Winter Wonder in West Bend

The snowy weather has arrived earlier than usual this year, meaning more time to enjoy winter recreation across West Bend. Grab your snowpants, lace up your boots, and get ready to embrace the cold!

Sledding in the Park

Nothing says snow day like grabbing a sled from the garage and finding the nearest hill. If you’re looking to find a slope, we recommend Ridge Run Park. The steep hill is the park’s more famous feature, but there’s a smaller slope for younger children to enjoy as well. If you don’t own a sled, the Little Free Sled Shed in Royal Oaks Park has you covered! The park has a wide variety of donated sleds for children to borrow and enjoy.

Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing

Lac Lawrann Conservancy is beautiful year-round, but the winter may be the best time to visit. The Conservancy’s trails are groomed after each snowfall, inviting visitors to explore either by snowshoe or cross country ski. If you’ve never tried snowshoeing before, stop by on a Friday and borrow a pair for free! Follow Lac Lawrann on Facebook for updates on trail conditions.

Hiking

If your boots were made for walking rather than skiing or snowshoeing, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. Even if you’ve hiked the Ice Age Trail before, the winter season provides a brand-new look at the glacier-cut landscape. As temperatures plunge below freezing, the Milwaukee River begins to slowly freeze over, providing a unique view as you walk the Riverwalk. Taking in a view of the frozen dam in historic Barton is a winter gem!

Ice Skating

The ice on the Regner Park Swim Pond isn’t quite ready for skating, but we hope to see the rink open soon! Follow West Bend Parks, Recreation and Forestry on Facebook for updates on ice conditions and warming house hours.

Trail Biking

If your fat tire bike is itching to hit the trails, make West Bend your next stop! Well-maintained trails are free to enjoy in both Regner Park and Glacier Blue Hills Recreation area. Trails are available for riders of all ages and experiences levels.

Tubing/Downhill Skiing

Just a short drive away from downtown West Bend is Sunburst, the area’s best spot for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Both season passes and single-day tickets are available to tackle the four hills, with runs from beginner to expert.

Don’t hibernate this winter! The snow won’t be here for long, so be sure to make the most of it. After you’re done braving the cold, be sure to stop by a West Bend shop or restaurant to warm your fingers and toes. Follow us on Facebook for even more great recreation opportunities!