For those who love the serene beauty of a snowy landscape and all the opportunities for winter fun that come with it, Dane County is a particularly great place to be this time of year. From cozy dining to outdoor adventures, check out these winter attractions in the Madison area.

Things to Do in Dane County in Winter

Skating at the Edgewater Ice Rink - Madison, WI

Address: 1001 Wisconsin Pl, Madison, WI 53703

Adjacent to the Edgewater Hotel and overlooking the glassy surface of Lake Mendota, the Edgewater Ice Rink is a treasured winter tradition in Madison. Public skating is available throughout the winter months, weather permitting. In spring, when it gets too warm for ice skating, the ice rink transforms into The Plaza, which hosts concerts, outdoor events and even roller skating.

Winter Globe Dining at Café Hollander - Madison, WI

Address: 701 Hilldale Wy, Madison, WI 53705

Offering outdoor winter dining with a cozy twist, Café Hollander's heated domes provide a charming outdoor setting that shields diners from the elements. Reservations are available for groups of up to eight people and include a specialty drink of your choice, and guests can order from the European-inspired café's wide-ranging menu, which includes all-day brunch as well as a robust gluten free menu.

Cross Country Skiing at University Ridge - Madison, WI

Address: 9002 County Rd PD, Verona, WI 53593

Located just a short drive from Madison, the picturesque landscape of University Ridge Golf Course stays open all winter long—but not for golf. When the right amount of snow has fallen, the public course transforms into a cross-country skiing destination, with 6 kilometers of trails that wind through the back nine. Ski rentals are available, and the trails are open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. Check the MadNorSki website for the latest trail conditions.

Shop at the Winter Farmers Market - Madison, WI

Address: 3241 Garver Green, Madison, WI 53704

Held indoors throughout the winter months at the historic Garver Feed Mill, Madison's Late Winter Farmers Market offers a thoroughly enjoyable opportunity to shop local throughout the colder months. Held on Saturdays from January 3 through April 4, the market includes:

• Fresh fruits and veg­eta­bles
• Hyper-local meats, eggs, cheeses and dairy goods
• Hon­ey, bak­ed goods and spe­cial­ty items

Spa Day at Kosa - Madison, WI

Address: 3241 Garver Green, Suite 260, Madison, WI 53704

Take a break from the winter chill and indulge in a day of wellness and pampering at Kosa Spa. Madison's premier full-service retreat spa, Kosa offers massages, facials and a wide range of additional treatments influenced by Ayurvedic tradition. Kosa also offers a Social Wellness Club which grants access to their community sauna and other spa amenities in a communal setting. 

Sled and Snowshoe at Indian Lake Park - Cross Plains, WI

Address: 8183 WI-19, Cross Plains, WI 53528

Indian Lake County Park is a wild, beautiful destination for winter adventures, less than 30 minutes from Madison. The 791-acre park is one of the largest in Dane County and offers a host of amenities, including:

• Sledding hill with a log cabin warming house
• Snowshoe and cross-country ski trails
• A historic chapel built in 1857 

Ice Fishing Lake Mendota - Madison, WI

Address: 1201 Woodward Dr, Madison, WI 53704

As the lakes around Madison freeze up, Dane County offers outstanding opportunities for winter ice fishing. Lake Mendota, the largest lake in the area at nearly 10,000 acres, offers excellent fishing for pike and panfish in the wintertime, especially in sheltered bays like Warner Bay, which are usually the first places to freeze. See the Dane County Parks Ice Fishing website for more information.

Contact us today to learn more about exploring the Madison, WI area in the wintertime. And be sure to ask why winter is a great time of year to make an offer on your Wisconsin dream home.