Winterfest 2018 is a family-friendly event in Marshfield (aka “Hub City”) highlighting the perks of Wisconsin winters. Marshfield Winterfest offers activities like a 400-Meter Kids Race, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoe 5k or 10k, and the Fat Tire Bike 5k or 10k. The 400-Meter (1/4 mile) course is perfect for the kids, while the 5k and 10k courses are made to challenge the winter sport enthusiast. All ages and abilities are welcome!
This year, there will also be Badger State Games events in Snowshoeing and Cornhole tournaments. See their Facebook page for more details!
Fat biking at Marshfield Winterfest, photo courtesy of Paula Jero/Hub City Times
Marshfield Winterfest Schedule (subject to change):
Time: 12:00pm Event Registration & Free Youth 400-Meter Race
12:30pm Cross Country Skiing
1:00pm Fat Tire Bike (5k and 10k)
1:30pm Snow Shoe (5k and 10k)
The Post-Race Celebration will feature food, beverages, and awards ceremony.
If you plan on participating, here are some Registration details!
Individuals (ages 19+): $30
Individuals (ages 11-18): $20
Children 10 years and under are free.
Awards will be given to the top 3 Marshfield Winterfest finishers in each race.
Stay and enjoy LIVE music during the afternoon and into the evening!
3:00 – G-Man
5:00 – Elated Sun
8:00 – The Big Deeks
Worth visiting for more than just Marshfield Winterfest, Marshfield is a fun city regardless of the season. Hit U.S. 10 or Highways 13, 80, or 97 to access what they call “Hub City,” named for both its historic hub for railroads and its location very close to the geographic center of Wisconsin.
Home to Marshfield Clinic, this city of 20,000 also hosts the Central Wisconsin State Fair (which includes the World’s Largest Round Barn) and features the Wildwood Zoo, the Blue Heron Brewpub, and a hopping main street in the form of Central Avenue. Marshfield is also along the Yellowstone Trail, part of the “Plymouth Rock to Puget Sound” highway that was among the first designated cross-country highways in the United States.
Marshfield Winterfest Address:
RiverEdge Golf Course
10191 Mill Creek Road
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 384-9992 Website
Start:
February 24, 2018 11:30 am
End:
February 24, 2018 6:00 pm
Venue:
RiverEdge Golf Course
Phone:
715-384-9992
Address:
10191 Cty Hwy B, Marshfield, WI, 54449, United States
Madison’s Elver Park becomes a wonderland of winter activities at the 14th annual Madison Winter Festival, attracting over 20,000 spectators, winter enthusiasts, and athletes! For the competition, they are bringing back the Ice Age Challenge ski race, once held in Spring Green. There will also be a 5K running race, high school ski races and a fat tire bike race. You can even take a run with your dog!
The Snowshoe Scurry at Madison Winter Festival. Shorts (as opposed to long pants) are totally optional.
Local sporting-goods stores will be on site to help if you’ve never cross country skied or snowshoed before. The famed National Snow Sculpting Champs will be carving magic out of 4′ x 4′ 6′ blocks of snow for you to admire. Other fan favorites scheduled throughout the weekend include the Fat Bike Race, the Frosty 1.5 Mile Dog Jog, Kids’ Fun Run and other fun and festive outdoor activities.
Admission is FREE and the fun is practically unlimited! Activities open at 9:30am on Saturday, February 3rd and conclude at 4:00pm on Sunday, February 4th.
Elver Park is on the southwestern edge of Madison, accessed just off U.S. 12/14 (the Beltline) via Gammon Road and west/north off U.S. 18/151. U.S. 51 and Highways 30 and 113 also bring you to Madison, then just head southwest!
Madison Winter Festival Address:
Elver Park
1250 McKenna Boulevard
Madison, WI 53719
(608) 213-1870 Website
Skijoring, a race that can go to the dogs.
Start:
February 3, 2018
End:
February 4, 2018
Venue:
Elver Park
Phone:
608-213-1870
Address:
1250 McKenna Blvd, Madison, WI, 53719, United States
Westby features a ski jump complex with five jumps in Timber Coulee, the largest of which is a 118-meter Olympic-sized hill used for national and international competitions. The Westby Snowflake Ski Jump Tournament happens the weekend of February 2-3 and it’s a blast!
The Large Hill Meet is held early each year in February and attracts not only U.S. ski jumpers but competitors from around the world. The four smaller hills at the site include a 65-meter hill and smaller 40, 20, and 10 meter hills for training junior jumpers. Numerous Olympic and world-class ski jumpers have competed at the Snowflake Ski Jumping Complex.
Even though the Winter Olympics are just a couple of weeks away, the Snowflake Ski Jump is expected to feature approximately 20 national and international athletes from countries including Norway, Finland, Slovenia and the United States.
On Thursday, Feb. 1, Snowflake will host hospitality night from 6-9 p.m.at the Westby Rod and Gun building in Timber Coulee where the 2017 Snowflake royalty, Queen Faith Gardner and her attendants, Alexis Mahan and Rebecca Buckles, will meet and greet visitors.
