Top 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, Welty – 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 PASSPORT TRAILS
If you’re visiting Beloit and enjoy craft beer or other handcrafted cocktail, you’re in for a treat. Discover the best pubs, breweries, and even a winery by signing up for the Beloit & Beyond Beers & Cheers Passport Trail online. Simply purchase a craft beer, Bloody Mary, Old Fashioned, or glass of wine at participating spots along the trail, and collect a unique code with each drink. Once you’ve submitted enough codes, you can redeem a fun sticker, and after a few more check-ins, you can score a cool deck of Beloit cards! And the best part? The passport trail is completely free!
Looking for a fun indoor adventure for the whole family? The Beloit & Beyond Loved by Locals passport trail is just what you need! Sign up for the trail and explore all the exciting indoor attractions in the Stateline Area, from bowling, to arcade games, golf stimulators, and more. After all the fun, check-in at local restaurants for delicious pizza, cheese curds, ice cream, and a wide variety of other treats! It’s as easy as checking-in on your phone at participating locations to earn a sticker, and after enough check-ins, you can claim the big prize – a cozy Beloit blanket to keep you warm all winter long! Be sure to come back in the warmer months to explore the outdoor summer attractions!
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.
We have the antique trail mapped out for you here!
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 located inside the hotel! Merrill & Houston’s also has live music every Friday evening from 7:30-10:30pm!
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 local for winter gifts and products
Every Saturday is the indoor Winter Crafter and Farmers’ Market at the Downtown Beloit Association, happening from 9am–noon, November through April. Stop in and get produce, cheese, eggs, honey, meat, crafts, soaps, and other miscellaneous items. Grab lunch from the food truck while you are there and look for free, family-friendly activities in the market.
Explore the small business boutiques and stores while discovering downtown Beloit. With over 30 shops in the area, you’ll find unique Beloit souvenirs, handmade goods, home decor, clothing, and much more. Find information on downtown stores here.
View beloit’s cultural arts scene
The Wright Museum of Art is located on the Beloit College Campus and is open to the public. The 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 from 5-7pm, where you will meet the artist(s) and get to see the newest exhibition. The gallery is open Monday 10 am-2 pm; Tuesday-Thursday 10 am-5 pm; Friday 12-5 pm, and Saturday 10 am-2 pm.
beat the cold with indoor activities
Henry Dorrbaker’s, located in the Ironworks Campus along the beautiful Rock River is Beloit’s newest entertainment hotspot! The vibrant hangout blends nostalgic vibes with modern entertainment, making it perfect for everyone. The venue features duckpin bowling – a fun twist on traditional bowling with smaller balls and pins – mini golf, vintage arcade games, delicious food and drinks, and so much more. It’s the perfect way to spend a cold winter day inside!
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.
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.
seasonal activities during the colder months
Chill out at the Edwards Ice Arena from mid-October to March! Public skating is available Fridays and Saturdays from 7-9pm, and Sundays from 2-4pm. Don’t have skates? No worries! Rentals are only $3 a pair. If you’re not super confident on the ice, they have skate helpers available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a small fee to skate.
Looking for a hidden gem in Beloit where locals love to hang out in the winter when the snow is falling? Head to Hospital Hill at 623 Olympian Blvd! This steep hill is a favorite spot for sledding. Whether you’re racing down with friends or just enjoying the winter wonderland, it’s a great spot to make memories. Grab your sleds, bundle up, and enjoy a fun day outdoors!
For a fun-filled holiday outing with the whole family, visit Williams Tree Farm! They have a ton of seasonal activities for both children and adults to enjoy. The kids can have a blast petting the animals, while you can pick out the perfect tree to take home and decorate. It’s a great spot to make memories, whether you’re snapping photos, enjoying events, or picking out decorations.
