Give the Gift of an Up North Experience

Is there someone on your holiday shopping list who has it all? Someone who loves the fresh air and the frozen lakes, the freedom of darting through the forest on a snowmobile and the fish fry at a favorite supper club? Instead of buying another thing, consider gifting an Up North experience this holiday season instead. Here are some ideas.

1. A gift certificate to their favorite Up North restaurant. We’ve got so many to choose from, from healthy eats in the Northwoods and Northwest regions to nostalgic supper clubs, there is something for every Up North lover’s tastebuds.
2. An exhilarating skiing and snow tubing experience. Here are some great slopes and resorts you will find in northern Wisconsin.
3. A spa getaway. Your loved one deserves some nourishing R&R this winter, so treat them to a spa experience in the rustic serenity of the Northwoods. Find some ideas for spas and other holistic service providers here.
4. An unforgettable train ride through northern Wisconsin. Your loved one will come aboard the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad and let the breathtaking views of woods and water unfold before them. Kids will love the pizza train ride, while couples and groups of friends will enjoy the dinner train or wine and cheese ride.
5. A concert or art workshop. This region is fortunate to have several arts organizations that provide inspiration, education, and entertainment through their excellent programming all year. Check out the upcoming events at ArtStart in Rhinelander, Campanile Center for the Arts in Minocqua, The Warehouse Art Center in Eagle River, LOLA in Land O’ Lakes, and the Grand Theater in Wausau.
6. A snowmobile rental. Winter is an amazing time Up North, especially when spent gliding along the snow. Reserve a rental for you and your loved one at quality snowsports rental providers throughout the region, such as The Toy Shop in Eagle River.
7. Cross-country ski, fat bike, or snowshoe rental. If non-motorized winter sports are more your gift recipient’s speed, reserve a rental of top-notch gear for your loved one at Mel’s Trading Post in Rhinelander.
8. Gift a tour—or a full day—at a distillery. For an experiential stocking stuffer, take your spirits-loving gift recipient to Northern Waters Distillery in Minocqua for a $10 informative tour of the facility and discussion of ins and outs of the process before enjoying a complimentary cocktail. Tours take place at 4 p.m. on Fridays and 2 and 4 p.m. on Saturdays. If you know your loved one would love to learn more about distilling, you can schedule an opportunity to be a part of a production day, including mashing, fermenting, and distilling. The cost of this special day is $350 and includes lunch and a special memory of the day. (Additional participants can be added for $150 per person.)