Butler Winter Bucket List

While some may see snowflakes as a sign to hibernate, winter is the perfect time to explore and experience all that Butler County has to offer.

With so much to experience and celebrate this season, visitors and lifelong residents alike are invited to build a Bucket List of Butler’s winter activities - wearing a few extra layers, of course.

Credit Butler County Milers

Tag us on social media or use hashtag #ExperienceButlerCounty to document the good times along the way!

Take a Hike

winter walks and 5K races are sure to keep you warm!

When it comes to nature, Butler County is an outdoorsman’s paradise; and a little snow won’t stop any nature enthusiast from enjoying these scenic trails (and it definitely shouldn’t stop you!)

If you love the great outdoors, visiting Moraine State Park for a winter hike is a must. With 38 miles of trails - in addition to 26 available miles for snowmobiling - there are so many ways to explore!

Pictured Moraine State Park
Credit @dane412

If you don’t want to hike solo, bundle up and venture out on the North Country Trail for the annual Cherry Pie Hike on February 21. This moderate hike is seven miles long, starting at Moraine State Park’s Lake Arthur and finishing up at Jennings Environmental Education Center.

Those who aren’t up for the seven-mile challenge can still cross the Cherry Pie Hike off their #ButlerBucketList with one of the 30-minute history hikes or 45-minute nature walks. Get outside, enjoy some pie, and learn about George Washington's ventures in Butler County.

Pictured Cherry Pie Hike

If you’d like to get a jumpstart on your New Years fitness resolutions, sign up for the North Country Trail’s Hike 100 Challenge. This challenge lasts the entire calendar year and encourages movement and exploration. Whether you ski, walk, or hike, complete 100 miles across the trail and earn a badge with bragging rights (your furry hiking partner gets one too)!

What do love and running have in common? They get your heat beating - and fast!

Get your blood pumping in Cupid’s Chase 5K on Valentines Day. This race at Lake Arthur Golf Club invites runners and walkers of all levels to take a shot at the gold, all while raising funds for those affected by disabilities.

If you’re feeling extra lucky, sign up for Get Fit Families’ annual Shamrock Shuffle, benefiting the Zelienople Rotary Club. This Harmony-based race has an option for every runner, from the one-mile run or the traditional 5K to the challenging half marathon. Athletes looking for an extra challenge can participate in the Triple Challenge - running all three races to total 16.1 miles!

Pictured The Harmony Inn

Once you cross the finish line, celebrate your shuffle with a schnitzel from The Harmony Inn or a Short Break beer from Union Brothers Brewing.

See a Show

Movies, musicals, comedy shows, and more! Experience local talent worth a standing ovation.

Summer Dramatics Project

Annual summer theater production includes young people from 10-24 and works with them to promote the performing arts by utilizing their talents in the theater venue. Productions are held at Succop Theater (BC3).

Learn More

Bundle Up

Though the weather outside is frightful, these events are too delightful to miss.

Winterfest at Moraine

On January 31, head over to Moraine State Park for a local free favorite, Moraine Preservation Fund’s Winterfest. Where else can you watch chain saw carving demonstrations, try your hand at disc golf, vote in a soup-tasting contest, ride a horse-drawn wagon, and (depending on the weather) walk on water?

Winterfest is a free event and something you should prioritize on your #ButlerBucketList. If the day is a little extra chilly, not to worry. We know you’ll stay warm with Winterfest’s good company, hot food, live music, and of course, the roaring fire!

Pictured Winterfest At Moraine State Park

And don’t let the fun end there. Visit Moraine throughout the season for scheduled group hikes and other winter activities.

Pleasant Valley and Sunken Garden trails are suited for cross-country skiers of all levels.

Go sledding near the Pleasant View Picnic Area on the South Shore, or bring your snowshoes for a winter walk on designated hiking trails. Conditions permitting, 26 miles of trails in the north and west portions of the park can be snowmobiled!

Credit Kaila Pyles

Sippin' in the Snow

Sippin’ in the Snow is returning to Freedom Farms in February! This adult-only event is perfect for you and your friends to sip on your favorite alcoholic beverages, nibble on bites from fantastic food trucks, and listen to live music - all next to ginormous bonfires.

Included in your $35 ticket is a Freedom Farms beanie, drinking glass, and tons of laughs throughout the night!

Pictured Freedom Farms Sippin' in the Snow

Carved in Ice

Butler Rotary’s “Carved In Ice” Festival is a free community event held in downtown Butler in late February.

#ExperienceButlerCounty up close and personal as local artists create elaborate ice sculptures at Diamond Park. Eat while you watch or savor a beer from one of the County’s best breweries.

Be sure to pop by on Saturday for Family Day featuring carriage rides, animals, interactive sculptures, music, and food! The fun won’t even have time to melt!

Pictured Butler Carved in Ice
Credit Christopher Huff @thehuffstudio

Saxonburg Winter Festival

The charming town of Saxonburg comes together in February each year to bring a Winter Festival worth remembering.

Special beverages with kids and adults, ice sculptures, activities, entertainment and more allow you to experience Hallmark magic and the true beauty of winter!

Credit @laurakosht

All Upcoming Winter Events

Get Cozy

grab a book from an independent bookstore and curl up with a coffee or cocoa!

Find more winter fun!

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