We get it -- nothing quite beats a cozy couch on a chilly day. But if you’re anything like us, then you find yourself itching for at least one snowy escapade this season. From rugged mountains to tranquil national parks, the carefully selected destinations on this list offer a captivating tapestry of winter landscapes sure to leave an impression.
Better yet, we didn’t just round up destinations; we’re serving you full-on experiences. So, get ready to take a trip across the United States and discover the country’s most breathtaking winter views -- and the unforgettable adventures they offer.
Leavenworth, Washington
Imagine a charming wintery scene of a holiday town nestled inside a snow globe and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what Leavenworth, Washington has to offer. This Bavarian-style village gets decorated with more than half a million lights and becomes blanketed with snow during the winter months, making it the perfect place to experience a traditional Christmas holiday.
Experts in merry-making, the people of Leavenworth don’t pull the decorations down on Dec. 26 either. While the festive events and activities run from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, the Village of Lights stays illuminated through February. Plus, once Christmastown wraps up, the Winter Karneval rolls into town. Held each weekend in January, the Karneval honors an old German tradition dating back to the thirteenth century, commonly referred to as ‘Fasching’. A time to celebrate (and indulge!), you can enjoy a variety of activities – from incredible ice carving demonstrations and relaxing horse-drawn sleigh rides, to more active fun like snow tubing, skiing, and snowmobiling.
There are plenty of picturesque cabins and B&Bs in the area that make sure you can capitalize on the gorgeous views, but there are also some excellent RV parks and campgrounds nearby too. So, if you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to step inside a Norman Rockwell painting (or a Hallmark movie), then Leavenworth might just be the winter destination for you.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Most famous for its skiing and breathtaking views, Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a great winter destination for more than just active outdoor recreation. For one, you can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through an elk herd numbering in the thousands. The National Elk Refuge sleigh rides are about an hour long and provide an opportunity for amazing photos and an offbeat activity the whole family can enjoy.
If you really want a story to wow your friends and family, then consider taking a dog-sled ride to Granite Hot Springs. Take in the sights of the stunning, rugged countryside and then enjoy a soak in the springs while your guide prepares lunch. Even better, you get the chance to run your sled and feel what it's like to guide your very own team of dogs!
From high mountain helicopter-skiing to low-key tram rides, there truly is something for every speed in Jackson Hole. So, if getting outside and really immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of nature is your vibe, then this might be the destination for you. Just remember that winters are not only epic here, but also a little treacherous. You’ll want to dress warm and come prepared – which may include driving (or renting) a vehicle with higher ground clearance, all- or four-wheel drive, and snow tires.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Say you want to get a real winter experience – the kind that leaves you wondering if you traded a U.S. city for the mystical world of Narnia. For a true winter wonderland – complete with frozen lakes, glistening snow, and a wind chill that frosts your eyelashes – it’s time to check out Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota.
Tucked in the northernmost part of Minnesota up near the Canadian border, Voyageurs National Park offers exciting (and unique) outdoor activities as well as the ability to experience jaw-dropping winter vistas with very few roads or buildings to disrupt the view. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, ice fishing, and snowmobiling are all on the agenda at Voyageurs – as is a more unusual method of sightseeing: driving the park’s ice highways! Take your vehicle and drive miles out onto the lake to get the full experience of a Minnesota winter.
One of the most captivating parts of Voyageurs National Park is its views of the Northern Lights. In fact, it’s been deemed one of the best places in the entire U.S. to view the breathtaking natural phenomena during the winter months. Winter camping options are available (if you dare), providing next level star-gazing opportunities.
If “solitude” and “natural beauty” are on your list of requirements for a winter destination, then we highly recommend you check this one out. Just remember, that like some of the other locations on this list, visiting Voyageurs in the winter requires some forethought. Check the weather reports and road conditions before traveling -- and bundle up!
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Breathtaking during any time of the year, the Smokies turn particularly charming during the winter. While snow isn’t always a guarantee, especially at the lower elevations, you have a better chance of experiencing it in January and February – which also happens to be when the crowds thin and wildlife becomes easier to spot.
The list of Things To Do here is long and varied, ranging from quiet sightseeing to thrilling skiing, but hiking is a particular favorite in these parts. There are many trails that stay open during the winter months, making it one of the best times of year to stretch your legs and take in the views.
For those traveling with the kids in tow, Dollywood is a must-visit in Pigeon Forge. The theme park, owned by Dolly Parton, offers more than just thrill rides; you’ll find traditional crafts and food of the Smoky Mountain areas – and of course, great country music. The park goes all-out for the holiday season too, decorating with more than 6 million twinkling lights and dozens of towering Christmas trees, which all stay up into January.
If you’re looking for something the whole family can enjoy, then the Smokies are a great winter destination to check out.
New York, New York
If, like Frank Sinatra, you want to wake up in a city that doesn’t sleep, then New York is the right destination. Look, we know, visiting the city – any city – during the winter months translates to a lot of fast walking in cold temperatures while dodging brown (and yellow) snow. But if there’s any city that knows how to do this season right, it’s New York.
Whether you want to be a cheesy tourist hunting souvenirs and snapping photos of the iconic skyline, or you’d rather keep a low profile and blend in with the locals at a hip rooftop bar, New York’s got it all. For holiday-oriented traditions, head to Rockefeller Center and take in the tree – it’s lit daily from 5 a.m. - midnight until January 13 – and maybe take a spin around the ice rink, as featured in so many Christmas classics. Head over to the Bronx and enjoy the beloved holiday train tradition at the New York Botanical Garden. Running for more than 30 years, the exhibit features a collection of 25 model trains that zip through nearly 200 famous New York landmarks all made of botanical parts.
Visit one of city’s 145 museums, enjoy a horse and carriage ride through Central Park, take a million selfies on the Brooklyn Bridge or atop the Empire State Building – there’s truly no end to the things you can do, see, and of course—eat!