Unique Winter Experiences in the Midwest: Dog Sledding, Ice Castles, Snowshoeing & More (MN, WI & MI)

Winter in the Midwest is like stepping into a snow globe — quiet forests, frozen waterfalls, glowing ice castles, and endless outdoor adventures. If you live in or travel through Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Michigan, you don’t just endure winter…you experience it.

From mushing behind a team of sled dogs to exploring magical ice formations and peaceful snowy trails, here are the most unforgettable unique winter experiences across these three Midwest gems.

1. Dog Sledding Adventures (MN, WI, MI)

Dog sledding is one of the most iconic and thrilling winter experiences — and the Upper Midwest has some of the best tours in the country.

Minnesota

• Ely, MN – Known as the “Dog Sledding Capital of the U.S.” with several top-rated outfitters.

• Duluth & North Shore – Scenic forested routes and frozen-lake trails.

• Tofte/Lutsen – Incredible sunrise and sunset rides near Lake Superior.

Wisconsin

• Bayfield & Apostle Islands area – Snowy forest trails with beautiful lake vistas.

• Northwoods – Quiet, remote, and picture-perfect for first-timers.

Michigan

• Upper Peninsula (Munising, Marquette, McMillan) – Miles of deep forest trails and expert mushers who teach you how to drive your own team.

You don’t just sit back — you learn about the dogs, the history of mushing, and experience winter in the most exhilarating way possible.

2. Ice Castles (MN & WI)

If you’ve ever wanted to walk through a real-life frozen fairytale, the Midwest Ice Castles are an absolute must.

Where to Find Them

• Minnesota: Maple Grove – Stunning tunnels, slides, and glowing ice walls.

• Wisconsin: Lake Geneva – Wander through carved archways, ice sculptures, and lit-up chambers.

What Makes It Unique

• Thousands of hand-placed icicles

• LED-lit caverns that glow at night

• Ice slides, tunnels, crawl spaces & photo ops everywhere

• Perfect for families, couples, and winter content creators

Pro Tip: Go at dusk for the best combination of natural light + evening glow.

3. Snowshoeing Through Frozen Landscapes

Snowshoeing is one of the easiest (and most peaceful) ways to explore the snowy Midwest. It lets you reach spots that are unreachable in deep snow — including frozen waterfalls, bluffs, and backcountry trails.

Minnesota

• Gooseberry Falls State Park – Frozen waterfalls in a winter wonderland.

• Theodore Wirth Park (Minneapolis) – Groomed trails minutes from the city.

• Itasca State Park – Quiet, serene, and incredible for wildlife tracks.

  
  

Wisconsin

• Devil’s Lake State Park – Stunning bluffs with snow-covered valley views.

• Peninsula State Park (Door County) – Pine forests, shoreline, and scenic overlooks.

• Kettle Moraine State Forest – Dozens of miles of peaceful trails.

Michigan

• Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – Remote, wild, and breathtaking.

• Tahquamenon Falls State Park – The falls partially freeze, creating unreal ice formations.

• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – Snow-covered cliffs and quiet, dramatic landscapes.

4. Ice Skating Trails & Loops (MN, WI, MI)

The Midwest is famous for its outdoor skating trails — long, winding paths through parks and forests lit with twinkle lights.

Minnesota

• Central Park Ice Skating Loop – Maple Grove

• The Oval – Roseville

• Fire Barn Skating Trail – Little Canada

Wisconsin

• Titletown Ice Rink – Green Bay

• Ferryville Ice Trail (varies by season, weather dependent)

Michigan

• Muskegon Winter Sports Complex Ice Trail – One of the only 1/4-mile ice skating trails through the woods in the U.S.

• Campus Martius Park – Detroit – A charming seasonal rink surrounded by city lights.

5. Frozen Waterfall Adventures

Winter transforms many Midwest waterfalls into massive ice sculptures — and some of the best are in MN, WI, and MI.

Minnesota

• Minnehaha Falls (Minneapolis) – Iconic and accessible.

• Gooseberry Falls (Two Harbors) – Multi-level frozen cascades.

• High Falls of the Pigeon River – Worth the hike for incredible winter views.

  
  

Wisconsin

• Willow Falls (Willow River State Park) – Frozen cliffs and unique ice layering.

• Lost Creek Falls (Bayfield area) – You can walk behind the frozen curtain.

• Copper Falls State Park – Snowy overlooks and dramatic icy drops.

Michigan

• Munising Falls – One of the UP’s most popular frozen waterfalls.

• Bond Falls – Beautifully tiered waterfall that becomes magical in winter.

• Laughing Whitefish Falls – Serene, quiet, and surrounded by deep woods.

6. Winter Festivals & Snowy Events

These states put on some of the best winter festivals in the Midwest — packed with ice sculptures, live music, food, and family fun.

Minnesota

• St. Paul Winter Carnival – Ice palace, parades, sculptures, and more.

• Ely Winter Festival – Massive snow carvings and winter adventure events.

Wisconsin

• Lake Geneva Winterfest – Home to the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship.

• Eagle River Ice Castle – Depending on weather, a huge community-built ice castle.

Michigan

• Zephyr Ice Festival (Pontiac) – Ice carving, sculptures, and winter activities.

• Tip-Up Town USA (Houghton Lake) – One of the longest-running winter festivals in the state.

📸 Tip-Up Town USA (Houghton Lake) Traveling Michigan

Experience Winter the Midwest Way

Winter in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan isn’t just a season — it’s an experience. With dog sledding, ice castles, forest ice trails, frozen waterfalls, and cozy Nordic spas, the Upper Midwest offers some of the most unique and magical winter adventures in the country.