Many of us won't even venture farther than our cars during the winter months. Until we do, we won't know what we're missing. The upper Midwest has much to offer in winter activities, and you don't have to be a great outdoorsman or a spectacular athlete to enjoy them. Here are a few suggestions to get you started. Once you try a winter activity, you will fall in love with this area and it's picturesque winter!

Snowshowing

If you can walk, you can snowshoe. The only thing you need to worry about is getting the right size snowshoe; if in doubt, smaller is better. (There are different types of snowshoes as well. If you're just beginning you should get a recreational type of snowshoe.) One of the best things about this activity is that you can go almost anywhere. The back door of your lake home can be the beginning of a snowshoe adventure. There are also many trails throughout the parks and forests in the upper Midwest.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan is a beautiful place to snowshoe. They have an expanded snowshoe/hiking program offering wonderful vistas of lakes and dunes. The park has outstanding natural features including ancient glacial phenomena. In addition, there are many cultural features as well. It is located in Michigan's northwestern Lower Peninsula. To get more information on this park call 231-326-5134.

Cross-Country Skiing

Only slightly more difficult than snowshoeing, cross-country skiing will allow you to cover more terrain once you get the hang of it. Gliding through a forest, or across a lake, on cross-country skis will help you define tranquility. Again, this activity can be done right outside your back door. Some prefer groomed trails which make it a bit easier to traverse on your skis, especially when going downhill. If you are looking for 250 scenic, spectacular trails, you may want to head to Wisconsin's north. 

The state's trails offer a variety of options from short and relatively easy to more challenging routes like those in the Chequamegon- Nicolet National Forest. There are many other state trails offering beautiful winter scenery and quiet serenity. Several state parks and forests even offer candle-lit trails on special dates. For more information on these parks you can visit the website at www.dnr.state.wi.us/, or call 1-608-266-2621.

Ice Skating

Snowmobiling

Wisconsin's north is also famous for its snowmobile-friendly towns that dot their miles of snowmobile trails. Eagle River has been dubbed the "Snowmobiling Trail Riding Capital of the World," but many think of Minocqua and Rhinelander as the best. The trails here are well groomed, and the pine forests surrounding them are unsurpassed in beauty. This is truly a winter wonderland of more than 22,000 miles of interconnected snowmobiling trails. For more information call 1-608-266-2621.

Leisure

If you still don't want to don the clothing, work up the energy, or feel the chill, you can take part in the leisure activity of shopping and dining. Door County is best known for its summer and autumn beauty, but it is becoming a winter destination as well. Many rustic inns and resorts are sporting whirlpools, fireplaces, saunas and great restaurants. At the northern end of Door County lies Sister Bay, where you can find many shops and places to eat. And just in case the desire to actually head outdoors hits you, they also offer miles of cross-country ski, snowshoe, and hiking trails. Otherwise, the exceptional views and a crackling fire can't be beat. For more information on Door County you can again call 1-608-266-2621.

Ice Sailing