Winter is coming! And for some of you, it is already here. With many northern states already having recorded their first snowfall of the year, some of us are already feeling ‘frosty’. While some folks may be dreading the cold, others embrace it.
Did you know that winter cities rank very high on lists of the happiest places in the U.S? We want to highlight four of our cold weather cities with lots to do this winter. These areas all see a high amount of jobs in the winter months. Who knows – it could be your next travel assignment destination!
Fargo, ND
Let’s start with getting rid of the stigmas. Most people think of the movie or TV show “Fargo.” First, those weren’t even filmed in Fargo! Due to the mild winter that Fargo was having that year the movie was filmed in parts of Minnesota and even Canada.
Next, a majority of the population thinks it’s always cold in Fargo. There is no doubt it can get a bit chilly, but during summer months the average is in the mid-80s. Winter months are a tad different with an average temperature of low 20s. So what do you do when Jack Frost is nipping at your nose? If you’re an “outdoorsy person” lace up your skates and attend Downtown on Ice. This new ice rink is a welcome addition to the downtown area with its festive feel. Pair that with Babb’s Coffee House, where you can order a delicious hot chocolate and enjoy the open, refreshing atmosphere. Looking for a little more adrenaline? North Dakota has thirteen snowmobile trails, totaling just over 2,800 miles. Trails are open to snowmobiling enthusiasts from December 1 through April 1. Near Fargo, there are three downhill ski and snowboard areas within a short drive. They’re not the Rockies, but a day on the slopes there will work out the kinks before you head to Everest.
Looking for something indoors and heated? Enjoy multiple museums in the area, ranging from an aircraft museum to a national and regional art museum. Maybe you’re one that is always looking to learn more. Minnesota State University – Moorhead has a planetarium that simulates the night sky, planets, and the universe, including shows, events, and educational programs. Other indoor activities include but are not limited to: bowling, roller rinks, movie theaters, casinos, public libraries, and much, much more. Looking for a frosty beverage? Navigate to one of Fargo’s 12 breweries. You’ll never go thirsty again. Not only are fun activities never in short supply, but while you work, know that you will be greeted and treated like family. Fargo is the epitome of the Midwestern culture and graciousness. North Dakota’s slogan says it all, “Legendary, Discover the Spirit.”
Billings, MT
Billings is the largest city in Montana with around 150,000 people in the metro area. It remains a growing city and travel destination for both summer and winter travelers. What started out as a railroad town has 
expanded in both population and grown geographically as well. Locals prefer to visit the busy downtown area for dinner and drinks or head to the Metra for a concert in town. Popular local stops also include Rimrock Mall to purchase the latest fashion.
Those looking for adventure outside can turn to Pictograph Cave to learn about the history and fossils. Or you can venture off to Lake Elmo State Park, one of Montana’s busiest parks for hiking, ice fishing, and scenic views. Ski seekers can drive a little over an hour outside of town to Red Lodge to hit the slopes. Zoo Montana is open year round with both indoor and outdoor exhibits with about 100 different animals you can interact with. If you’re looking for indoor activities Billings is great for beer and wine drinkers of all types with breweries and the Yellowstone Winery. Other activities include the Yellowstone Art Museum with traveling exhibits and contemporary work from all over, or even the famous entrepreneur, Preston Boyd Moss “Moss Mansion”. There is even the Reef Indoor Waterpark to enjoy year round. No matter what your hobbies include, Billings has a little something for everyone.
Salt Lake City, UT
In Salt Lake City, the possibilities are endless for any experience level skier, snowboarder, and ice skater. As the host of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City is known for having the “Best Snow on Earth” and the “Fastest Ice on Earth.” If you prefer not to be on your feet, you can venture to Soldier Hollow at the Wasatch Mountain State Park. They have the longest tubing lanes in Utah, stretching up to 1,200 feet!
Getting off the mountain and the ice, SLC offers many other activities. Temple Square and its surroundings will help you cross off your sight-seeing activities, especially during the Christmas season. Everything over 35 acres is lit up from November 24th – January 2nd. There are a number of musical performances throughout the area and a special 3-day concert with musical guests each night. You can even take in the views at The Roof Restaurant. There are a number of museums, Clark Planetarium, The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, and the Natural History Museum of Utah nearby – just to name a few. For the indoor sports fan, make sure you check out a Utah Jazz basketball game, where you can cheer on the team with 20,000 other screaming NBA fans.
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee may not be the first cold-weather city that comes to mind when you’re planning a trip,but you could make an argument for it being one of the most underrated cities in the country for any season. Milwaukee has grown to be the 31st largest city and offers a little bit of everything for everyone without having to be like NYC or Boston. From shopping to eating out to outdoor activities, you can find it all here!
For the thrill seeker, you can take in The Rocks Snow Park where you can snowboard and tube. From lessons for beginners, to jumps and tricks for the experienced, they have you covered for outdoor sports. For the athlete and sports fans, you can sign up for ice-skating lessons at The Pettit National Ice Center, an Olympic training facility. There is always the up and coming Milwaukee Bucks for the NBA fans too. If you want to step up your own personal training, there are outdoor runs and polar plunges to participate in. Most are for fun, but there are some for charity including a run that benefits the zoo that is in its 38th year. And of course, for your Christmas season, enjoy the incredible shopping at the Historic Third Ward. After you’ve crossed everyone off your list, treat yourself to a mini-beer tour at MillerCoors Brewery and enjoy the 300k+ Christmas “Lite” show.
As you can see, some of the best times to visit these cities are during the winter season. Winter time can be invigorating and beautiful, so don’t be scared of a little snow. Throw your snow boots and winter coat on and come have some fun! We hope you can experience some of these ‘cool’ cold weather cities this winter.
Bennett Simon is a Branch Manager for the Nursing division of Aureus Medical Group.