Here’s a list of the best things to do in Wisconsin in March!
My go-to travel hack for avoiding crowds and enjoying unique activities when I travel Wisconsin is to visit in March.
There’s still snow around, so activities like skiing are still an option.
But by this time, the weather is forgiving enough to enjoy food tours and long walks without feeling like you’re freezing.
Wisconsin has so many fun opportunities when the snow starts to thaw.
To give you a starting point for your trip, I’ve listed the most fun things to do in Wisconsin in March in this post.
They’ve already been tried and tested by me (countless times). Anytime I visit in March or April, these activities always make my trip unforgettable!
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Table of Contents
Overview: My Top 3 Things to Do in Wisconsin in March
- Visit the Wisconsin Dells
- Try Maple Syrup
- Take a Food Tour in Wisconsin
1. Visit the Wisconsin Dells
There’s no better way to start your Wisconsin adventure in March than by stopping by Wisconsin Dells.
Most people see this city as a summer hotspot (well, it is, considering it’s the Waterpark Capital of the World).
But the Dells is much more than it offers during the warm months.
In March, the city has fewer tourists lining up for the best boat tours in Wisconsin and its iconic indoor waterparks.
For example, the Devil’s Lake State Park is usually packed in summer. But in March? You’ll enjoy solace as you hike, take photos, and soak in the scenery!
There are tons of things to do in Wisconsin Dells in March. I won’t even be surprised if you spend your entire Wisconsin trip in this city alone!
If you want to enjoy staying at indoor waterparks while avoiding the crowds of mainstream destinations like Kalahari Resorts, I recommend either of these three locations: Noah’s Ark Waterpark, Grand Marquis Waterpark Hotel & Suites, or Wingate by Wyndham.
Choose any or all of them to enjoy the best water-related things to do in Wisconsin in March!
2. Attend the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Milwaukee
Not too far from Wisconsin Dells, Milwaukee is scheduled to celebrate its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
It’s no exaggeration to say that this is one of the most awaited events in Wisconsin.
And while the lively parade—which features loud music, fancy green costumes, and rich Irish culture—is the highlight, it’s only the highlight.
The city celebrates all month long.
If you’re a partygoer, don’t miss out on the iconic bar crawl, the Shamrock Shuffle, usually held weeks before the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
With the crowd, you’ll be hopping from one bar to the next, meeting new people, enjoying live music, and having fun!
Heads up—tickets sell out very fast!
3. Hit the Slopes for Skiing and Snowboarding
You still have enough time and snow in March to enjoy the best winter activities—skiing and snowboarding.
Many consider these activities the best things to do in Wisconsin with kids.
But if you ask me, anyone, even adults, can enjoy these winter sports just as much! They’re some of the best things to do in Wisconsin in March.
Why?
Well, this month, you’ll combine bright, sunny days with soft snow (no harsh cold that makes your ears hurt).
My go-to snowboarding options in the state are Granite Peak in Wausau and Cascade Mountain near Portage.
For the most convenience, spend the night before your skiing trip near your resort.
If you plan to visit Granite Peak, this ranch house is my top choice. This amazing cabin is also a must-try accomodation near the Cascade Mountain.
4. Tour a Local Winery in Door County
Are you staying near Door County?
Combat Wisconsin’s cold days and nights by touring local wineries in Wisconsin.
They’re undoubtedly some of the best places to go in Wisconsin in March.
On top of tasting amazing wine selections ranging from reds to whites, you’ll have a blast walking along budding vineyards and learning about the winemaking process.
Last March, we had an amazing lunch over at Stone’s Throw Winery (try out their Cabernet Franc).
If you want the best money-saving deal, the Door Peninsula Winery still offers one of the best romantic weekend getaways in Wisconsin.
We were able to taste five different wines for free before any purchase!
5. Take a Scenic Winter Hike in the Kettle Moraine State Forest
For active travelers like me, a hike in the Kettle Moraine State Forest area will help you achieve your workout goals during your stay.
It offers some of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin with waterfalls.
Depending on the weather, you can enjoy a mild-weather hike with beautiful scenery or trek snow-packed trails perfect for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
Either way, you’ll enjoy the freshness of nature’s crisp air, the earthy smell, and the peaceful sound of birds chirping. The beauty of spring, I’d say.
If you’re really up for a challenge, you may also want to try camping in the forest.
There are lots of trails, lakes, and local attractions to explore. We spent two nights here over the winter and never got bored once!
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6. Experience the Madison Winter Farmers’ Market
The Madison Winter Farmers’ Market is easily one of the best things to do in Madison in March if you want to meet locals.
If you ask me, this annual event is much more than just a “market.”
Here, locals of all ages spend their weekends eating local delicacies, buying fresh produce, browsing arts and crafts, and enjoying the atmosphere.
There’s a huge “our-community-is-one” vibe, and the place is full of warm energy and friendliness.
You’ll get to escape the cold winter outdoors. Plus, you’ll get to try all sorts of local specialties in one place that you’d otherwise need to track down in different shops!
