When the holidays roll in, some people dream about gift wrapping and parties, and others start craving fresh snow and long days outside. Winter in Wisconsin feels especially inviting in Wausau, where ski runs, forest trails, and warm fireplaces are all close at hand. If you have been searching for things to do in Wausau in winter, you will quickly see that this small city delivers big energy in the colder months, from quiet mornings in the woods to lively evenings downtown.
There are so many ways to enjoy winter in Wausau. Spend your days gliding across cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing through quiet forests, or exploring local parks that sparkle under a fresh layer of snow. When you are ready to warm up, you can slip into inviting cafes, breweries, and restaurants, or visit local galleries and museums. Whether you are planning a romantic escape or simply trying to decide what to do in Wausau on a chilly weekend, you will find plenty of options that fit your style.
Of course, no list of things to do in Wausau would be complete without mentioning Granite Peak Ski Area. This legendary mountain is considered one of the premier ski destinations in the Midwest, with long runs, varied terrain, and chairlifts that keep you out on the snow as much as possible. It is easy to spend full days on the slopes, then head back to town for dinner and drinks, making Wausau one of the most appealing winter getaways in the region.
To make the most of your time here, pair your adventures with a stay at our luxury Wisconsin cabin, Owl Ridge Cabin. This beautiful retreat sits on several wooded acres just a few minutes from downtown Wausau, so you can enjoy the privacy of cabins in Wisconsin without giving up the convenience of being close to town. It feels like your own personal hideaway, perfect for couples who want quiet mornings, starry nights, and a relaxed place to reconnect.
If you have been browsing Wisconsin cabins and wondering where to stay for a memorable trip, Owl Ridge Cabin offers an unforgettable setting, whether you plan to ski, explore, or simply unwind. Book your getaway today and experience the very best of winter in Wausau.
The Best Things to Do in Wausau in Winter
Wausau has long been hailed as an outdoor lover’s paradise, with ample opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, birdwatching, and more. In the winter, outdoor enthusiasts will find an entirely new range of pursuits to enjoy in this ruggedly charming Northwoods town. But, even though there are so many great things to do in Wausau in winter (and year-round) that involve the outdoors, there are just as many great things to do that don’t involve getting dirty, cold, or wet.
Our charming town packs in plenty of small-town charm but offers wonderful big-city amenities, like those you’d find in cities like Madison. There are fantastic museums here, a leading performing arts theater, great shopping, and some fantastic restaurants to enjoy during your getaway. In short, there are more than enough things to do in Wausau in winter to keep you busy for several days. Below, we’ve listed a few of our favorite things to do in Wausau this winter.
- There’s no doubt in our mind that one of the best things to do in Wausau in the winter is to ski or snowboard at Granite Peak Ski Area. It’s touted as the Midwest’s premier ski destination thanks to its fantastic 700-foot vertical drop, 68 runs, three terrain parks, and a super-modern high-speed chairlift system that gets you up the mountain quickly.
- Cross-country skiing is another one of the most popular things to do in Wausau, WI, in winter. Though there are plenty of areas to embark on this time-honored winter tradition, there is none more popular than the 9-mile Forest Recreation Area.
- If you’re not up for skiing or snowboarding, or even cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, but still want to play in the snow, have a bit of fun at the tubing park at Sylvan Hill Park in Wausau.
- On Saturdays, local vendors set up shop at the Wausau Winter Market at Whitewater Music Hall. Here, you’ll find local produce, baked goods, and artisan wares.
- When you don’t want to do much but still want to experience an authentic taste of Wisconsin, head to one of Wausau’s local Wisconsin Breweries. It’s a fun and easy way to spend an afternoon and one of the most popular things to do in Wausau in winter. Head to Red Eye Brewing or Bull Falls Brewery. You should also check out Timekeeper Distillery while you’re in town.
- Grand Theater, Wausau’s leading performing arts venue, is never a disappointment. They offer a variety of fantastic shows year-round.
- You’ll also be impressed by the culinary prowess of local Wausau restaurants. With everything from delicious Italian and delightful Asian-Fusion cuisine to farm-to-table locavore eats, you can find it all in this charming Wisconsin town.
- Wausau is also home to some truly fantastic museums, including the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, known for its famous annual Birds in Art Exhibit, and the Center for Visual Arts for modern paintings, prints, and photography.
Stay at our Luxury Cabin in Wisconsin
Though there are plenty of generic hotel rooms and other accommodations closer to downtown Wausau—including our sister property, the unforgettable Stewart Inn —there is simply nothing that compares to our luxury Wisconsin cabin just outside of town. It’s one of the finest cabins in Wisconsin, situated on five private, wooded acres, offering a couple’s retreat beyond compare.
From the moment you first pull up to this modern, airy cabin in Wisconsin, you’ll begin to see what makes it special. Designed with clean lines and outfitted with nothing but the finest in furnishings, with exquisite detailing throughout, there’s simply no other cabin in Wisconsin quite like this one. Picture windows look out over this private wooded retreat, where the only neighbors you’ll encounter are the birds and wildlife that move throughout the property.
Take a soak in the generous soaking tub, steam away your stress in our sumptuous steam shower, then curl up for a cozy night in with your sweetheart in front of the fireplace. There’s a well-appointed kitchen for you to make meals together throughout your stay, and the most restful night of sleep you’ve ever had away from home awaits in our luxury bedroom. With such an exquisite place to call home for a few days, you may no longer care about all the great things to do in Wausau in the winter, but they are here and waiting for you when you want to have a little fun.
This winter is the perfect time for a cozy couple’s getaway – and there’s no better place for it than our luxurious cabin in Wisconsin. Book your cabin getaway today!
