For more information contact:  Lisa Marshall, 608/267-3773

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SNOW TUBING, SILENT SPORTS, HISTORIC B&B's AND MORE… THERE'S PLENTY TO EXPERIENCE IN WISCONSIN THIS WINTER

Home to some of the nation's largest winter sports competitions, Wisconsin has a well-deserved reputation as a haven for snow sports enthusiasts. But it isn't just snowmobilers and ice fishermen who are drawn here; Wisconsin is equally popular with silent sports aficionados. And understandably so. The state boasts thousands of miles of cross-country ski trails, not to mention dog sledding, snowshoeing opportunities and North America's largest collection of wintering bald eagles. Families will also find plenty of winter fun at the state's growing roster of snowtubing facilities. 

Wisconsin's indoor attractions are equally compelling. While its state-of-the-art performing arts venues, museums, spas and indoor waterparks grab most of the headlines, visitors (and visiting journalists) may find the state's unique and historic bed & breakfasts to be a fascinating lodging option for romantic getaways. Wisconsin's many ethnic restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores are equally noteworthy, particularly during the holiday season when they serve up centuries-old specialties not often seen at larger, national chain establishments. 

Here are just a few of the highlights of Wisconsin's winter travel season:

Snow tubing

Snow tubing is the latest craze to hit the downhill ski and snow boarding industry and it's not hard to understand why. "Tubing" offers a great snowsports option for family members who don't ski or snowboard, since anyone can do it, regardless of age or experience. What's more, no expensive equipment is necessary (because tubing hills provide their own tubes), nor is mountain-climber stamina needed (since conveyor belts, tow ropes and other mechanical conveniences quickly whisk sledders to the top of the hill). 

Some tubing hills offer specially graded and groomed chutes and lanes to create a thrilling downhill ride with a safe stop at the end. And, to ensure top-quality conditions, many of the state's newer tubing hills use sophisticated snowmaking equipment for those times when Mother Nature just doesn't cooperate with weekend plans. 

Among the state's leading snow tubing facilities are Cascade Mountain in Portage (1-800-992-2754; www.cascademountain.com), Nordic Mountain Ski, Snowboard and Tubing Area in Mt. Morris (1-800-253-7266; www.nordicmountain.com), Trollhaugen Ski Resort in Dresser (1-800-826-7166; www.trollhaugen.com) and Sunburst Ski Area in Kewaskum (262/626-8404; www.skisunburst.com). Even indoor waterpark resorts are getting into the snow tubing action. In 2007, The Wilderness Hotel and Golf Resort and Waterpark opened a snow tubing hill at its Glacier Canyon Lodge (1-800-867-9453; www.glaciercanyonlodge.com).

Silent Sports

"Silent sports" are extremely popular in Wisconsin, perhaps none more so than cross-country skiing. More than 250 trails statewide provide Nordic skiers with the chance to explore picturesque snow-covered forests and glide across peaceful countryside. A top Midwest cross-country skiing destination and home to one of the few cross-country facilities in the country to have snowmaking capabilities on some trails, Minocqua Winter Park (715/356-3309; www.skimwp.org) offers 75 km of groomed terrain for skating and striding. For longer treks, skiers can head to other Northwoods locales, such as the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (715/762-2461; http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf/) or they can take a quick jaunt at an urban or suburban park. Several state parks and forests offer candlelit skiing on special dates for an enchanting nighttime cross-country skiing experience. Other top areas for cross-country skiing include the state and county parks in Door County (1-800-52-RELAX; www.doorcountyvacations.com) and the Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit (262/ 594-6200; www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/specific/kms/). 

Many of the state, national and county forest areas with cross country ski trails also offer snowshoeing. As snowshoes become lighter and easier to use, this sport is quickly growing in popularity - particularly with amateur photographers and birdwatchers. 

