Spring 2025 Adventure Guide: Best Outdoor Activities to Kick Off the Season

Spring in Wisconsin is waking up. Are you?
The snow is melting. The rivers are roaring. The woods are coming alive with the scent of pine and possibility. It’s the season of renewal—and at Wildman Adventure Resort, it’s the absolute best time to shake off the winter fog and launch into a season of adventure.
Ready to kickstart your spring with a thrill?
Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a bachelor party, a corporate retreat, or a weekend with friends, Spring 2025 is packed with adrenaline-pumping experiences that are only available for a limited time. Want to conquer Class IV rapids before the summer crowds hit? Now’s your shot.
Here’s your guide to the ultimate spring adventure in Wisconsin.
Table of Contents
- Why Spring is the Ultimate Season for Adventure in Wisconsin
- Whitewater Rafting: Spring’s Wildest Ride
- Ziplining Above the Awakening Forest
- Paintball: Spring Strategy in the Northwoods
- Family Adventures to Kick Off the Season
- Stay Where You Play: Spring Lodging Highlights
- Bonus Spring Adventures to Try
- Seasonal Tips: What to Pack, Expect & Know
- Limited-Time Spring Packages & Bonuses
- Your Spring Starts Now: Final Thoughts & Booking Tips
1. Why Spring is the Ultimate Season for Adventure in Wisconsin
Spring in Northeastern Wisconsin brings rushing rivers, fewer crowds, and a raw, invigorating connection to nature. While summer has its own warmth and buzz, spring offers something refreshingly different—crisp air, peaceful trails, and that electric feeling of the world waking up.
It’s the season of bold beginnings: cool mist in the air, the snap of new leaves underfoot, and that extra charge of adrenaline you only get when you’ve been waiting all winter to feel alive again.
- Higher water levels = wilder rapids
- Better availability for group bookings
- Cool spring temps keep you energized during high-adrenaline adventures
- Wildlife spotting is phenomenal this time of year
- Peaceful natural surroundings before peak travel begins
From the first paddle stroke to the last zipline landing, everything feels more memorable in spring.
2. Whitewater Rafting: Spring’s Wildest Ride
The Peshtigo River is legendary in spring. With snowmelt feeding its Class III-IV rapids, it becomes the longest continuous stretch of whitewater in the Midwest. That means non-stop action and the kind of ride that makes memories (and legends).
Why Spring Rafting Rocks:
- The Water’s Wilder
Thanks to snowmelt and spring rains, the Peshtigo River surges to life with Class III-IV rapids that deliver an unmatched thrill. The flow is faster, the waves are bigger, and the adrenaline is real. Spring offers the kind of wild ride that even seasoned paddlers look forward to all year. - No Crowds, Just Rapids
Spring is still a hidden gem for adventurers—which means you’re not fighting for space on the river. With Wildman’s private access points, it often feels like you have the rapids all to yourself. No waiting. No noise. Just you, your crew, and the roar of the river. -
Spring Scenery at Its Peak
While the water rages, the forest wakes up. Trees bud bright green. Sunlight bounces off wet granite. Eagles circle overhead. It’s not just a thrill—it’s a front-row seat to the Northwoods coming back to life.
First-timer? No problem. Our expert guides provide everything you need to gear up and dive in confidently.
“This is probably the best value for money I’ve spent on a thrilling, professionally-led and genuinely fun experience. My husband and I went on the rafting experience as well as the zip-lining a few days afterward. The guides were knowledgeable, safety-focused, and made sure we had the time of our lives. 100% worth every penny!” — Tigerlily1221 (Tripadvisor)
3. Ziplining Above the Awakening Forest
Imagine stepping off a platform and flying through the treetops while the forest below bursts into green. That’s ziplining in spring at Wildman.
With 1,900 feet of zips along forest canopies near the river, you’ll glide through towering pines and fresh spring air as nature wakes up around you.
