MIKE DE SISTI/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
Greeting
rails
to
trails
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winter.13
6
Bored with traditional New Year’s Day celebrations? Then make
downtown Milwaukee, will provide an opportunity to test your
skills in the face of unyielding cold (the sponsor’s website admon-
ishes visitors to “DRESS REALLY WARM!”), or just enjoy gazing
at the dozens of show-stopping giant kites dancing through the
frosty skies. Besides the kites—some more than 100 feet long—
you can learn to carve ice sculptures, or “chill” on a horse-drawn
carriage ride. The festivities are held in Veterans Park on the
western shore of Lake Michigan, so after the free hot chocolate
and coffee have restored feeling to your toes, you can easily pick
up the Oak Leaf Trail there. The 96-mile rail-trail offers connec-
tions to almost anywhere in the city—and if the snow is deep,
be sure to pack a pair of cross-country skis with your kite.
Length & surface:
96.4
miles; asphalt
◆
End points:
North Range Line
Road at West Dean Road (River Hills) to South Howell Avenue/Highway 38
(
Caledonia)
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Website:
Never seen a reindeer? Now’s your chance—
and you don’t even have to go as far as the
North Pole, just Anchorage! The city’s annual
“
Running of the Reindeer” is just one of man
February 22 to March 3, the 78-year-old tradi
tion (affectionately known as the Rondy) will
include activities such as a parade, fireworks,
sled dog races, a snow sculpture contest, ice
skating and team snowball fights. Afterward,
rest your throwing arm with a stroll along the
Tony Knowles Coastal Bicycle Trail to find
wildlife in a more natural setting—moose are
common visitors—as well as breathtaking
views of the surrounding mountains and
waterways.
Length & surface:
11
miles; asphalt
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End points:
West Second Avenue and H Street (Anchorage)
to Kincaid Park (Point Campbell)
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Website:
/
knowlsct.htm
GR
