Guide to the top Wisconsin Dells January events, activities, and attractions you must check out for the best winter in Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells is one of the state’s most popular summer tourist destinations, with visitors loving the range of waterparks and incredible creekside trails.
However, many people don’t realize the tremendous range of fun things to do in Wisconsin Dells in January and give the town a miss in the winter.
My list features all the activities you need to know about to enjoy Wisconsin Dells in January as you travel Wisconsin, and you can use it to help plan your winter vacation there.
Psssst…!!?? You can’t get enough of Wisconsin in Winter? Have a look at my other posts:
- Fun Winter Events in Wisconsin
- Wonderful Winter Getaways in Wisconsin
- Cozy Winter Resorts In Wisconsin Dells
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Table of Contents
Overview: Top 3 Things to do in Wisconsin Dells in January
- Enjoy a spa getaway
- Go Ziplining
- Visit Christmas Mountain Village
1. Winter Camping
Even as the snows come, camping remains among the most popular Wisconsin Dells winter activities.
So long as you take plenty of warm clothes and a high-quality sleeping bag, camping is a fantastic way to spend lots of time in nature and enjoy stunning winter night skies.
Amongst the best places for camping in Wisconsin Dells in winter is Mirror Lake State Park.
This site boasts 151 campsites across three campgrounds and is one of the top spots for winter camping in Wisconsin.
A lot of these facilities are open year-round, and Sandstone Ridge Campground is the most popular for a winter camping adventure.
Many visitors also love the nearby Quartzite Campground at Devil’s Lake State Park, which is located on a former 9-hole golf course.
If you’re looking for some fun free things to do in Wisconsin Dells in winter, you can also take advantage of all the great hiking in Wisconsin Dells and the surrounding area.
2. Spa Getaway
For people who prefer to stay cozy during the winter, visiting one of the many spas will be among the more appealing things to do in Wisconsin Dells in January.
It is a chance to feel blissful relaxation to wind down from a busy festive period.
Since you’ll be visiting in the post-Christmas period, you might even find some great Wisconsin Dells January deals on treatments.
For this reason, Sundara Inn & Spa is among my favorite Wisconsin Dells January activities. It’s also one of the best spa resorts in Wisconsin.
Its team and facilities have won multiple awards, including ranking number four in the Midwest Travel + Leisure magazine’s “World’s Best Awards” (2022).
Sundara’s spa is kitted out with the latest spa equipment, including hydro jet massage and their unique Cryo T-Shock body contouring technology.
The spa is also adults-only, so perfect if you’re looking for romantic getaways in Wisconsin Dells or just fun things to do in Wisconsin Dells for adults.
Book a stay at Sundara Inn & Spa
3. Visit Cascade Mountain
Skiing is one of the most popular things to do in Wisconsin in winter. So it’s no surprise that skiing in Wisconsin Dells is one of the city’s most popular winter activities.
Located just 10 miles southeast of the city, it is the most popular of the range of ski resorts located nearby.
On this beautiful mountain that is 1280 feet tall, you can find 160 acres of skiing terrain and an 800-foot-long snowboarding chute.
What makes Cascade Mountain essential in a list of fun things to do in Wisconsin Dells in the winter is that it is accessible for all abilities.
Alongside their mellow beginner runs are highly technical freeskiing areas that will challenge any skier.
Book a stay at the best cabin in Cascade Mountain
4. Christmas Mountain Village
While the quality of the skiing at Cascade Mountain cannot be matched, you can only go there on day trips as it is lacking dedicated places to stay.
Visitors who want to commit to a skiing holiday should consider Christmas Mountain Village, one of the best ski resorts in Wisconsin.
This is one of the best Wisconsin Dells January attractions because of the diverse experiences that you can have, going beyond winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
You can stay in unbelievably comfortable log cabins, villas, and cottages with some of the best views in the Dells and enjoy fantastic food and service.
Book the best vacation rentals near Christmas Mountain Village
5. Skate at The Keg
There are lots of family-oriented things to do in Wisconsin Dells in January for families, and ice skating at The Keg is one of the best.
This spacious ice rink gives you lots of space for your kids to zoom around while they are learning, and it can be rented out for parties.
After having a wonderful time enjoying one of the best Wisconsin Dells January attractions, why not stick around to have some top-quality food? Specialties include gyros, pork tenderloin, and chicken tenders.
The Keg isn’t the only prime spot for ice skating in Wisconsin Dells. You should also check out Lake Delton Ice Arena, where under-fives skate for free.
Book the best tours in Wisconsin Dells
6. Sauk County Snowmobiling
One of the most thrilling things to do in Wisconsin Dells in January is snowmobiling, which allows you to combine adrenaline-seeking, high-octane action with a chance to see amazing views.
