Cross-country skiing & snowshoeing hotspots

Strap on your skis or snowshoes and get out in the snow this winter in West Bend—here’s a look at some great destinations for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the area.

First things first, check Travel Wisconsin’s snow report for the latest cross-country trail conditions in West Bend and Washington County.

Next, pick one of the destinations below and start exploring!

Lac Lawrann Conservancy

This 137-acre natural area located just north of downtown West Bend is a great place to launch an outdoor adventure this winter. The conservancy is home to nearly 3 miles of cross-country ski trails groomed for classic skiing—explore the beautiful winter scenery on the Royal Oaks Trail Loop, the Pine Plantation and the Prairie Trails.

Snowshoers are also welcome at Lac Lawrann in the winter and can blaze their paths on the Northern Wetland, Esker and Railroad Spur Trails. If you don’t have snowshoes, you can borrow a pair for free. Just stop by the Maurin Center off Schmidt Road to learn more.

Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit

North of West Bend, skiers and snowshoers will find a beautiful state forest that covers 30,000 acres and is home to great opportunities for winter recreation. The Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest offers more than 30 miles of groomed and ungroomed cross-country ski trails—groomed trails include the New Fane Loop System, the Zillmer Loop System and the Greenbush Recreation Area trails. Snowshoers can explore trails that are not groomed for skiing, including the Tamarack Nature Trail, the Butler Lake Trail and the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

Learn more about winter recreation in the Kettle Moraine State Forest here.

Eisenbahn State Trail

The Eisenbahn State Trail follows a former railroad bed (“Eisenbahn” is German for “railroad”) for 25 miles—including a 5-mile stretch through the heart of West Bend—and offers great recreation options in any season. In winter, the section of the trail south of Lighthouse Lane is open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (conditions permitting).