Top 3 Winter Staycation Ideas

It is comfortable and easy to stay inside this time of year and get cozy with good books or movies. But cabin fever is real. Don’t succumb. Bundle up and power through. There’s so much cold-weather fun happening right here in our own backyard, we can’t help but to share our short list of exciting reasons to get out of the house this snowy season. 

Don’t let the cold stop you, start planning your weekend getaway today.

Get Outside

It might be chilly but there’s still plenty to do outside during your Milwaukee-area staycation. For example you can hike at Milwaukee’s Lakeshore State Park or cross country ski along the 5 miles of trails at Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha. 

For more icy outdoor fun, strap on your skates or rent a pair at Red Arrow Park where you’ll find a large ice rink that welcomes skaters of all ages and abilities. Alongside the rink, the park features a warming house with restrooms, lockers, concessions and even a coffee shop. It’s open December through March.Afterward, take a short walk to a Hop stop where you can board Milwaukee’s Streetcar presented by Potawatomi Hotel & Casinoand buzz around the Third Ward for a while exploring everything from the Milwaukee Public Market to shops and restaurants.

And of course, a weekend getaway has to include a day trip to the Milwaukee County Zoo, which is open all year long. Spend some time outside watching the wolves and reindeer and then when it’s time for a warmup, head inside to watch the big cats and apes pace their enclosures. 

Make it a Casino Weekend 

Remember winter and snow don’t have to mean months of hibernation at home. Consider taking a weekend to get away from it all and rent a room here at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. It’s the ultimate way to warmup on your next staycation. Book a room, enjoy luxurious amenities and since weekends are made for eating, explore any of our several dining options. You’ll definitely want to try The Buffet where on Friday nights from 4-9 p.m. you can enjoy all the crab legs you can eat and on Sundays there’s a Champagne from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring an assortment of brunch specialties, including freshly made Belgian waffles, breakfast potatoes, made-to-order eggs and omelets, eggs benedict, hickory-smoked bacon, sausage links, prime rib, honey-glazed ham, fresh vegetables and a build-your-own salad bar. Be sure to use your Fire Keeper’s Club card to save a few bucks while you fill your plate.

To make a night of it, be sure to compliment your meal with a show. If you choose your getaway over Valentine’s Day weekend, pick up tickets for the Ginuwine or Adele Tribute shows at Northern Lights Theater. Live music and comedy acts are here for you entertainment every weekend, and if that isn't enough fun for you, then head on down to the gaming floor to try your luck. Not only does Potawatomi Hotel & Casino offer delicious meals and lively entertainment, we also provide our guests with the space to unwind. Make your way to Ember Spa for a relaxing spa or just kick back in your luxury hotel room to enjoy room service and a movie. No matter what you choose, you’ll be feeling relaxed and refreshed by check-out time.

Take in the Attractions

Anyone looking for a weekend getaway should start their escape at the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory. These three architecturally unique domes are home to flowers from tropical and arid locations from around the world. Each is almost a half of a football field wide and seven stories tall. Bonus: Visit from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday mornings through March 28 and take in the Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market, which brings together about 50 vendors selling farm-fresh food, baked goods, jams, cider, syrups, sauces, soup and more. 

When you’re done at the Domes, head over to the Milwaukee Public Museum to snap a selfie with the snake that has its own Twitter account, stroll the Streets of Old Milwaukee and visit with the dinosaurs, butterflies and bison. If you choose your getaway over Valentine’s Day weekend, you’ll want to consider buying tickets for the 22ndAnnual Food & Froth. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino is the proud presenting sponsor of the Feb. 15 event, which features beer, food samples and entertainment and benefits the museum’s exhibits, programming, educational opportunities and community outreach efforts.