On Friday, Feb. 2, there will be a kick-off breakfast at Borgen’s Café from 7-10 a.m. Opening ceremonies for the ever-popular “Friday Night Under the Lights” night jump will be held at 7 p.m., with competition slated at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a long standing jump after the regular competition. Live music by “High Mileage” will complete the evening at the Westby Rod & Gun in Timber Coulee from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
On Saturday Feb. 3, open training is scheduled from 9-11 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies at noon. Competition for the second day of the event kicks off at 12:30 p.m. followed by the long standing jump and awards ceremony. Weather permitting on Saturday there will be helicopter rides and horse-drawn wagon rides on the grounds. The ski club also funds a money pile for kids to collect coins. After the jump spectators are invited to attend a second live music event with “Blue Collar 40” at the Westby Rod & Gun from 3-7 p.m.
The 2017 ski button can be purchased in advance until Thursday, Feb. 1 for $15. After that time, buttons can be purchased at the gate the weekend of the event for $20. The button is good for both days of the tournament and are available at local businesses or can be purchased online. Children under 12 will be admitted free.
Snowflake is also once again teaming up with Logistics Health Inc. of La Crosse to sponsor free admission for veterans to the Snowflake Ski Jump. All current and former military service members, their spouses and their children (under the age of 18) will receive a special event button and be admitted to the two-day event free of charge.
Veterans or service members will need to show a current military ID card or other proof of service such as VFW, Legion, DAV current membership card, or a DD Form 214 (record of discharge) and photo ID. Military buttons are available only at the gate. For more information about the free veteran admission contact Tom Sharratt at 608-634-2118.
You can access the area via U.S. 14/61 and Highway 27; follow the signs and County Road P to Timber Coulee.
Westby Snowflake Ski Jump Address:
E7940 County Road P
Westby, WI 54667
(608) 634-3211 Website
Start:
February 2, 2018
End:
February 3, 2018
Venue:
Westby Snowflake Skip Jump
Phone:
608-634-3211
Address:
E7940 County Road P, Westby, WI, 54667, United States
Cabin fever? Sick of winter? Shake off the winter blues at the Mount Horeb Area Scandihoovian Winter Festival the first weekend in February. Stroll, shop, eat, and play throughout one of Dane County’s most unique and charming villages and the beautiful areas that surround it. Saturday is the big day, but there will be a whole weekend full of indoor/outdoor events tailored for winter enthusiasts.
Mount Horeb’s main drag (Highway 78, historic U.S. 18/151) is not only called Main Street, but also the “Trollway.” The U.S. 18/151 freeway brings you to the area, as well as Highway 92 on top of Highway 78. Activities center in this area but are held all over the area, including the nearby Blue Mounds. Check the Schedule below for all the details!
Scandihoovian Winter Festival Address:
Mount Horeb & Blue Mounds Area
Mount Horeb, WI 53572
(608) 437-5914 Website
Scandihoovian Winter Festival Schedule:
Friday, February 2
10 a.m.-8 p.m. — Extended hours at the Driftless Historium
6-9 p.m. — Tomte Party at The Grumpy Troll
7 p.m.-close — Nisse Party at Norsk Golf Bowl
Saturday, February 3
All day — Snow sculpting, outside Evangelical Lutheran Church
All day — Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, Stewart Park
7-11 a.m. — Breakfast, Norsk Golf Bowl
9 a.m.-noon — Scandi-Fatty Bike Race, Norsk Golf Bowl
9-11 a.m. — Vintage Snowmobiles Show, Norsk Golf Bowl
9 a.m. — Snowshoe hike, Brigham County Park
10 a.m. — Norwegian Hardanger fiddlers and fiddle display, Mount Horeb Public Library
10 a.m.-noon — Red hat decorating hosted by Cat & Crow, District No. 1 Schoolhouse
10-11 a.m. — Beginner hockey skating lessons, Garfield Park rink
11 a.m.-noon — Intermediate hockey skating lessons, Garfield Park rink
11 a.m. — Book talk and signing by Ingrid Kallick, illustrator of “Two Tales from Norway,” Driftless Historium
11 a.m.-close — Scandihoovian meatball special, Grumpy Troll
Noon-9 p.m. — Ice skating, Garfield Park rink
Noon-3 p.m. — Tea-themed coloring activity, Telsaan Tea Shop
1-3 p.m. — Scandihoovian Adult Spelling Bee, District No. 1 Schoolhouse
1-3 p.m. — Family broom ball, Stewart Park
3 p.m. — Free family-friendly movie: “Trolls,” Cave of the Mounds
3-4 p.m. — Cupcake walk, Driftless Historium
5-6 p.m. — Frozen turkey bowling, Garfield Park rink
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Candlelight ski and hike, Blue Mound State Park
7:30 p.m. — Old Time Dance, District No. 1 Schoolhouse
Sunday, February 4
All day — Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, Stewart Park
All day — Tubing, Tyrol Basin
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Rotary Pancake Breakfast and Optimist Silent Auction, Mount Horeb Middle School
Noon-3 p.m. — Tea-themed coloring activity, Telsaan Tea Shop
Start:
February 2, 2018
End:
February 4, 2018
Venue:
Downtown Mount Horeb
Phone:
608-437-5914
Address:
300 E. Main Street, Mount Horeb, WI, 53572, United States
Fish Creek Winter Festival will celebrate its 31st year in 2018! Fish Creek’s longest-standing tradition and Door County’s most notorious winter event features live music, quirky games, delicious food, wine tasting, the notorious “Fruit Loop Fun Run,” an entertaining Stumpf Fiddle Contest, a spectacular fireworks display and a “Smokin Hot” Chili Cook-Off…all under a heated tent overlooking the frozen waters of Green Bay.
