Less Highway. More Trail. More Time to Linger.
Winter in Oconto County offers something rare: the permission to move at whatever pace suits you. Carve through fresh powder on groomed trails in the morning, then settle into a cozy cabin by the fire in the evening. Chase adrenaline down a snowy slope, or find peace gliding through silent forest on snowshoes. This is winter on your terms.
From the Bay community of Oconto to the Northwoods towns of Mountain and Townsend, Oconto County transforms into a winter playground—close enough for a day trip, compelling enough for a long weekend.
Here’s how to make the most of winter in Oconto County.
Cross-Country Skiing: Miles of Groomed Perfection
Lakewood Cross-Country Ski Trails
With over 25 kilometers of professionally groomed trails winding through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the Lakewood Cross-Country Ski Trails attract everyone from first-timers to competitive skiers training for races. This is one of the finest trail systems in Wisconsin—and it’s maintained entirely by volunteers.
What Makes Them Special:
- Trails for both classic and skate-style skiing
- Clearly marked difficulty levels from beginner to expert
- Recently improved: the first 9 kilometers have been smoothed and widened for better skiing
- Expanded beginner trail near the old Highway 32 parking lot
- Maintained by the nonprofit Lakewood Cross Country Ski Club with help from dedicated volunteers
- Beautiful forested scenery throughout
The trails are designed so families can explore together—beginners can stick to easier loops while more experienced skiers tackle challenging terrain. Easy-to-read maps are posted along the trails, so you’ll always know where you are.
More Info: The Lakewood Cross Country Ski Club is a nonprofit volunteer organization. There’s no trail fee, but donations and memberships ($55 individual, $80 family) are essential to keeping the trails groomed and equipment maintained. Every contribution helps ensure these trails remain open for years to come. Learn more at lakewoodskiclub.org
Location: Hwy F, Old 32 Road, McCauslin Brook Country Club in Lakewood, WI
Machickanee Cross-Country Ski Trails
Located in the Oconto County Forest near Abrams, the Machickanee trails offer beautiful skiing through diverse forest terrain. Since 1978, volunteers with the Machickanee Cross Country Ski Club have maintained these trails with care and dedication.
What Makes Machickanee Special:
- Four distinct trail loops totaling over 10 kilometers
- Varied terrain from creek bottoms to ridge tops
- Trails wind through red pine plantations, coniferous swamps, oak ridges, and birch-aspen stands
- The Blackberry Ramble: a 2.0K beginner/intermediate loop that’s perfect for those newer to the sport
- More advanced loops for skiers looking to build their skills
- Maintained entirely by volunteers from the Machickanee Cross Country Ski Club
Trailhead: 6625 Timberline Road, Abrams, WI 54101
The trails are free to use, though memberships and donations to the Machickanee Cross Country Ski Club help maintain the trails and equipment. Check www.skimachickanee.org for more information.
Snowmobiling: Miles of Groomed Trails Await
Oconto County is snowmobiling country. With hundreds of miles of groomed trails connecting to even larger regional networks, this is where riders come to log serious miles through pristine Northwoods terrain.
What Makes It Special:
- Extensive trail system maintained by dedicated local snowmobile clubs
- Connections to Wisconsin’s vast statewide trail network
- Multiple park-and-ride locations for easy access
- Trails wind through forests, across frozen lakes, and past scenic overlooks
- Well-marked routes with regular grooming throughout the season
Whether you’re a seasoned rider planning a multi-day adventure or new to the sport and looking for your first trail experience, Oconto County’s snowmobile trails deliver. Local clubs work endlessly to maintain these routes, and trail conditions are updated regularly so you always know what to expect.
Ready to Ride?
Check out our complete Snowmobiling in Oconto County: Your Northwoods Trail Guide for detailed information on trail maps, park-and-ride locations, snowmobile clubs to join, and current trail conditions.
Snowshoeing: Silent Forest, Fresh Tracks
When the snow is deep and the forest is quiet, snowshoeing offers an intimate way to explore Oconto County’s winter landscape.
