The Milwaukee Mushers and their rescue pups returned to Winter Break. We didn’t have enough snow to give out sled rides this year, so we settled for doing demonstrations and letting them run with rigs and bikes. When they weren’t running the trails, these very good dogs were available for meet and greet (and treat if you were lucky!).

Lizz from Tootsies Tea gave out samples of her delicious tea flavors. Milwaukee is brew city, and while that originally meant beer, today our brewed beverage love has expanded to coffee, and Lizz is making a compelling case for including tea.

Wheel & Sprocket provided free Fat Tire Bike rentals so everyone could experience winter biking joy! This year, the conditions were just right for riding, and people of all ages took them for a spin.

New to Winter Break this year, Kettle Moraine Kubb Club taught people how to play the popular lawn game Kubb. It’s a fun and fast-paced game where players try to knock over wooden blocks by tossing wooden batons.

An all-ages scavenger hunt featuring plaster-cast animal tracks. Attendees found mystery footprints along the trail, tried to guess which animal made them, and then checked their answer by looking for animal puppets hidden in trees.

Johnny Types Ink composed one-of-a-kind poems on the spot, transforming attendees’ words, emotions, and stories into beautifully crafted poetry.

Attendees watched hiker Emily Ford on her journey along Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail. She became the first woman and person of color to hike the Ice Age Trail in winter. The documentary explores resilience, the kindness of Wisconsin’s community, connection to animals, and access to the outdoors.
Watch the Trailer here.

Attendees warmed up, roasted marshmallows or served up s’mores. They gathered with new and old friends and stayed toasty.

MKE Bento served up a special winter menu that was perfect for the day. It included hot dumplings, rice bowls, hot sandwiches, spicy noodles, and plenty of vegan options. It gets rave reviews every year.

Ice Age Trail Alliance brought seeds, pinecones, yarn and more to create a humble bird feeder. Winter can feel desolate, like everything is dead or hibernating. A birdfeeder is a great antidote. It’s a little injection of joy and delight when birds and critters stop by your window to grab something to eat.

Kim Schlomann of Rustic Rose Suri Alpacas invited guests to learn to take a hands-on turn at the loom, where she was weaving her alpaca fibers into a scarf. Guests also got to shop for soft and warm alpaca wares.

The Ice Age Trail Alliance is knows the joy of a Very Good Stick. They had walking sticks available for decorations with colorful yarn and ribbons. This is an all ages joy kind of project #sticknation #sticktok

Mike Krueger from the Milwaukee/Waukesha Beekeepers Association shared fascinating insights about native bees and how they survive the winter months, as well as honeybees and what beekeepers must do to keep them safe and happy in the cold. He also gave out honey and propolis samples.

Laura of 1207 Wax Works showed off the traditional process of hand-poured beeswax candle-making, including how candle molds are properly wicked, the importance of wick sizing and placement, and the hand-pouring process from start to finish. Attendees learned all about beeswax, including its natural properties and clean-burning qualities.

New this year, we partnered with Access Ability Wisconsin to bring all-terrain wheelchairs to the event. These chairs can be taken out on the trails at Havenwoods, and allow people of all abilities to participate, volunteer, or lead an event.

Buena Tierra Run Club arrived early to take advantage of the trails at Havenwoods, and invited everyone to ¡Corre con nosotros! [run with us!] Their dedicated runners met a few new friends who joined in on the run. Then they stuck around for the fun.

Bird City Milwaukee took people on a relaxed, welcoming birding walk, led by their experienced birders. We’ll move at an easy pace, pause often for good looks, and share tips on field marks, songs, and behavior. Expect a friendly, low-pressure vibe with plenty of time for questions, learning, and enjoying the outdoors together.