Highway 42 will bring you to Fish Creek, just north of Egg Harbor and south of both Ephraim and Peninsula State Park. It’s one of the jewels of Door County, and there’s plenty of fun to be had at the Fish Creek Winter Festival all weekend!
2018 Fish Creek Winter Fest Schedule of Events:
Friday, February 2, 2018
-Adult Art Night (21+) at Hands On Art Studio, 6:30-10:00pm
-Gibraltar Music Boosters Present “Cat’s Pajamas Vocal Band,” at the Door Community Auditorium, 7:00pm
Saturday, February 3, 2018
-Festivities in & around the heated tent in Clark Park, 10:00am-3:00pm
*Wild Winter Games Outside
*Fun Festive Games Inside
*Live DJ
*Tasty Food & Drinks from the Villager’s Snowmobile Club
*Limited Edition Winter Fest Merchandise
-GHA presents “All Things Chocolate” at the Old Town Hall, 10:00am-4:00pm
Oconomowoc warms up the chilly January weather with its 9th annual Chili Fest on Saturday, January 27th! Ice sculptures and carvings along the downtown streets, ice and pond hockey on Fowler Lake, open family skating, a beer tent, and of course plenty of chili tastings.
Chili tastings are hosted by downtown businesses and local fundraising organizations with proceeds going to local charity. As you stroll downtown and stop in shops you can check out professional ice carvers who dot the downtown streets chiseling frozen blocks into works of art. A DJ and beer tent – which will also offer burgers and hot cocoa – are set up on the lake near the hockey tournament. A family skating rink is groomed nearby and an ice fishing clinic is also planned for the young anglers. It should be a fairly mild Saturday, so note ice conditions if you plan on skating.
While you stroll Wisconsin Avenue, check out a great burger at Crafty Cow, browse boutique shops, have a beer at Lakerz Sports Bar & Grill, and get a gander at the marker by City Hall commemorating the former location of the Strand Theatre, notable for being the place where the classic film The Wizard of Oz first premiered to audiences. Plenty of fun, food, skating, history, and more in this incredibly charming town at the western end of Waukesha County’s Lake Country.
Oconomowoc is where Highways 16 and 67 meet, just north of I-94’s Exit 282. The downtown is wedged between Lac La Belle and Fowler Lake and stroll along Wisconsin Avenue and Main Street reveals plenty of great shops, beautiful architecture, restaurants, historic markers, a dam, and much more. And of course on Saturday the 27th during Chili Fest, plenty of skating and chili!
Chili Fest Address:
Downtown Oconomowoc
133 E. Wisconsin Avenue (Highways 16 & 67, skipping the bypass)
Oconomowoc, WI 53066
(262) 567-5755 Website
Start:
January 27, 2018 9:00 am
End:
January 27, 2018 5:00 pm
Venue:
Downtown Oconomowoc
Phone:
262-567-5755
Address:
133 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Oconomowoc, WI, 53066, United States
The annual Jack Frost Festival let everyone enjoy a great family festival, held on the Yellow River Flowage in Spooner along U.S. 63 (near Tony’s, we’ve been there several times!). Check out hockey tournaments, open skating, a snowshoe jaunt, fat bike demos, turkey bowling, ribs and chili contests, minnow races, toilet paper toss, bonfire and s’mores bar, a regular bar in the form of Tony’s Riverside, other family events, and more. It takes place all day Saturday the 13th on the Yellow River Flowage in Spooner along U.S. 63, right in the heart of Washburn County.
You can also reach Spooner via Highway 70 or the U.S. 53 freeway. While traveling north on 53 you can angle over on Highway 253 (the old U.S. 53 prior to 1988), which brings you right into town and to the event!
Jack Frost Festival Address:
Spooner City Park
Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-2168 Website
Start:
January 13, 2018 8:00 am
End:
January 13, 2018 4:00 pm
Venue:
Yellow River Flowage
Phone:
715-635-2168
Address:
524 S. River Street, Spooner, WI, 54801, United States
Ready for some outdoor mid-January fun in the North Woods? The Arctic Warrior Race is back for the second year in St. Germain, a center of winter playground fun in Vilas County and the North Woods. The event’s full name, by the way, is the 2nd Annual Arctic Warrior Snowshoe and Winter Obstacle Course Race.
