20 Bucket List Things to Do in Winter in Michigan
Who says winter has to be all about hibernation? In Michigan, the colder months bring a flurry of things to do!
There’s no shortage of ways to embrace the chilly season. Here are the most bucket list-worthy activities that will make your Michigan winter one for the books.
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1. Snowshoe the Sleeping Bear Dunes to Lake Michigan
The towering dunes transform into a pristine snowy landscape in winter, making the challenging 4-mile trek to Lake Michigan’s shore much more manageable than trudging through loose sand in summer.
The stark white dunes against the deep blue waters create a mesmerizing contrast, and you’ll likely have the trails mostly to yourself.
The packed snow provides better traction than summer sand, though the elevation changes will still give you a solid workout!
Insider Tip: Pack microspikes for your snowshoes – they provide crucial grip on the steeper sections where the snow gets packed down and icy. The best views are found by following the markers to the Lake Michigan overlook platform.
2. Luge at Muskegon Winter Sports Complex
Channel your inner Olympian and head to Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park for a ride down one of only four luge tracks in the USA. You’ll zoom along the 850-foot track at speeds up to 30mph!
Beyond luging, the complex features a quarter-mile ice skating trail winding through snow-covered woods, plus snowshoe trails and cross-country skiing.
Insider Tip: Book the twilight luge sessions – the track is beautifully lit up and temperatures are typically more stable in the evening, leading to better ice conditions.
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3. Chase the Blue Ice at Mackinac Straits
Head to the Mackinac Straits in mid-to-late February for a chance to spot the stunning blue ice phenomenon. Wind and currents break thick ice into dazzling blue shards that pile up along the shoreline.
The best spots to catch this icy magic show are near the Mackinac Bridge and along the coast.
Insider Tip: The blue ice tends to be most vibrant on sunny days between 11am-2pm.
4. Snowmobile the Upper Peninsula Trails
With over 3,000 miles of groomed trails, the Upper Peninsula offers some of North America’s best snowmobiling. You can ride for days exploring frozen waterfalls, historic lighthouses, and remote wilderness areas.
The stretch between Munising and Grand Marais offers the perfect mix of lakeside views and forest trails, with plenty of cozy pit stops for warming up with local pasties.
5. Cross-Country Ski at Boyne Mountain
With 35 kilometers of varied trails ranging from gentle meadow loops to challenging woodland paths, Boyne Mountain provides the perfect introduction to Nordic skiing.
The groomed trails wind through snow-laden evergreens and offer stunning valley views.
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6. Ice Climb at Peabody Ice Climbing
For thrill-seekers looking to level up their winter game, head to Peabody Ice Climbing in Fenton. The facility creates artificial ice walls reaching up to 45 feet high, making it accessible even for beginners.
Professional instructors guide you through the basics of ice tool usage and climbing techniques.
Insider Tip: The evening sessions often have smaller groups and more one-on-one instruction time. Layer up like an onion – you’ll be working up a sweat in no time!
7. Fat Tire Biking at Marquette’s Snow Bike Route
Marquette’s dedicated snow bike route system offers an exhilarating way to explore snow-covered trails. The groomed paths wind through pristine forest and provide stunning views of Lake Superior.
Insider Tip: Hit up the South Trails for beginner-friendly routes with killer views.
8. Ice Fish on Fletcher Pond
Near Alpena, Fletcher Pond offers prime ice fishing opportunities for catching pink and bass.
The vast frozen expanse provides plenty of space to set up your ice fishing spot, and the fishing community here is incredibly welcoming.
Insider Tip: Local bait shops can point you to the most productive spots based on recent catches.
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9. Attend World of Winter Festival in Grand Rapids
As America’s largest winter festival, Grand Rapids’ World of Winter transforms downtown into an interactive art gallery with ice sculptures, light installations, and various winter activities.
With over 100 free events spread across two months, you’ll never run out of cool things to do. Literally.
