Exclusively PoCo: 5 ways adults can stay active and social this winter
By Ashley Wage
Community journalist
You don’t have to wait for warmer weather to feel energized or connected. These five adult-friendly indoor activities are reminders that winter can still be social, playful and full of movement, if you let it be.
Rock climbing at the UW climbing wall
You don’t have to be a college student to climb here, and during member-only nights, it’s a great way to move, think and reset without braving the winter cold.
Located on the UW-Stevens Point campus, the indoor climbing wall inside the UW-Stevens Point Multi-Activity Center is open to community members with a MAC membership or day pass.
Move your body and your mind. The winter limits our time outdoors and routines can become stiff and slow. The UW climbing wall offers physical activity for your body while also engaging problem-solving, focus and strategy. Community is also a huge part of climbing culture, so be prepared to make some friends.
While the Multi-Activity Center itself is family-friendly, the climbing wall offers member-only climb times that tend to attract an adult crowd. Youth climbers participate during designated programs, making many open climb sessions quieter and more relaxed for adults looking to unwind during the winter months.
The UW climbing wall stands 28 feet tall and has 15 top-rope routes. Equipment, orientation and training classes are offered at no charge when you purchase a membership. Information about memberships and events can be found on the UWSP FitRec website or in person at the front desk.
Stay connected to your community, your body and mind all winter long.
Address: 2050 Fourth Ave., Stevens Point
Website: FitRec – University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
A spa day or staycation at The Wellness Spa Resort and Water Dragon Inn
You don’t have to leave Portage County to feel like you’ve truly gotten away. This local pairing makes it easy to turn a simple spa appointment into a full staycation.
The first half of winter is full of hustle and bustle. Once the new year begins, it’s time to rest and relax, especially when it’s still so darn cold. The Wellness Spa Resort offers everything from brow maintenance and skin treatments to full spa days. On Feb. 13 and 14, owner Deborah Adams will host her 20th annual couples massage class, where participants learn basic massage techniques in a relaxed, hands-on setting. Registration details are available on the spa’s website, along with all other treatments and services.
If you’re looking to make your spa day extra special, the spa’s website also links to Water Dragon Inn, a private, serene stone cottage also owned by the Adams family. The cottage features three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, along with a spacious kitchen and dining area that easily doubles as a workspace. Lovely details can be found throughout the home, from a custom chandelier and tilework to a sunporch overlooking the pond. The primary bedroom includes vaulted ceilings, a gas fireplace, a walk-out deck and a spa-like bathroom, making it an ideal setting for a quiet staycation or special weekend away, whether you’re going solo, bringing a friend or planning something special with a partner.
Slow down, stay local and give yourself permission to rest this winter.
Spa address: 3916 Water St., Stevens Point
Spa website: wellnesssparesort.com
Inn website: waterdragoninn.com
Karaoke at Partner’s Pub
After adulting all week, Thursday night at Partners Pub & Grill gives you permission to start the weekend early, with karaoke.
Established in 1977, this Portage County staple is known for being open 365 days a year, with every day packed with food, drinks and fun. The cozy pub partners with Dunn Entertainment to bring the music and mic to the crowd.
Karaoke kicks off around 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, making it an easy, low-pressure way to shake off the winter blues and lean into the weekend. Thursday karaoke also features generous drink pours and comfort food specials, like $6 liter Long Islands, $4 double Seagram’s 7 mixers and an $8.99 buffalo chicken sandwich with fries.
Whether you’re belting out a classic or singing from your seat, it’s a reminder that winter evenings don’t always have to be boring or quiet.
Address: 2600 Stanley St., Stevens Point
Website: partners-pub.com
Wine bingo at Sunset Point Winery
If bingo night grew up and learned how to pair itself with a good glass of wine, it would probably look a lot like wine bingo at Sunset Point Winery.
This isn’t your typical grandma’s bingo night. Instead of traditional number cards, Sunset Point Winery uses custom bingo cards featuring its own wines. And instead of shouting “bingo,” players yell “wine-o.”
Wine bingo nights are popular, so arriving early is encouraged. The winery typically starts getting set up about 30 minutes beforehand. Cards are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional wine bingo dates and other events can be found on the winery’s website.
Bingo is better with wine — and Sunset Point Winery proves it.
Escape at BreakPoint Escape Rooms
When winter has a way of keeping you isolated, sometimes the best way to escape is together.
BreakPoint Escape Rooms offers an interactive way to spend time with friends that goes far beyond passive entertainment. Instead of watching something unfold, groups work together to solve puzzles, find clues and piece together the way out of one of their themed escape rooms, ranging from mystery and suspense to adventure-style challenges, all before the clock runs out.
It’s a shared experience that rewards communication and problem-solving, making it a great option for adults looking to stay socially connected during the colder months. Leave the kids with a sitter, plan a girls’ or guys’ night, set up a date night or gather coworkers for a challenge that feels engaging and fun.
Whether you escape in time or not, there won’t be a shortage of laughs or memories made.
Address: 5600 Woodland St., Suite 8H, Stevens Point
Website: pointescaperooms.com
Got a tip on what makes Portage County unique? Send it to Wage at [email protected]