The Arctic Warrior 1k Kids and 5k or 10k Snowshoe Race will wind you through the beautiful trails in St. Germain and alongside the obstacle course race. The Arctic Warrior 5k or 10k Obstacle Course Race will wind around Little St. Germain Lake and through trails of towering pines that will challenge you though variety of adventure obstacles including: a stuck in snow tire shuffle, arctic stair challenge, frozen switchback climb, snowy tundra tunnel crawl and a frozen tire bike race to name a few.
The Obstacle Course Challenge is a Team event so bring your friends along (team sizes can range in size from 2-6). The Most Spirited Arctic Warrior Team will be recognized at 3:30 at the Wild Bear Grill & Pub. Proceeds from the Race will be shared with the St. Germain Non-Motorized Trail System Fund. Discover Wisconsin will be there filming, and co-host Eric Paulsen, who is also the “Head Tourer” for State Trunk Tour, will check out the action and may be talked into seeing how fast he can go on snowshoes (spoiler alert: not very.)
St. Germain holds the Snowmobile Hall of Fame, which is along Highway 70. Just up Highway 155 closer to Sayner, the Vilas County Museum holds the first true snowmobile, which was patented by Carl Eliason in 1924. This area definitely knows their winter sports and how to get around in the snow!
Imagine an Ice Castle Wonderland in the already wondrous Wisconsin Dells, right next to the upside-down White House on the grounds as the World’s Largest Wooden Trojan Horse on the grounds of Mt Olympus Resort.
Well, you don’t need to imagine. Six days a week from January 12th through mid-March (weather permitting), a massive ice castle compound will be in that very spot, ready for exploration by the whole family. The artistic project began in October on the grounds of Mount Olympus Resort, one of five projects in North America by Ice Castles LLC, a Utah-based company with similar projects in New Hampshire, Minnesota, Utah, and Alberta, Canada. One of the most unique and amazing facts about the Ice Castles is that they are literally built by hand. They grow more than 5,000 icicles each day that we harvest and sculpt together.
Photo courtesy of Facebook.com/TheIceCastles
In the Dells, the Ice Castle Wonderland features two 50-foot-long slides, a 35-foot tower, a fountain, and a domed room with a waterfall. You’ll also find tunnels, towers, trails, and even thrones lined with crushed ice and snow, all of which feature embedded light shows.
Some Tips (from their website) for a Great Experience:
Wear Boots. The walking surface inside of the Ice Castles is made of crushed ice. Walking in boots is definitely best.
Buy Tickets Before You Arrive. When you buy a ticket, you buy an arrival time. We ask that you arrive within your 30 minute time window. Once you are inside the castle you can stay as long as you’d like!
Save some trees. When you buy your tickets online we’ll send you an email with a unique QR code, so there’s no need to print your tickets. We can scan the code right from your phone!
Photos are encouraged (and they want to see them! #icecastles) but they ask that you please leave photography equipment such as tripods and lights at home. For information about commercial or specialized photo sessions please email them at info@icecastles.com.
It is HIGHLY recommended to bring a small sled to pull children instead of a stroller. It is extremely difficult to push the stroller through the castle (think of it like trying to push a stroller through a sandy beach).
To reach Wisconsin Dells, just hit I-90/94, U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23. And hope the weather stays cold!
Hours & Tickets:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 3pm – 9pm (closed Tuesday)
Online Tickets: $9.95 ages 12 and up, $6.95 ages 4-11
Tickets at the Door: $15 ages 12 and up, $10 ages 4-11 Child (4-11): $10
Friday, 3pm – 10pm
Saturday, noon – 10pm
Sunday, noon – 9pm
Online Tickets: $12.95 ages 12 and up, $8.95 ages 4-11
Tickets at the Door: $18 ages 12 and up, $10 ages 4-11 Child (4-11): $12
Start:
January 12, 2017
End:
March 18, 2017
Venue:
Mt Olympus Resort
Phone:
800-800-4997
Address:
1701 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965, United States
The third annual Snow Daze Festival in Library Park will celebrate winter with an ice carving demonstration and display of ice sculptures. More than 40 ice sculptures will decorate Library Park and sidewalks throughout downtown Kenosha.
Featuring:
• An ice carving demonstration by Art Below Zero of Franksville.
• Cheer on your favorite mascot as they compete in fun Mascot Madness games in the park at 1 p.m. The Kenosha Kingfish baseball team, the Dinosaur Discovery Museum, Carthage College and Capt. Mike’s and Uncle Mike’s restaurants will be represented.
• The Children’s Room at Simmons Library offers a chance to warm up, with craft supplies available from 12-3 p.m. for children to create winter projects including paper snowflakes, snowman puppets and suncatchers.
