Winter in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is home to a world of amazing winter recreation options. From hikes along the Ice Age Trail, skiing, ice climbing, snowshoeing, tubing, and fat tire biking, Wisconsin has it all. Additionally, the state is home to numerous winter festivals that are worth a visit. If you’re looking for ways to beat cabin fever, Lake Geneva’s famed Winterfest and snow sculpting competition is an excellent way to spend a day!
Winterfest | Downtown Lake Geneva
One of the more unique winter festivals in Wisconsin is the Lake Geneva Winterfest & America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational. Winterfest is held from January 28th – February 1, 2026 in downtown Lake Geneva’s Riviera and Flat Iron Park. See Snow Sculptures map HERE. Visitors can observe fifteen teams from all over the world as they carve unique and beautiful sculptures from large blocks of snow. Check out the bios of the 2026 Teams!
Winterfest in Photos
Ice Sculptures
Additionally, 36 individual ice sculptures line the shops of downtown Lake Geneva throughout the weekend in theIce Sculpture Walk. Download the PDF Map of ice sculptures for 2026. While you’re downtown, be sure to check out the shops, grab a hot cup of coffee, or stop in at one of Lake Geneva’s many restaurants.
Event Schedule
For details on the 3 day festival schedule, check out the Event Schedule HERE. Paid meter parking is available throughout the downtown area. Spots fill up fast, so bundle up and be prepared to walk a few blocks to the Rivera and Flatiron Park!
Local Adventures
Lake Geneva is a beautiful city in any season. Thousands of visitors flock to the city each year to boat, swim, shop, eat, and otherwise enjoy this lakeside community. One of my favorite warm weather activity in Lake Geneva is to hike the historic Shore Path that circles the lake. Read more about this unique hike, check out my blog post: Step Back in Time Along Wisconsin’s Beautiful Shore Path: Geneva Lake.
Enjoy Lake Geneva’s beautiful Winterfest!
-Erin
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