Things To Do In Michigan During Winter

Things To Do In Michigan During Winter

Michigan is truly a winter wonderland! Although January has been on the gloomy side and cold it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the outdoors as long as you are dressed for it!!

The Mitten State (which is what we call our state!) has so many fun places to visit to make our winter a little more tolerable. The winter sports the state offers are endless. Ice climbing in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a new and upcoming sport. Lake Michigan is truly beautiful in the winter…consider taking a stroll on the beach! We are a state covered in miles and miles of trails for cross country skiing and snow shoeing. We have award winning ski resorts and plenty of lakes to ice fish. Take a trip to the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park if you would like to ice luge.

Northern Michigan used to be a hidden gem but now many people from other states have discovered its beauty and visit or even purchase vacation homes there! The Leelanau Peninsula is Michigan wine country. Stop by and do some wine tasting for a fun afternoon activity.

Here are some of our suggestions for a fun filled January!!!

Snow Skiing

Crystal Mountain

The skiing is definitely fun but in addition to skiing they offer dog sledding, snow shoeing through a 30 acre art sculpture park called Michigan Legacy Art Park, ice skating, cross country skiing, archery, and most importantly…A SPA!!!!!!!!

Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands

Boyne Mountain has cross country skiing, horseback riding, ice skating, tubing for the kiddos, and swimming!!! They offer inside and outside heated pools. Boyne Highlands is in the middle of a huge transformation..updating guest rooms, and adding a world class spa and pool! They are renovating in stages so they are still open while the transformation is underway!

Nubs Nob

Great place to ski. and many of the locals frequent this resort.

Cross Country Skiing

Independence Oaks

The trails at this park are extremely well groomed. The elevations are varied and make for a very interesting ski experience as some of the hills are steep! The scenery is beautiful in the winter and should be on your list to visit.

Huron Meadows Metropark

There are more than 15 miles of groomed trails at this park and one of the few that offer skate style cross country. The trail is even it up a night!

Addison Oaks

Beautiful grounds and miles upon miles of beautiful trails are what await you at Addison Oaks.

Stony Creek Metropark

You can walk, snow shoe or cross country ski here! They have 13 miles of marked and groomed trails covering level to hilly terrain. No snow shoeing on the cross country ski trails.

Maybury State Park

This park offers a multitude of outdoor activities including cross country skiing.

Snow Shoeing

Hartwick State Park

Old Mission State Park

Saugatuck State Park

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

HIghland Parks State Park

The beauty of snow shoeing is you can practically do it in any park! Snow shoeing is fabulous exercise!

Related: Our Top Ten Winter Coats

Sledding

Lincoln Hills Golf Course

Beverly Park

Stony Creek Metropark

Huron Hills Golf Course

Kensington Metropark

Winter Ice Festivals

Zehnders Snowfest

Unfortunately the Zehnder Snowfest has already occurred

Plymouth Ice Festival

Unfortunately the Plymouth Ice Festival has already occurred

Lake Orion and Oxford Ice Festival

February 11, 2024

Grand Rapids Winter Festival

January 12 to March 10, 2024

Grand Haven Winterfest

Unfortunately the Grand Have Winterfest has already occurred

For those of you who would prefer to stay warm and relax there is no end to fun activities for you too!!!!

Staycation

Detroit Shinola Hotel

A beautiful luxury hotel in downtown report that is better than fabulous. Make sure you make a reservation for dinner at San Morello…the food is wonderful. Stop by The Brakeman in Parkers Alley for some yummy craft beer and play a game of Ping Pong or Shuffleboard.

Detroit Foundation Hotel

This hotel used to be the former Fire Department headquarters. It is truly a Detroit gem. Have dinner at The Apparatus Room. The design is industrial chic with a fireplace to keep you warm on these cold winter nights!!!!

The Detroit Club

The renovation of this historic landmark in Detroit is nothing short of fabulous. The Detroit Club has 21 elegant rooms and a spa too! Dining at Bohemia is a culinary experience you don’t want to miss.

The Rink At Campus Martius

The Rink is a premier family friendly outdoor skating rink in the heart of the city. This is a beautiful skating rink with wonderful restaurants surrounding it. The Parc, The Roasting Plant Coffee, Central Kitchen and Bar, the Shake Shack and the Dimestore is a great place for brunch!

Fun Establishments For Dining, Craft Cocktails and Just Plain Fun Near the Shinola Hotel

Take a stroll down Parkers Alley and you will find The Brakeman, Penny Reds, and Queens Bar Detroit for food, drink and fun. Vincente’s Cuban Cuisine is just a short walk from the hotel along with Lumen Restaurant. Stop by Moosejaw for great outdoor merchandise.

Places To Visit That Are Close to the Detroit Foundation Hotel and The Detroit Club

A short ride will take you to Batch Brewing Company, Ottava Via and Mercury Burger and Bar. If you take another ride up Woodward to Midtown you can shop at Shinola, Citybird Gift Shop and Nest Housewares. Restaurants to try Selden Standard, She Wolf and La Feria.

Honorable Mention...Cadieux Cafe for Feather Bowling! Soooo much fun! Fowling Warehouse in Hamtramck for a football bowling pin game with your buddies.

Fun Activities In The Suburbs of Detroit

Top Golf

1.) Top Golf in Auburn Hills, Michigan

Palazzo Di Bocce

2.) Bocce Ball at the Palazzo Di Bocce in Lake Orion, Michigan

Escape Room

3.) Escape Room in Royal Oak

Day Spas

4.) Great Day Spas to indulge yourself like Margots, Rivage and Krystina’s

Cooking Classes

5.) Cooking Classes at Mirepoix/Holiday Market in Royal Oak and Sur La Table at the Somerset Collection in Troy.

There is no end to the fun activities our wonderful city provides! Let us know if you have found some hidden gems!

Have a great day!!

Bev and Val xoxo