Maybe the best part of winter in Wisconsin is the excuse it gives us to cozy up by a fire and never go outside. Whether you're looking for a solo retreat or a place to snuggle in with your sweetie, these spots are the perfect place to escape for a few days. You might just sit in front of the window and enjoy nature that way or take advantage of their location to head out and explore outside knowing you'll have the perfect place to warm up when you return. These are just some of the greatest spots in Wisconsin to curl up and hibernate for a few days:
One of the cabins here is a historic hand-hewn 1800s log and stone cabin. You'll find yourself within driving distance of Mineral Point and Galena, Illinois, but you might never want to leave these luxurious accommodations. There are wineries and breweries nearby, so maybe head out once to stock up and then stay right here in the comfortable old cabins. Located at 2238 County Hwy A, Platteville, WI 53818. Check out their website here.
Set on its own private lake, you won't find a place that feels more removed than this. You'll love the fireplace and large whirlpool tub, plus a full kitchen stocked with coffee, tea and breakfast fixings. The skylight is an awesome place to see stars or you can bundle up on the screen porch and enjoy the night sky. Located at N3329 6th Rd., Oxford, WI 53952. Check out their website here.
This is the perfect home base to explore of the gorgeous outdoor beauty of the Dells, Devil's Lake State Park and Parfrey's Glen. The rustic cabins have full kitchens, fire pits, stone fireplaces and more. You'll love this little escape. Located at E13981 County Road DL, Merrimac, WI 53561. Check out their website here.
This is a great option for home base if you're a snowmobiler or want to explore Lake Superior, but you can also just hunker down and stay on site. There are gas fireplaces, fire pits, kitchenettes and a location right on the Brownstone Trail, where you can hike less than two miles into Bayfield. Located at 84790 State Hwy 13, Bayfield, WI 54814. Check out their website here.
There are four different options on site here that share 200 acres. It's secluded and private and the perfect escape. Located near La Crosse, there are tons of outdoor options, but these chalets invite you to relax in the lap of luxury and truly unplug and unwind. Located at 12833 Co Hwy XX, Norwalk, WI 54648. Check out their website here.
One of the most beautiful, historic spots you can stay in Wisconsin, the accommodations here date back to the mid-1800s. They're cozy and welcoming, with all the amenities you need to take a break. You can easily walk into town for sustenance and then retire in front of the fire. Located at 320 Tower St., Mineral Point, WI 53565. Check out their website here.
These are some of the most popular cabins in the state and they're already booking 2020, but a quick glance at the reservation calendar showed openings. These cabins are the height of design and luxury. Talk about feeling like you're the only people in the world, you'll not see another soul unless you want to. It's just miles of rolling hills and some of the most beautiful scenery you can imagine. Located at 29493 State Hwy 80, Richland Center, WI 53581. Check out their website here.
An adults-only escape, this family has had land here for more than a century and they've opened it up to share. There are tons of amenities here, but you don't feel like you're at a jam-packed resort. Take advantage of as many or as few as you'd like, but you'll find this place feels like a fabulous escape from the stress of real life. It's the perfect place to unplug. Located at W16065 Hogback Rd, Chetek, WI 54728. Check out their website here.
Folks love Door County in the summer, but beat the crowds and discover how magical it can be in the winter. The main house is a standard bed and breakfast, but the cabins and cottages provide that experience without the group meals. You'll have 30 private acres to explore and all of Door County at your fingertips here. Located at 4072 Cherry Rd., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. Check out their website here.
These gorgeous cabins sit right on the river, so you'll find tons of animal friends to watch and admire. The fireplaces are stunning and the outdoors will call to you. You're literally across the river from Ferry Bluff State Natural Area and within driving distance of all kinds of state parks and reserves. You're also less than 10 miles from Wollersheim Winery. It's the perfect little escape. Located at 10216 County Hwy Y, Mazomanie, WI 53560. Check out their website here.
If there's one thing I've learned about Wisconsin, it's how lovely the local landscape is for a getaway. Here in the Badger State, geomorphic remnants from the last ice age coexist alongside wetlands, prairies, and forests, all nestled against two beautiful Great Lakes shorelines. Today, we're going to take a virtual visit to the southern stretches of the state to explore an Airbnb in Wisconsin Dells, a community rich in entertainment and outdoorsy fun, alike. Pack your bags, because you're going to want to book a stay in this cozy Wisconsin cabin.
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If you've never been to Wisconsin Dells, you're in for a treat. This delightfully cozy community is home to theme parks and unique outdoor attractions, so there's no shortage of things to do. When it comes to places to stay in the community, however, you might consider staying in one wonderfully warm Airbnb cabin out near Fawn Lake.
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An A-frame in the back and a chalet in the front, this unique structure immediately captures your attention, and it's even more lovely inside. With six beds and two baths, this spot can easily accommodate up to eight guests, but it's also spacious and perfect for a romantic getaway. Surrounded by forest, it's intimate and private, the perfect place for a late-night bonfire and a dreamy stargazing session. Firewood is handy on-site, but if you plan to use the grill, you'll want to bring your own charcoal.
Inside, a combination of rustic, natural-wood elements and carefully curated decor creates an ambiance that's unbeatable. Personally, my favorite feature here is the handmade wooden spiral staircase. You should know that it has a one-person limit, but it's a delightful fairytale-style element that leads up to a loft and one of the bedrooms.
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There are three bedrooms in the space, one with one queen size bed, one with two queen size beds, and one in the loft with two full beds and a futon. Each room is tastefully decorated, continuing a vibe that brings nature and luxury together. An indoor fireplace keeps it cozy during the colder months, and in the warmer months, exploring Fawn Lake and local wineries is a treat like no other.
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If you want to continue unplugging and making the most of your time in nature, you can venture beyond Fawn Lake to Devil's Lake, Mirror Lake, or Rocky Arbor State Parks - They're all less than 30 minutes away, and they're amazing hiking destinations. However, there are plenty of modern entertainment amenities back at the cabin, too. A record player, television with retro video games, board games, and books allow you to create a vibe the whole crew can get behind or steal away for a quiet reading session.
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You can book your stay for around $160 a night. This is a getaway that simply can't be beat, whether you're looking for a cozy base of operations for your time exploring Wisconsin Dells or a spot to unplug and spend some time in nature.
While you're in the area, you might consider exploring the history of the local oddity attraction that defied gravity. Whatever you decide to do during your stay, you'll love your time spent exploring this Southern Wisconsin community!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
