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The Highground will host their annual Winter Veterans Retreat January 31–February 2, 2025, along with a one-day ice fishing event on Saturday, February 1. 

Veterans are encouraged to shake off the winter blues and discover a new appreciation for the colder season in the company of fellow veterans. The cold, shorter days of winter present challenges for many individuals and even more so for veterans managing Post-traumatic stress (PTS). This three-day retreat welcomes both male and female veterans to experience indoor and outdoor therapeutic recreational activities to put the enjoyment back into winter and to better help manage PTS. 

Veterans enjoy a day of ice fishing during the 2024 Winter Veterans Retreat

The scheduled retreat activities include ice fishing, snowshoeing, PTS growth workshops, art instruction, good food and camaraderie. Outdoor activities will be dependent on weather conditions. The retreat will take place at The Highground and surrounding area. 

Lodging arrangements for veterans who are registered for the three-day retreat will be made for them at a local motel as part of their reservation. Retreat registration is required by January 17, 2025. A $50 “save my space” fee is required which will be reimbursed to the veteran when they attend the retreat. 

Veterans who are unable to attend the entire three-day retreat are invited to join the ice fishing event on Saturday, February 1. Registration for the ice fishing day is also required by January 17; however, a “save my space” fee is not required. There is a limit on how many veterans can be accommodated who don’t have their own equipment/supplies, so early registration is encouraged. Veterans who are experienced at ice fishing and/or who have their own equipment are still asked to register to get important information and for the event lunch planning. 

Important note: Veterans will need to have a valid Wisconsin fishing license to participate in the ice fishing activity. 

To register for the three-day retreat or the one-day ice fishing event, email Theresa at museum@thehighground.org or call 715-743-4224 before January 17, 2025. 

The Highground is grateful to the WDVA and Borton Construction for sponsoring the 2025 Winter Veterans Retreat. 

For upcoming events and more, visit The Highground’s website at thehighground.us or follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/TheHighgroundVeteransMemorial.

The Highground is located at W7031 Ridge Rd, Neillsville WI 54456. thehighground.us