Share The Article

Final Up to date

As we shut out the ultimate chapter of 2024, most vacationers are in search of out sunny escapes reminiscent of Florida, Mexico, and even so far as Europe’s sunniest area, the Algarve.

On the flip facet, a few of us embrace the coldest season of the yr for epic winter wonderlands like Colorado and Alaska, in addition to infinite Christmasy destinations throughout Europe.

However Wisconsin in all probability did not cross your thoughts, did it?

Bridge over icy river in Chippewa Valley, WI

A neighborhood report from the ‘Badger State’ signifies the Midwest’s new tourism hotspot is Wisconsin’s lesser-known winter wonderland, and it is certainly not a family identify.

Nestled between Madison, Milwaukee, and gorgeous Lake Superior is a hidden gem with hovering customer numbers – and no, it isn’t the land of cheese and soccer both.

A fascinating area dotted with thrilling winter sports activities experiences, timeless cities, and sprawling postcard-worthy landscapes, amongst different stunning delights, is none apart from Chippewa Valley.

Ever heard of it?

Small City Appeal And Widespread Breweries

Historic building in Chippewa Falls

A go to to Chippewa Valley will transport you to a Hallmark film. Image winding backroads lined with snow-dusted pines and small cities oozing rustic allure with down-home diners and quaint outlets.

If there’s one city you may need heard of – key phrase: may – is the stunning city of Eau Claire, thought of to be the ‘North Star’ of Chippewa Valley.

This artsy faculty city transforms right into a quintessential white Christmas getaway and provides a broad vary of historic inns to trendy boutique hotels with reside jazz.

Subsequent up on the Chippewa Valley wheel is equally named Chippewa Falls, an idyllic winter escape with a picturesque city heart, circa 1900’s Bed and Breakfasts, and standard Leinenkugel’s Brewery, which you’ve got probably seen their merchandise in your native grocery store’s cabinets.

Leinenkugel's Brewery

What makes this brewery further particular is the Leinie Lodge, the place you possibly can take pleasure in insightful excursions of the brewery grounds and sip on $5 drafts throughout common enterprise hours and $2.50 beers for ‘Completely satisfied Hour’.

Be certain to take a look at their seasonal beers, like fan-favorite Snowdrift Vanilla Porter or my private favourite, Summer season Shandy.

These are their winter hours by March:

Sunday – Wednesday
12:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday – Saturday
10:00am – 8:00pm

Journey Tip: Try Chippewa Falls’ events page for enjoyable winter actions like Irvine Park’s Christmas Village.

Rustic Cabins And Snow-Dusted Pines: Lake Wissota Is A Native’s Favourite Escape

Lake Wissota sunset

Subsequent door to Chippewa Falls is tranquil Lake Wissota State Park, good for these keen to courageous the chilly and luxuriate in all of the enjoyable actions that snow brings.

One distinctive attraction is the chance to ice fish, however simply bear in mind that ice thickness is just not monitored.

For the extra adventurous, circle your calendars for January 15, 2025 for a night candlelit gathering for skiers, snowboarders, and hikers for winter thrills previous sunset.

The park boasted roughly 8 miles of well-groomed trails for skiers, 10 miles for snowshoeing, and one other 5 outfitted for snowmobiles main deeper into Chippewa County’s in depth path system.

Snow-dusted pines in Chippewa Valley

There is no higher option to immerse your self within the magical surroundings surrounding Lake Wissota.

There are quite a few cozy cabins lining the lake and into the forest listed on Airbnb and Vrbo.

If it had been me, I would be throughout Inn On Lake Wissota.

Extremely rated, conveniently positioned, and providing hearth pit seating with up-close lake views, it is simple to see why one current visitor boasted, ‘Top-of-the-line locations we have ever stayed! You may like it right here and never wish to go away!’.

Wisconsin’s Uptick In Tourism

Woman hiking through snow-dusted forest

Additionally listed in WQOM’s report is Wisconsin’s total uptick in tourism.

Steadily neglected as a go-to vacation spot, Milwaukee, Madison, and Wisconsin’s sliver of the Nice Lakes are too usually neglected.

Nonetheless, the outside recreation sector grew 9.4%, which speaks to Chippewa Valley’s attraction.

Whereas official statistics aren’t fairly tallied up for 2024, it is anticipated Chippewa Valley will see a fair larger spike, and locals are thrilled to see the economic system booming.

With overtourism and even gentrification being an enormous concern these days, there can by no means be too many welcoming locations.

Two women walking in snowshoes

Wisconsin is filled with delights past Chippewa Valley as effectively, so once you go to, do not let it’s your end-all-be-all getaway.

For instance, do you know Wisconsin is residence to 21 islands? It is true.

That being stated, Chippewa Valley is undoubtedly the state’s most underrated winter getaway, and as extra guests make their means right here, it is inevitable to see much more sights pop up, particularly since Chippewa Valley talks an enormous recreation as a ‘year-round vacation spot’.

↓ Elevate Your Journey↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No advertisements, VIP Content material, Private Journey Concierge, Large Financial savings, Each day Offers, Members Discussion board & Extra!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: The place vacationers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even discover like-minded journey buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your e mail deal with to subscribe to Journey Off Path’s newest breaking journey information, straight to your inbox.

This text initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.





Source link