Our golden retrievers Riley and Finn – the latter belonging to my daughter – are not impressed with the scenery, preferring to jump in the action. Riley buries his snout in the snow like he’s rifling for spare change under the couch cushion. Finn, who takes a liking to diving off fishing piers during the summer, enjoys “swimming” in the white waves; squirming and rolling to form doggie angels in the snow.
Dogs have it right. The scenery is nice but let’s dive into it.
So it is with Driftless Wisconsin; you come for the scenery, but eventually you need to dive in. And contrary to perception, there’s much to do in Driftless Wisconsin during the “off-season.”
My wife and I enjoy snowshoeing at our local park. It’s the closest we’ll get to leading a polar expedition, striking a new web-footed trail across a field after a fresh snowfall. Once you get used to the footwork and cadence, there’s no territory too remote to go undiscovered.
For the ice fishers among you, the backwaters of the Mississippi offer plenty of opportunities to walk on water. A trip along Highway 35 on a sunny day will find any number of hearty souls performing the miracle, and catching some nice pan fish to boot. Shanty towns of ice fishing shelters can be seen springing up over those fishing hotspots only accessible by boat during the summer.
Wildlife comes into view during the winter, as deer, turkey, squirrels, and birds – those that have not booked a flight south – can be seen carrying out their winter routines. Without a leaf or a corn stalk to hide behind, wildlife can be easily seen crossing farm fields, or with a patient eye, meandering across forested hillsides.
If indoor events suit your taste and temperature preferences, Driftless Wisconsin has theaters, film festivals, art galleries, and indoor water parks to keep the cold at bay. And small-town stores and specialty shops will warm you up instantly with their small-town hospitality.
Spring is just around the corner. But before we make the turn, might as well jump in the fun along this stretch of season.
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