The combination of hot cider paired with Madison’s baked goods was just dream-like.
Visiting the market is one of the best things to do in Madison, Wisconsin, in March.
Next time I visit, I’ll stay long enough to experience this event twice!
7. Explore Door County’s Art Scene
Door County isn’t just about its iconic lighthouses, wineries, and breathtaking landscapes.
For art lovers, this destination is also a haven for enjoying different modes of art, meeting talented artists, and appreciating the beauty of creativity.
I usually only visit galleries or studios once or twice whenever I visit a new city or town.
But in Door County, I’ve explored over a handful each time I’m around.
The Edgewood Orchard Galleries was perhaps my favorite of all. It featured real-life sculptures of animals (both imaginary and real ones alike).
I was lucky enough to meet the actual artist when I visited the glass art gallery Popelka Trenchard Glass, so that was also an experience.
For a unique date, a workshop at the Peninsula School of Art and Door County Art League is also a must-try.
A good old sunset tour is undeniably the best way to wrap up the day, and luckily, Door County has exactly that, too.
8. Enjoy Ice Fishing on Lake Winnebago
Usually, Lake Winnebago would be the perfect summer answer to questions like “Where to go kayaking in Wisconsin?”
But since March is often too cold for that, I recommend ice fishing here instead.
March is the prime fishing season in Lake Winnebago.
I’m not that lucky when it comes to fishing, but I still caught perch, walleye, and northern pike the last time we went ice fishing here!
Worried that it might be too cold?
Don’t be! It’s easy to find heated shanties around, so you can stay warm whenever you need to.
If you know, there’s a unique sense of excitement from catching fresh fish.
That makes Lake Winnebago one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin in March!
9. Try Maple Syrup
Maple syrup in winter isn’t just a Canadian thing.
It’s also a huge part of Wisconsin’s culture, and you’d be missing out on a real treat if you don’t try it at least once!
But don’t just grab a bottle of maple syrup off a shelf and call it a day.
Visit family-owned maple syrup farms in places like Anderson’s Maple Syrup to learn about how this sweet delight is tapped, processed, and enjoyed!
How to enjoy maple syrup?
Start with the classic pancake and maple syrup pairing, but then make sure to explore innovative maple-infused treats like maple popcorn and maple cotton candy!
You can also buy online in case you are craving for it now!
10. Visit the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee
One of the most classic things to do in Milwaukee in March (or any time of the year, really) is to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee.
This place is pretty much paradise for Harley-Davidson fans or anyone interested in vintage and custom motorcycles.
But even if you’re not a motorcycle enthusiast (like me), the museum offers a fantastic experience—combining art, history, interactive exhibits, and even great food in one place.
I’ve visited this place multiple times, and each visit still surprises me!
You’ll find historic models, a motorcycle recovered from a tsunami, and immersive digital exhibits showcasing the evolution of these iconic bikes.
There are fun, hands-on activities for the little ones to keep them engaged, too!
11. Take a Food Tour in Wisconsin
If you’re a foodie like me, you must try at least one food tour in Wisconsin.
It is a tour dedicated to trying out local food and delicacies.
Trust me; Wisconsin has so many “hidden gems” in food culture.
You won’t discover most of them if you just sneak a quick lunch or dinner into your itinerary.
Of course, you can “DIY” this experience by exploring foodie-friendly towns like Green Bay, La Crosse, or Eau Claire.
However, the best way to maximize your time and experience the most authentic Wisconsin flavors is to book guided food tours.
This is how I figured out the best local food spots in the state and met fellow backpackers who, until now, are still my friends.
Don’t worry about the calories! You’ll be walking in Wisconsin so much that you’re bound to even out the extra treats anyway, haha!
12. Explore Bayfield and the Lake Superior Scenic Byway
Take a scenic drive through Bayfield and the Lake Superior Scenic Byway.
Not gonna lie; fall is my favorite season to take this route. In my opinion, nothing can beat the beauty of falling, colorful leaves.
But during winter, this route also offers a unique, serene, snowy atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing and even “soul-searching.”
So, it’s also one of my go-to things to do in Wisconsin in March!
Along the way, you can stop by local eateries to savor delicacies like homemade pies or freshly caught fish.
We dined at the Pier Plaza Restaurant with amazing seafood dishes (try their white fish livers).
Then, we stopped at the nearby bakery, the Gourmet Garage, to indulge in cinnamon rolls, donuts, and turnovers!
If you have enough time to spare, I highly recommend staying overnight in Bayfield since the food scene is really vibrant, and the community is incredibly welcoming!
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My Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Wisconsin in March
I’m sure by now you’re no longer asking: Is Wisconsin worth visiting in March?
The answer is written throughout this article.
You’ll never need to worry about what to do in Wisconsin in March because it has so many activities to offer!
It has something for introverts, explorers, sports enthusiasts, artists, and food lovers.
It’s one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin in April, March, or any other month!
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! 🌍🚀