• Downtown Ambassadors stationed in Library Park will have maps showing the locations of the ice sculptures downtown, and information on special entertainment and sales at downtown businesses as part of the Second Saturday celebration.
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Winter Festival
February 24, 2018
Marshfield Winterfest
Winterfest 2018 is a family-friendly event in Marshfield (aka “Hub City”) highlighting the perks of Wisconsin winters. Marshfield Winterfest offers activities like a 400-Meter Kids Race, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoe 5k or 10k, and the Fat Tire Bike 5k or 10k. The 400-Meter (1/4 mile) course is perfect for the kids, while the 5k and 10k courses are made to challenge the winter sport enthusiast. All ages and abilities are welcome!
This year, there will also be Badger State Games events in Snowshoeing and Cornhole tournaments. See their Facebook page for more details!
Fat biking at Marshfield Winterfest, photo courtesy of Paula Jero/Hub City Times
Marshfield Winterfest Schedule (subject to change):
Time: 12:00pm Event Registration & Free Youth 400-Meter Race
12:30pm Cross Country Skiing
1:00pm Fat Tire Bike (5k and 10k)
1:30pm Snow Shoe (5k and 10k)
The Post-Race Celebration will feature food, beverages, and awards ceremony.
If you plan on participating, here are some Registration details!
Individuals (ages 19+): $30
Individuals (ages 11-18): $20
Children 10 years and under are free.
Awards will be given to the top 3 Marshfield Winterfest finishers in each race.
Stay and enjoy LIVE music during the afternoon and into the evening!
3:00 – G-Man
5:00 – Elated Sun
8:00 – The Big Deeks
Worth visiting for more than just Marshfield Winterfest, Marshfield is a fun city regardless of the season. Hit U.S. 10 or Highways 13, 80, or 97 to access what they call “Hub City,” named for both its historic hub for railroads and its location very close to the geographic center of Wisconsin.
Home to Marshfield Clinic, this city of 20,000 also hosts the Central Wisconsin State Fair (which includes the World’s Largest Round Barn) and features the Wildwood Zoo, the Blue Heron Brewpub, and a hopping main street in the form of Central Avenue. Marshfield is also along the Yellowstone Trail, part of the “Plymouth Rock to Puget Sound” highway that was among the first designated cross-country highways in the United States.
Marshfield Winterfest Address:
RiverEdge Golf Course
10191 Mill Creek Road
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 384-9992
Website
February 3, 2018 – February 4, 2018
Madison Winter Festival
Check out the Movin’ Shoes Frosty 5K Run or the Ice Age Challenge Saturday afternoon. The Candlelight Ski & Snowshoe Tour takes place Saturday night. Sunday features the Elver Park Skijor Race and the Snowshoe Scurry. Either day, you can enjoy Snow Carving, Sledding, Ice Skating, Ice Hockey, and Cross-Country Skiing (you can learn, too!)
Local sporting-goods stores will be on site to help if you’ve never cross country skied or snowshoed before. The famed National Snow Sculpting Champs will be carving magic out of 4′ x 4′ 6′ blocks of snow for you to admire. Other fan favorites scheduled throughout the weekend include the Fat Bike Race, the Frosty 1.5 Mile Dog Jog, Kids’ Fun Run and other fun and festive outdoor activities.
Admission is FREE and the fun is practically unlimited! Activities open at 9:30am on Saturday, February 3rd and conclude at 4:00pm on Sunday, February 4th.
Elver Park is on the southwestern edge of Madison, accessed just off U.S. 12/14 (the Beltline) via Gammon Road and west/north off U.S. 18/151. U.S. 51 and Highways 30 and 113 also bring you to Madison, then just head southwest!
Madison Winter Festival Address:
Elver Park
1250 McKenna Boulevard
Madison, WI 53719
(608) 213-1870
Website
February 2, 2018 – February 3, 2018
Westby Snowflake Ski Jump
Westby features a ski jump complex with five jumps in Timber Coulee, the largest of which is a 118-meter Olympic-sized hill used for national and international competitions. The Westby Snowflake Ski Jump Tournament happens the weekend of February 2-3 and it’s a blast!
Even though the Winter Olympics are just a couple of weeks away, the Snowflake Ski Jump is expected to feature approximately 20 national and international athletes from countries including Norway, Finland, Slovenia and the United States.
On Thursday, Feb. 1, Snowflake will host hospitality night from 6-9 p.m.at the Westby Rod and Gun building in Timber Coulee where the 2017 Snowflake royalty, Queen Faith Gardner and her attendants, Alexis Mahan and Rebecca Buckles, will meet and greet visitors.
