Your Getaway Guide
Plan your next day trip or weekend getaway here.
Beloit
Beloit, one of Wisconsin’s premier boutique shopping destinations, offers winter visitors a ton of options for holiday fun – and yes, plenty of holiday shopping, too. Beloit’s annual Holidazzle takes place on Dec. 5, when the town’s many shops and boutiques stay open late to welcome holiday shoppers with beautiful light displays, carolers, trolley rides and visits from Santa. While checking off items from their shopping list, visitors are invited to enjoy myriad other holiday activities, including ice skating at Edwards Ice Arena, the annual tree lighting and much more to get you in the spirit. visitbeloit.com
Dollar Lake Retreat
Step inside a snow globe at Dollar Lake Retreat, just five minutes from the heart of Eagle River. With the frozen lake stretching out only 37 feet from the cabin, sunsets glow across the ice while snowflakes settle softly on towering pines. Inside, vintage details invite you to linger, three fireplaces add a cozy glow, and every corner feels curated with warmth and intention. Guests can skate on the private rink when conditions allow, then add on a wood-fired sauna experience or gather for long, cozy evenings around the table. Dollar Lake Retreat is where nostalgia and luxury meet for a Northwoods escape you’ll never forget. dollarlakeretreat.com
Greater Richland Area
The Driftless Area surrounding Richland Center is embracing the upcoming holiday season with festive cheer and small-town charm. On Sunday, Nov. 9 at the Richland Reindeer Event, kids of all ages can visit and take photos with live reindeer, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Claus, while enjoying hot cocoa and kettle corn. The annual Rotary Holiday Lights in the Park kicks off on Thanksgiving Day and runs through New Year’s Eve, inviting guests to stroll or drive through the twinkling, synchronized light show. With many holiday maker markets and events going on throughout the season, Richland Center is a great place to imbibe some holiday cheer. greaterrichlandtourism.com
PHOTO: COURTESY OF HAYWARD LAKES
Hayward
Wisconsinites don’t shy away from the outdoors when the weather cools – they embrace a new season of outdoor fun! Head Up North to the Hayward area to find winter adventure. The region has an extensive map of trails for off-roading, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and more – like Flambeau Hills, Hatchery Park and Hayward’s Recreational Forest Trail. The rich sportsmanship culture comes alive during the area’s many festivals and competitions, including the upcoming American Birkebeiner cross-country skiing race, Feb. 21, and the Fat Bike Birkie, Feb. 28. haywardlakes.com
Thorp House Inn
One of Door County’s most beloved bed and breakfasts, Thorp House Inn offers visitors an elegant and serene respite. Just one block from Main Street, Thorp House Inn offers an unbeatable view of downtown Fish Creek, blocks from the beach and Peninsula State Park. Winter is a great time to visit, whether to get away from the hustle and bustle of the season, or to enjoy winter activities like ice fishing, fat-tire biking, snowmobiling and more. thorphouseinn.com
Staycations
Potawatomi Casino Hotel
Escape the stress of the holiday season with a trip to Milwaukee’s Potawatomi Casino Hotel, where you can enjoy an evening or weekend full of fun. As the city’s largest entertainment destination, Potawatomi Casino boasts extensive gaming, sports betting, live music and entertainment options. Throughout November, the casino hotel is partnering with local organizations and hosting events to honor Native American Heritage Month. potawatomi.com
The Pfister Hotel
You don’t need to travel far to enjoy the holiday season – just pay a visit to The Pfister Hotel Downtown. Each year, the hotel transforms into a seasonal escape with holiday lights and ornament displays, a tree lighting ceremony, breakfast with Santa, and more. Enjoy live music and a cocktail in the lobby lounge while taking in the changing landscape, or book a reservation at the WELL Spa + Salon, to melt away the holiday stress. No visit to The Pfister is complete without a stop at Blu, the bar on the 23rd floor of the hotel featuring panoramic views. thepfisterhotel.com
Whitewater
On Dec. 5, Whitewater ushers in the holiday season with a Parade of Lights, the downtown coming alive with decorations and floats. But there are plenty of other activities to fill a trip to Whitewater any time this winter. Wander down to Cravath Lakefront Park where you will find an interactive walkthrough light display and different events like a chili cookoff or petting reindeer. McMiller Ski Trail System within the Kettle Moraine State Forest offers Nordic trails for levels of experience from beginner to advanced. Or, for the cold-averse, stay indoors with a visit to Second Salem Brewing, a local brewer that plays on Whitewater’s long history of supernatural legends; or spend a day thrift shopping at stores like Stellar Vintage Clothing and Reflections of the Past. discoverwhitewater.org
Will's Northwoods Inn
Once a Wisconsinite, always a Wisconsinite. Located in Chicago’s South Lakeview neighborhood, Will’s Northwoods Inn is an homage to the Dairy State. The Wisconsin Northwoods-themed sports bar is packed with Sconnie decor and beer paraphernalia. It’s the perfect place for Chicago’s many Wisconsin sports fans to gather to cheer on the Packers, Brewers and Badgers. The menu is packed with Wisconsin favorites like fried cheese curds, fish fries and more. Whether you’re coming from across the border or across the street, Will’s Northwoods Inn makes sure you’ll feel right at home in the Windy City. willsnorthwoodsinn.com ◆
Dollar Lake Retreat
