Where to cross-country ski from Milwaukee, 15 minutes to Up North

Last updated November 2026

Seven Nordic trails from Milwaukee, ranked by drive time, with rentals, lesson dates and prices for the 2026–27 season.

7Places
14Highlights
1Seasons

You don't have to drive Up North to cross-country ski. Brown Deer Park is right in the city, and two of the trail systems near Milwaukee are lit for after-work laps. New to XC? Start close, rent skis and book a lesson, then save the long Nordic drives for when you're hooked.

Cost
Free.
Lights & hours
Open until 10 p.m.
Rentals
None. Bring your own skis.
Lessons
None.

Classic and skate trails

Separate classic and skate trails, groomed once there's 6 inches of snow or more.

Cost
Free.

Clubhouse ski rentals

At the clubhouse, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rentals
Nordic Specialists at the Evergreen lot: $30 classic or $35 skate for two hours.
Notes
Check trail conditions on the DNR's Lapham Peak winter page.

The lit loop

A 2.5-mile loop that stays lit until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It's dark on Sundays.

The snowmaking loop

A 1.5-mile loop that usually opens in mid- to late December. The snowmaking goal is an 85-day season.

Ski club lessons

Lapham Peak Ski Club runs lessons with Peak Nordic coaches. The morning series meets Tuesdays, 9 to 10:30 a.m., and costs $55 for all three dates. Skate: Jan. 5, 19 and Feb. 2. Classic: Jan. 12, 26 and Feb. 9.

Evening sessions run Tuesdays, 7 to 8:15 p.m., Jan. 12 to Feb. 2. Club lessons require a $40 membership. Registration is open Nov. 2 to Dec. 31, 2026, or until full. Questions go to lessons@laphampeakski.club.

Wednesday Night Ski League

Runs Jan. 6 to Feb. 17.

Cost
A state trail pass is required.
Rentals
None.
Lessons
None.
Notes
There's a heated shelter at the trailhead. Trail maps are on the DNR's Northern Unit skiing page.

Classic and skate trails at Greenbush

More than 13 miles for classic and skate. The Zillmer trails add 11-plus miles more.

The Brown Loop under lights

The 1.2-mile Brown Loop has lights you switch on yourself, 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Trails
About 13 km at CXC Outdoor Center.
Notes
Looking at other Madison trails? Blackhawk is members-only, and Elver Park no longer makes snow.

The lit snowmaking loop

On top of the 13 km, a loop that's both lit and snowmade.

Private PSIA lessons

60 minutes, $90 for up to two people, day pass included.

Cost
$25 a day, and it's on the Indy Pass. Day passes go on sale Dec. 1.
Notes
There's no snowmaking, so check conditions before you drive. Make a weekend of it with our Minocqua field guide.

Beginner terrain

14 km of the 86 km is beginner terrain.

Ski shop rentals and lessons

Rentals and PSIA lessons through the Minocqua Winter Park ski shop, 715-356-1099.

Rentals
New Moon, in Hayward and Cable.
Notes
Training for the 50K? The Birkie links a 2027 training plan by Endurance United. New to the race? Start with what the Birkie is and how first-timers get to the start, then plan your stay with our Cable field guide.

The Birkie Trail

More than 100 km of Birkie Trail from nine trailheads.

Snowmade loops at Telemark

About 5 km of snowmade loops at Mt. Telemark Village.

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