Best Wisconsin State Parks for Snowshoeing This Winter

While it’s still fall color season, winter is just around the corner! And there are a handful of the best Wisconsin State Parks near Baraboo for snowshoeing, which is a fantastic cold-weather sport for all skill levels because it’s accessible, low-impact, and requires minimal equipment. All you need are snowshoes, warm winter clothing, and perhaps poles for stability. You can do it anywhere there’s snow—if you can walk, you can snowshoe!

Devil’s Lake State Park is an ideal spot for snowshoeing. The park offers beautiful trails, scenic views of cliffs and frozen lakes, and a peaceful winter atmosphere. It’s perfect for beginners and experienced snowshoers to enjoy the outdoors in winter. In January 2018, the Steinke Basin & Johnson Moraine Trails were designated as multi-use, opening up some great snowshoeing trails! Steinke Basin and Johnson Moraine are located to the east of the lake.

Our location near downtown Baraboo and the ever-impressive Devil’s Lake State Park makes our bed and breakfast one of the best places to stay this winter. From the most beautiful hikes and climbs to the charming small-town shops and restaurants, you’ll be in the ideal location to head out and explore. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing or romantic getaway, the Ringling House Bed and Breakfast fits the bill. Start planning your winter getaway, and get your reservation on the books today!

Best Wisconsin State Parks for snowshoeing this winter

Snowshoeing at the Best Wisconsin State Parks

Baraboo is located in Sauk County, in the central part of the state, in perfect proximity to several of the best Wisconsin State Parks. These stunning nature areas offer magical places for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and enjoying this absolutely stunning winter wonderland. We love snowshoeing due to its accessibility, and it’s the perfect way to enjoy a crisp winter’s day out in the fresh air and beauty of the best Wisconsin State Parks. 

Here are five places for snowshoeing near our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast: 

  1. Devil’s Lake State Park: Devil’s Lake is the most visited state park in Wisconsin, attracting visitors from all over to admire its stunning rock formations and bluffs. During winter, you can snowshoe almost anywhere in the park. In January 2018, the Steinke Basin & Johnson Moraine Trails were designated “Multi-Use,” providing great snowshoeing trails. Additionally, you can enjoy cross-country skiing and sledding at this popular local spot.
  2. Mirror Lake State Park: Mirror Lake State Park is named for its centerpiece: a lake that is often so calm that no ripples mark its surface. The lake reflects a wooded shoreline with cliffs up to 50 feet high and is surrounded by 2,200 beautiful acres, ideal for snowshoe exploration. There are also miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and ice fishing opportunities.
  3. Parfrey’s Glen Nature Area: For beginners interested in snowshoeing, Parfrey’s Glen is an ideal place to start. The main out-and-back trail is less than one mile, making it a perfect distance for trying out this enjoyable winter activity. It’s essential to stay on the designated trails at Parfrey’s Glen to protect the rare plant life in the area. The bluffs of the Glen are incredibly stunning when covered in snow.
  4. Sauk Prairie Recreation Area: Just southwest of Parfrey’s Glen, at the southernmost point of Devil’s Lake State Park, this recreation area was once an army ammunition plant that operated during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. It is open year-round and offers a flat surface for snowshoeing and exploring in the winter.
  5. Rocky Arbor State Park: Located about 20 minutes from our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast, this state park offers a one-mile, self-guided nature trail for snowshoeing. Although the front gates may be closed in the winter, the park remains open for this classic winter sport! Visitors are advised to park and proceed around the gates, but park passes are still required.
Best Wisconsin State Parks near our bed and breakfast in Baraboo

Book our Beautiful Bed and Breakfast in Baraboo, WI

If you’re planning a winter getaway in Baraboo near the best Wisconsin State Parks full of fantastic cold-weather adventures, you’ll want to have a cozy and warm lodging destination at the end of the day. Our historic Baraboo Bed and Breakfast is the ideal place to stay! Not only will you have welcoming Innkeepers awaiting your return, but you’ll also love refreshing and relaxing in our shared spaces by the fire or in your private guest room, where you will have everything you need for a restful stay. 

Our elegant guest rooms have comfortable beds dressed in fine linens and cozy seating areas. The en suite bathrooms have fluffy towels and high-end toiletries. Select rooms have adjoining doors, which is ideal for couples traveling together! In addition to the standard amenities you find at traditional lodging properties, we offer off-street parking, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, snacks, beverages, and use of common areas.

Before you head out on your winter adventures, fuel up with our homemade breakfast. We offer sweet and savory options in our multi-course morning meals and use local organic ingredients whenever possible. We love to serve creative recipes and always strive to accommodate dietary restrictions as best we can. It’s the best way to start your day before bundling up, strapping on those snowshoes, and exploring the trails at Devil’s Lake State Park and beyond. Book your room at our B&B today! 

Ringling House Bed and Breakfast in Baraboo Wisconsin.