Winter Activities

Ice usually forms on area lakes in mid-December and disappears by mid-March. Fishing licenses are required. Purchase one at the Waupaca County Courthouse, 811 Harding St. or Mills Fleet Farm, E3570 Hwy 10-49.

Hartman Creek State Park
6 miles west of Waupaca off Hwy. 54 or south on Hwy. 22 and west on Rural Road, maintains groomed x-country ski trails.
For trail conditions call (715) 258-2372

Iola Winter Sports Complex
5 miles NW of Iola on County MM
The Iola Winter Sports Complex has lighted x-country ski trails and a ski jump.  The Badger State Games ski jumping competition are held here every winter.

River Ridge Trail
Over the last several years, the City of Waupaca and volunteers have developed the River Ridge Trail, which will eventually encircle the entire city. Much of this trail is within Swan Park on the city’s northwest side, off Hwy. 49. Portions of this northern part of the trail are groomed in the winter. Maps are available from the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce.

Also:
Trails are also available at Swan Park on Waupaca’s northwest side; Standing Rock Park off Portage County Hwy. B west of Amherst Junction; at the Iola Winter Sports Complex, 5 miles NW of Iola on County MM (for trail conditions call 715/445-3411).  The national Ice Age Trail runs just west of Waupaca, with entry points on Hwy. 54, about five miles from the city limits, and in Hartman Creek State Park. In addition, the state park has hiking and horseback riding trails. Cross-country skiing trails are groomed in the winter.

Waupaca Curling Club offers curling opportunities for everyone from age ten and up in leagues, bonspiels (tournaments) and non-competitive casual curling.  Instruction is available for those who are new to the sport, and the cost is very reasonable. Substantial discounts are offered for new curlers. Located at 216 S Franklin Street, The Waupaca Curling Club It features four sheets of curling ice and a modern clubhouse with excellent views of the ice. For more information info@curlwaupaca.com.

Waupaca County Park and Recreation Department
at (715) 258-6243
The Waupaca area boasts over 400 miles of well-groomed snowmobile trails. Maps are available that show access point, pit stop, dining, lodging, entertainment, parking and repair areas. For trail conditions, openings and closings in Waupaca County’s six snowmobile zones, contact us or visit our website.

Hartman Creek State Park
6 miles west of Waupaca off Hwy. 54 or south on Hwy. 22 and west on Rural Road has snowshoeing trails and snowshoes are available for rental at Nature Treks in the Park.  For conditions call (715) 258-2372.

Waupaca Expo Center
(715) 258-2990
Public skating is available during the winter season at the Waupaca Expo Center Saturday and Sunday evenings from 6-8 pm through the first week in March  (please check the calendar at www.wayha.com for any exceptions).

Entry fee is $3 per session. You are welcome to bring your own skates or rent a pair. Rental skates $2 per session. We offer concessions, heated lockers and a viewing area for those not skating.  Please contact the center for more information.