Chippewa County, Wisconsin, keeps calling us back. After falling in love with the area during our amazing fall visit, we couldn’t resist returning to see how it transforms with snow—and it did not disappoint. Just 90 minutes from the Twin Cities, this cozy Wisconsin getaway is perfect for embracing winter adventures and indulging in incredible food.
A big thank you to Go Chippewa County for sponsoring this trip and helping us discover even more reasons to love this beautiful area!
Where We Stayed
Our home base for the weekend was the Cobblestone Inn & Suites in Chippewa Falls, a cozy and convenient spot that made exploring downtown a breeze. But the real star of our stay? The Wissota Chophouse, conveniently located right in the hotel.
We didn’t know what to expect walking in, but it turned out to be one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time. The vibe was laid-back but classy—perfect for a date night after a day of adventuring. We started with oysters that were so fresh they made me forget we were in the Midwest. The wedge salad, topped with thick, smoky Nueske’s bacon, was crisp and packed with flavor. For mains, the Duroc pork chop was juicy and perfectly cooked, while the pan-seared sea bass was buttery and flaky.
And we couldn’t resist dessert: a towering slice of chocolate cake that was rich enough to share but hard not to keep all to ourselves. I paired my meal with an Old Fashioned, of course. If you’re in Chippewa Falls, make this dinner a priority—it’s worth every bite.
Outdoor Adventures
Winter in Chippewa County is breathtaking, and we loved getting outside to enjoy the snow-covered scenery. Snow is sparse this year, but thankfully, we had just enough to experience the magic!
- Ice Age Trail & Interpretive Center: We took a peaceful hike near the Interpretive Center in New Auburn. The trails were quiet and lined with snow-dusted trees, offering beautiful views and a chance to slow down. The Interpretive Center (open Fridays and Saturdays) was a hit with the kids—it reminded us of a mini Bell Museum from the Twin Cities. The naturalists were so friendly and knowledgeable, and the kids loved holding baby turtles and digging for fossils.
- Ice Fishing on the Chippewa River: This was a first for us! We had some great luck catching eater-sized walleye and packed enough to make fish tacos at home. The frozen river was peaceful, and the fresh catch was a bonus. The ice was about 6-inches thick during our visit. We made sure to pick an area where there were other anglers. We stayed away from direct current and had our spud bar with us to check the ice as we walked out to our spot.
- Ice Skating on Lake Wissota: While our ice fishing luck wasn’t as strong on Lake Wissota, the skating conditions were incredible. We had a blast gliding across the ice, and it was such a fun way to enjoy the outdoors.
Festive Winter Fun
Even after the holidays, Chippewa County still feels magical in the winter.
- Irvine Park’s Winter Wonderland: The Christmas Village lights stay up into New Year’s Day, and it’s such a treat to wander through the displays. It felt like stepping into a snow globe. Nick and I used to visit the Christmas Village lights when we were first dating and living in the Chippewa Valley, so it was nostalgic to come back.
- Heyde Center for the Arts: One of the highlights of our trip was Rockin’ Blue Christmas at the Heyde Center for the Arts. Johnny Rogers brought all the energy of classic rock-and-roll with a holiday twist—think Elvis meets Buddy Holly with a side of Christmas cheer. I’m a year-round Christmas music kind of gal, so this was such a treat! Even the kids were into it. The Heyde Center is such a charming venue, and they host events all winter, so there’s always something fun happening, even after the holidays.
- Santa’s House: Located at the Cook Rutledge Charity Building in downtown Chippewa Falls, Santa’s House is a holiday tradition for families in this neck of the woods. This year, Harlan and Juni met Santa for the second time in their lives, and while both were a little unsure at first, Mr. and Mrs. Claus were so sweet and welcoming. You could tell this wasn’t their first rodeo—they made the kids (and us) feel right at home! Families can meet Santa, share wish lists, and capture those priceless holiday memories. Santa’s House typically runs on select days leading up to Christmas, so be sure to check the schedule to plan your visit.
Food & Local Finds
The food scene in Chippewa County made a huge impression on us, just as it did in the fall. Other than the amazing Wissota Chophouse, here are some of the other spots we loved:
- Whirlybird Coffee Co.: We met up with one of my best friends and her kids for brunch, and it was such a cozy spot. We tried a little bit of everything—pastries, special toasts, and breakfast tacos—and the lattes were amazing. The kids loved it, and the atmosphere was perfect for catching up.
- Market on River: This new food hall in Chippewa Falls was such a fun stop. We grabbed pho and bubble tea from TemptAsians (perfect on a cold day), browsed the shops like Captain Coops, where the kids picked out pirate gear for an upcoming trip to Florida, and popped into The Juggery for locally made candles and refillable bath products and other gifts. We also checked out The Mercantile, which has local products from Wisconsin Farmers Union members.
- Fill Inn Station: We stopped here for festive drinks and pizza before Nick and I snuck away for our date night at the Wissota Chophouse. It was a great way to spend time with family while still squeezing in some one-on-one time.
- Chippewa Candy Shop: A must-stop for anyone with a sweet tooth! The kids went wild over the holiday candies, while I couldn’t resist some nostalgic classics—there’s something for everyone here.
- Bill’s Bait Shop: Before heading out to fish, we swung by this local shop to grab bait and fishing supplies. It’s a reliable spot with friendly folks who always have good advice for anglers in the area.
Catching a Chippewa Steel Hockey Game
A Chippewa Steel hockey game was one of the highlights of our weekend—and a perfect way to embrace winter in the Midwest. The energy in the Chippewa Area Ice Arena was electric, and it was such a fun way to spend the evening supporting the local NAHL team.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The arena is welcoming for all ages, and the kids had a blast cheering for the team.
- Affordable Fun: Tickets and concessions are reasonably priced, and we even treated ourselves to Olson’s ice cream and some adult beverages during the game!
- Community Spirit: The crowd’s enthusiasm was contagious, and it felt like we were part of a local tradition.
Winter Highlights You Can’t Miss
If you’re planning your own trip, here are a few other winter activities that are worth adding to your itinerary:
- Candlelight Snowshoe Hikes at Beaver Creek Reserve: Quiet trails lit by candles and ending with a cozy campfire—this is a magical way to experience winter.
- Winter Pop-Up Days at Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery: Once a month, this charming winery opens its doors for tastings. It’s a warm and inviting way to spend a cold afternoon.
- Fat Tire Biking and Skiing at Hickory Ridge Trails: Explore over 20 miles of groomed trails through forests and around frozen kettle lakes—a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Snowmobiling in Chippewa County: With over 300 miles of groomed trails, this area is a paradise for riders (when there is snow, of course). Trails like the Chippewa County Snowmobile Trail connect scenic routes through forests and along waterways.
Plan Your Visit
Chippewa County in the winter is full of charm, adventure, and incredible food. Whether you’re hiking snowy trails, skating on Lake Wissota, or enjoying a meal at the Wissota Chophouse, there’s something here for everyone. After loving this area in the fall, our winter visit showed us how magical it is no matter the season. Pack your warm layers, gather your family or friends, and plan your trip—you won’t regret it!