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Exploring Wisconsin Frozen Falls/Walls this Winter!

Wisconsin Adventure Family

Hi everyone!

I’m popping into your inbox a day early because I have a last-minute hike planned for tomorrow, and I didn’t want you to miss out on what’s happening!

February: Saturday Group hike in the books!

Last Saturday, our group met at Parfrey’s Glen. It was 7°—yes, single digits! The sun was shining, and the women stepped out looking brave. I told everyone: bring microspikes, hiking poles, and a good attitude. Together, we discussed trail conditions and made our plan.
After deciding on our route as a group, we set off together. The hike was stunning; though I’ve written a Children’s book about the area, Parfrey’s Glen amazed me more than ever. The ice this year was incredible more than I have seen in years. After safely completing that portion, we regrouped and agreed we weren’t finished adventuring just yet.
Energized, we drove to Devil’s Lake, hiked the CC Trail to Devil’s Doorway, then did something wild: walked across the frozen lake. None of us had before, but we agreed, “We got this.” It was amazing. We finished with 6.88 miles and full hearts.

Here is what I’ve been up to, and why you should get out there too.

Winter feels longer for those who hate it and have nothing to do on weekends. To change this, I started planning short, spontaneous hikes around Wisconsin. These hikes transformed my winters and led to personal growth. I used to lack confidence and always sought company. Over time, people came and went, but I realized and embraced my growth, especially as I celebrate nine years in Wisconsin. Surrounded by outdoorsy people craving adventure, my life has been enriched. I celebrate small wins, like visiting all 50 Wisconsin state parks. I keep returning in different seasons, ensuring I never get bored as long as I show up. That steady commitment to finding joy in new places has helped me discover that winter can be as bright as any other season, as long as I keep moving forward.

Mid-Week Solo Adventures

I started this week feeling so energized from Saturday that I just had to keep going. I took a road trip to Pine Hollow. This is an annual trip for me, so I’ve seen it through the years. It was gorgeous, better than last year (though maybe not quite as epic as two years ago!

I also stopped at Natural Bridge State Park. I had the whole place to myself. It was just me, the silence, and the beauty. It’s been so warm all week, and I knew I had to go check off a few items on my bucket list.

I had Wildcat State Park in mind, but the goal was to see the Ice caves, and I had seen a few people through the weekend share this frozen waterfall. I made sure I knew where I was going, where to park, and what to wear because I learned that you play stupid games, you win stupid prizes.

On my way to Wildcat, I stopped at Lake Redstone County Park: Park the car and walk about 800 feet to the spillway. Most people have no idea this place exists, and it’s great in the summer.

First time in the Ice Caves, it’s a short walk along the river, with high rock formations. The trail was frozen, but I was well prepared. I had extra traction on my boots. Always bring crampons. I had mine for 5 years, and they cost  $25 on Amazon. The Ice caves are just a 15-minute walk from the car. This area didn’t disappoint; it was worth the drive, and the frozen waterfall greeted me with beauty. There are a few Ice walls in the area, and in some areas, you can see along the road as you drive along the bluffs.

I wanted to visit the Pewist  Nest when the temperature was negative digits to walk through the gorgeous, but I was exploring Stephens Falls. I have been to this area so many times with my daughter that I lost count. It’s another short walk from the car to the gorge, maybe 10 min.

If you have kids or want to see something cool without hiking miles in the winter, you have to check these wisconsin underrated spots out. You need to plan a road trip now. These parks  are perfect for families

IMPORTANT:

If you visit these places, please leave no trace. Do not break the icicles or smash the ice. Leave it exactly how you found it so the next family can enjoy the magic, too.

Join Me TOMORROW (Feb 13)!

I want to start my weekend with a bang, and I want you to join me!

  • Where: Lodi Segment
  • When: Tomorrow (Friday) at 8:00 AM
  • The Plan: Hiking 9 miles
  • The Vibe: It is supposed to be 45° and beautiful!
  • Lunch at Lucy’s Restaurant (Optional) Come meet new people and see familiar faces. Let’s take advantage of this warm weather

Coming Up in March & Beyond

I am working hard to host at least one group hike every month on Saturday, besides weekly hikes, but if you are in a private instagram chat with us, we have last-minute plans, and sometimes you will see us on the weekends because it was planned overnight. Here is what is on the calendar:

  • March 7 (Governor Dodge State Park): I am hosting a 10-15-mile Winter hike in Dodgeville for International Women’s Day. If you want a challenge, save the date; more details will follow if you are joining us for a hike only.
  • March 7-8 (International Women’s Day Retreat): This is an overnight retreat to get the full experience. We only have a few spots left. If you have the budget and want a deep connection, do not sleep on this. You will wake up on International Women’s Day with an amazing group of women.
  • Spring Retreat (Alpaca Farm Retreat): This is the last retreat of 2026! It is all-inclusive, held at an Alpaca farm, and perfect for wine lovers.

Big Dreams for 2027

I am happy to share that the itineraries for next year have been finalized and will go live soon. I will allow past participants to sign up first, and then they will be made public! Unfortunately, I can only bring a small group because I want these trips to be about connection and better experiences (only 12 women each), international trip. The best thing about these trips is that everyone is welcome, and it’s a hotel/lodge edition because we are grown now, no more sleeping in tents. I have to warn you, the Dolomites trip filled up overnight, so don’t t sleep when you get that link.

  1. March 2027: The Ultimate Drakensberg Adventure in South Africa, 12 days
  2. June 2027: The Ultimate Iceland Adventure, 5 nights
  3. July 2027: The ultimate Peru Experience- 10 Days
  4. August 2027: Coast to Coast Traverse Madeira in Portugal- 6 nights!

Keep an eye out, because these will go live soon.

Get outside, get some fresh air, and hopefully, I will see you tomorrow morning at Lodi!

Happy Hiking,

Dini


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About Wisconsin Adventure Family LLC

The Wisconsin Adventure Family is an intrepid crew consisting of Bryce, a seasoned outdoorsman, and Dineo, a successful self-published author hailing from South Africa. Growing up in the outdoors, Bryce learned the art of hunting from his father at an early age, which instilled in him a deep love for nature and adventure. Dineo brings her unique perspective to the family's explorations, drawing from her experiences growing up in South Africa. As a successful self-published author, she has a keen eye for storytelling and a talent for capturing the essence of their adventures. Together with their daughter Armani and their beloved chocolate lab Zulu, the Wisconsin Adventure Family is dedicated to discovering Wisconsin's hidden gems and underrated destinations. Their blog documents their travels, highlighting the beauty of their home state and inspiring diverse families to get out and explore. Beyond their adventures, the Wisconsin Adventure Family promotes diversity and inclusion in outdoor recreation. Their passion for the outdoors and Bryce's experience as an outdoorsman have inspired them to create unique and affordable experiences that unite families. With Dineo's writing skills and Bryce's love of the outdoors, the Wisconsin Adventure Family is a force to be reckoned with. Their authentic content and unique perspective have earned them a dedicated following on social media, and their partnership with major brands has opened doors for outdoor gear reviews and travel articles.

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2 thoughts on “Exploring Wisconsin Frozen Falls/Walls this Winter!

  1. Amber says:

    Thank you for sharing all these wonderful adventures! I live in Wisconsin, too, and I’ve found that getting outside helps in bearing those tough winters 😃 My kids and I have enjoyed exploring how different everything looks in winter (even if it’s smaller distances). And we’ve enjoyed sledding and finding good hills to do it! Enjoy your hike today, and thanks, again!

  2. Thank you for sharing. We celebrate small wins every day. And good for you and your family for figuring it all out.

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