Winter got you feeling a little cooped up? Here are some fun activities you can do solo or with the whole family in the safest and healthiest way possible. Janesville, Wisconsin’s Great Outside offers a variety of winter activities in a charming, friendly, less crowded small-town atmosphere.
Reconnect with Nature Janesville is home to over 60 improved parks and more than 30 miles of scenic trails including the southern-most segment of Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail. Hiking or walking along Janesville’s trail system is a lovely way to reconnect with nature during the winter months. Bonus: the Ice Age Trail runs right through our downtown close to shopping, dining, spas and lodging.
Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Sledding & Snow-People Groomed trails for cross-country skiing can be found at Rockport Park and Riverside Golf Course and is allowed in any City park and greenbelt. The Janesville Trail Map is a good resource for cross-country skiers as well as snowshoers and hikers. Snowshoeing can be done in any City park and greenbelt. There are several areas in Janesville that are ideal for this activity, including Rockport Park, Robert O. Cooke Arboreteum and more. Wondering about snow conditions? Click here for an up-to-date snow report.
For a great place to launch snowballs or build snow people, head to a Janesville park. Just getting outside can make all the difference. Looking for great place to launch snowballs or build snow people? Head to a Janesville park. The kids will love it! Sledding is another fun way to get outside with family. Sledding opportunities are available in several city parks including Ardon Park, Palmer Park, Riverside Park, Lustig Park, Rockport Park and Sheiffer Park.
Outdoor Public Art and Other Crowd-Free Options Janesville is home to more than 50 pieces of outdoor public art including sculptures, murals, markers and memorials that can be enjoyed year-round. In September of 2020, five beautiful new wall murals were installed on buildings in Janesville’s vibrant downtown as part of the annual Art Infusion event. Explore Janesville’s public art at your own pace and consider trying one of our Crowd-Free Fun: Selfie Scavenger Hunt options. Check our calendar of events for several other Crowd-Free Fun options including Crowd-Free Fun: Treasure Hunt and Crowd-Free Fun Barn Quilt Driving Tour.
Take a Self-Guided Historic Tour Historic Tours have gone mobile! Rock County Historical Society has programmed historic sites onto the Clio app, allowing you to walk, bike or drive around Janesville and discover history for yourself. Right now there are more than 80 historical sites on the app within 5 miles of downtown Janesville. Download the app for Android or iOS.
Warm Winter Lodging Options Recharge and rejuvenate at any of our variety of lodging options so you can get out and explore more the next day! Get cozy in a lovely Italianate Mansion or Queen Anne bed and breakfast located in one of Janesville’s scenic historic districts, or choose from a variety of hotels including one in the heart of our charming downtown. View lodging specials.
Dining, Local Brew & Shopping Looking for a delicious meal or snack made with local ingredients? We’ve got that. Maybe you’re hungry for a crisp chopped salad, classic deep-fried Wisconsin cheese curds and a juicy burger, or something spicier like Curry or Chile Verde. Don’t forget dessert… will cheesecake do? We’ve got that and a variety of other great dining options. Janesville has more than 100 restaurants for you to choose from!
If you love locally made beer or wine you’ll find two breweries in Janesville and three wineries within a short drive. Please note, if you’re not comfortable dining in, most restaurants and establishments offer pick-up, curbside and/or delivery. Some even have outdoor heaters so you can dine in the fresh air. Visit the Food & Drink section of our website to discover your ideal choice.
In Janesville, our unique variety of shops, boutiques and specialty stores can make for a fun shopping experience even when ordering for pickup or delivery. Shops like 608 Vintage and Best of Janesville Vintage Mall specialize in vintage finds that will make your house feel like it belongs in a magazine. Carousel Consignments is packed full of antiques, collectibles, and housewares and Joni, the owner, always provides a big welcome. If you love resale shops plan to visit Angie’s on Main where you’ll find everything from furniture to jewelry or Home Again Consignments where you can shop their gently used high-end furniture items. Adorn Janesville offers quality and handmade goods that are unique, stylish, eco-friendly and ethically sourced from both local and fair trade artisans. Items range from art to accessories, beauty to home and garden, and much more.
Raven’s Wish Gallery is an eclectic showcase for the creations of more than 70 local and national painters, jewelers, photographers, and wood, glass, textile, and mixed media artists. Ladies, if you love shopping for clothing be sure to visit Velvet & Tulle or Mainstream Boutique, both are fashion savvy women’s clothing boutiques. Many retailers in Janesville offer options like online shopping and/or delivery, shipping and curbside pickup. This is just a few of the shopping options in Janesville – for the full list visit our website and choose your preferred shopping option in the “Things to Do” dropdown menu under “Shopping.”
For more information about Janesville, Wisconsin’s Great Outside, visit our website at janesvillecvb.com or give us a call at (800) 487-2757. Our staff is happy to assist you!
