Lake Superior’s Majesty
Canines Meet Cross Country Skis
Sleigh Ride Together With You
– Joyce Novacek
Trek north to witness the frozen splendor of Lake Superior and the astonishing Apostle Island Ice Caves near Bayfield. Allow two to three hours to enjoy the caves. The round-trip hike from the parking area is 2 1/2 to 6 miles, depending on how far you walk along the caves. The path is well worn, but spiked footwear or ski poles and waterproof boots with nonskid soles are advised. The caves are exposed to wind, so bundle up properly for the wind chill. The prep and travel will pay off when you take in the unforgettable majesty of the red lakeshore cliffs covered in frozen cascades, and enter the magical icicle-filled caves. Park at Meyers Beach (90500 Meyers Road., 18 miles west of Bayfield and 4 miles east of Cornucopia). bayfield.org.
Channel your inner Norwegian and learn a new sport this winter: Skijoring. From the Nordic word for “sky driving,” it combines cross-country skiing with dog power. Think water-skiing but on snow. Lessons are available at Justin Trails B&B in Sparta. Minocqua Winter Park has a 5K dedicated skijoring trail—simply buy your dog a ‘tail’ pass; $3/day, $30/season. Near Madison, skijor at Indian Lake Park’s pet area. Any enthusiastic dog, regardless of size or power, is able to partake in this adventure. In addition to skis and boots, you’ll need a belt, harness, towline, brass snap and carabiner to connect you to your dog. justintrails.com; minocquawinterpark.org.
Put a fast new twist on sledding this year by boarding a toboggan. Steven’s Point’s Iverson Park has toboggan slides and a warming lodge. Bring your own sled or rent a padded toboggan, $7/ hour, to zip down the slides. Waukesha’s Lowell Park features two wooden toboggan runs on weekends. Check the websites for openings, as snow is key for enjoying this downhill activity. stevenspoint.com; ci.waukesha.wi.us.
