• Explore
    • Destinations Itinerary
    • Travel
    • Recreation
    • Travel Guides
    • Attractions Directory
    • Hotels Directory
    • Shopping Directory
    • Venues Directory
  • Food
    • Restaurant Reviews
    • Drinks
    • Recipes
    • Dining Directory
    • Pizza Challenge
    • Holiday Dining Bracket
    • Wing Challenge
  • Education
    • School Listings
    • Education Directory
  • Arts
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Theater + Dance
    • Music
    • Visual Arts
    • Party Pics
  • Culture
    • People
    • Business + Politics
    • Health
    • Style
    • Top Lawyers Directory
    • Top Doctors Directory
    • Best Chiropractors Directory
    • Best Dentists Directory
    • Education Directory
    • Giving Guide
  • Things to Do
    • Calendar
    • Best Bets
    • Gift Guide
    • Holiday Dining Bracket
    • Our Events
      • Food & Wine Experience
      • GrillFest
      • Rhythm & Brews
      • Fine Spirits Classic
      • CannaFest
    • Contests & Giveaways
  • New Residents
    • Best Real Estate Professionals Directory
    • Temporary Housing Directory
    • Residential Developments Directory
  • 12 Weeks of Winter
  • Subscribe
    • Magazine
    • Newsletter Signup
    • Where to Find
Sign in
Welcome!Log into your account
Forgot your password?
Create an account
Privacy and Cookies Policy
Sign up
Welcome!Register for an account
A password will be e-mailed to you.
Privacy and Cookies Policy
Password recovery
Recover your password
Search
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise
  • Directories
  • Attractions
  • Venues
  • Dining
  • Education
  • Hotels
  • Nonprofits
  • Shopping
  • Moving Resources
    • Temporary Housing
    • Residential Developments
  • Best Professionals
    • Chiropractors
    • Dentists
    • Doctors
    • Lawyers
    • Faces of Minnesota
    • Women Who Lead Minnesota
    • Real Estate Professionals
  • Gift Guide
  • Contact Us
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Create an account
Privacy and Cookies Policy
Create an account
Welcome! Register for an account
A password will be e-mailed to you.
Privacy and Cookies Policy
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
Minnesota Monthly logo Minnesota Monthly
Minnesota Monthly logo Minnesota Monthly logo
  • Explore
    • Destinations Itinerary
    • Travel
    • Recreation
    • Travel Guides
    • Attractions Directory
    • Hotels Directory
    • Shopping Directory
    • Venues Directory
  • Food
    • Restaurant Reviews
    • Drinks
    • Recipes
    • Dining Directory
    • Pizza Challenge
    • Holiday Dining Bracket
    • Wing Challenge
  • Education
    • School Listings
    • Education Directory
  • Arts
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Theater + Dance
    • Music
    • Visual Arts
    • Party Pics
  • Culture
    • People
    • Business + Politics
    • Health
    • Style
    • Top Lawyers Directory
    • Top Doctors Directory
    • Best Chiropractors Directory
    • Best Dentists Directory
    • Education Directory
    • Giving Guide
  • Things to Do
    • Calendar
    • Best Bets
    • Gift Guide
    • Holiday Dining Bracket
    • Our Events
      • Food & Wine Experience
      • GrillFest
      • Rhythm & Brews
      • Fine Spirits Classic
      • CannaFest
    • Contests & Giveaways
  • New Residents
    • Best Real Estate Professionals Directory
    • Temporary Housing Directory
    • Residential Developments Directory
  • 12 Weeks of Winter
  • Subscribe
    • Magazine
    • Newsletter Signup
    • Where to Find
Home Sponsored Winter Fun in Willmar Lakes Area
    Sponsored

    Winter Fun in Willmar Lakes Area

    From ice fishing and winter recreation to local boutiques and eateries, the Willmar Lakes Area has everything you need for a snowy getaway
    By
    Willmar Lakes Area
    -
    November 30, 2020
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Pinterest
    Email
    WhatsApp
    Linkedin
      A red fishing hut sitting on a frozen lake in the Willmar Lakes Area
      Ice fishing in Willmar Lakes Area

      Photo by Gregory Harp

      As the temperatures drop in the Willmar Lakes Area, locals and visitors alike get excited to take advantage of the region’s incredible outdoor activities. And when you’re in lake country, you can’t resist trying your hand at ice fishing and (hopefully) reeling in dinner. Whether you get the biggest catch of the day or just enjoy spending quality time with others, there’s nothing better than dropping a line into the frozen ice. Visit Green Lake Rentals in Spicer or Black Bear Fish House Co. in Willmar to rent out heated fish houses. There are also plenty of local shops to find bait, tackle, and other supplies.

