The Green Bay Packers may be taking their show on the road, advancing to play the San Francisco 49ers on January 12, but plenty of Wisconsinites will remain in the region for other excitement.
From snowshoeing to falconry, toboggan runs to cycling championships, Wisconsin offers a host of winter highlights.
What will Badger State folks do this weekend?
Take a look at some of the highlights across Wisconsin for January 11 through 13, 2013.
Event specifics may be subject to change, for possible inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, so attendees are wise to call ahead before traveling.
The Art of Falconry - Kansasville
Falconer Ed Foster displays several birds, demonstrating and discussing their skills in this ancient art. This educational event takes place on the morning of Saturday, January 12, at the Richard Bong State Recreation Area’s Visitor Center, at 26313 Burlington Road, in Kansasville. (Contact: 262-878-5600.)
The Big Chill – Racine
This weekend-long ice and snow festival, held in Monument Square in downtown Racine through Sunday, January 13, features two-man teams in icy competitions to qualify for the 2013 National Snow Sculpting Championships, set for Lake Geneva in early February. (Contact: 262-634-6002.)
Cyclo-Cross National Championships – Verona
This national bicycling competition raced through January 13, in Dane County. The multi-day Madison-area event features live entertainment as well. The USA Nationals contest takes place at the Badger Prairie County Park (see map), located at 6720 Highway 151, in Verona. Spectators are welcome. (Contact: 719-434-4216.)
Kickapoo Winter Festival – La Farge
Winter activities abound on January 12 at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, with archery, horse-drawn bobsled rides, ice cave hikes, skating, skiing, sledding, a snow sculpture slide, sled dog racing, and much more. This all-day KVR event kicks off at S3661 State Highway 131, in La Farge. (Contact: 608-625-2960.)
Learn to Snowshoe – Madison
January 12 is Winter Trails Day, and Badger State outdoor sports enthusiasts are strapping on snowshoes for the occasion. Madison Parks and REI are teaming up to offer a free snowshoe workshop at Elver Park, sited at 1250 McKenna Boulevard, in Madison. Snowshoes may be available for those who do not bring their own. (Contact: 608-266-4711.)
Make Your Own Snowshoes – Fall Creek
This two-day weekend workshop offers instruction on construction of three types of snowshoes: the Alaskan trail shoe, the Green Mountain bear paw, and the Ojibwa all-purpose shoe. Advance registration is required for this fee-based event at the Beaver Creek Reserve Wise Nature Center, at S1 County Road K, in Fall Creek. (Contact: 715-877-2212.)
Ragtime Benefit and Festival – Eau Claire
Rhythm and reveling come to the First Congregational United Church Christ of Eau Claire for this full weekend of music. Performances, sing-alongs, and even silent films are featured in this festival at 310 Broadway Street, with proceeds benefiting local food banks. (Contact: 715-834-2668.)
Tiki Torch Toboggan and Campfire Cookout – Black Earth
Snowy fun awaits hearty souls in Dane County on the evening of January 12. Event participants may enjoy sledding, hiking, and snowshoeing on scenic torch-lit trails, followed by a blazing campfire celebration. Advance registration is required (by January 10) for this family-friendly gathering at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center’s Black Earth Campus at 10648 Sutcliffe Road. (Contact: 608-221-0404.)
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