Butler Winter Bucket List

Whether you are a lifelong resident of Butler County or a soon-to-be tourist, these are the winter events and activities you do not want to miss.

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

Pictured Winterfest at Moraine State Park

Take a Hike

When it comes to nature, Butler County is an outdoorsman’s paradise. A little snow won’t stop any nature enthusiast from enjoying these scenic trails

If you love the great outdoors, it’s almost a necessity that you find yourself at Moraine State Park for a winter hike. With 28 miles of trails, there are so many sights to see!

Pictured Moraine State Park

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

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

Pictured Cherry Pie Hike

If you’re looking to push yourself beyond the winter months, 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)!

Bundle Up

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

Moraine Preservation Fund’s Winterfest is a local fan-favorite event with activities and experiences galore. Where else can you warm your hands up over roaring fires, see fascinating demonstrations, shop from local vendors, and (weather-dependent) walk on water?

Winterfest is a free event and something you should prioritize on your #ButlerBucketList. The weather may be cold but your heart will be warm with good company, hot food, games, music, guided hikes, and so much more!

Pictured Winterfest At Moraine State Park

A brand new event is happening at Freedom Farms! Sippin’ in the Snow is an adult-only event. Tickets are $35 and include an evening full of alcoholic beverages, food trucks, music, and ginormous bonfires.

Included in your ticket is a Freedom Farms beanie, a drinking glass, and a memorable night! If you have never been to a Freedom Farm event, you need to cross this off your bucket list.

Pictured Freedom Farms Sippin' in the Snow

The last can’t miss event is Butler Rotary’s “Carved In Ice” Festival. This free two-day event is held in downtown Butler on Friday and Saturday in February.

Watch artists create elaborate ice sculptures in Diamond Park while you enjoy warm food and great beer from local eateries on Friday evening. Warm up with a stay at one of our favorite lodges just steps from Butler’s Main Street and let the fun continue into the night.

Saturday is Family Fun Day featuring carriage rides, animals, interactive sculptures, music, food and even more excitement. Be on the lookout for the Butler County Tourism Jeep!

Pictured Butler Carved in Ice

A good way to stay warm in the colder months is by getting your blood pumping. Get Fit Families' annual Shamrock Shuffle is a 5K event in Harmony benefiting the Zelienople Rotary Club.

Dress up in green and get ready to walk, run, or jog past the finish line and into the Harmony Inn or Union Brothers to reward a hard day's work.

Pictured Get Fit Families' annual Shamrock Shuffle

Get Cozy

There’s no better way to warm up on a cold day than getting a hot drink from a local coffee shop.

The last item on your #ButlerBucketList is something you can do on your own time.

Exploring the Butler County Coffee Connection lets you find your new favorite cafe and support local businesses around the county. To start your caffeinated adventure, pick up a passport at our office in Zelienople or at any of the 16 participating shops.

Present your passport at each stop on the self-guided tour, when your passport is filled, come to the office and pick up your coffee-themed prize! Share your progress and new favorite shop along the way on Instagram @butlercountypa or #ButlerBucketList.

Whether you finish your bucket list or just make a dent, it’s always fun to #ExploreButlerCounty!

Pictured Vintage Coffeehouse