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As we shut out the ultimate chapter of 2024, most vacationers are in search of out sunny escapes equivalent to 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 12 months for epic winter wonderlands like Colorado and Alaska, in addition to infinite Christmasy destinations throughout Europe.
However 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 isn’t the land of cheese and soccer both.
A fascinating 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 City Allure And Widespread Breweries


A go to to Chippewa Valley will transport you to a Hallmark film. Image winding backroads lined with snow-dusted pines and small cities oozing rustic attraction with down-home diners and quaint outlets.
If there’s one city you may need heard of – key phrase: may – is the beautiful city of Eau Claire, thought of to be the ‘North Star’ of Chippewa Valley.
This artsy faculty city transforms right into a quintessential white Christmas getaway and presents a broad vary of historic inns to trendy boutique hotels with stay jazz.
Subsequent 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 well-liked Leinenkugel’s Brewery, which you’ve got probably seen their merchandise in your native grocery store’s cabinets.


What makes this brewery further particular is the Leinie Lodge, the place you possibly can take pleasure in insightful excursions of the brewery grounds and sip on $5 drafts throughout common enterprise hours and $2.50 beers for ‘Joyful Hour’.
Make certain to take a look at their seasonal beers, like fan-favorite Snowdrift Vanilla Porter or my private favourite, Summer time Shandy.
These are their winter hours via March:
Sunday – Wednesday
12:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday – Saturday
10:00am – 8:00pm
Journey Tip: Try Chippewa Falls’ events page for enjoyable winter actions like Irvine Park’s Christmas Village.
Rustic Cabins And Snow-Dusted Pines: Lake Wissota Is A Native’s Favourite Escape


Subsequent door to Chippewa Falls is tranquil Lake Wissota State Park, good for these keen to courageous the chilly and luxuriate in all of the enjoyable actions that snow brings.
One distinctive attraction is the chance to ice fish, however simply remember that ice thickness is just not 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 geared up for snowmobiles main deeper into Chippewa County’s intensive path system.


There is not any higher strategy 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 have been me, I would be throughout Inn On Lake Wissota.
Extremely rated, conveniently positioned, and providing fireplace pit seating with up-close lake views, it is simple to see why one current visitor boasted, ‘Among the finest locations we have ever stayed! You will find it irresistible right here and never wish to go away!’.
Wisconsin’s Uptick In Tourism


Additionally listed in WQOM’s report is Wisconsin’s general uptick in tourism.
Continuously missed as a go-to vacation spot, Milwaukee, Madison, and Wisconsin’s sliver of the Nice Lakes are too usually missed.
Nevertheless, the out of doors recreation sector grew 9.4%, which speaks to Chippewa Valley’s enchantment.
Whereas official statistics aren’t fairly tallied up for 2024, it is anticipated Chippewa Valley will see a good larger spike, and locals are thrilled to see the economic system booming.
With overtourism and even gentrification being an enormous concern these days, there can by no means be too many welcoming locations.


Wisconsin is stuffed with delights past Chippewa Valley as nicely, so once you go to, do not let or not it’s your end-all-be-all getaway.
For instance, do you know Wisconsin is residence to 21 islands? It is true.
That being stated, Chippewa Valley is undoubtedly the state’s most underrated winter getaway, and as extra guests make their means right here, it is inevitable to see much more sights pop up, particularly since Chippewa Valley talks an enormous sport as a ‘year-round vacation spot’.
Sam, our Lead Author & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 30 nations and written over 400 articles with a give attention to sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.
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Opinions expressed listed here 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, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the submit.