Winter Activities in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The county of Milwaukee hosts a plethora of winter activities - most of which you won't have to step outside the city to enjoy. Read on to find all the best places for ice skating, sledding, ice fishing, snowboarding, and even more.

Parks in the City

Along with what each individual park has to offer, all of them allow free cross-country skiing from dawn until 10 PM.

Red Arrow Park

The "Slice of Ice" at the Red Arrow Park is probably the most popular outdoor skating rink in the city. It has everything needed for a day, or just a few hours out. The warming house provides restrooms, lockers, skate rentals, and concessions provided by Starbucks. Opens daily at 11 AM.

Whitnall Park

As one of the largest parks in the country, Whitnall has just about everything to offer. Skating and sledding for free, or even tobagganing for a $5.50/hour fee - which includes a toboggan and unlimited tobaggan rides.

Brown Deer Park

The great thing about this park is that it is one of the few parks in Milwaukee that offer skating and sledding day or night. Brown Deer also has a place for ice fishing and over 4 miles of cross country skiing access.

Humboldt Park

Humboldt Park is another one that offers ice fishing, and skating and sledding even after the sun goes down.

Just Sledding

If you're just interested in taking a sled to the hills, a few parks to check out are Currie, Dretzka, Mitchell, and Pulaski. All of these offer sledding after dark, as well.

Indoor Skating

Wilson Ice Arena

If you prefer indoor skating, the Wilson Ice Arena is 17,000 square feet of pure ice rink, and seating for 2,000 people. Rates are pretty reasonable - $5.50 a session ages 18 and older; $3.75 ages 11-17; and $3.25 for ages 10 and under. In addition, skate rentals are only $2.50 a pair.

Pettit National Ice Center

An official U.S. Olympic Training Center, public skating is offered just about everyday. Admission is a little more pricey - $7 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under, and skate rental is $3.

Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding/Snow Tubing

If you don't mind venturing outside of Milwaukee a little, then here are a couple of places meant purely for skiiers, snowboarders, and snow tubers.

Little Switzerland Ski Area

This ski park is fit for skiers and snowboarders alike, and is just 25 miles from Milwaukee. Night skiing and snowboarding is available for a discounted price. Rentals are also offered.

Sunburst Ski Area

Just half an hour from Milwaukee, the Sunburst Resort offers skiing and snowboarding with rental options for each. There is also a special tubing area for $12-15 (depending on the day), with lifts and everything. Night skiing is also available for a discounted price.

Other Stuff

Riverside Urban Ecology Center

If you want something a little different from the normal winter activities, don't hesitate to check out the Urban Ecology Center at Riverside Park. There are things to do here year-round, but the winter brings an entirely new atmostphere. Best of all, admission is free.

Paradise Landing

Want to get away from the cold? Be sure to check out one of the best indoor water parks, Paradise Landing. It's located inside the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, but the downside is that access to the general public (those who are not guests of the hotel) is not always guaranteed.