There is so much to do any season in the north woods, and fall and winter in the Minocqua area are no exception. From cranberry festivals to snowmobile races to hunting and ice fishing, there is something for everyone.

The first full weekend in October brings the area's annual Cranberry Festival, which offers tours of cranberry bogs, and tastings and other events at local wineries.

With the fall comes the fall color. This is the perfect time to hike, bike, or drive along some of the area’s scenic routes, taking in the breathtaking beauty of the brilliant colors of turning leaves. Maps are available through local outfitters and the Chamber of Commerce, along with a Fall Color Report which is updated each week. Generally, peak colors can be seen anywhere from the last two weeks of September to the first two weeks of October.

And you won’t want to miss the Annual Beef-A-Rama each fall. Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of roasting beef throughout the Lakeland area while enjoying the beautiful fall foliage.

With so many trails, lakes and forests, nature lovers feel right at home in the north woods year-round. With an average of 65” of snow each year and so many frozen lakes, anyone who loves to cross-country ski, snowmobile, snowshoe or ice fish will love the fall and winter seasons in Minocqua. And don’t forget about sledding, ice skating and more.

Minocqua Winter Park is one of the top cross-country ski areas in the nation with over 75 kilometers of groomed trails, from flat to hilly. It also offers more than 2 km of lighted trails provide skiing on scheduled nights, and two groomed telemark slopes allow for turning practice. A snowshoe trail, rentals, and instruction are also available at Winter Park, and the Day Lodge offers everything a skier requires to relax: warmth, food, restrooms and child care.

There are also a number of snowmobile clubs in the area, as well as indoor and outdoor ice rinks. Fall and winter are wonderful seasons in the north woods.