Escape to Pepin County for natural beauty and peace during the cold winter months: gentle rolling snow-laden fields, tranquil outdoor moments, and places to find warmth. Whether you’re seeking a new winter activity or simply want to stay indoors by the fire, Pepin County offers your perfect cold-weather escape. Outdoor fun, seasonal events, and local attractions abound. Here are some suggestions for winter activities to consider when planning your next winter getaway.
Snowshoeing on Mississippi River Bluffs
For those who want to hit the pause button and observe the calm, contemplative side of winter, Pepin County is an ideal place for taking a snowshoe trek through the wilderness. Most parks and wildlife areas welcome snowshoers; in fact, you can snowshoe just about anywhere that welcomes the public. But if you are looking for gorgeous views, two great choices are the Five Mile Bluff Prairie overlooking the Chippewa and Mississippi Rivers within the Tiffany Wildlife Area, and the Maiden Rock Bluff State Natural Area, where the trail will take you to a cliff face 400 feet above the Mississippi.
Guests who stay at Billy’s Hideout in Stockholm, WI, can even enjoy free snowshoe rentals. You might even hear a woodpecker in the distance or see some wildlife along the way, providing you with pressure-free, peaceful winter walks.
Cross-Country Skiing Adventures
For those who prefer a little more speed in the winter months, cross-country skiing is abundant throughout Pepin County. The Tiffany Wildlife Area has natural, ungroomed trails with nearby parking. The area is full of diverse wildlife, birds, and plants to be found amongst the meandering waters of the bottoms. It is ideal for a quiet, natural experience.
Those looking for a longer adventure can enjoy the Chippewa River State Trail, a 30-mile trail connecting Durand to downtown Eau Claire. The trail winds through a diverse landscape, including river bottoms, prairies, sandstone bluffs, and wetlands. It must be shared with snowmobilers (when open for snowmobiling), but skiers can use this state trail for free – no trail pass required!
Pepin County Winter Events
For live music, crafting classes, winter markets, and more, be sure to check out our calendar of events. But here are some annual events you’ll want to be sure to mark on your calendar. Each year, YMCA Camp Pepin hosts Winterfest, a community-focused event that brings visitors and locals together for a fun winter evening. Activities at the event include ice skating, broomball (hockey played with brooms and a soccer ball), as well as other favorite winter pastimes like sledding, snowshoeing, and s’mores around a campfire. The event even includes an ice carousel, where a large circle is cut into the ice of Lake Pepin and set spinning!
Visitors seeking holiday cheer can drop by Villa Bellezza Winery’s Outdoor Christmas Markets starting in mid-November. The winery brings in a slew of vendors for guests to peruse as they sip wine, munch on Cinque Figlie chocolate, and gobble up the theme-appropriate atmosphere. In addition, the market offers a Christmas tree lighting ceremony followed by dinner, which is a great way to start the holidays.
It’s Cozy Indoors
When the weather turns brisk or you’re simply craving a cozy getaway, Pepin County, Wisconsin, offers a delightful range of indoor stays that make relaxation easy. From charming vacation rentals nestled near Lake Pepin to inviting cabins tucked into quiet woodlands, there’s a perfect home base for every type of traveler. Enjoy a peaceful retreat at places like The Sleeping Fox suite, which is complete with its own sauna, fireplace, and movie room for a warm, stress-free escape. Families and groups can spread out comfortably at spacious options such as the Stockholm Haus, with room for everyone to unwind together and enjoy the nearby quaint shops and farm-to-table restaurants.
Whether you’re looking for a classic small-town stay, a cozy cabin, or a comfortable vacation home, explore all our lodging options for convenient and charming places to stay. No matter the season, Pepin County’s lodging offers warmth, comfort, and inviting hospitality.