Devon Grasley
It’s no question that Covid made traveling harder than ever, and with the shift to online classes, this semester has been more stressful. However, the holiday season is upon us and there is no reason why we shouldn’t be able to enjoy it. Here are five things you can do around Wisconsin and Minnesota that are Covid-safe over winter break that still allow you to embrace the season.
1. Touring the lights of Bentleyville, Duluth, Minnesota
Bentleyville is home to one of the best Christmas light shows in the Midwest. This year they adopted a more Covid-friendly drive-thru style to make it more accessible for everyone. For only $10 a car, you can drive through the winter wonderland. It’s a great stop for the kids because anyone 10 years old or younger gets a free knitted Bentleyville hat and a trip to see Santa. After you can stop by the seasonal gift shop to get all your holiday gifts!
2. Exploring the Ice Caves in Ashland WI
One of the greatest winter adventures is up in Ashland Wisconsin. You can hike along many trails through the Apostle Islands, seeing ice caves all around. It’s a beautiful trek for those seeking an adventure outdoors. These spectacular views are only accessible by foot so make sure to pack some ice cleats and a camera. The conditions have to be just right to ensure a safe hike so make sure to check the ice conditions at www.visitashland.com before planning your trip!
3. Christie Mountain Ski Resort, Bruce WI
This is one of my favorite places to be when the temperatures get cooler. Christie Mountain is right in the heart of the Blue Hills, making it a perfect day trip, about an hour north of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, for you and your family. With several fun ski runs ranging in difficulty all from green to double black diamonds, with also fresh powdered terrain, and unplowed areas. It also includes a bunny hill with a rope tow for those just starting off. It’s a great place for people of all experience levels to enjoy. It has beautiful views from the top of the peak, and terrain parks and ski jumps for the adrenaline junkies. They offer one-on-one ski and snowboarding lessons with instructors. Skiing not your thing? Try the snow tubing park and race down the lanes with your friends and family! For more extreme snow tubing check out Cascade Mountain in Portage Wisconsin, only 43 minutes from Madison, there are more than 15 800 foot chutes to race down, offering a more extreme tubing experience than Christie Mountain.
4. Kalahari, Wisconsin Dells
Not an outdoor person? No worries. Kalahari is America’s biggest indoor waterpark. Their adaptations for Covid have made it a safe place to kick back and enjoy a family day. With private cabanas you can rent, dozens of fun waterslides, a bar inside a hot tub, wave pool, lazy river, and even a kiddy area, there is something for everyone. Tired after a long day of play? Check out the resort hotel, complete with an African safari theme and several restaurants. It’s a great place for a mini-vacation.
5. Ice Skating at The Edgewater, Madison WI
Right in the home city of Madison, there is a beautiful ice skating rink with views all around. The Ice House is located in the Edgewater Resort and Hotel. You and all your friends can skate under the stars overlooking Lake Mendota. Grab all your friends and skate around fulfilling that winter fairy tale dream. If you’re cold you can rent out a fire pit to cozy up next too. It’s a great place to socialize and have a night of winter fun!
Have you been to any of these places? What are some of your favorite winter activities? Let us know! Enjoy your winter break with these fun places to visit!