On Friday, Feb. 2, there will be a kick-off breakfast at Borgen’s Café from 7-10 a.m. Opening ceremonies for the ever-popular “Friday Night Under the Lights” night jump will be held at 7 p.m., with competition slated at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a long standing jump after the regular competition. Live music by “High Mileage” will complete the evening at the Westby Rod & Gun in Timber Coulee from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
On Saturday Feb. 3, open training is scheduled from 9-11 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies at noon. Competition for the second day of the event kicks off at 12:30 p.m. followed by the long standing jump and awards ceremony. Weather permitting on Saturday there will be helicopter rides and horse-drawn wagon rides on the grounds. The ski club also funds a money pile for kids to collect coins. After the jump spectators are invited to attend a second live music event with “Blue Collar 40” at the Westby Rod & Gun from 3-7 p.m.
The 2017 ski button can be purchased in advance until Thursday, Feb. 1 for $15. After that time, buttons can be purchased at the gate the weekend of the event for $20. The button is good for both days of the tournament and are available at local businesses or can be purchased online. Children under 12 will be admitted free.
Snowflake is also once again teaming up with Logistics Health Inc. of La Crosse to sponsor free admission for veterans to the Snowflake Ski Jump. All current and former military service members, their spouses and their children (under the age of 18) will receive a special event button and be admitted to the two-day event free of charge.
Veterans or service members will need to show a current military ID card or other proof of service such as VFW, Legion, DAV current membership card, or a DD Form 214 (record of discharge) and photo ID. Military buttons are available only at the gate. For more information about the free veteran admission contact Tom Sharratt at 608-634-2118.
You can access the area via U.S. 14/61 and Highway 27; follow the signs and County Road P to Timber Coulee.
Westby Snowflake Ski Jump Address:
E7940 County Road P
Westby, WI 54667
(608) 634-3211
Website
February 2, 2018 – February 4, 2018
Scandihoovian Winter Festival
Cabin fever? Sick of winter? Shake off the winter blues at the Mount Horeb Area Scandihoovian Winter Festival the first weekend in February. Stroll, shop, eat, and play throughout one of Dane County’s most unique and charming villages and the beautiful areas that surround it. Saturday is the big day, but there will be a whole weekend full of indoor/outdoor events tailored for winter enthusiasts.
Mount Horeb’s main drag (Highway 78, historic U.S. 18/151) is not only called Main Street, but also the “Trollway.” The U.S. 18/151 freeway brings you to the area, as well as Highway 92 on top of Highway 78. Activities center in this area but are held all over the area, including the nearby Blue Mounds. Check the Schedule below for all the details!
Scandihoovian Winter Festival Address:
Mount Horeb & Blue Mounds Area
Mount Horeb, WI 53572
(608) 437-5914
Website
Scandihoovian Winter Festival Schedule:
Friday, February 2
10 a.m.-8 p.m. — Extended hours at the Driftless Historium
6-9 p.m. — Tomte Party at The Grumpy Troll
7 p.m.-close — Nisse Party at Norsk Golf Bowl
Saturday, February 3
All day — Snow sculpting, outside Evangelical Lutheran Church
All day — Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, Stewart Park
7-11 a.m. — Breakfast, Norsk Golf Bowl
9 a.m.-noon — Scandi-Fatty Bike Race, Norsk Golf Bowl
9-11 a.m. — Vintage Snowmobiles Show, Norsk Golf Bowl
9 a.m. — Snowshoe hike, Brigham County Park
10 a.m. — Norwegian Hardanger fiddlers and fiddle display, Mount Horeb Public Library
10 a.m.-noon — Red hat decorating hosted by Cat & Crow, District No. 1 Schoolhouse
10-11 a.m. — Beginner hockey skating lessons, Garfield Park rink
11 a.m.-noon — Intermediate hockey skating lessons, Garfield Park rink
11 a.m. — Book talk and signing by Ingrid Kallick, illustrator of “Two Tales from Norway,” Driftless Historium
11 a.m.-close — Scandihoovian meatball special, Grumpy Troll
Noon-9 p.m. — Ice skating, Garfield Park rink
Noon-3 p.m. — Tea-themed coloring activity, Telsaan Tea Shop
1-3 p.m. — Scandihoovian Adult Spelling Bee, District No. 1 Schoolhouse
1-3 p.m. — Family broom ball, Stewart Park
3 p.m. — Free family-friendly movie: “Trolls,” Cave of the Mounds
3-4 p.m. — Cupcake walk, Driftless Historium
5-6 p.m. — Frozen turkey bowling, Garfield Park rink
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Candlelight ski and hike, Blue Mound State Park
7:30 p.m. — Old Time Dance, District No. 1 Schoolhouse
Sunday, February 4
All day — Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, Stewart Park
All day — Tubing, Tyrol Basin
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Rotary Pancake Breakfast and Optimist Silent Auction, Mount Horeb Middle School
Noon-3 p.m. — Tea-themed coloring activity, Telsaan Tea Shop
February 2, 2018 – February 4, 2018
Fish Creek Winter Festival
Fish Creek Winter Festival will celebrate its 31st year in 2018! Fish Creek’s longest-standing tradition and Door County’s most notorious winter event features live music, quirky games, delicious food, wine tasting, the notorious “Fruit Loop Fun Run,” an entertaining Stumpf Fiddle Contest, a spectacular fireworks display and a “Smokin Hot” Chili Cook-Off…all under a heated tent overlooking the frozen waters of Green Bay.