      After a long day out on the lake, stop by Foxhole Brewhouse in Willmar or Goat Ridge Brewery in New London for a drink before heading home to fry up your freshly caught meal.

      Snowmobiling in Willmar Lakes Area

      Photo by Dave Feist

      For something more action-packed, speed through the miles of groomed snowmobiling trails throughout the Willmar Lakes Area. Make sure to check out the favorite local snowmobiling trails like Glacial Lakes State Trail and Sibley State Park.

      If you’re looking for an active excursion for the whole family, head to the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing rentals. You can either explore the trails at Prairie Woods or take the rental gear to another nearby park. Sibley State Park or the Robbins Island and Swan Lake Trails in Willmar are good options for cross-country skiing, while Sibley State Park is another spot for snowshoeing.

      A man giving a woman a ride on a kick sled at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center in Willmar Lakes
      Kick sledding at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center

      Or try out the local specialty and rent kick sleds at Prairie Woods. These Scandinavian sleds look like a lighter, more transportable dog sled. Hold onto the handles, stand on the rail, and push off with your foot to give someone a ride along the frozen trails or lakes.

      After working up an appetite, place an order at O’Neil’s in Spicer or Ruff’s Wings & Sports Bar in Willmar and fill up on your favorite American fare, or warm up with a hot drink from Lulu Beans Coffee House or Goodness Coffee in Willmar.

      For a day of indoor activities, plan a shopping spree at the local boutiques. Find the latest fashions at Urban Escape in Spicer and the Happy Sol and Ali J Boutique in New London. Head over to Three Sisters Furnishings in New London to search for home decor, furnishings, and keepsakes. And you can’t leave the Willmar Lakes Area without stopping by Mr. B’s Chocolates for a sweet treat before heading home.

      • TAGS
      • 12 Weeks of Winter
      • Willmar Lakes Area
      Facebook
      Twitter
      Pinterest
      Email
      WhatsApp
      Linkedin
        Willmar Lakes Area

        RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

        Flowing willow River in Hudson
        Sponsored

        Winter Weekend Escapes in Hudson, Wisconsin

        Sponsored

        It’s Been Described as a “Mini Colorado,” But Visitors Will Appreciate This Twist

        Sponsored

        Warm Your Heart This Winter With Snoopy and Friends

        Events Calendar

        « December 2023 » loading...
        SMTWTFS
        26
        27
        28
        29
        30
        1
        2
        3
        4
        5
        6
        7
        8
        9
        10
        11
        12
        13
        14
        15
        16
        17
        18
        19
        20
        21
        22
        23
        24
        25
        26
        27
        28
        29
        30
        31
        1
        2
        3
        4
        5
        6
        Sun 03

        Kelly Jean Ohl: Contemplations in Patterns and Textures: A Project Space Grant Exhibition

        October 28, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - January 6, 2024 @ 4:00 pm
        Sun 03

        Minnetonka Center For the Arts Announces NEW Fall Classes

        October 30 @ 8:00 am - December 23 @ 4:00 pm
        Sun 03

        Waggle Golf Holiday Pop-Up

        November 1 - December 30
        Sun 03

        Hazel Belvo: For Love

        November 4, 2023 @ 8:00 am - May 5, 2024 @ 5:00 pm
        Sun 03

        Holidays in the Basement Bar – Travail

        November 9 @ 5:30 pm - December 31 @ 10:00 pm
        Submit an Event

        NEWSLETTERS

        Find Your Way Around

        • Subscribe
        • My Account
        • Advertise
        • About Us
        • Contact Us
        • Newsletters
        • Terms of Use
        • Privacy Policy
        • …more

        Our Events

        • Food & Wine Experience
        • GrillFest
        • Fine Spirits Classic
        • Midwest Home’s Luxury Home Tour
        • Rhythm & Brews

        View & Order Greenspring Publications

        • Minnesota Monthly Subscription From: $14.95 for 1 year
        • Midwest Home $9.95
        • Bike Minnesota $2.50
        • Experience Rochester Visitors Guide $2.50
        • Twin Cities Living Relocation Guide $2.50
        • Minnesota Monthly Ultimate Travel Guide $2.50
        • Mall of America/Bloomington Visitors Guide
        • Official Visitors Guide to the Twin Cities $2.50
        The Spirit of Minnesota logo
        ABOUT US
        Minnesota Monthly magazine embodies the spirit of our state while celebrating the best arts, entertainment, food, culture, philanthropy, sports and lives of our home.
        FOLLOW US
        © 2023 Greenspring Media, LLC
        Near me
        40 miles