Why February is a Beautiful Time to Visit Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
February may be one of the quietest months in Wisconsin, but in Chippewa Falls, it’s also one of the most peaceful times to visit. Winter here, with the snow-covered pines, crisp winter air, and the view of the frozen lake, creates the perfect backdrop for slowing down, taking a breath, and finding rest. At the Inn on Lake Wissota, February is one of our favorite months to welcome you into our home ~ the scenery is beautiful, the mornings are quiet and peaceful. Whether you’re planning a romantic winter getaway, a February weekend trip, or are simply in need of a cozy retreat, Chippewa Falls offers a wonderful mix of winter adventures and cozy indoor experiences.
To help you plan your stay, we’ve put together our top things to do in Chippewa Falls in February, based on what we, and our guests, love the most. As native Wisconsinites, these are the things we recommend time and time again!
Things to Do in Chippewa Falls in February
1. Wander Through Irvine Park - A Peaceful Winter Wonderland
Just minutes from downtown, Irvine Park becomes a winter wonderland every year making it one of the most popular winter attractions in Chippewa Falls. The over 300-acre park offers wooded trails, ice-covered ponds and snowy landscapes, and you might even see some animals enjoying the snow! If you’re looking for a place to unwind after the holidays and get some much-needed peace and quiet, Irvine Park is perfect! Because of the park’s large size, you’ll often feel like you have it almost to yourself! Bundle up, bring your phone to capture some amazing photos, and go explore! Enjoy a walk through the snow-covered trees either on the paved roads or the trails that wind through the woods. After exploring the park, warm up back at the Inn, snuggled in a fluffy blanket with coffee, tea, or cocoa.
Why our guests love it in the winter:
- Easy, low-effort way to get into nature on its peaceful trails
- Free to visit
- See the animals without the summer crowds
- Beautiful winter scenery for photos
If you’re looking for that “quiet winter morning” experience, Irvine Park is the perfect place to visit after enjoying breakfast at the Inn!
2. Explore Local History in Chippewa Falls
Winters in Wisconsin get cold! When you’re looking for some indoor activities, Chippewa Falls has some great options to get out of the cold and learn about the history of the area. One of our newer attractions, the Chippewa Area History Center, has curated some amazing things that help tell the story of our region.
Open from Wednesday through Sunday, and admission for only $7 per person, this is a great way to explore Chippewa Falls while staying warm!
For those of you who want to actually step back in time, the Cook-Rutledge Mansion is another option for getting out of the cold and learning about our history. Built in 1887, the ornate mansion offers tours for a $15 donation and can be scheduled by giving them a call!
I am amazed by all the technology that has been created and enhanced in our small town of Chippewa! From Cray Research (that has a special tie to the Inn on Lake Wissota!), to Mason shoes and Presto, and all the advancements that took place in the Leinenkugel Brewery, the Chippewa Falls Museum of Industry & Technology covers that, and so much more! If you are into history plus engineering, and the early days of computers, I recommend a visit to this museum. They are open Thursday through Saturday, and the admission is just $5.
Why these are ideal for our winter guests:
- All indoors – perfect for chilly days
- Enjoyable and educational!
Then, when you’re finished exploring our history, you can come back to the Inn and relax!
3. Warm up with a Beverage at Leinie Lodge or the Chippewa River Distillery
Chippewa Falls is known for its craft beverages, and February is one of the perfect months to enjoy them! Whether you prefer something brewed or distilled, our downtown offers both!
Leinie Lodge gives you a true “taste” of the north woods and is a must during any Chippewa Falls trip! Take a tour of the Leinenkugel’s legacy or pilot breweries, or try a flight in the Leinie Lodge taproom. Seasonal brews and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories make this a top Chippewa Falls winter activity. The lodge is a perfect escape from the cold, and you can even grab a sweatshirt to keep you warm when you leave!
If you’re in the mood for some really creative cocktails, Chippewa River Distillery offers handcrafted whiskey, vodka, rum, and seasonal drinks. Take a seat in their riverside tasting room and enjoy the scenery while staying toasty warm!
Why these stops are guest favorites:
- Warm and inviting places to relax
- Perfect for couples’ getaways and friend trips
- Unique flavors to enjoy and take home
After your tasting, come on back to the Inn for a relaxing evening overlooking Lake Wissota.
4. Get Outdoors ~ Snowshoeing, Winter Hiking & Cross-Country Skiing
We have some of Wisconsin’s most peaceful trails for enjoying the winter weather. Whether you get outside every weekend for a hike or you’re not super experienced in winter adventures, the local paths and trails offer something for everyone!
The Old Abe State Trail is paved (underneath the snow!) and is gentle and beginner-friendly – perfect for those of us who enjoy a more leisurely walk or some cross-country skiing on more level ground. We’ve even had some really adventurous guests who love to bike in the snow! Less than a mile from the Inn on Lake Wissota, this trail is convenient and is just a beautiful walk through our neighborhood to reach the trailhead.
Just a short drive from the Inn, Lake Wissota State Park has miles of wooded trails for hiking or snowshoeing, and many groomed specifically for cross-country skiing. Follow the Lake Path to an overlook where you can take a breath and look over the lake, or stick to the trails throughout the trees. Either way, you’ll experience the peace that only nature can bring!
Why we recommend these winter activities:
- A way to get outdoors while keeping yourself warm!
- Perfect way to enjoy gorgeous landscapes you can’t see any other way
- A great way to feel good after a month or two of holiday sweet treats!
After you get back to the Inn, relax under our rainfall shower heads, or enjoy the Kohler air-jetted tubs in our Solitude and Serenity rooms!
5. Explore Downtown Chippewa Falls
I love downtown Chippewa Falls! It is so warm and welcoming and has kept the historical charm – especially in winter! We have so many shoppy shops (i.e. boutique stores), various vendors in Market on River, antiques, coffee shops and cafes, candy, and ice cream! Whatever you’re looking for, we have options!
Why we love downtown in February:
- Fun and easy way to spend an afternoon
- So many places to pop in to shop or grab treats
- Great restaurants for lunch or dinner
End your day back at the Inn with a quiet evening and find rest.
Regardless of when you choose to come for a visit, there are always fun things to do in Chippewa Falls! Just know that, even though there may be snow on the ground and the temps may be a little colder, the Inn on Lake Wissota will always be a warm and cozy place for you to return after a fun day of exploring. We can’t wait for you to come and stay for your Chippewa Falls winter getaway!
See you soon!
Where to Stay for a Cozy February Getaway in Chippewa Falls
Yes! February is quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. Snow-covered landscapes, fewer crowds, and cozy indoor attractions make it ideal for a relaxing winter getaway.
Some popular winter activities include exploring Irvine Park, touring Leinenkugel’s Brewery, winter hiking at Lake Wissota State Park, visiting museums, and enjoying downtown shops and cafés.
Warm layers, waterproof boots, a winter coat, gloves, and a hat are recommended. Many activities are outdoors, but there are plenty of cozy indoor options as well.
For a cozy, relaxing experience, many visitors choose lakeside lodging like the Inn on Lake Wissota, which offers peaceful winter views, homemade breakfasts, and easy access to local attractions.
