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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 aspect, 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.
But Wisconsin in all probability did not cross your thoughts, did it?
An area report from the ‘Badger State’ signifies the Midwest’s new tourism hotspot is Wisconsin’s lesser-known winter wonderland, and it is absolutely not a family title.
Nestled between Madison, Milwaukee, and beautiful Lake Superior is a hidden gem with hovering customer numbers – and no, it is not the land of cheese and soccer both.
An enchanting area dotted with thrilling winter sports activities experiences, timeless cities, and sprawling postcard-worthy landscapes, amongst different shocking delights, is none aside from Chippewa Valley.
Ever heard of it?
Small Town Charm And Popular Breweries
A go to to Chippewa Valley will transport you to a Hallmark film. Picture winding backroads lined with snow-dusted pines and small cities oozing rustic attraction with down-home diners and quaint retailers.
If there’s one city you may need heard of – key phrase: would possibly – is the beautiful city of Eau Claire, thought-about to be the ‘North Star’ of Chippewa Valley.
This artsy faculty city transforms right into a quintessential white Christmas getaway and gives a broad vary of historic inns to trendy boutique hotels with stay jazz.
Next 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 fashionable Leinenkugel’s Brewery, which you’ve got probably seen their merchandise in your native grocery store’s cabinets.
What makes this brewery additional particular is the Leinie Lodge, the place you may take pleasure in insightful excursions of the brewery grounds and sip on $5 drafts throughout common enterprise hours and $2.50 beers for ‘Happy Hour’.
Make certain to take a look at their seasonal beers, like fan-favorite Snowdrift Vanilla Porter or my private favourite, Summer Shandy.
These are their winter hours by March:
Sunday – Wednesday
12:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday – Saturday
10:00am – 8:00pm
Travel Tip: Check out Chippewa Falls’ events page for enjoyable winter actions like Irvine Park’s Christmas Village.
Rustic Cabins And Snow-Dusted Pines: Lake Wissota Is A Local’s Favorite Escape
Next door to Chippewa Falls is tranquil Lake Wissota State Park, excellent for these keen to courageous the chilly and revel in all of the enjoyable actions that snow brings.
One distinctive attraction is the chance to ice fish, however simply remember that ice thickness just isn’t 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.
There’s no higher method 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’d be throughout Inn On Lake Wissota.
Highly rated, conveniently situated, and providing fireplace pit seating with up-close lake views, it is simple to see why one latest visitor boasted, ‘One of the most effective locations we have ever stayed! You’ll like it right here and never wish to go away!’.
Wisconsin’s Uptick In Tourism
Also listed in WQOM’s report is Wisconsin’s general uptick in tourism.
Frequently neglected as a go-to vacation spot, Milwaukee, Madison, and Wisconsin’s sliver of the Great Lakes are too typically neglected.
However, the out of doors recreation sector grew 9.4%, which speaks to Chippewa Valley’s attraction.
While official statistics aren’t fairly tallied up for 2024, it is anticipated Chippewa Valley will see an excellent greater spike, and locals are thrilled to see the financial system booming.
With overtourism and even gentrification being a giant concern these days, there can by no means be too many welcoming locations.
Wisconsin is filled with delights past Chippewa Valley as nicely, so if you go to, do not let it’s your end-all-be-all getaway.
For instance, do you know Wisconsin is house to 21 islands? It’s true.
That being stated, Chippewa Valley is undoubtedly the state’s most underrated winter getaway, and as extra guests make their manner right here, it is inevitable to see much more sights pop up, particularly since Chippewa Valley talks a giant sport as a ‘year-round vacation spot’.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.