Highway 42 will bring you to Fish Creek, just north of Egg Harbor and south of both Ephraim and Peninsula State Park. It’s one of the jewels of Door County, and there’s plenty of fun to be had at the Fish Creek Winter Festival all weekend!
2018 Fish Creek Winter Fest Schedule of Events:
Friday, February 2, 2018
-Adult Art Night (21+) at Hands On Art Studio, 6:30-10:00pm
-Gibraltar Music Boosters Present “Cat’s Pajamas Vocal Band,” at the Door Community Auditorium, 7:00pm
Saturday, February 3, 2018
-Festivities in & around the heated tent in Clark Park, 10:00am-3:00pm
*Wild Winter Games Outside
*Fun Festive Games Inside
*Live DJ
*Tasty Food & Drinks from the Villager’s Snowmobile Club
*Limited Edition Winter Fest Merchandise
-GHA presents “All Things Chocolate” at the Old Town Hall, 10:00am-4:00pm
-Lautenbach’s Winter Wine & Cherry Fest, 10:00am-4:00pm
*Cherry Pit Spitting Contest at 1:30pm
*For sleigh reservations call John Mayberry at (920) 421-1152
-FREE Trolley Rides throughout Town, 10:00am-5:00pm
-Chili Cook-Off participants bring their crockpots to the tent, 10:45am
-FREE Children’s Story Hour at the Fish Creek Library, 11:00am-12:00pm
-SOUP! Homemade ceramic tiles and a bountiful buffet at the Peninsula School of Art, 11:00am-3:00pm
-“Chili Cook-Off” Judging and Winners Announced- Main Tent, 12:00pm
-Stumpf Fiddle Contest-Main Tent, 2:30pm
-Special Performance by BEER BELLY IDOLS-Main Tent, 3:00pm-5:30pm
-Candlelight Ski/Hike at Peninsula State Park, 5:30pm-8:00pm
-Fireworks Display-Outside of Main Tent, 5:45pm
-Rock & Roll Snow Dance with BIG MOUTH at Alexander’s, 10:00pm-12:00am
Sunday, February 4, 2018
-Fruit Loop Fun Run-Begins & Ends at the Main Tent, 10:30am
Fish Creek Winter Festival Address:
4150 Maple Street
Fish Creek, WI 54212
(920) 868-2316
Website
January 27, 2018
Chili Fest
Oconomowoc warms up the chilly January weather with its 9th annual Chili Fest on Saturday, January 27th! Ice sculptures and carvings along the downtown streets, ice and pond hockey on Fowler Lake, open family skating, a beer tent, and of course plenty of chili tastings.
Chili tastings are hosted by downtown businesses and local fundraising organizations with proceeds going to local charity. As you stroll downtown and stop in shops you can check out professional ice carvers who dot the downtown streets chiseling frozen blocks into works of art. A DJ and beer tent – which will also offer burgers and hot cocoa – are set up on the lake near the hockey tournament. A family skating rink is groomed nearby and an ice fishing clinic is also planned for the young anglers. It should be a fairly mild Saturday, so note ice conditions if you plan on skating.
While you stroll Wisconsin Avenue, check out a great burger at Crafty Cow, browse boutique shops, have a beer at Lakerz Sports Bar & Grill, and get a gander at the marker by City Hall commemorating the former location of the Strand Theatre, notable for being the place where the classic film The Wizard of Oz first premiered to audiences. Plenty of fun, food, skating, history, and more in this incredibly charming town at the western end of Waukesha County’s Lake Country.
Oconomowoc is where Highways 16 and 67 meet, just north of I-94’s Exit 282. The downtown is wedged between Lac La Belle and Fowler Lake and stroll along Wisconsin Avenue and Main Street reveals plenty of great shops, beautiful architecture, restaurants, historic markers, a dam, and much more. And of course on Saturday the 27th during Chili Fest, plenty of skating and chili!
Chili Fest Address:
Downtown Oconomowoc
133 E. Wisconsin Avenue (Highways 16 & 67, skipping the bypass)
Oconomowoc, WI 53066
(262) 567-5755
Website
January 13, 2018
Jack Frost Festival
The annual Jack Frost Festival let everyone enjoy a great family festival, held on the Yellow River Flowage in Spooner along U.S. 63 (near Tony’s, we’ve been there several times!). Check out hockey tournaments, open skating, a snowshoe jaunt, fat bike demos, turkey bowling, ribs and chili contests, minnow races, toilet paper toss, bonfire and s’mores bar, a regular bar in the form of Tony’s Riverside, other family events, and more. It takes place all day Saturday the 13th on the Yellow River Flowage in Spooner along U.S. 63, right in the heart of Washburn County.
You can also reach Spooner via Highway 70 or the U.S. 53 freeway. While traveling north on 53 you can angle over on Highway 253 (the old U.S. 53 prior to 1988), which brings you right into town and to the event!
