Winter Checklist

Winter is usually the time of year when most people just want to simply stay inside, snuggle up in a blanket and drink some hot cocoa. Although there are days when winter creates a new definition of cold, there are days when the sun does come out! On days like this, it’d be a shame to miss an opportunity to get outside, enjoy the snow, and create memories with family and friends.

GO ON A SNOWY HIKE

I don’t think anyone is the biggest fan of winter, but I love seeing fresh snow blanket trees in the woods. It looks magical snowshoeing the trails and seeing the snow sparkle from the sun. Some of my favorite trails are Kohler Andrae State Park, which has a moderate 1-mile snowshoe trail that begins at the amphitheater and winds south through the wooded campground area. Additional snowshoeing is available at the 2.5-mile Black River Trail and throughout the park. Snowshoeing is not allowed on the groomed ski trail. There’s also the Jaycee Trails run through Evergreen Park and Maywood. They have trails that are not groomed that are available for snowshoeing and fat tire bicycling.

SLEIGH RIDES AT THE WADE HOUSE

Enjoy dashing through the snow on Wade House’s beautiful property in a horse drawn sleigh! Snow and weather permitting, their sleigh rides run every weekend until March. Check this page every Friday to confirm that sleigh rides will be taking place for the weekend.

DON’T HESITATE GO ICESKATE

I have loved ice skating ever since I was a little kid so you can imagine how ecstatic I was to find out Sheboygan offered this activity. But wait, it gets even better! Sheboygan Lakers Ice Center is affordable for anyone; ice skate rentals are $3 and the admissions fee is $5. You can’t beat prices like that! So, get off the couch, take a few hours with your friends, and get out on the ice! Find the public skating schedule here.

SLED IN THE BOWL

Vollrath Bowl is a pretty unique, and popular, place to sled. This 1930s amphitheater has tiered sides so you get an exciting change in velocity as you slide down (The tiers also make it easier to walk back up the hill if you aren’t near the stairs). Vollrath is great for little kids and adults alike. For a slightly smaller hill, head a little west and check out Kiwanis Park.

WE ARE MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT

Making Spirits Bright is something many people look forward to from Thanksgiving to the New Year. I personally love this festive show; as you wind through a 1.1-mile route you’ll notice that the lights and the holiday music on the radio are choreographed. It truly puts you in the holiday spirit. The woods at Evergreen Park are illuminating, dazzling, and the lights twinkle with every turn. Visit once or as many times as you want! Admission is free but they gladly accept canned goods as donations.

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MAKING HOLIDAY MEMORIES

Anyone that has a passion for Christmas decorations will fall in love with the Historical Museum’s set up. During the holiday season the museum is devoted and revolves around their beautiful decorations. As soon as you walk in you are surrounded with themed Christmas trees, Boston Store animated characters, ride-able Garton Toy Factory toys for children, or the “I Spy” game in Taylor House.

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MAKE A CHRISTMAS WREATH

There are beautiful decorations associated with Christmas. For this season, wouldn’t it be amazing to put your own personal flare on your Christmas displays? Head to Caan’s Floral workshops and build your very own Christmas Wreath. Go by yourself or head over their with some of your closest friends.

WILL YOU TAKE THE POLAR PLUNGE?

It happens every year since 1973, and even the bitter cold of winter can’t stop it. On January 1, people line up along the frigid waters of Lake Michigan with only one thing on their minds – jumping in. It sounds crazy, but that doesn’t stop anyone from dressing up in costumes, yelling “It’s not cold enough!”, and taking the plunge. This will be one way of bringing in the New Year!

FAT TIRE BIKE AROUND SHEBOYGAN

“Fat tire biking” as it’s called, or riding bicycles with wider tires on approved snow-covered trails, is an increasingly popular sport in Wisconsin. Snow doesn’t slow the biking fun, but rather adds to it! There are a few trails in the area. Greenbush Recreational trails (N5854 Kettle Moraine Drive Glenbeulah WI) are a little outside of Sheboygan, but there are 9 miles of single track. Trail passes and state park stickers are required. On the other hand, hang out at Evergreen (3000 Calumet Drive Sheboygan, WI) or the Quarry (3401 Calumet Dr, Sheboygan, WI). The trails are mostly singletrack with a nice mix of climbing and descending.

If you want to learn more visit Fat Kats Mountain Bike Club on Facebook