Sauk County is by far the most popular site for snowmobiling near the city. You can find 211 miles of trails specially cut for snowmobiling, taking you through the utterly stunning Baraboo Bluffs.
Meanwhile, if conditions aren’t great, you can enjoy snowmobiling in January in Wisconsin Dells in Juneau County and Adams County.
You’ll find some of the best snowmobile trails in Wisconsin located in Wisconsin Dells and the surrounding area.
Book the best winter cabins in Wisconsin Dells
7. The Illusion Show
Poor weather may put you off many popular January events in Wisconsin Dells. Therefore, it is wise to have indoor options in your plans for what to do in Wisconsin Dells in January.
The Illusion Show at the Rick Wilcox Magic Theatre is a great place to start. This show is open year-round and is run by Rick and Suzan Wilcox.
With comedy and live entertainment in between the jaw-dropping tricks, it is considered the ultimate family show in the city. Make sure to book tickets in advance as they frequently sell out.
Buy the ultimate road trip itinerary for Wisconsin
8. Ziplining
One of the most overlooked things to do in Wisconsin Dells in Winter is ziplining, which most people only do in summer.
However, they are missing out on the unmatched rush of speeding through snow-covered trees with the cold wind rushing past.
Some ziplines near the city are open year-round to add to your list of winter activities in Wisconsin Dells. Two of the most popular are The Bigfoot Zipline and The Wilderness Hotel and Golf Resort Zipline.
However, the best views can be enjoyed on Vertical Illusions’ one-mile-long zipline, which gives you views over the forest for up to 120 miles.
The stunning views alone make this one of the best Wisconsin Dells winter attractions.
Find the best Zipline adventure in Wisconsin Dells
9. Bowling
Any list of things to do in Wisconsin Dells in January needs to come with plenty of indoor options so you can stay cozy against the harsh weather.
Chalet Lanes & Lounge offers the ultimate winter bowling experience, and you can battle it out against your family while eating pizza.
Like any good bowling alley, Chalet Lanes & Lounge also has a strong selection of arcade game favorites, so you can keep the fun going long after your game finishes.
Buy the ultimate road trip itinerary for Wisconsin
10. Ice Formations at Fern Dell Gorge
My list of things to do in Wisconsin Dells in January has featured some truly unique options, but I left the most unique one until last.
At Mirror Lake State Park, you can head over to Fern Dell Gorge for an adventure like nothing else.
Within the stunning cave formations, ice floes are pressed up against the rocks, turning them into ice walls that can reach 10 feet tall.
These formations are best enjoyed during winter as they will have had enough time to form, but they won’t have started melting yet.
Buy the best hiking guides for Wisconsin
Closing
Contrary to what many people believe, there is a huge variety of things to do in Wisconsin Dells in January to choose from when you visit.
My list has shown how your Wisconsin Dells January can be filled with outside adventures and cozy indoor experiences.
When planning which Wisconsin Dells winter activities to enjoy on your vacation to the city, make sure to fully consult my list and choose the ones that best fit your preferences and the weather you are likely to experience.
Short FAQs About Things to do in Wisconsin Dells in January
Is Wisconsin Dells open in January?
Yes, of course! While a few seasonal things are closed during the winter months in Wisconsin Dells, most attractions and things do to are open to enjoy year-round in Wisconsin Dells.
What are the best things to do in Wisconsin Dells in January?
Some of the best things to do in Wisconsin Dells in January are outdoorsy activities such as winter sports like skiing, and snowmobiling. But you can also enjoy some indoor activities like relaxing spa treatments and bowling.
Is Wisconsin Dells worth visiting in January?
Wisconsin Dells is worth visiting all year round. So long as you don’t mind the cold, one of the benefits of visiting Wisconsin Dells in January is that you can enjoy many of the top activities and attractions in the off-season, which means you can avoid the crowds.
What to pack for your Fall or Winter trip
- Warm Clothing: Bring a heavy winter coat, gloves, scarf, hat, thermal socks, and layered clothing.
- Footwear: Wear waterproof and insulated boots with good traction.
- Snow Gear: Pack snow pants or insulated trousers and snowshoes or crampons.
- Winter Driving Essentials: Include an ice scraper, snow brush, and emergency car kit.
- Travel Documents: Don’t forget your passport/ID, travel insurance, itinerary, and maps.
- Electronics: Bring a portable charger and camera for capturing memories. I love my GoPro!
- Health and Safety: Carry prescription meds and a basic first-aid kit.
- Sunscreen is key! I always take with me my eco-friendly sunscreen by Thinksport.
- I always carry a light rain jacket, just in case.
- Travel insurance: If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, travel is protected against all odds with HeyMondo.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
