As a true four-season state, Michigan offers a new host of exciting events, hobbies, and activities for residents and visitors every few months. Winter is no exception — when the state becomes covered in snow and the icy lakes glisten in the sun, Michiganders are ready to embrace the winter lifestyle.
Whether you’re an adrenaline-seeking Michigan resident, a comfort-loving transplant, or someone in between, we’ve compiled a list of the most fun and exciting ways to embrace Michigan winters.
Outdoor Winter Activities
Skiing and Snowshoeing
Image courtesy of MEDC and Pure Michigan.
When it comes to skiing, Michigan has a surprising secret — the second-highest number of ski areas in the U.S. Between the Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula, more than 40 ski areas dot the state with kid-friendly slopes and lessons available. Fresh powder isn’t hard to come by either. Michigan’s location bordered by four of the five Great Lakes means it gets plenty of lake effect snow, which is produced as cold winds blow clouds over warm waters. The northwest area of the Lower Peninsula has one of the best snowbelts in the state thanks to lake effect snow from Lake Michigan.
Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing are other ways to explore Michigan's snowy landscapes. Michigan has 3,000 miles of trails for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing across the state. Try Vasa Pathway near Traverse City, a groomed trail system that hosts an annual ski race every February, or the seven interconnected loops on Loud Creek Cross Country Ski and Hiking Trail.
Snowmobiling
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For those who prefer engine power to leg power, snowmobiling offers an exhilarating ride that combines speed with scenic views. Michigan has 6,500 miles of snowmobile tracks and one of the most extensive and interconnected snowmobile trails in the nation. While permits and registration are typically required, you can try it out yourself during the free snowmobiling weekend each January.
There is snowmobiling for spectators, too. Sault Ste. Marie in the Upper Peninsula hosts the world’s largest snowmobiling race, the International 500. The race, where competitors drive their snowmobiles 500 laps around a one-mile ice track at up to 100 miles per hour, draws up to 10,000 people annually.
Watch Dog Mushing
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Dog mushing is a popular spectator sport, especially in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Each year, Marquette hosts the UP200, an Iditarod qualifier dog sled race that spans 238 miles — from Marquette to Grand Marais and back. Held in February, thousands of spectators gather to watch the flagship race, as well as the Midnight Run and Jackpine 30 races which travel shorter distances and use smaller sleds. Locals and visitors fill Marquette to watch the mushers and enjoy activities throughout the week.
Climb Frozen Waterfalls
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For those who are ready to brave the cold and want a thrill, ice climbing frozen waterfalls is a sport that’s gaining momentum, especially in Munising. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore’s miles of sandstone cliffs offer climbers hundreds of frozen waterfalls to climb. The lakeshore is home to some of the best ice climbing spots in the country. For experts and beginners alike, Michigan Ice Fest brings climbers together every winter for classes, presentations, and of course, climbing.
Must-See Winter Experiences
Attend Celebrations and Community Events
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Michiganders celebrate the winter season with festivals and events that take advantage of the cold, and often snowy, conditions.
For example, each February Michigan Technological University's Winter Carnival in Houghton is one of the largest annual winter celebrations in the nation. For more than 90 years, this festival has drawn winter lovers to marvel at large intricate snow statues and sculptures across the campus and the community, as well as watch or participate in broomball, comedy skits, sleigh rides, and more.
Grand Haven’s WinterFest is a similar event held every January with events and activities spanning four days. The family-friendly festival has a cardboard sled race, family dog pull, snow angel contest, and more.
Grand Rapids hosts its World of Winter festival to celebrate winter through art installations. The free festival runs from January to March every year, with 100 outdoor art installations, events, and activities across the city’s downtown.
Detroit offers an urban twist to the holiday season with a family-friendly ice skating rink at Campus Martius Park. Skaters can glide along the ice with the Detroit skyline and Christmas tree in the background, or watch performances by Olympic and U.S. champion athletes like Mirai Nagasu, Ashley Wagner, Jeremy Abbott, and Karen Chen.
Stroll Snow-Free Streets
Michigan winters can be snowy, but residents of Holland get to enjoy snow-free streets thanks to an impressive snowmelt system. The system has been in place for more than two decades and covers 690,000 square feet, offering heated sidewalks and streets, including the market area at the Civic Center. It’s the largest publicly owned snowmelt system in North America and allows shoppers and visitors to enjoy safe, slip-free strolling in downtown Holland.
Indoor Pastimes
Splash at Indoor Water Parks
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For those who prefer an indoor adventure, visit one of the state’s nine indoor water parks. Perfect for a family-friendly weekend trip or school break, each park has water slides, a lazy river, hot tubs, and more. Try Zehnder’s Splash Village in Frankenmuth for 30,000 square feet of water-based fun or Avalanche Bay at Boyne Mountain, Michigan’s largest indoor water park with an 88,000-square-foot water playground.
Dine in an Igloo
Meet up with friends or enjoy a romantic dinner in the cozy confines of a private igloo. Designed to look like a chalet and allow guests to enjoy the winter atmosphere while staying warm, igloo dining has become a popular activity in-state and nationwide. Cities and towns across Michigan offer an array of igloo dining options — some have special, festive menus, are decorated for winter, and heated.
For Michiganders, winter is a time to connect, explore, and celebrate the season. Winters in Michigan offer a mix of adventure, community events, and options for everyone, making the season special for residents and visitors alike.