Insider Tip: Snag the best selfies during “blue hour” just after sunset. The light installations cast magical reflections on the ice sculptures.
10. Visit Tahquamenon Falls in Winter
The majestic Tahquamenon Falls transforms into a spectacular frozen cascade during winter. The Upper Falls become a stunning ice sculpture, with root beer-colored water peeking through crystalline formations.
11. Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride in Frankenmuth
Michigan’s Little Bavaria becomes even more magical in winter with horse-drawn carriage rides through the twinkling downtown area.
The 30-minute rides offer a romantic way to see the city’s German-inspired architecture dusted with snow.
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12. Campus Martius Ice Skating in Detroit
Carve across the ice while surrounded by Detroit’s illuminated skyline at Campus Martius Park.
This award-winning holiday hotspot is the perfect place to show off your triple axel (or graceful stumbling).
Insider Tip: Snag your spot on Frozen Skate days for a chance to skate alongside Elsa and Olaf.
13. Dog Sledding at Nature’s Kennel
Experience the thrill of mushing through snow-covered trails in the Upper Peninsula with a team of energetic Alaskan huskies.
With Nature’s Kennel in McMillan, you’ll zoom through snowy trails with your very own team of furry athletes. Choose from half-day jaunts or go all out with an overnight expedition.
14. Explore Ice Caves at Eben Junction
Slip on your warmest boots and trek to the Eben Ice Caves in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. These natural ice sculptures are Mother Nature’s winter art gallery, with towering formations reaching up to 50 feet high.
The moderate 2.2-mile hike in makes this adventure accessible while still feeling off the beaten path. The caves aren’t actually caves, but massive curtains of ice formed by trickling water.
On sunny days, they glow an otherworldly blue that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into Elsa’s Ice Palace!
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15. Winter Rafting on the Jordan River
Ditch the skis and grab a paddle for some winter rafting on the Jordan River. This chilly thrill near East Jordan is perfect for anyone seeking a unique twist on cold-weather fun.
Jordan Valley Outfitters offers winter rafting trips suitable for almost everyone. Kids as young as 4 can join in, making it a cool family outing.
Insider Tip: Book a mid-afternoon trip when temperatures are typically warmest, and bring waterproof gloves rather than typical winter ones.
16. Attend Pure Ludington Brrrewfest
Sample Michigan’s finest craft beverages at this unique winter festival in Ludington. The Pure Ludington BRRRewfest features local breweries, wineries, and cideries offering tastings in an outdoor winter setting.
And don’t worry, it’s not just about the drinks – there’s live music to keep your toes tapping and food vendors to satisfy those mid-sip munchies.
17. Dow Gardens’ Winter Canopy Walk
Experience Michigan’s longest canopy walk at Dow Gardens in Midland. This 1,400-foot elevated walkway lets you play treetop tourist up to 40 feet above the snowy ground.
Insider Tip: Time your visit with snowfall for an extra sprinkle of magic – you’ll be eye-to-eye with snow-dusted branches.
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18. Nordic Fire Festival in Charlotte
Get ready to unleash your inner Viking at the Michigan Nordic Fire Festival in Charlotte. This epic winter bash takes you back to the days of Norse legends and Scandinavian lore.
Watch skilled warriors clash in medieval combat demos – way cooler than your average Renaissance fair.
19. Frederik Meijer Gardens’ Winter Exhibitions
Experience the new immersive light show at Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids. The show transforms the amphitheater into a magical winter display inspired by nature.
Shows run last about 90 minutes. Combine your visit with the beer garden experience for a perfect winter warm-up break.
20. Winter Wine Trail Tour
Michigan’s wineries don’t hibernate in winter! The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail offers special winter events where you can sample wines while enjoying cozy tasting rooms with snow-covered vineyard views.
Why settle for one winery when you can hit several? But don’t let icy roads spoil your fun. Book a designated driver service to turn your trip into a carefree weekend getaway.