Family Guide to Visiting Necedah, Wisconsin

Castlerock Lake, Necedah - Photo by Bob Eastman

So, you’ve booked a family getaway to Necedah, Wisconsin. Excellent choice!

While many flock straight to the waterparks in the Dells, Necedah offers a quieter, nature-filled "base camp" for a Wisconsin winter adventure. Located in Juneau County, it puts you right on the doorstep of incredible wildlife and outdoor sports.

If you are looking for skiing, tubing, and kid-friendly eats, here is your ultimate guide to enjoying the area.

❄️ Snow Sports: Skiing & Tubing

Necedah itself is relatively flat (perfect for snowshoeing!), but you are perfectly situated between a few excellent downhill options. You will need to drive about 30–40 minutes, but the snow is worth it.

1. Whitetail Ridge Ski Area (Fort McCoy)

• Distance: ~35 minutes west

• Best For: Families on a budget and tubing.

• The Vibe: This is a hidden gem located at Fort McCoy. It is open to the public and offers a fantastic tubing run that is often less crowded than the big resorts. They also have downhill skiing and cross-country trails.

• Note: Check their Facebook page for hours, as they often rely on natural snow conditions.

2. Christmas Mountain Village (Wisconsin Dells)

• Distance: ~30 minutes south

• Best For: A polished resort experience without the massive crowds.

• The Vibe: Since you are staying in Necedah, you are just a quick drive down to the "quiet side" of the Dells. Christmas Mountain has great runs for kids learning to ski and a dedicated tubing hill that is very well-groomed.

3. Castle Rock Park

• Distance: ~15 minutes

• Best For: Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

• The Vibe: If you want to burn off some kid energy without buying lift tickets, the trails around Castle Rock Lake are beautiful in the winter.

🦅 Nature & Exploration

You cannot visit Necedah without seeing its most famous landmark.

Necedah National Wildlife Refuge

This is a must-do. Even in winter, the refuge is stunning.

• The Visitor Center: Start here! It is incredibly kid-friendly with interactive exhibits about the famous Whooping Cranes and Karner Blue Butterflies.

• The Trails: There are several short loops (like the Boardwalk Loop) that are easy for little legs, even in snow boots. It is quiet, peaceful, and a great place to spot deer or turkeys.

🍔 Kid-Friendly Eats

Necedah is a small town, so you won't find big chains—which is part of the charm! Here is where to feed the crew:

• Little Miner’s: This is likely your safest bet for picky eaters. They serve great pizza, burgers, and ice cream. It has a casual, local diner feel where kids are definitely welcome.

• Shipwreck Bay (Mauston/Castle Rock Lake): Just a short drive away toward the water. It has a fun "nautical/pirate" vibe that kids usually get a kick out of, and the menu is huge.

• Buckhorn Grill & Bar: Located right near the Buckhorn State Park bridge. It’s a classic Wisconsin spot. If you go on a Friday, expect a Fish Fry, but they have plenty of grilled cheese and chicken tender options for the kids.

Local Pro-Tip for Parents

If the weather turns too cold for outdoor fun, remember that you are only about 35-40 minutes from the Kalahari or Wilderness Resort in the Dells.

Many families stay in Necedah to save money on lodging and enjoy the peace and quiet, then drive down to the Dells for just one day of indoor waterpark chaos (you can buy day passes!) before retreating back to the calm of Necedah.

Enjoy your getaway! It’s a beautiful part of the state to disconnect and recharge.