Northern Wisconsin Winter Discovery

This program is in partnership with the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. To view the trip webpage, click here. 

Trip Highlights: 

• Owl Prowl Snowshoe on NLDC trails - Join a Discovery Center Naturalist for a night snowshoe in search of stealthy and elusive owls. We will discuss the owl species of the Northwoods and their interesting adaptations that make them such unique flyers.
  • Intermediate hike: 1 mile on relatively flat terrain in the dark with snowshoes. Red flashlights, snowshoes, and hiking/skiing poles will be provided. Participants may bring their own snowshoes if they prefer.

• Animal Tracking and Winter Adaptations: If you’ve ever wondered about how critters survive in the wild Wisconsin winters, this program will answer all your questions! Wolves, bobcats, deer, ruffed grouse – you name it! We’ll learn about the ways different animals get around and adapt during the winter in this hands-on workshop.
  • Easy: Indoor lesson with outdoor snowshoe excursion up to 1 mile around NLDC campus.

• Interpretive XC Ski at Winman Trails: We’ll head over to Winman Trails, a premier skiing destination that’s just a 5-minute drive from NLDC, to experience the natural beauty of the snow-covered Northwoods by cross-country ski! Winman has 14 miles of groomed ski trails for both classic and skate skiing, with some rolling terrain meandering through maple, pine, and aspen stands. Not much of a skier? No problem! Winman also has 10 miles of pristine snowshoe trails. There is a log-cabin chalet with a lounge area, fireplace, board games, changing rooms, and bathrooms that is open to the public all day. Hot chocolate and tea will also be available.
  • Intermediate: 2-4 miles over rolling hills. Trails are designed for all levels, from beginners to more advanced skiers.
  • NOTE: Cross country skis will not be provided. Participants can either bring their own skis or rent them through a local rental company (Coontail in Boulder Junction or River’s Edge Outfitters in Manitowish Waters). Rental fee is not included in this trip.

• Waterfall Exploration and Lake Superior: Explore Wisconsin’s Northwoods on a winter waterfall tour that highlights the region’s natural beauty during the colder months. This guided experience takes you to several waterfalls and includes a stop on the shores of Lake Superior, offering an easy way to enjoy scenic trails, snowy forests, and flowing water surrounded by ice.
  • Intermediate/difficult: 2-3 miles total of snowshoeing/hiking down ice and snow covered stairs to waterfall viewing platforms and back up again. Distance to the waterfalls will vary by site but may be ¼ to ¾ of a mile to each waterfall. Hiking/skiing poles and snowshoes will be provided.
  • NOTE: Waterfalls will be scouted beforehand to ensure safe and manageable conditions.

• Wild Wisdom Game Night – Plant and Animal Winter Survival: Test your knowledge about all the things plants and animals do to survive northern Wisconsin winters through this teambased, Jeopardy-style game. Who is a true hibernator? Why do some ferns stay green? You’ll gain a better understanding of ecological processes and animal behavior, and the winning team will earn a prize!

• Interpretive Snowshoe & Winter Birding: Van Vliet Hemlocks: Experience the natural beauty of the snow-covered Northwoods by snowshoe! We’ll explore trails that cross over unique habitats and learn about the ecology of forests and frozen lakes in the wintertime while looking closely for animal life above and below the snow. Bring your binoculars on this hike to try and spot some winter residents of the forest! 
  • Intermediate: 2-3 miles on slightly uneven terrain with a few small inclines/declines. Hiking/skiing poles will be available to use.
     

Trip Details & Accommodations: 

• Meals will be provided. 
• Lodging will be provided.
  • Our accommodations are bunkhouse style cabins with twin-sized bunks and ADA accessible bathroom and shower.
  • Participants must bring their own toiletries, towels, and bedding.
  • Cabins will be assigned by gender and space via registration. If you register for this trip with your spouse or another family member of a different gender, we cannot guarantee you will have a room together.
  • Offsite lodging options can be found on the Manitowish Waters Visitor's Bureau website, but the cost to stay somewhere else is not included in this trip.
• Transportation to programming locations will be provided. If you stay offsite, you are responsible for transportation to and from offsite lodging location, and must be on time for scheduled activities that you wish to participate in. 

Pricing:

The total cost is $990 per person. This includes bunkhouse accommodations, meals, winter gear such as snowshoes and ski poles, transportation to programming activities, and staff to guide every program throughout the weekend. A down payment of $297 (30%) per person is required to register and reserve a space for the retreat. Registrations made less than 30 days prior to the retreat require full payment. 

Cancellation Policy:

• 60 or more days before trip: 50% of down payment is forfeited.
• 59-0 days before retreat: 100% of down payment is forfeited. 

Registration deadline is January 18, 2027. 

If you have any questions about this trip, please contact Hannah Thorpe, Residential Program Coordinator: hannah@discoverycenter.net