge Waterpark Resort in Rothschild. The Logger's Landing Indoor Waterpark is 50,000 square feet of adventure with seven waterslides, a lazy river, an activity pool, kiddie pool, secluded whirlpool, huge arcade and more. Plus, it's located just a few minutes from the Best Place to Play in the Snow: Wausau. Outdoor recreationalists will fall in love with Granite Peak Ski Area and Rib Mountain State Park. And for those who prefer the great indoors, I recommend hitting up places like Evolutions in Design and Dayspring Health Spa in downtown Wausau's River District.
For the waterpark lover
Wilderness Resort - Wisconsin Dells
You already know Wisconsin Dells as the Waterpark Capital of the World, but did you know the Wilderness Resort is home to four indoor waterparks, laser tag, 3-D black light mini golf, a sky ropes course, paint-your-own pottery and the list goes on. There's something to be said about not even having to step outside the resort to seek fun. If you're looking for more, plan a return trip in summer.
For the entertainment seeker
Menominee Casino Resort - Keshena
Located at the heart of Wisconsin's "Vegas Triangle" in Keshena, Menominee Casino Resort is the perfect place for anyone wanting access to some of the state's landmark casinos. Plus, the entertainment is amazing with everything from tribute shows and nationally touring comedians to song and dance revues and top-contender boxing. This all-in-one destination is ideal for business trips or couple's retreats thanks to Menominee Casino Resort's complete gaming, lodging, dining and entertainment experience.
For the ice-fishing enthusiast
Wild Eagle Lodge - Eagle River
Wild Eagle Lodge is situated on the shores of two world-class fishing lakes: Duck Lake and Lynx Lake. Prepare to be delighted over Eagle River's exceptional smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye and musky fishing. In fact, Vilas County is regarded as one of the best fishing destinations in North America. Just turn your bucket upside down and wait for the bobber to dance or the flag to tip up. When you're ready to rest, walk a mere 200 feet back to your comfy yet luxurious digs at Wild Eagle Lodge.
For the nature-loving explorer
Artesian House Bed and Breakfast - Bayfield
Prefer the cozy atmosphere of a bed and breakfast? This gorgeous, eco-friendly contemporary home sits on 25 wooded acres surrounded by Bayfield's charm and Lake Superior's splendor. Walk to Port Superior, Brownstone Trail, Fish Hatchery and Salmo Lake Walk Trail or explore the magic of the Apostle Island Ice Caves (please call 715-779-3397 to confirm if the Ice Caves are open). Discover 130 miles of cross-country ski trails or take up Nordic snowboarding at Mt. Ashwabay.
Whether you're looking for family fun or a calm quiet getaway, complete your trip with one of these premier winter lodging destinations.
- Chad Diedrick is the managing producer for the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, Discover Wisconsin.
For the avid snowmobiler
Hiller's Pine Haven - St. Germain
With Hiller's Pine Haven's 11 lakeside cottages and prime location on Little St. Germain Lake, it's a top spot for Vilas County visitors looking to take advantage of the area's phenomenal snowmobiling trails. Not to mention the Northwoods scenery is unbeatable. And if your need for speed still hasn't been met, give your sled a rest and try hunting, bird watching, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or ATVing in the summer.
For the indoor and outdoor recreationalist
Grand Lodge Waterpark Resort - Rothschild
Attempting to please an entire family with varying winter hobbies? Consider the largest indoor waterpark north of the Wisconsin Dells, Grand Lodge Waterpark Resort in Rothschild. The Logger's Landing Indoor Waterpark is 50,000 square feet of adventure with seven waterslides, a lazy river, an activity pool, kiddie pool, secluded whirlpool, huge arcade and more. Plus, it's located just a few minutes from the Best Place to Play in the Snow: Wausau. Outdoor recreationalists will fall in love with Granite Peak Ski Area and Rib Mountain State Park. And for those who prefer the great indoors, I recommend hitting up places like Evolutions in Design and Dayspring Health Spa in downtown Wausau's River District.
For the waterpark lover
Wilderness Resort - Wisconsin Dells
You already know Wisconsin Dells as the Waterpark Capital of the World, but did you know the Wilderness Resort is home to four indoor waterparks, laser tag, 3-D black light mini golf, a sky ropes course, paint-your-own pottery and the list goes on. There's something to be said about not even having to step outside the resort to seek fun. If you're looking for more, plan a return trip in summer.
For the entertainment seeker
Menominee Casino Resort - Keshena
Located at the heart of Wisconsin's "Vegas Triangle" in Keshena, Menominee Casino Resort is the perfect place for anyone wanting access to some of the state's landmark casinos. Plus, the entertainment is amazing with everything from tribute shows and nationally touring comedians to song and dance revues and top-contender boxing. This all-in-one destination is ideal for business trips or couple's retreats thanks to Menominee Casino Resort's complete gaming, lodging, dining and entertainment experience.
For the ice-fishing enthusiast
Wild Eagle Lodge - Eagle River
Wild Eagle Lodge is situated on the shores of two world-class fishing lakes: Duck Lake and Lynx Lake. Prepare to be delighted over Eagle River's exceptional smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye and musky fishing. In fact, Vilas County is regarded as one of the best fishing destinations in North America. Just turn your bucket upside down and wait for the bobber to dance or the flag to tip up. When you're ready to rest, walk a mere 200 feet back to your comfy yet luxurious digs at Wild Eagle Lodge.
For the nature-loving explorer
Artesian House Bed and Breakfast - Bayfield
Prefer the cozy atmosphere of a bed and breakfast? This gorgeous, eco-friendly contemporary home sits on 25 wooded acres surrounded by Bayfield's charm and Lake Superior's splendor. Walk to Port Superior, Brownstone Trail, Fish Hatchery and Salmo Lake Walk Trail or explore the magic of the Apostle Island Ice Caves (please call 715-779-3397 to confirm if the Ice Caves are open). Discover 130 miles of cross-country ski trails or take up Nordic snowboarding at Mt. Ashwabay.
Whether you're looking for family fun or a calm quiet getaway, complete your trip with one of these premier winter lodging destinations.
- Chad Diedrick is the managing producer for the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, Discover Wisconsin.