Cathedral Pines is one of Wisconsin’s few remaining old-growth forests—and it’s absolutely breathtaking in winter. Towering pine trees, some with trunks too large to wrap your arms around, create a natural cathedral under a canopy of snow-dusted branches.
The story goes that in the early 1900s, Lucy Holt and her children were so moved by the sacred beauty of these trees that she convinced her husband, a prominent logging company president, to preserve them. Over a century later, we’re invited to walk among giants.
Trail Details:
- Trailhead located off Cathedral Drive (look for interpretive sign)
- Small parking area (4 cars)
- Quiet, peaceful setting
- Suitable for all skill levels
For a short but rewarding snowshoe trek, Quartz Hill delivers scenic views and a bit of geological wonder. The trail is less than half a mile but goes uphill—worth every step for the overlook at the top.
What to Know:
- Park just off Highway 32 (west side)
- Cross the highway to find the eastbound trail into the woods
- Brush snow off boulders along the trail to see quartz crystal inlays
- Summit offers panoramic views of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
- Leave rocks and quartz as you find them for others to enjoy
Depending on snow depth, snowshoes may be necessary. The overlook also makes an excellent picnic spot year-round and explodes with color in fall.
Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding: Family-Friendly Slopes
Located in Lakewood, Paul Bunyan Ski Hill is a family friendly ski area perfect for anyone seeking a downhill experience without the crowds or high prices of larger resorts.
Why Families Love It:
- Affordable lift tickets and lessons
- Easy-to-navigate terrain
- Welcoming atmosphere for beginners
- Parents can watch kids from the clubhouse
- Great place to learn or brush up on skills
Whether you’re strapping on skis or a snowboard for the first time or looking for a fun, low-key day on the slopes, Paul Bunyan delivers.
Snow Tubing: Pure, Simple Fun
Located on Mead Avenue in Oconto Falls, the tubing hill offers nearly 900 feet of exhilarating downhill runs—no special skills required. Just bring your tube, dress warm, and get ready to fly.
Details:
- Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 1pm-4pm
- Note: Hill does not operate if temperature or windchill is at or below zero
- What to Bring: Your own tube and warm winter clothes. There are a limited number of tubes to borrow on site.
- The Experience: Nearly 900-foot run with rope tow back to the top
- Information: 920-373-7850
Snow tubing is an excellent family or group activity. It’s pure fun—the kind that leaves everyone laughing and ready for another run.
Winter Hiking: The Forest Reveals Its Secrets
Winter hiking in Oconto County offers something summer trails can’t: visibility. Bare trees expose ridgelines, water views, and distant landscapes hidden beneath summer’s canopy. The snow softens every sound, and animal tracks tell stories across the trails.
Where to Explore:
- Trails throughout the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
- Local parks and nature areas in communities across the county
Winter hiking rewards those willing to bundle up. The clarity of winter air, the crunch of snow underfoot, and the silence of the forest create an experience entirely different from other seasons.
Ice Fishing: Shanties, Stories, and the Big Catch
When lakes freeze solid and shanties dot the ice like a winter neighborhood, ice fishing becomes more than a sport, it’s a ritual. In Oconto County, ice fishing means hours spent with a line in the water, good company in the shanty, and the quiet satisfaction of outsmarting a walleye in the middle of winter.
Where to Fish
Oconto County’s lakes and bays offer excellent ice fishing opportunities throughout the winter season. Popular spots include Green Bay (for walleye, perch, and whitefish) any many of our other inland lakes and rivers.
What You’ll Catch
Depending on where you drop your line, you’re fishing for walleye, perch, northern pike, crappie, bluegill, and whitefish. Each species has its season, its tricks, and its devotees who swear by certain lakes and certain techniques.
Ice Fishing Tournaments
Throughout the winter, Oconto County hosts ice fishing tournaments that bring anglers together for friendly competition and serious prizes. These events range from family-friendly derbies to competitive tournaments with cash payouts. Whether you’re an experienced tournament angler or curious about trying your first competition, these events offer camaraderie, excitement, and the chance to test your skills against fellow anglers. Check local event calendars for upcoming tournament dates and registration details.
