10 Reasons you Need to Visit the Stevens Point Area this Winter

1. Skiing 

Gain some speed or kick it backcountry-style, by skiing in the Stevens Point Area. There are plenty of fun options from cross-country trails along the Green Circle Trail on the Plover River Segment to downhill skiing at Standing Rocks. Don't fret about your skill level, there is something for beginners all the way to advanced! 

Is cross-country your forte? Take a look at our guide to the top spots to cross-country ski in the Stevens Point Area. 

2. Ice Fishing

The area features an abundant amount of rivers and lakes that when frozen over during winter make for optimal ice fishing spots - when conditions exist. Start by checking out the backwaters of the Wisconsin River and Lake DuBay before trying inland lakes like Lake Emily, Collins Lake, or Sunset Lake.

3. Ice Skating

With a variety of indoor and outdoor ice rinks in the Stevens Point Area, you can find a place to throw the puck around or just simply skate. Check out K.B. Willett if you prefer to be indoors where they have open skate times and offer rentals on-site. For an outdoor rink that's lighted and offers rentals as well, don't miss Iverson Park. 

There are plenty of local rinks, get the inside scoop on each with our roundup of where to ice skate in the Stevens Point Area. 

4. Seasonal Brews

With a number of craft breweries in the Stevens Point Area, don't miss the seasonal winter sips. Kick off the season with the Bock, from Point Brewery, available starting in January. Then, meet the Bock in person and cheer on the runners in the annual Bock Run in March. Other spots with tasty seasonal brews include District 1 Brewing, O'so Brewing, and Central Waters Brewing. 

Take your visit at any one of the Craft Collective partners to the next level and receive cheers-worthy deals with the Central Wisconsin Craft Pass!

5. Curling

Stay active while indoors this winter at the state-of-the-art Sentry Curling Center in Plover. The club hosts Learn-To-Curl events for the public where anyone can register and try their hand at the Olympic sport. You'll also find open leagues and available memberships. 

Want more ways to stay active indoors this winter? Read on, to find out where you can find fun indoors this winter. 

6. Christmas Lights

Scattered across the county you can find an assortment of fun Christmas light displays to really get you in the spirit this season. Find ones choreographed to music and others displayed on local homes for a fun night out. 

Get the inside scoop on where to go with our guide to Christmas light displays in central Wisconsin. 

8. Cozy Sips

Warm up with a cup of joe this season at any one of the local coffee shops, including Ruby Cafe with its cozy atmosphere and great drinks. Stop in the rustic and historic Landmark Coffeehouse in Amherst for a unique sip or find perfectly themed latte boards at Zest Bakery and Coffeehouse near campus. 

Looking for more great spots, take a look at our guide to the top coffee shops in the Stevens Point Area. 

7. Snowmobiling

The Stevens Point Area is home to hundreds of miles of great snowmobiling trails when conditions exist. The county is broken into zones each offering a fun winter ride with an array of places to stay, bars, and restaurants nearby. Brave the cold this winter and venture into the picturesque rural countryside of Portage County - you won't regret it!

For more information, view a copy of the area's snowmobile map online. 

9. Tobogganing

For the perfect winter day full of fun, head to Iverson Park. The park not only has sledding, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, but it also has two great toboggan slides. Also, if you're getting cold, they have a warming lodge on-site.

Find inspiration for a winter day with a local adventure full of ice skating, seasonal sips, and more!

10. Green Circle Trail

Even in the winter, the beauty of the Green Circle Trail shines through. Explore a multitude of terrain hiking along boardwalks, through gorgeous wooded areas, paved paths, and more. For specific segment recommendations, try snowshoeing along the Paper Mill Trail or the Brickyard Trail that goes through the Stevens Point Sculpture Park. 

Getting out and hiking during the winter doesn't have to be hard, just read over our guide to the top winter hiking spots in the area.