One of the best ways to explore outdoors this Winter is snowshoeing at Parfrey’s Glen Nature Area in Wisconsināit’s located just east of Devil’s Lake State Park but technically lies within the boundaries of this popular destination. This area has been impacted by flooding over the years, so it’s ever important for conservation efforts for visitors to stay on designated trails.
Parfrey’s Glen is Wisconsin’s first State Natural area and unquestionably the most visited state natural area outside Devils Lake State Park. There are many distinctive features to Parfrey’s Glen; the Glen itself reaches a depth of nearly 100 feet and encompasses a beautiful stream flowing through its floor. The walls are sandstone embedded with pebbles and boulders of quartziteāsomething you should see up close!
Before you start setting your winter recreation plans, you’ll want to secure your lodging, and our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast is one of the coziest places to stay in Wisconsin. Our six guest rooms offer the perfect reprieve after trekking through the snow-covered trails. You can warm yourself by the fire, put your feet up, and enjoy a glass of wine in the historic ambiance of the Ringling House Bed and Breakfast. Get your reservation on the books today!
Check out Parfrey’s Glen & More Snowshoeing Trails in Wisconsin
The entire state of Wisconsin is such a fantastic destination for outdoor lovers all year long. From the rolling hills, waterways, and stunning swaths of untouched nature, you’ll feel at home here if you’re looking for hiking, fresh air, and serenity. Our area gets a substantial amount of snow during the Winter, perfect for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Parfrey’s Glen is an excellent place for winter hikes!
Here are the best Wisconsin State Parks for winter recreation in our area:
- Parfrey’s Glen Nature Area: For those who might just be getting into snowshoeing as a hobby, Parfrey’s Glen is the perfect place to start. The out-and-back main trial is under one mile, an ideal distance to try your hand at this fun winter recreation. Due to the rarity of fauna at Parfrey’s Glen, it’s essential to stick to the designated trails to protect these endangered plants. The bluffs of the Glen are even more beautiful when covered in a blanket of snow.
- Devil’s Lake State Park: As the most visited state park in Wisconsin, people come from far and wide to take in the stunning rock formations and bluffs that surround Devil’s Lake. You can basically snowshoe anywhere during the Winter at this park! In January 2018, the Steinke Basin & Johnson Moraine Trails were designated “Multi-Use,” opening up nice snowshoeing trails. You can also enjoy cross-country skiing and sledding at this local gem.
- Mirror Lake State Park: Mirror Lake State Park is named for its centerpiece, a lake that is often so calm that no ripple marks 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.
- 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’s open year-round and offers a flat surface for those hoping to snowshoe and explore during the Winter.
- Rocky Arbor State Park: Located about 20 minutes from our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast, this state park has a one-mile, self-guided nature trail. While the front gates may be closed in the wintertime, the park is open for snowshoeing! They advise parking and going around the gates, but park passes are still required.
The Best Baraboo Bed and Breakfast for Winter Getaways
After a chilly and exhilarating day on the trails at Parfey’s Glen, there’s no better place to return than our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast. Our cozy and welcoming Inn offers a lovely space to relax, put your feet up by the fire, and unwind. Our historic Inn was once home to the famed Ringling Family of circus fandom, and our space still harkens back to a simpler time, while it’s been updated over the years to include modern comforts and amenities.
Each of our six guest rooms tells a tale of lovers from the Ringling family’s history. These rooms are perfectly tailored for couples seeking a romantic reprieve or solo travelers looking for a quiet retreat. For couples who may be traveling in a small group, the Henry & Ida Room and Emmett & Eva Room share an adjoining door for ease of spending time together.
In the mornings, we offer a beautiful and home-cooked breakfast with sweet and savory options. We use local and seasonal ingredients whenever possible, and our guests love dining at the historic Ringling Family dining table. We’re happy to accommodate dietary restrictions; just let us know beforehand so we can best prepare. You’ll find complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and treats throughout your stay. Book your room today!