Safety First
Always check ice conditions before heading out. Ice thickness varies across lakes and changes throughout the season. Local bait shops and fishing reports are your best source for current conditions. When in doubt, ask locals—they know which spots are safe and which to avoid.
Book a Cozy Weekend Away
After a day of winter activities, there’s nothing better than retreating to a warm cabin, lodge room, or cozy rental. Oconto County offers a range of winter accommodations perfect for couples, families, and groups.
What You’ll Find:
- Lakeside cabins with fireplaces and full kitchens
- Lodge rooms with easy access to trails
- Rental homes perfect for groups or extended families
- Small-town hotels with local character
Winter is the season for long conversations, board games by the fire, and meals that stretch into evening. Book a cabin for the weekend and give yourself permission to slow down. Wake up to frost on the windows, spend the day outside, and end each evening somewhere warm with the people who matter most. [Explore your Stay]
Supper Clubs & Winter Dining
Winter in Oconto County means supper club season is in full swing. These classic Wisconsin dining experiences, complete with relish trays, Friday fish fry, and Saturday prime rib, are local institutions where communities gather, visitors are welcomed, and no one rushes you through your meal.
The Experience:
- Friday fish fry: a Wisconsin tradition
- Saturday prime rib specials
- Classic supper club atmosphere: warm, welcoming, unhurried
- Old fashioneds at the bar (a Wisconsin staple)
- Hearty meals that warm you from the inside out
After a day on the trails or slopes, there’s something perfect about warming up at a supper club, wood smoke curling from the chimney, the glow of lights in the parking lot, and the promise of a good meal waiting inside.
Beyond supper clubs, you’ll find hometown taverns, cozy cafes, and restaurants throughout the county. Each community has its own favorites—ask locals where they go, and you’ll discover the spots that make winter dining memorable. [Explore your next favorite]
Winter Shopping Fuels Our Communities
Small-town shopping takes on special meaning in winter. Every purchase at a local boutique, gift shop, or specialty store supports the businesses that keep our communities vibrant year-round.
What You’ll Discover:
- Unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else
- Northwoods-themed home decor and clothing
- Local art and handcrafted items
- Candy shops, coffee shops, and specialty stores
- Personal service from owners who know their inventory
Winter offers quieter shops, more time to browse, and often the chance to chat with business owners themselves. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, souvenirs, or something special for your cabin or home, winter shopping in Oconto County feels personal.
Explore downtown areas in communities across the county. Pop into shops that catch your eye. Support our locals while finding treasures that remind you of winter in the Northwoods. [Find your next gift]
Plan Your Winter Adventure
Check Conditions First: Winter conditions change rapidly. Always check:
- Trail reports for skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking
- Weather forecasts and wind chill warnings
- Operating hours for tubing hill and ski areas
Proximity Works in Your Favor: Oconto County is about an hour from Green Bay and the Fox Cities. Close enough for a spontaneous day trip, compelling enough to book a long weekend. You can leave after breakfast and be on the trails by mid-morning, less highway, more winter adventure.
Winter on Your Terms
Some people come to Oconto County for the adrenaline, carving fresh tracks on skis, flying down the tubing hill, exploring miles of trails. Others come to slow down, to snowshoe through old-growth forest, warm up at a supper club, and spend evenings by the fire.
Winter here accommodates both. You can pack your days with activity or let them unfold slowly. You can chase adventure or simply be present in the moment.
The trails are groomed. The slopes are ready. The forest is quiet and waiting. And when you’re done for the day, there’s a warm cabin, a good meal, and the kind of winter evening that reminds you why you came north in the first place.
Come find your winter. We’ll be here, ready, for whatever pace you choose.
[CHECK TRAIL CONDITIONS] | [FIND PLACES TO STAY] | [EXPLORE WINTER EVENTS]