It’s been a long winter and Wisconsinites have been especially cooped up this year. If you’re experiencing an extra bout of cabin fever this year, we’re right there with you! Luckily, we have some alternative solutions to that restless feeling, and it all lies in the abundance of outdoor activities in the Wisconsin Northwoods.
Langlade County is considered the “gateway to the north” when it comes to your Wisconsin road trip planning and it opens up a whole new world of relaxation and outdoor recreation. Specifically, the winter recreation culture in the Wolf River Area of Langlade County is tranquil, beautiful, and historical. Langlade County has been dubbed the “County of Trails” for good reason: You can enjoy more than 250,000 acres of forest land and 841 lakes! Check out some great ways to get outdoors and stretch your winter legs.
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Snowmobiling
Photo Credit: Discover Wisconsin
Wisconsin has 25,000 miles of snowmobiling trails just waiting to be traveled! This is a classic Wisconsin way to get outdoors and explore the winter scenery; not to mention it’s an exhilarating way to travel! Langlade County accounts for 550 miles of snowmobiling trails and has 10 different snowmobile clubs, just to make sure that you keep coming back for more to explore!
Skiing
Photo Credit: Discover Wisconsin
Throw some excitement in your winter plans with the thrill of downhill skiing! For a great downhill skiing experience, head to the Kettlebowl Ski Hill, just 15 miles northeast of Antigo. You can rent skis, boots, snowboards, and everything you need right on site. Plus, they have five rope tows and runs that range from bunny and beginners’ hills to intermediate. Oh, and snowboarders are always welcome on the slopes, too!
If downhill skiing isn’t your thing, they’ve got you covered! You can hop on the cross-country ski trail just 500 feet from the chalet. Plus, the Ice Age Trail runs right in front of the chalet, which is perfect for cross country skiing or snowshoeing.
Outside of Kettlebowl, there are 6 other snowy and well-groomed ski trails throughout the Northwoods! Choose from the Gartzke Flowage Cross-Country Ski Trail, Jack Lake Cross Country Ski Trail, Kettlebowl Ski Trail, Maranatha Ski Trail System, Moccasin Lake Cross-Country Ski Trail, and the Springbrook Cross-Country Ski Trail. More information on each trail can be found here.
Snowshoeing
Photo Credit: Discover Wisconsin
Strap on your snowshoes and get ready to take in the beautiful views of the winter woods at a slow and relaxed pace. Snowshoeing is a particularly great options for spots that are a little too deep for your typical winter hike. This activity allows you to see more than your average cross-country skiing trail, and dive into more of the deep winter terrain. But which trail should you embark on, you ask? For starters, check out some of the iconic miles on the Ice Age Trail…
Exploring the Ice Age Trail
Over 12,000 years ago, the enormous flow of glacial ice in Wisconsin sculpted a landscape of natural beauty ready to be explored. As the glacier retreated, it left behind a variety of unique landscape features and these glacial remnants are now considered among the world’s finest examples of how continental glaciation sculpts our planet. It is now called the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and it runs exclusively throughout our great state.
Langlade County is home to a large portion of this hiking mecca and is a must-do on your winter activity list in Wisconsin! The entire Ice Age Trail is about 1,200 miles long, but the portion in Langlade County accounts for 50 miles. It is divided into 5 segments; Kettlebowl, Lumbercamp, Summit Moraine, Highland Lakes, and Parrish Hills.
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Need a break from the non-stop outdoor activities? No problem. Grab a cup of coffee, crank up the heat in your car, and take in the breathtaking Northwood views by driving along the Nicolet-Wolf River Scenic Byway. A long drive with these breathtaking views will be enough relaxation to get you to spring!
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Susan Fochs: Marketing Coordinator for Discover Mediaworks. A self-proclaimed non-profit aficionado, coffee connoisseur, marketing nerd, and lover of all things Wisconsin.
