Outdoor Winter Activities in the Milwaukee Area

Winter weather is here, so grab your sleds, skis, and skates and get out and enjoy what makes Wisconsin one of the greatest states in the country. Here is a list of popular winter activities and the best places to do them around Milwaukee County, Ozaukee County, Washington County, and Waukesha County, as well as three great downhill ski hills within a short drive.

Milwaukee County

Sledding

Whitnall Park – Spacious, with multiple levels of terrain for all ages and lighted for nighttime sledding. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also available with rentals offered at the golf clubhouse.

Cross-Country Skiing

Brown Deer Park – A 300-acre park with over 4 miles of groomed trails, perfect for cross-country skiers.

Snowshoeing

Wehr Nature Center – Over 5 miles of trails with shoe rentals available.

Ice-skating

Slice of Ice in Red Arrow Park - You can’t beat ice skating in downtown Milwaukee. Skates, skate assists, and sleds for skaters with mobility impairments are available for rent.

Curling

Wauwatosa Curling Club – Operating leagues for all skill levels. Several membership options are available. Non-members can try curling for a one-time fee before committing to membership. Check out their website for details on how to become a member.

Ozaukee County

Sledding

Mee-Kwon Park – Also known as “Mule Hill”, offers great sledding and entry-level snowboarding. Also features a warming house and pond for ice skating. Check their site for hours.

Cross-Country Skiing

Ozaukee Interurban Trail – A popular trail in the summer for walking, running, and cycling turns into a trail for cross-country skiing in the winter. The trail stretches from Mequon to Sheboygan.

Ice-Skating

Ozaukee Ice Center – A one-stop shop for all your skating adventures including hockey, figure skating, lessons, and more. Check their site for public skating hours.

Snowshoeing

Riveredge Nature Center – 10 miles of trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or hiking. Nominal trail fees apply, and rentals are available.

Curling

Milwaukee Curling Club – Offers leagues for beginners and experienced curlers. Join one of their Learn to Curl events, a 2-hour session on the ice that includes an hour of instruction with an hour of play, followed by socializing with pizza, soda, and beer.

Washington County

Sledding

Kinderberg Park – Spacious hill and great for all ages.

Cross-Country Skiing

Lac Lawrann Conservancy - A 137-acre nature preserve with snowshoeing trails and related activities. Free snowshoe rentals on Friday mornings while supplies last.

Ice-Skating

Photo of kids at the Kettle Moraine Ice Center — Kettle Moraine Ice Center

Kettle Moraine Ice Center – Hockey, figure skating, camps, and more. Public open skating is available. Check online for times.

Snowshoeing

Northern Unit Kettle Moraine State Forest - 30 miles of groomed and ungroomed cross-country ski trails.

Curling

Depending on your location in Washington County, check out the nearby Milwaukee Curling Club or the Kettle Moraine Curling Club.

Waukesha County

Sledding

Lowell Park – Get your fill of winter activities at Lowell Park, offering sledding, a large toboggan run, and public ice rinks. Fees apply for tobogganing. Check their site for more information.

people cross country skiiing at Lapham peak — Lapham Peak

Cross-Country Skiing

Lapham Peak – 17 miles of trails with varying difficulty and terrains. Features a 2.5-mile lighted loop. Leagues and clubs are available.

Ice-Skating

Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena – Hockey, figure skating, lessons, public skating, camps, and more. Limited public open skating times. Check their site for details.