Perfect for:
- Bachelor/bachelorette parties
- Mixed-skill groups
- Anyone looking to add a thrill without getting soaked
“We have kids ages 12, 15, and 17, and all 5 of us had a fantastic time over three days. We did rock climbing, rafting the Peshtigo, and zip-lining. Every staff member was funny, kind, thorough, and encouraging. Highly recommend as a way to connect with your kiddos.” — Sara C. (Tripadvisor)
4. Paintball: Spring Strategy in the Northwoods
The ground is soft. The air is brisk. The woods are freshly alive. It’s the perfect battlefield.
Surrounded by towering trees and natural cover, Wildman’s paintball course offers heart-pounding action that’s all about strategy, teamwork, and pure outdoor fun. Whether you’re diving behind bunkers or outflanking your friends, every round feels like its own adventure.d
Tip: Morning rafting + afternoon paintball = the ultimate Wildman weekend combo. You’ll get your heart racing, your aim dialed in—and yes, you might get a little muddy. Good thing the river’s the perfect place to rinse off and cool down.
5. Family Adventures to Kick Off the Season
Got teens with energy to burn? Spring at Wildman is the perfect time to reconnect, get outside, and start the season off with something unforgettable.
Recommended combos for families:
Add a stay in a Glamping Cabin or Deluxe Cabin for a comfortable basecamp.
“Our teens didn’t touch their phones all weekend. That says it all.” — Megan S.
“Awesome first-time rafting experience! The entire process of online reservation, email reminders, staff call to make sure I had the correct address, check-in, and conclusion with viewing the day’s pictures was smooth and efficient! The staff was friendly, and our guide Charlie was patient and informative.” — Derick M. (Tripadvisor)
6. Stay Where You Play: Spring Lodging Highlights
Spring means peace, privacy, and prime riverside real estate. Our cabins and campsites are surrounded by awakening nature—think misty mornings, the sound of rushing water, and nights by the fire under a sky full of stars.
Top Spring Lodging Picks:
- The Yurt: Unique, cozy, and close to the action
- Chalet: For families or larger groups
- Riverside Camping: Wake up to the sound of rapids just feet away
Book early—our most popular lodging fills fast in April and May. Call us at 715-757-2938
7. Bonus Spring Adventures to Try
Looking for even more to round out your weekend?
- Alpine Tower High Ropes Course: A thrilling vertical challenge for all skill levels
- Lake Kayak Tours: Peaceful paddling with incredible chances to spot bald eagles, otters, and more
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Try your balance and soak in the serenity of the Northwoods
These adventures are great for:
- Families looking for moderate thrills
- Nature lovers and photographers
- Anyone wanting to add a calm moment to a high-energy weekend
8. Seasonal Tips: What to Pack, Expect & Know
What to pack:
- Quick-dry layers or wool
- Waterproof footwear
- Hat, gloves (mornings can be chilly)
- Towel + change of clothes
- Swimsuit (yes, you’ll want one)
Spring Considerations:
- Water levels can fluctuate—which means even MORE excitement. The size of the raft can change with the water levels, from an individual raft up to an 8 person raft.
- Trails may be muddy: bring hiking shoes
- Days are cool, but the adrenaline keeps you warm
- Reservations are essential—book early for best availability
9. Limited-Time Spring Packages & Bonuses
🔥 Instant Replay Package: The Ultimate River Day
- Make the most of your spring adventure with back-to-back runs down the wild Peshtigo River. With snowmelt-fed rapids at their peak, now’s the time to double down on the Midwest’s best whitewater. You’ll charge through the Roaring Rapids not once—but twice. And after you conquer the river? A hot lunch will be waiting for you back at the outpost so you can refuel, warm up, and relive every splash.
Pro Tip: Check out our lodging options and activity pages to plan the perfect combo.
10. Your Spring Starts Now: Final Thoughts & Booking Tips
If winter was hibernation, spring is your time to ROAR back to life. Wildman Adventure Resort offers a one-stop shot of adrenaline, connection, and natural beauty that sets the tone for the rest of your year.
Don’t wait for summer crowds. Be the one who started spring with a story.
✅ Book early for best lodging
✅ Check our packages page for seasonal promos
What are you waiting for? Let spring begin—Wildman style.