How to spend a winter weekend outside in Dodge County

Dodge County is a great spot for a quick winter getaway in central Wisconsin, whether you want to explore the snowmobile trails or enjoy the scenery on skis or snowshoes. Here’s a brief look at what a winter weekend could look like for snowmobilers and silent-sports enthusiasts.

For snowmobilers

Dodge County is home to more than 320 miles of publicly funded and groomed county snowmobile trails and about 180 miles of privately funded club trails that crisscross all corners of the county, providing a great snowmobiling experience for locals and visitors alike.

Note that the county’s snowmobile trail system consists of five snowmobile trail zones, which can be opened or closed independently depending on conditions. Snowmobilers can get 24-hour trail info by calling (920) 386-3705. (You can also check with the nearly 20 snowmobile clubs that call Dodge County home.)

See a county snowmobile map here.

Day 1

Head to Waupun in the northern part of the county, which is a great place to start your snowmobiling adventure, as you can connect to Fox Lake to the west or ride south along the Wild Goose State Trail, which borders the Horicon Marsh and connects to the communities of Juneau and Horicon.

At the end of the day, head back to Waupun for a hearty meal and a comfortable stay at one of the city’s friendly lodging properties.

Day 2

Head south to Horicon again and explore the trails on the eastern side of Dodge County. From Horicon, snowmobilers can find an extensive trail system around Mayville, Theresa, and Lomira in the northeastern corner of the county or Hustisford, Hartford, and Watertown to the east and south.

If you want to take a break from riding, Dodge County is also home to great ice fishing opportunities. Top spots include Fox Lake (perch, crappie, bluegill, musky, pike, bass), Lake Emily (perch, bluegill, bass, pike) and Beaver Dam Lake, the largest lake in Dodge County.

Dodge County’s official ATV/UTV trail is also open in the winter—the season runs from December 1 to March 31. The trail follows the western edge of Horicon Marsh and is primarily located on the paved sections of the Wild Goose State Trail and designated ATV/UTV routes in Burnett and East Waupun. Learn more about ATVing and UTVing in Dodge County here.

For cross-country skiers & snowshoers

If you want a quieter trip through winter in central Wisconsin, you’re in luck—Dodge County is home to some great trails to explore on a pair of skis or snowshoes (or even winter boots if the snow’s not too deep).

Day 1

There are abundant options for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in and around the Horicon Marsh, so start your trip in the city of Horicon on the marsh’s southern end. Ledge Park in Horicon covers more than 80 acres and sits atop the Niagara Escarpment, a natural rock ledge that separates the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Nitschke Mounds Park is adjacent to the Wild Goose State Trail in central Dodge County and offers a mile-long trail in and around the nearly 40 preserved animal effigy, conical, and linear mounds. The Wild Goose State Trail stretches for 34 miles between Juneau and Fond du Lac and is open for winter recreation. (Note that the nearby Dodge County equestrian trail is recommended for cross-country skiing when the Wild Goose State Trail is open for snowmobiling and ATVing in the winter.)

When you’re done exploring the winter wonderland that is Dodge County, find a welcoming restaurant and great places to stay in Horicon, Mayville or Beaver Dam.

Day 2

Stick around central Dodge County to explore the Gold Star Memorial Trail, which connects Theiler Park in Mayville to the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center. It is not maintained in winter but is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

There are also some good options for winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-county skiing in the southern part of Dodge County. Astico Park spans 100 acres on the historic Danville Mill Pond on the Crawfish River just east of Columbus and offers great winter exploration on shoreline and wooded hiking trails. Harnischfeger Park in the southeastern corner of Dodge County is the county’s largest park and sits along the banks of the Rock River, offering several miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, as well as a sledding hill.