By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Feb 15, 2024 at 1:01 PM

It took a while – but with icy temperatures and snowflakes back in the forecast, we've officially entered the wicked Wisconsin winter. But have no fear! Whether you're game for braving the blustery outdoors or would rather be plopped in front of the fire in layered-up long johns, we've got the goods to make the most of a Milwaukee winter.

Enjoy again – or for the first time – this classic OnMilwaukee "100 things list," updated for the current winter season. Be sure to be safe, be smart and be courteous when doing anything on this list!

Partner Pick

The world’s largest indoor flat track race Get tickets

1. Venture inside the warm and illuminated Domes
2. Take a warm and cozy stay-cation to the Irish escape that is County Clare
3. Enjoy a romantic carriage ride Downtown 
4. Ski on the frozen Milwaukee River (at your own risk)
5. Cross country ski in Grant Park
6. Go sledding at Northpoint (again, the risk is your own)
7. Toboggan at your favorite park
8. Reserve yourself an ice skating session at Red Arrow Park
9. It's still pickleball season thanks to these indoor courts around the city
10. Bumper ski behind a friend's car (carefully in a parking lot, please!)
11. Rent a heated hut at Zócolo 

Zocalo heated hutsX

12. Do donuts in a Pick 'n Save parking lot
13. Warm up with soup from one of these excellent options
14. Pick up hot chocolate from Colectivo
15. Cheer on the Milwaukee Admirals at UWM Panther Arena
16. Go ice fishing
17. Snowmobile at Bong Rec Area
18. Build an igloo on the lakefront (or at least try)
19. Dive into one of Milwaukee's hidden gem bars

Partner Pick

Puelicher Butterfly Vivarium at MPM Don’t catch the winter blues—Milwaukee Public Museum is a warm place to wander! Our indoor tropical garden houses nearly a thousand beautiful, free-flying butterflies and is always 76 degrees. Plan your staycation visit today!

20. Rock your snow suits and moon boots
21. Take a bite out of one of the city's newest restaurants
22. Make breakfast in bed for you and your sweetie.
23. Pick a concert or show to see around town this month – whether it's a favorite band or a new discovery
24. Warm up with spirits from Central Standard Distillery
25. Watch the classic Milwaukee-made movie "American Movie"
26. Slurp some tasty matzo ball soup at Benji's

 

Benji's matzo ball soup

27. Kick it over to a Milwaukee Wave game 
28. Write a Milwaukee limerick 
29. Roll over to one of the city's iconic bowling alleys
30. Binge OnMilwaukee's FoodCrush and Dandelions podcasts
31. Find a heated patio for a night out 
32. Rewatch highlights from when the Milwaukee Bucks won the NBA Finals
33. Find the perfect local gift from one of our Unique Boutiques
34. Celebrate some recent crowd-pleasing blockbusters back on the big screen thanks to the Times Cinema
35. Make snow angels in the front yard
36. It's never not the season for giving, so donate to a good cause – like one of these or another of your choosing
37. Winterize your car
38. Check out the Milwaukee Public Library's sensational TikTok posts – and then check out a book or more from them
39. Take an intoxicating trip to Tied House's "Aurora Borealis" winter patio

 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Tied House Milwaukee (@tiedhousemke)

40. Learn about all the new Brewers as they head off to spring training
41. Treat your pet with a special gift
42. Stay at home and snuggle up
43. Ride The Hop around Downtown and stay warm inside
44. Get out the snow blower and go to town
45. Shovel your elderly neighbor's sidewalk
46. Grow a beard for warmth
47. Take down your Christmas tree ... eventually. Maybe sometime next month
48. Check out a new movie (and a warm bucket of popcorn) at one of Milwaukee's local cinemas
49. Get a reservation for Gene's Supper Club, Barnacle Bud's winter transformation
50. Be happy you don't live further up nort, eh
51. Eat tacos and more tacos
52. Ride a sled down a hill
53. Do you want to build a snowman? It doesn't have to be a snowman

54. Don't eat the yellow snow
55. Play some snow football
56. Learn to curl
57. Bake cookies from WE Energies famous holiday cookie book
58. Donate to your favorite local charity
59. Prepare for a blizzard when the weather forecasters predict just a "dusting"
60. Dig your car out of the post-plowed snow
61. Fetch yourself the hottest treat of the season: hot chocolate bombs
62. Snow shoe at the Urban Ecology Center
63. Turn up the heat and have a Hawaiian party
64. Pack on the pounds, then hide it with big sweaters
65. Count down 'til Opening Day!

Brewers

66. Order a delicious pie for your winter gathering
67. Go to Door County
68. Rent or enjoy an outdoor dome, yurt and more
69. Frolic with your dog at a dog park
70. Stock up on Carmex for winter
71. Make your way through Lori's 52 restaurants for 2024
72. Have yourself an Edgar Allan Poe moment and curl up with a spine-tingler from a local bookshop
73. Spark up a snowball fight with the neighbor kids
74. Treat your wind-burned skin to a day of pampering at a spa
75. Have an NA night (with no hangover!) with one of Milwaukee's various mocktails 
77. Binge your way through all of the best movies on Netflix 
78. Find a bar with outdoor fireside drinking on the menu 

Fireside drinking in MilwaukeeX

79. Play pond hockey on Lake Ernie in Franklin
80. Clean up around the house for the season while listening to your favorite MKE bands
81. Invent a new snow sport. Snow croquet? Ice bowling?
82. Call your grandma, grandpa or some other relative you haven't seen in a while
83. Put a snowball in your freezer to throw at someone (gently) in July
84. Drink mulled wine
85. Hike in Doctor's Park
86. Cheer on the Bucks, UWM and Marquette
87. Roast chestnuts on an open fire
88. Puzzle your puzzler with a puzzle
89. Warm up with a nice shower – complete with a shower beer

Shower beer

90. Insulate your attic
91. Pack up your skis and head Da U.P.
92. Make a music performer wish list for Summerfest 2024
93. Check out all the new stuff at Potawatomi Casino Hotel
94. Figure out the difference between winter storm watch and winter storm warning
95. Concoct a cocktail called the wintry mix or something a little more classic: a Tom & Jerry
96. Throw away your scale
97. Craft your own special candle with Glassnote Candle Bar
98. Help the St. Benedict ministries feed the hungry – or donate to one of these food banks
99. Croon away the cold at Amped's private suite karaoke 
100. Be merry. Say hi to your neighbors. Be the change.