With this winter’s snowfall, our city’s outdoor recreation takes on a whole new look. Gear up and get ready for all kinds of ideas for snowy adventures in Wisconsin’s Great Outside. Here are some of our favorite wintertime activities that are sure to bring excitement this season and keep you on your skis, sled, or snowmobile.
Written by: Ava Sterbin
Candlelight Hikes
Wander the trails of Rock County parks under the stars guided by illuminated paths. Let the candlelight guide your winter walk through the glittering snow and end the night with a warm cup of hot cocoa, sweet treats, and a cozy bonfire.
January 31, 2026 | Candlelight Hike at Androne Woods
February 7, 2026 | Candlelight Hike at Rockport Park
February 21, 2026 | Candlelight Hike at Carver-Roehl County Park
February 28, 2026 | Candlelight Hike at Rock River Heritage Park
Ice Fishing
Fish your favorite places such as Lake Koshkonong, Gibbs Lake, and Storrs Lake. Don’t forget to get your fishing license and take the right precautions in making sure the ice is safe. Pike Pole Fishing Guide Service posts regular ice condition reports and is a great resource!
Cross Country Skiing
Over 6 miles of color-coded cross country skiing trails wind through Rockport Park. With an easily accessible trail map and interactive GPS map, these trails are managed and groomed by wonderful volunteers from the Friends of Rockport Park.
Along with Rockport Park, Riverside Golf Course transitions from golf to groomed ski trails in the winter. For off-trail adventures: cross country skiing is allowed in any city or greenbelt!
Snowshoeing
Take in the beautiful scenery and snowy terrain as you trek though city parks and greenbelts perfect for snowshoeing, including Riverside Golf Course, Rockport Park, Robert O. Cook Memorial Arboretum, Blackhawk Golf Course, and Sheiffer Park. The rolling landscape of nearby Silverwood County Park in Edgerton is another great local spot.
Sledding
Feel the thrill of racing down a snow-covered hill as you enjoy sledding this winter season. Enjoy this childhood favorite at any age in any city park. No sled? No problem! Janesville’s Parks and Recreation Department installs Little Free Sled Sheds at Ardon Park, Riverside Park, Lustig Park, and Sheiffer Park. Feel free to borrow a sled and return it when you’re done!
Best Hills for Sledding:
🛷 Ardon Park
🛷 Palmer Park
🛷 Riverside Park
🛷Lustig Park
🛷Rockport Park
🛷 Sheiffer Park
Snowmobiling
Shred some serious powder this season while you snowmobile around Rock County. Several area snowmobile clubs like Rock County Snowmobile Alliance and Sundowners Snowmobile Club work tirelessly with local land owners and municipalities to give riders the best trail experience. Click here for a downloadable map of the Rock County snowmobile trails and check here for up-to-date snow reports!
Winter StoryWalk®
This half-mile StoryWalk® features a seasonal book presented page-by-page on signposts to help children experience nature and literature along the Jolyn Beeman Trail in the Robert O. Cook Memorial Arboretum. This winter’s book, Counting Winter by Nancy White Carlstrom, will be available to read now through March 29, 2026.
