Winter is an underrated time to visit Spring Green and the Driftless Area. And after spending a recent weekend there, I’m fully convinced it’s the perfect cold-weather escape.
During the winter, many of the familar Spring Green attractions like House on the Rock and Taliesen are closed. But don’t let that stop you from experiening this part of Wisconsin in winter.
We stayed in a cute, affordable cabin with a fireplace and hot tub, and it was honestly the ideal setup. We spent slow mornings inside, warmed up by the fire, then headed out for short winter adventures before coming back to relax again.
If that sounds like your kind of weekend, here are some great things to do in Spring Green during the winter months.
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Go Winter Hiking at Governor Dodge State Park
If you’re up for some fresh air, Governor Dodge State Park is beautiful in winter. This was our first time in the park and we were blown away by the vastness of the park. We were lucky to have a few inches of fresh fluffy snow to hike through.
We took a snowy hike along the Lost Canyon Loop, which takes you to Stephens’ Falls. The trail winds through quiet woods and dramatic rock formations, and with snow on the ground, it felt especially peaceful.
Explore Tower Hill State Park and the Shot Tower
Tower Hill State Park is another must-visit, even in the colder months. The historic shot tower is the highlight here, and you can climb to the top for sweeping views of the Wisconsin River valley. Inside the tower is a small museum that gives insight into the area’s history, making it a great stop.
We spent about 30 minutes in Tower Hill exploring the tower and taking in the beautiful views before heading into Spring Green for some lunch.
Warm Up at the Spring Green General Store
For coffee, lunch, or just a cozy place to browse, the Spring Green General Store is a perfect winter stop. Grab a great cup of coffee or a delicious sandwich, then take time to explore the cute shop inside. They also host live music occasionally, so it’s worth checking their calendar before your visit—you might luck out with some local entertainment.
Enjoy Local Restaurants
Winter weekends are ideal for long, relaxed dinners, and Spring Green has some great options. Arthur’s Supper Club is a classic choice for a cozy, old-school Wisconsin meal, while Whiskey Row offers a more modern local bar atmosphere with solid food and drinks. Both have salad bars and are great places to end a chilly day.
Visit Wild Hills Winery
Wild Hills Winery is a lovely spot to slow down and enjoy the scenery, even in winter.
While the vines may be dormant, the tasting room is warm and inviting, and it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon sampling local wines and taking in the quiet winter landscape.
Stock Up at Prem Meats
Before heading back to your cabin, stop by Prem Meats to pick up snacks or ingredients for dinner. It’s perfect for stocking up on high-quality meats and local goodies so you can cook a cozy meal and enjoy a relaxed night in.
Browse Acadia Bookstore
For a cozy indoor stop, head to Acadia Bookstore in downtown Spring Green.
This charming independent bookstore carries a curated selection of fiction, nonfiction, gifts, and local-interest titles — perfect for warming up with a cup of coffee while you browse. Whether you’re hunting for a good read for your cabin getaway or a meaningful gift, Acadia’s friendly atmosphere makes it worth stopping by.
Cozy up in Spring Green
Spring Green in the winter is calm, scenic, and surprisingly full of things to do. With the right cabin and a mix of indoor comfort and outdoor exploring, it makes for an ideal winter weekend getaway.
