10 Fun Indoor Activities Up North

Northern Wisconsin and U.P. Michigan aren’t just fair-weather friends. This region also has plenty to keep you happy and busy when the weather conditions are less than ideal for outdoor adventures. Here are 1o ideas to help you plan a fun day indoors in northern Wisconsin and U.P. Michigan.

1. Go to a winery for a tasting.

Just a few of the delightful wineries in our region include White Winter Winery (in Iron River),  Three Lakes Winery (in Three Lakes), and Dancing Dragon Fly Winery (in St. Croix Falls).

2. Visit one (or many) of the great breweries of the region.

You’re sure to find your new favorite brew at one of the region’s vibrant bars, taprooms, and lounges. Where to start? We suggest South Shore Brewery in Washburn, Round Man Brewing Co. in Spooner, Amery Ale Works in Amery, or Tribute Brewing Company in Eagle River.

3. Go shopping.

There are many vibrant downtown shopping districts in our region. For example, check out Rhinelander, Boulder Junction, Minocqua, or Eagle River, to name a few.

If you’re in the market for antiques, collectibles, jewelry, and other flea market finds, head to downtown Shawano, and peruse the thousands of treasures at the Indoor Shawano Flea Market at Shawano Community Hall every Saturday until April 4, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Or peruse the wide variety of treasures from more than 120 dealers at Gaslight Antiques and Collectibles in Minocqua.

4. Play a round of indoor miniature golf.

If you are in the mood for some friendly competition, head down to the basement level of Minocqua’s Gaslight Square Shoppes, where you will find Minoc-Woods Indoor Mini Golf.

5. Test your wits and teamwork in an escape room.

Options for this fun group or party activity include The Key to Escape (Minocqua), Northwoods Escape Room (Eagle River), and Tactical Escape 101 (Rice Lake, Eau Claire, Stevens Point, and Maplewood, Minnesota).

6. Throw hatchets.

Blades & Boards offers hatching throwing to family groups, leagues, corporate team-building retreats, parties, and couples who want to have fun while challenging their strength and precision. They have locations in Wausau, Oshkosh, and Green Bay. You can also live out your “lumberjack dreams” at Kicking Axe Up North in Eagle River.

7. Make a splash at an indoor water park.

You probably know that Wisconsin Dells is a mecca of indoor water parks, but there are great options in this region, too. Wash away the winter blues on the water slides at The Waters of Minocqua in Minocqua.

8. Get creative at an art class.

Northern Wisconsin boasts many arts organizations with high-quality workshops and courses. We suggest taking a look at the class schedules at ArtStart in Rhinelander, LOLA Arts in Land O’ Lakes, or the Warehouse Art Center in Eagle River. Or check out the art exhibits at the art museums in our region, such as the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau or the De Vos Art Museum in Marquette, Michigan.

9. Relax and restore at a spa.

Book a service that soothes the body, mind, and soul at one of the region’s fabulous spas—such as The Spa at Manitowish Waters, or Life’s Journey Day Spa (Balsam Lake).

10. Take a trip to a casino.

Feeling lucky? There’s Menominee Casino (Keshena), Lake of the Torches Resort Casino (Lac du Flambeau), Mole Lake Casino Lodge (Crandon), and Northern Waters Casino Resort (Watersmeet, Michigan).