Blog

Make the most out of the Wisconsin winter by embracing the cooler temperatures and enjoying some outdoor fun. Jump in your car, turn on your seat warmers, and head to one of 199ride’s top locations for outdoor snow activities in the Fox Cities.

Whether you choose to make it a family adventure, an aerobic activity, or an experience with friends, being outdoors can always be exciting if you have the right mindset. We’ve compiled a list of fun and affordable outdoor activities and spots to enjoy them in your city.

Go Sledding

Photo courtesy of City of Neenah Facebook page

You don’t have to drive far to find some awesome sledding hills in the Valley. We’re very fortunate that most of the Fox Cities have family-friendly hills nearby. Grab your snow gear and sleds, and head to one of these hills to discover fun for people of all ages.

• Appleton: Erb Park, Plamann Park, Memorial Park, Reid Golf Course
• Combined Locks: Memorial Park
• Fox Crossing: Fritse Park, Fritsch Park, O’Hauser Park
• Kaukauna: Grignon Park (“Mount Misery”), White City Park
• Kimberly: Sunset Park
• Little Chute: Van Lieshout Park
• Menasha: Clovis Grove Park
• Neenah: Memorial Park (pictured above), Washington Park, Quarry Park
• Oshkosh: Garbage Hill, Westhaven Park
• Sherwood: Wanick Choute Park Hill

Enjoy Tubing

Photo courtesy of Navarino Hills Facebook page

If you enjoy sledding but groan at the thought of trudging back up the hill, tubing might be the answer for you! The following hills, which are only a little bit outside the Fox Cities, have methods to easily get you back up the hill. Of course, convenience comes with a small fee and the tubes are typically rented.

• Calumet County Park Tubing Hill in Hilbert
• Triangle Sports Area in Green Bay
• Navarino Tubing Hill in Shiocton

Try Snowshoeing

Photo courtesy of Bubolz Nature Preserve Facebook page

Anywhere you would walk, you can snowshoe, too! Not only is snowshoeing good exercise, it’s beautiful and can be fun for the family as well. If you have younger children that tire easily, bring a sled along.

• 1000 Islands Environmental Center in Kaukauna (rentals available)
• Heckrodt Wetland Reserve in Menasha (rentals available)
• High Cliff State Park in Sherwood (rentals available)
• Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve in Appleton
• Bring your own to any park or trail!

Always call ahead to check trail conditions and ensure there are enough rentals for your group.

Experience Ice Skating

Photo courtesy of Appleton Parks and Recreation Facebook page

Bring your own skates to one of these free outdoor ice skating rinks. Ice skating is fun for all ages and doesn’t need to be a full-day activity. Some community rinks even have warming shelters for you to utilize between laps.

• Appleton: Colony Oaks Park, Highview Park, Memorial Park, Pierce Park (pictured above)
• Fox Crossing: Fritsch Park
• Greenville: Jennerjohn Park
• Kaukauna: Horseshoe Valley Park
• Menasha: Hart Park
• Neenah: Green Park, Memorial Park, Washington Park
• Oshkosh: Menominee Park
• Sherwood: Wanick Choute Park

Go Cross-Country Skiing

Photo courtesy of Bubolz Nature Preserve Facebook page

Find a buddy and hit the trails for both exercise and entertainment! Cross-country skiing provides great aerobic activity that works your running muscles and tones your back, arms, and core.

• 1000 Islands Environmental Center in Kaukauna
• Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve in Appleton

Explore More in a Used Car from 199ride

Discover all Northeast Wisconsin has to offer this winter in a Nicer, Newer™, Worry-Free used car from 199ride.com. Stop by one of our five convenient Wisconsin dealerships in Green Bay, Appleton, Wausau, Antigo, or La Crosse and check out our extensive used car inventory to find the perfect vehicle for all your Wisconsin adventures.