Jack Frost Festival Address:
Spooner City Park
Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-2168
Website
Arctic Warrior Race, St. Germain
Ready for some outdoor mid-January fun in the North Woods? The Arctic Warrior Race is back for the second year in St. Germain, a center of winter playground fun in Vilas County and the North Woods. The event’s full name, by the way, is the 2nd Annual Arctic Warrior Snowshoe and Winter Obstacle Course Race.
The Arctic Warrior 1k Kids and 5k or 10k Snowshoe Race will wind you through the beautiful trails in St. Germain and alongside the obstacle course race. The Arctic Warrior 5k or 10k Obstacle Course Race will wind around Little St. Germain Lake and through trails of towering pines that will challenge you though variety of adventure obstacles including: a stuck in snow tire shuffle, arctic stair challenge, frozen switchback climb, snowy tundra tunnel crawl and a frozen tire bike race to name a few.
The Obstacle Course Challenge is a Team event so bring your friends along (team sizes can range in size from 2-6). The Most Spirited Arctic Warrior Team will be recognized at 3:30 at the Wild Bear Grill & Pub. Proceeds from the Race will be shared with the St. Germain Non-Motorized Trail System Fund. Discover Wisconsin will be there filming, and co-host Eric Paulsen, who is also the “Head Tourer” for State Trunk Tour, will check out the action and may be talked into seeing how fast he can go on snowshoes (spoiler alert: not very.)
St. Germain holds the Snowmobile Hall of Fame, which is along Highway 70. Just up Highway 155 closer to Sayner, the Vilas County Museum holds the first true snowmobile, which was patented by Carl Eliason in 1924. This area definitely knows their winter sports and how to get around in the snow!
Arctic Warrior Race Address/HQ:
Wild Bear Grill Pub
1330 Halberstadt Road
St. Germain, WI 54558
(715) 479-5778
Website
January 12, 2017 – March 18, 2017
Ice Castle Wonderland in Wisconsin Dells
Imagine an Ice Castle Wonderland in the already wondrous Wisconsin Dells, right next to the upside-down White House on the grounds as the World’s Largest Wooden Trojan Horse on the grounds of Mt Olympus Resort.
Well, you don’t need to imagine. Six days a week from January 12th through mid-March (weather permitting), a massive ice castle compound will be in that very spot, ready for exploration by the whole family. The artistic project began in October on the grounds of Mount Olympus Resort, one of five projects in North America by Ice Castles LLC, a Utah-based company with similar projects in New Hampshire, Minnesota, Utah, and Alberta, Canada. One of the most unique and amazing facts about the Ice Castles is that they are literally built by hand. They grow more than 5,000 icicles each day that we harvest and sculpt together.
In the Dells, the Ice Castle Wonderland features two 50-foot-long slides, a 35-foot tower, a fountain, and a domed room with a waterfall. You’ll also find tunnels, towers, trails, and even thrones lined with crushed ice and snow, all of which feature embedded light shows.
Some Tips (from their website) for a Great Experience:
To reach Wisconsin Dells, just hit I-90/94, U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23. And hope the weather stays cold!
Hours & Tickets:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 3pm – 9pm (closed Tuesday)
Online Tickets: $9.95 ages 12 and up, $6.95 ages 4-11
Tickets at the Door: $15 ages 12 and up, $10 ages 4-11 Child (4-11): $10
Friday, 3pm – 10pm
Saturday, noon – 10pm
Sunday, noon – 9pm
Online Tickets: $12.95 ages 12 and up, $8.95 ages 4-11
Tickets at the Door: $18 ages 12 and up, $10 ages 4-11 Child (4-11): $12
February 13, 2016
Snow Daze, Kenosha
The third annual Snow Daze Festival in Library Park will celebrate winter with an ice carving demonstration and display of ice sculptures. More than 40 ice sculptures will decorate Library Park and sidewalks throughout downtown Kenosha.
Featuring:
• An ice carving demonstration by Art Below Zero of Franksville.
• Cheer on your favorite mascot as they compete in fun Mascot Madness games in the park at 1 p.m. The Kenosha Kingfish baseball team, the Dinosaur Discovery Museum, Carthage College and Capt. Mike’s and Uncle Mike’s restaurants will be represented.
• The Children’s Room at Simmons Library offers a chance to warm up, with craft supplies available from 12-3 p.m. for children to create winter projects including paper snowflakes, snowman puppets and suncatchers.
• Downtown Ambassadors stationed in Library Park will have maps showing the locations of the ice sculptures downtown, and information on special entertainment and sales at downtown businesses as part of the Second Saturday celebration.
View the Downtown Ice Sculpture Tour map here. The ice sculptures are expected to last up to two weeks, depending on the weather.
Get updates and more details on the Snow Daze website!
You can access downtown Kenosha via Highways 32, 50, or 158. I-41/94 and Highway 31 also get you close.