Best Winter Destinations in the US

Winter is synonymous with family get-togethers, slow and cozy days, and end of year celebrations. During this season, many people opt to stay at home and enjoy the company of their loved ones. A lot of times, it’s easy to stay indoors and laze about for a couple of weeks watching football.  This is especially true in the northern areas of the country where snow heavily falls. In times like these, many shops and outdoor recreational facilities like tennis courts or golf courses are closed.

For many people, however, these months are the few times of the year where the whole family can get together without schedule conflicts because of work or school and thus find it the best time of the year to go on a trip. Given how large and diverse America is, people going on trips during winter look for either escaping the cold or frolicking in it. That being said, here are some of our favorite winter destinations for your next trip. 

6 Winter Destinations for Those Looking to Brave the Cold

1.Wyoming 

Truly a winter wonderland, the state is home to many untouched forests and natural views. Mountain ranges tower the area from the Sierra Madre ranges to both the Rocky and Big Horn Mountains. It is also a site for many recreational activities that can only be done during winter. A lot of these are safely based in the many skiing resorts dotted throughout rural Wyoming. Other activities include dog sledding, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and even visiting hot springs. It’s definitely a place for family fun and adventure.

Of course with winter comes ice fishing,  another unique activity done only this season. Wyoming is one of the best places for this type of fishing because aside from being a mountainous region, it is also home to many basins and reservoirs. These places are part of the best ice fishing action anglers will have throughout the season. In particular, places like Sulfur creek, Trout lake, and reservoirs like Seminoe, Keyhole, and Glendo, are popular amongst many ice fishing enthusiasts. There, anglers will find populations of walleye and crappie, as well as rainbow, brook, and lake trout. 

2. Michigan

Known for being both the auto-producing center of the country. It also has the largest freshwater coastline in the United States as a host to one of the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan. Other than the great lake, the state also has approximately 11,000 other lakes, rivers, and streams both major and otherwise, making it home to about 150 freshwater species. Like Wyoming, this state is also a hotspot for ice fishing. Places to ice fish include Crystal Lake, Saginaw Bay, Hamil and Cass Lake. These frozen water bodies are healthily stocked with panfish, northern pike, and bluegill.

When talking about going on a family winter vacation, Michigan is no stranger to the usual winter recreational activities. Other than the usual skiing and sledding the state also offers other unique ways to enjoy the season including waterfall ice climbing and even ice golfing on the frozen surface of Lake Huron.  For Michigan, their revenues come in great part from their tourism industry, resulting in many resorts and spa hotels. It is definitely a place for all family members to relax and have fun. 

3. New York

Known as one of the most recognizable cities in the world, New York is one of the most popular winter holiday destinations not only across America but also the rest of the world. Each year, the city transforms from dense concrete jungles to a winter paradise each and every year. During this season, the city offers many Christmas and winter-themed activities like the giant Christmas trees found in both Central Park and Bronx Zoo. Both the zoo and Randal’s Island have lantern exhibits perfect for the kids. Many public ice skating rinks are also open during this time. Finally, the New York holiday wouldn’t be complete without attending the Times Square New Year’s countdown, featuring many performances and of course, a fireworks display.

Anglers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city can find solace in the Hudson River. This river has one of the most productive trout fishing in the country and is at its peak during this season. 

4. Colorado

Another area that transforms during the holiday season is Colorado. The state is known for its many intricate Christmas towns during this time of year. Places like Durango and Colorado Springs spare no expense in decorating, even having Express Train to the “North Pole,” where kids can sip hot chocolate while listening to stories about Christmas. Older guests are also well taken care of as the state is dotted with numerous high-end ski resorts, with the most recognizable being Aspen’s The Little Neil. 

There are also many trout fishing expeditions found in the area.  Breckenridge is home to one of the oldest fly-fishing guide services in the state. Ice fishing is also another popular form of fishing during this time. Lake George as well as various ponds and lakes in Crawford offer family-friendly guide trips and expeditions for anglers of all ages. 

5. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a major tourist destination through and through. Located in between the state line of both California and Nevada, the place offers many recreational activities throughout the year. However, this major lake shines the brightest during the winter season, with its variety of Christmas and holiday-themed decorations and activities. Many ski resorts and winter lodges surround the area offering ice skating, sleigh rides, and skiing especially at Alpine Meadows and Diamond Peak.  For those looking for more relaxed and mature fun, Nevada’s side of Lake Tahoe is home to numerous casinos. Finally, those looking to fish will find many great spots not only in the lake but in its surrounding rivers like the Twin, Caples, and Spooner Lakes.

6. Seattle

As a city that’s bordering Canada, Seattle may as well be in winter all-year long. Regardless, as the holidays come the rainy and drab reputation of the city flips and turns into a picturesque, classic Christmas spectacle. The city also boasts many family attractions and museums like the Museum of Flight and Museum of Pop Culture. It’s offerings aren’t limited to the city as a two-hour drive from Seattle will take you to Leavenworth, a Bavarian town that’s known for its extravagant Christmas lighting and has been the state’s top tourist attraction since the 1960s. 

Serious anglers looking to catch a good haul should visit Puget Sound where they’ll find an abundance of blackmouth salmon and Seattle steelhead. Fishing for smelt is also popular in the Cowlitz area. Anglers looking to fish in the area during this season should be well prepared for the cold.

All in all, when taking advantage of the holidays, it’s best to explore different places. The United States is blessed with vast and varied forms of nature both land and aquatic. In fact, those mentioned above are merely scratching the surface. Oregon or any place in the heart of America  should be up for consideration.  Of course in the end the fun of going on trips, especially with family and friends, is going to unfamiliar yet beautiful places.