As Janesville becomes a winter wonderland, our city’s outdoor recreation takes on a whole new look. Gear up and get ready because this blog has all kinds of ideas for snowy adventures in Wisconsin’s Great Outside. Here are some of our favorite wintertime activities that are sure to bring excitement this season and keep you on your skis, sled, or snowmobile.
Written by: Ava Sterbin
Candlelight Hikes
Ring in the new year and embark on a hike under the stars as you travel alongside illuminated paths in Rock County parks. Let the light of the paths guide your winter walk through the glittering snow and end the night with a warm cup of hot cocoa, sweet treats, and a cozy bonfire.
Dates:
❄️ January 3 | Janesville Schools Outdoor Lab
❄️ February 22 | Rock River Heritage Park
Cross Country Skiing
Over 6 miles of color-coded cross country skiing trails wind through Rockport Park. With an easily accessible trail map and interactive GPS map, these trails are managed and groomed by wonderful volunteers from the Friends of Rockport Park.
Along with Rockport Park, Riverside Golf Course transitions from golf to groomed ski trails in the winter. For off-trail adventures: cross country skiing is allowed in any city or greenbelt! The rolling landscape of nearby Silverwood County Park in Edgerton is another great local spot.
Ice Fishing
Fish your favorite places such as Lake Koshkonong, Gibbs Lake, and Storrs Lake. Don’t forget to get your fishing license and take the right precautions in making sure the ice is safe. Pike Pole Fishing Guide Service posts regular ice condition reports and is a great resource!
Sledding
Feel the thrill of racing down a snow-covered hill as you enjoy sledding this winter season. Enjoy this childhood favorite at any age in any city park. No sled? No problem! Janesville’s Parks and Recreation Department installs Little Free Sled Sheds at Ardon Park, Riverside Park, Lustig Park, and Sheiffer Park. Feel free to borrow a sled and return it when you’re done!
Best Hills for Sledding:
Snowshoeing
Take in the beautiful scenery and snowy terrain as you trek though city parks and greenbelts perfect for snowshoeing, including Riverside Golf Course, Rockport Park, Robert O. Cook Memorial Arboretum, Blackhawk Golf Course, and Sheiffer Park.
Snowmobiling
Shred some serious powder this season while you snowmobile around Rock County. Several area snowmobile clubs like Rock County Snowmobile Alliance and Sundowners Snowmobile Club work tirelessly with local land owners and municipalities to give riders the best trail experience. Click here for a downloadable map of the Rock County snowmobile trails and check here for up-to-date snow reports!
Winter StoryWalk®
This half-mile StoryWalk® features a seasonal book presented page-by-page on signposts to help children experience nature and literature along the Jolyn Beeman Trail in the Robert O. Cook Memorial Arboretum. This winter’s book, We Are Branches by Joyce Sidman, will be available to read from December 21-March 19.
