Top 3 Winter Staycation Ideas

We are halfway through the winter, and with the coldest times ahead of us, many people are looking for ways to break up the mundane. To find new ways to spend their weekends and make memories with their friends and families. While staying inside and cozying up with a good book or movie is a good choice, we have three additional ideas for you to try this winter. From all-out excitement to finding joy in the outdoors, and even exploring the city we know and love, we're sure our list of top three winter staycation ideas will spark your interest and get you planning your weekend now!

Image from Visit Milwaukee

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 stay at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. It’s the ultimate way to warm up on your next staycation. In our hotel rooms, you'll find modern décor, color palettes that reflect natural elements, the finest fixtures, and contemporary luxuries. Before you book your room, check out our hotel page for a list of room choices. We offer options ranging from double queen rooms to signature king and high-end suites, all designed for your ultimate relaxation between gaming sessions. Booking your stay is easy. You can book your stay directly on our website or call our hotel desk at 844-217-4100 to make a reservation.

Whether you are staying the night or visiting us for the day, hitting the casino floor is a must. We have thousands of slot machines, over 61 table games with eight live game types, a dedicated poker room, two indoor smoking sections, bingo, and a state-of-the-art Sportsbook with hundreds of betting kiosks all waiting for you to discover. On top of having thousands of slot machines and endless entertainment, we have monthly and weekly promotions for the chance for you to win thousands by using your Potawatomi Rewards Card. Check out our promotions page for the upcoming promotions during your stay.

If a luxurious stay and endless gaming entertainment aren’t enough, at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, we have even more in store for you to chase the winter blues away. Enjoy delicious dining options from one of our 11 restaurants, including fine dining at Dream Dance Steakhouse, authentic Asian cuisine at RuYi, and delicious pub favorites at Sportsbook.

Looking to dance the night away? Say less. At Potawatomi Casino Hotel, every Friday night features a live DJ in Bar 360, and every Saturday, we turn up the heat with a live band at Rock & Brews and a DJ at ElevenHundred Bar & Lounge.

Whether you are staying the night or visiting us for the day, spending time at Potawatomi Casino Hotel will chase the winter blues away.

Enjoy the outdoors

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 a short trek out of the city, but well worth the trip, visit Firefly Grove Park in Wauwatosa. Firefly Grove Park became home to a gentle giant, Mama Rosa, a 25-foot 4,000-pound troll built by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Constructed from upcycled trees and lamps, almost everything on Mama Rosa is original to Wisconsin. A unique feature of this sculpture is that the bouquet of lights is illuminated with solar power from the rest of the park. Perfect for a snowy winter stroll.

Image from OnMilwaukee

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, food, and coffee by Biggby Coffee. Red Arrow Park ice skating will be open until February this year. Afterward, take a short walk to a Hop stop where you can board Milwaukee’s Streetcar presented by Potawatomi Casino Hotel and 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.

Milwaukee 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 half a football field wide and seven stories tall. Bonus: Visit from January 17 through March 22 for the Train show. Visit the Mitchell Park Domes website to find out more.  

When you’re done at the Domes, head over to the Milwaukee Public Museum to enjoy the museum in its current building for the final year before it heads over to the Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin. Their final year will feature a “Greatest Hits” celebration of the Museum’s iconic exhibits.

After spending the day taking in the sights and sounds of Milwaukee, spend the evening at a Milwaukee Bucks or Milwaukee Admirals game to cheer on our hometown heroes! This is an activity that the whole family can enjoy, with different themed nights and giveaways, making each game unique from the last. While at a Bucks or Admirals game, you may catch sight of the Potawatomi Street Team giving away free merchandise, free play, and much more.

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. With these top three options in hand, your winter weekends will be jam-packed with fun and excitement, and before you know it, summer will be here again.

What are your top three picks for a winter staycation? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram, or X.

Potawatomi Casino Hotel is an entertainment destination for you to enjoy and have fun. However, if your gaming habits are causing negative effects on your life outside of the casino or beyond the app, you’re in the right place for support. If you or someone you know has problems gambling, please use our online resources to find help.

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