Winter dresses the Valley beautifully, so take in the sights from a cozy vantage point this year. Here are three bed-and-breakfasts—in Osceola, Wis., and Stillwater and Taylors Falls, Minn.—that offer setting, winter activities and full breakfasts.
The Cottage comes with privacy and quiet: On a bluff overlooking the St. Croix River, it’s styled after an 18th century English country house and accommodates just one couple. Rise early for coffee before breakfast, then downhill ski at Wild Mountain or explore Wisconsin Interstate Park or Minnesota Interstate Park, both a 10-minute drive away. $175 a night.
Pleasant Lake Bed and Breakfast sits within 10 miles of the Chateau St. Croix and Dancing Dragonfly wineries, where you can unwind after downhill skiing and snow tubing at Trollhaugen ski resort in Dresser, Wis., or Wild Mountain in Taylors Falls. The B&B hosts six to eight people in its three lake-view guest rooms, each equipped with a queen-size bed and a double-whirlpool tub. $109–$159 a night.
Pine Point Regional Park surrounds Outing Lodge, with wooded trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Equipment rental is available at 45 Degrees in Stillwater, just 7 miles away, with winter activities through January. The lodge has fireplaces in all of its suites, and accommodates 18 people in seven rooms. $149–$275 a night.
