Things to Do in Winter
in Beloit
Things to do in winter, you ask? Yes! Whether you’re into getting bundled up or hunkering down. There’s plenty to do to keep your spirits up! Take a look at the list below for some great ideas to beat the winter doldrums!
Winter in Beloit Means Hitting The Trails
Nature Trails
Trails are easy to find in Beloit, as it sits on the midway point of the Rock River Trail which is a 320-mile course spanning Wisconsin and Illinois!
In winter, Turtle Creek Greenway and Big Hill Park are great spots to hike, snowshoe, and cross country ski.
You can rent snowshoes from Rock County Parks in Janesville, WI or check them out for free from the Beloit Public Library.
On Turtle Creek Greenway, wildlife sightings are frequent, including deer, foxes, and hawks. There are varying options of trail length, with different loops available at different access points.
Big Hill Park is located on the bluffs of the Rock River. This 190-acre park boasts nature and hiking trails, an environmental education center, cross-country ski trail, and a scenic overlook with spectacular vistas.
Beckman Mill County Park is one of the best places to enjoy winter in Beloit. The park is the property of Rock County and encompasses 50 acres in a beautiful rural setting. It is open year-round from 5 am to 10 pm and features the “Thomas G Kautz Nature Trail” that includes a savanna trail, an accessible boardwalk across native wetlands, and a forested hiking trail in the northern reaches of the park.
Click here for more trail information
Beloit & Beyond Beer Trail
If you’re in town for a few days and love craft beer, you’ll have a blast discovering great pubs and breweries in the Beloit area. All you need to do is purchase a craft beer at each of the participating locations and collect a unique stamp. When you’ve collected all of the stamps, redeem your passport and receive a free t-shirt!
Beloit & Beyond Café Trail
Rise and grind, caffeine lovers! The Beloit area has a variety of coffee shops and cafés, each with their own special set of delightful decors and beverages. Sip on craft coffee creations, like Chocolate Coffee Bombs, tea steamers, tonic teas, and more as you explore Downtown Beloit and beyond. Get a stamp at four of the five participating locations on your passport, redeem your passport, receive a free mug, and be entered to win a basket full of prizes from the cafés on the trail.
Antique Trail
Antique hunting is almost as good as stepping back in time. Discovering items decades or centuries old, and reusing them, has a unique charm to it. Whether you’re on the hunt for a 19th-century carved oak table, hoping to find some unique gift items, or just intrigued by the idea of discovering old treasures, a visit to Beloit’s antique shops await you!
Unwind and Relax by a Warm Fire
Ironworks Hotel is a boutique hotel located on the bank of the Rock River. There’s no better way to enjoy winter than by your own fireplace in the heart of Downtown Beloit. If you don’t feel like heading outside you can get a delicious dinner at Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint which is adjacent to the hotel! Merrill & Houston’s also has live music every Friday evening!
1810 Emerson House is an historic Georgian Revival B&B blocks from Beloit College and Downtown Beloit. You will enjoy an early evening appetizer and complementary wine and dessert in the evening. The dining room with fireplace is the best spot to read a book and relax.
DC Estate Winery has a gorgeous tasting room and fireplace to get away from it all with a fabulous glass of vino. The winery is conveniently located just minutes off I-90 in a picturesque setting. DC Estate Winery is a fabulous spot to enjoy warm hospitality by a cozy fire.
Shop the Winter Farmers’ Market
The Downtown Beloit Association is hosting a Winter Farmers’ Market for the first time this year in their new office/event space in Downtown Beloit. There will be seventeen local vendors selling their wares every Saturday November through April.
View Art
The Wright Museum of Art is located on the Beloit College Campus and is open to the public.
The Wright Museum holds approximately 6,000 works of art in its permanent collection. Significant collections include American Impressionism, Modernist paintings, a collection of 19th century plaster casts, German Expressionism, and Japanese Modern prints.
View the art exhibits at the Beloit Art Center and attend a First Friday event each month, where you will meet the artist(s) and get to see the newest exhibition. The gallery is open Monday 10 am-2 pm; Tuesday-Friday 10 am-5 pm; and Saturday 10 am-3 pm.
Improve Your Golf Game or Take on Zombies in a Game of Dodge Ball at Ironworks Golf Lab
Just because it’s winter in Beloit, doesn’t mean you can’t improve your golf game! At Ironworks Golf Lab, you can use one of three simulators to improve your game or just have fun. The HD simulator lets you choose from 100 courses from around the world, and the other two simulators let you choose between golf or 14 other games, including hockey and zombie dodge ball! There are also adult beverages and snacks available. You can make your reservation online.
Enjoy Some of the Best Dining in the Region
The city of Beloit is fast becoming known for its gourmet cuisine, legendary supper clubs, and trendy hot spots. From juicy steaks, gourmet street tacos, modern Italian, and Friday Fish Fries, you will be delighted by the vast array of dining options. Click here for more information about dining in the Beloit area or browse the listings under the Eat/Drink menu.
View Downtown Beloit From the Only Rooftop Bar in Beloit
The Rooftop at Hotel Goodwin is Beloit’s only rooftop bar. The indoor/outdoor rooftop space hosts anything from wine tastings to weddings and everything in between. Whether you enjoy a handcrafted cocktail or a refreshing craft beer, there is something for everyone to sip on top of town. The Rooftop is the perfect place to relax with friends, all while giving guests exclusive access to the views of the vibrant downtown area.
