Winter Activities

Cross Country Skiing

Waukesha County Park System has two parks that offer groomed cross-country ski trails.

Cross-country ski trails are expertly packed and tracked weekly for both skating and diagonal techniques (as weather permits). Winter hiking, snowshoeing and dogs are not permitted on groomed cross-country trails. 

Menomonee Park - Menomonee Falls
There are three loops on gently rolling terrain. Parking at Picnic Area #1, Scuba Lot, and North Beach Lot.

View Menomonee Park Winter Trails Map

Minooka Park - Waukesha
There are three loops totaling 6 miles on gently rolling terrain. Parking at Beach Lot, Picnic Area #3 and Picnic Area #5.

View Minooka Park Winter Trails Map

Sledding

Waukesha County Park System sledding hills are open when snow cover permits. 

Our sledding hills are perfect for winter enthusiasts of all ages! 

Sleds, tubes, and snowboards allowed on the designated sledding hill.

• Menomonee Park - Menomonee Falls
  • Parking at Archery Lot.

• Minooka Park - Waukesha
  • Parking at Picnic Area #4

• Mukwonago Park - Mukwonago
  • Parking at east end of Picnic Area #4

• Nashotah Park - Nashotah
• • Parking at Picnic Area # 2

Snowmobile Access

Waukesha County Park System does not maintain snowmobile trails; however, you can access trails through our properties:

• Menomonee Park - Menomonee Falls
• Mukwonago Park - Mukwonago
  • Parking at west end of Picnic Area #4
• Ashippun Lake Access -Town of Oconomowoc
• School Section Lake Access - Town of Ottawa

Resources:

• Snow Mobile Trail Map
• Information on the Waukesha County Snowmobile Association

Snowshoeing in the Parks

Snowshoeing is welcomed at all winter hiking trails at Waukesha County Parks.

Note: Snowshoers are not permitted on packed and tracked cross-country ski trails. 

Fox River Park - Waukesha
Trek wooded trails of varying difficulty levels. Parking at lower parking lot.

Menomonee Park - Menomonee Falls
Some trails are open during winter for snowshoeing. Parking at Pow Wow Lot, Family Camp Lot, and Picnic Area #2.

Minooka Park - Waukesha
Some trails are open during winter for snowshoeing. Parking at Picnic Area #5.

Muskego Park - Muskego
Some trails are packed for snowshoeing. Parking at Picnic Area #4.

Nashotah Park - Nashotah
Trails are packed for snowshoeing. Parking at Picnic Areas #1 or #2.

Snowshoeing at Retzer Nature Center

Snowshoe rentals are available as conditions allow. 

Retzer Nature Center has both wooden styles (traditional) and metal styles (modern) rentals available daily during the Learning Center Building Hours (pending conditions) on a first-come, first-served basis. Snowshoes must stay on the Retzer Nature Center property. Snowshoe rentals are available during the Learning Center Building's open hours.

Please note snowshoes and other traction devices are not permitted on the boardwalk trails.

Rental Pricing:

• 4-Hour Rental: $6/pair
• Day Rental: $10/pair

All returns must be done at least 15 minutes before the Learning Center Building closes. 

Learning Center Building Hours: 

• Monday - Friday: 8 am - 4:30 pm
• Saturday: 10 am - 3 pm
• Sunday: Closed

Waukesha County Park System boasts an extensive trail system. Some parks offer packed winter hiking trails, while others offer rustic hiking trails.

Winter hiking is not permitted on groomed cross-country trails. 

Fox Brook Park
Three observation decks line the trail, which is cleared of snow in the winter. Parking at Picnic Area #1.

Fox River Park
Different difficulty levels and trail lengths for all hiking enthusiast through wooden trails. The paved trail, which is cleared of snow in the winter, winds through the park and along the river. Parking at Picnic Areas #1 and #3.

Menomonee Park
Some trails are open during winter for hiking, snowshoeing, and dog walking; remain clear of the groomed cross country trails. Parking at Pow Wow Lot, Family Camp Lot, and Picnic Area #2.

Minooka Park
Some trails are open during winter for hiking, snowshoeing, and dog walking; remain clear of the groomed cross country trails. Parking at Picnic Area #5.

Mukwonago Park
The park trails offer different difficulty levels. Trailhead located west of campground parking.

Muskego Park
Some trails are packed for winter hiking and snowshoeing. Parking at Picnic Area #4.

Naga-Waukee Park
Trails are available for winter hiking. Parking at Picnic Area #1.

Nashotah Park
Packed winter hiking, snowshoeing, and dog walking trails are available. Parking at Picnic Areas #1 or #2. 

Retzer Nature Center
Trails are available for winter hiking and snowshoeing. Dogs, with the exception of service animals, are not permitted on Retzer Nature Center grounds.

Ski Conditions

Information on snow conditions to allow the various winter activities can be found below. 

Cross Country Ski Trails

Snowshoeing at Retzer Nature Center

Snowshoe rentals are available as conditions allow. Four inches on snow must be present on the ground to allow snowshoeing.

Questions? Call Retzer Nature Center at 262-896-8007.

Snowmobile Trails

Waukesha County Park System does not maintain snowmobile trails, however you can access trails through our properties.

• Snowmobile trail conditions info: call the Waukesha County Snowmobile Association hotline at 414-299-0330.
• Information about snowmobile clubs in the Waukesha area: www.WaukeshaSnow.org.

Fat Tire Biking

Recreational Trails

Ride Waukesha County Park System Recreational Trails or Minooka Mountain Bike Trails in the Winter on your Fat Tire Bike.

• Bugline Trail
  • Please note that this trail is shared with snowmobile clubs in several sections.
• Lake Country Trail
• Fox River Trail
• New Berlin Trail 

Minooka Mountain Bike Trails

Minooka Park's single-track mountain bike trails are great for riders of all levels. A Parks annual membership or daily permit is required for each vehicle at Minooka Park.