Speaking of birdwatching, did you know that Wisconsin is home to North America's largest population of wintering eagles? It's true. The greatest concentration of the majestic birds is found along the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers, especially at locks, dams and power plants, where running water throughout the winter provides a reliable feeding ground. Sauk City and Prairie du Sac (1-800-68-EAGLE; www.saukprairie.com) are among the state's top eagle-watching spots because the waters of the Wisconsin River flowing below the Prairie du Sac dam seldom freeze, making fish available as food for the birds. In addition, tall trees along the riverbanks are ideal for perching, and rolling hills and valleys offer the eagles natural protection against the elements. Cassville (608/725-5855; www.cassville.org), located along the Mississippi River, is another popular eagle-watching spot. Top viewing locations include a new wildlife observation deck at Riverside Park and nearby Nelson Dewey State Park. 

Another one for the "betcha didn't know" category: Wisconsin offers a variety of dog sledding experiences. Several outfitters around the state offer both day trips and high-adventure overnight excursions, and those up for the challenge need not have any previous dog-sledding experience. Trek & Trail (1-800-354-8735; www.trek-trail.com), an outfitter based in Bayfield, holds group trips to the Apostle Islands and the western portion of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Dog-sled racers are the primary winter clientele at the Log Cabin (715/627-1848) near Elton, where mushers can practice on specially marked, groomed trails spanning hundreds of miles.

Historic (and romantic) B & B's

Looking for a weekend or mid-week getaway that takes you as far from your everyday world as possible? How about one that takes you on a trip back in time? Many of Wisconsin's romantic and unique bed & breakfasts are housed in buildings that go back a century or more. Though they boast thoroughly modern amenities and fixtures, many of these lovingly restored historic residences feature authentic Victorian-era antiques and furniture - not to mention an incredible story. 

Among the best known is Bayfield's Old Rittenhouse Inn (715/779-5111; www.rittenhouse.com), which was built between 1892 and 1907 as a summer cottage for Civil War General Allen Fuller. The Inn complex today includes three residences, each of which features rooms with antiques, fireplaces and private baths - not to mention spectacular views of the Apostle Islands. In Oconto, visitors can stay at the Governor Scofield Mansion Bed & Breakfast (877-357-6337; www.governorsmansionbb.com). This stunning 1865 Italianate mansion was once inhabited by Edward Scofield, the last Civil War veteran to serve as Wisconsin's governor. The Candlewick Inn (1-800-382-4376; www.candlewickinnbb.com) in Merrill is a former lumber baron's mansion. Built in 1883, it has been fully restored and is appointed with fine antiques and period furnishings. Wisconsin's lumbering heritage can also be felt at the similarly restored Lumberman's Mansion Inn in Hayward (715/634-3012; www.haywardlakes.com/mansion.htm). Other historic and unusual bed & breakfasts include the Wisconsin Stage Coach Inn (608/854-2233; www.stagecoach-inn-wi.com) in Hazel Green, which dates to 1846; and the Allyn Mansion Inn in Delavan (262/728-9090; www.allynmansion.com). A winner of the National Trust's Great American Home Awards, it features three guest parlors, two grand pianos and 10 marble fireplaces.

Holiday Ethnic Foods and Where to Get Them

Wisconsin's diverse ethnic and religious heritage is reflected in holiday and seasonal dishes served in and sold in the state's many ethnic restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores. At the O&H Danish Bakery (1-800-709-4009; www.ohdanishbakery.com) as well as the other famous Danish bakeries of Racine, visitors will find a variety of seasonal baked delicacies including stollen, julekage and krumkake. Special holiday baked goods can also be found at Benji's Deli in Shorewood (414/332-7777) and other kosher food establishments in the Milwaukee area. Among the most popular is kugel, a potato- or egg-based baked dish that is served on Hanukkah and other Jewish holidays; and latkes, a type of potato pancake. Though served year round, tamales are considered a holiday treat in most Hispanic households, as is menudo, a tripe and hominy soup. Both can be found at various Mexican and Central American restaurants, as well as at the expansive El Rey Grocery Store on Milwaukee's South Side (414/383-7786).

For updates on statewide snow conditions and free travel guides, including the 2007-08 Fall/Winter Calendar of Events, the public can call the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's hotline at 1-800-432-TRIP/8747 or visit TravelWisconsin.com. Travelers can also obtain guides and information at the Wisconsin Welcome Centers, located in select state-border cities.

# # #