Looking for the best things to do in Michigan in the winter? What should you wear in Michigan winter weather? Here are some of the most recommended things to do and what to pack when visiting a Michigan winter wonderland.
Planning a trip to Michigan in the winter is super exciting! If you’re anything like me, you’re here because you love to research and plan your trip ahead of time. As a Michigander, I am giving you a list of things to do as well as what items you’ll need to pack before visiting Michigan in the winter.
You are going to learn about places to visit like Lake Michigan, Traverse City, Frankenmuth, and ski resorts, as well as what things to pack like clothes, photography accessories, and winter necessities. After learning about these things, you are going to be ready for your next Michigan winter weather travel adventure!
This post is my 25 things to do and wear in Michigan winter weather.
Best Things to do in Michigan Winter Weather
Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. By volume, it is the second largest and by surface area, it is the third largest. Lake Michigan separates Michigan from Wisconsin as well as Illinois and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. For me, it is one of the most breathtaking bodies of water I’ve ever seen. The beaches alongside it are incredible. As a West Michigan native, I’ve visited the lake via Holland State Park, Muskegon State Park, and Saugatuck State Park. Further north, you’ll get great views from Northport, Petoskey, and Charlevoix. All of these places provide spectacular views of the lake in the summertime.
But have you visited Lake Michigan in the winter? It is one of the most unique experiences!
The beautiful frozen whitecaps, ice covered lighthouses, and snow covered beaches create a whole new perspective. Grab your camera, bundle up, and explore what Lake Michigan has to offer in the winter. You’ll be sure to see frozen waves, ice covered lighthouses, and snow covered sand dunes.
Ski Resorts
Michigan covers a variety of ski hills at every level. Check out the list below of some of my favorite resorts.
Located in Grand Rapids, Cannonsburg is a great beginner level park. They offer a few different bunny hills, perfect for learning and practicing. There are also a few more moderate to advanced level hills. Cannonsburg offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
Crystal Mountain is located north, in Thompsonville. This is one of my favorite places to visit in the winter. They are a complete resort, offering stunning accommodations, restaurants, as well as a variety of winter activities. You can try snowshoeing, cross country skiing, ice skating, fat tire biking, as well as downhill skiing and snowboarding. After doing all of the intense winter activities, you can relax in their spa and wellness center.
Boyne Mountain is a stunning resort located in Boyne Falls. They offer everything you would need and want for a winter getaway. Lodging, restaurants, spa, and plenty of snow-filled activities. The neighboring cities of Petoskey and Charlevoix are great places to check out as well. They offer fabulous restaurants and shops year round.
Caberfae Peaks is located in Cadillac. Offering 30 different runs, 5 lifts, and 3 peaks, this park has a wide range of options for people of any skill level.
Traverse City and Northport
Located in northern Michigan, Traverse City is a great place to visit anytime of year. In the summer, it is a popular destination for wine tasting and enjoying the beaches of Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan. In Michigan winter weather, there are plenty of great restaurants, outdoor activities, and indoor activities to explore.
Great Wolf Lodge is a fun family indoor water park. A lot of my friends and family members bring their kids here for a fun indoor vacation. They offer indoor pools, water slides, water activities, and other scheduled events for kids.
Timberlee Hills Tubing is a downhill tubing park! If you aren’t feeling up to skiing or snowboarding, tubing is a fun way to enjoy the winter snow. I have some great memories of coming here as a kid. It’s a great family friendly activity.
Northport is a small town north of Traverse City. The North End Pizzeria has incredible pizza with fun outdoor seating in the winter. Enjoy the Big Hot Woody by a nice warm fire. Not far from town, you’ll find Christmas Cove beach. What’s more festive than that? Offering more sights of Lake Michigan, this beautiful beach front is a great adventure spot in the winter.
Frankenmuth and Bronners
A must visit city in Michigan winter weather is Frankenmuth. Located in southeast Michigan, it’s a small German town with a traditional main street. With restaurants and stores offering Bavarian food, cheese, and wine, it will feel like you’re stepping into a hallmark movie. I love going to Zehnder’s for a chicken dinner, Prost! for charcuterie boards and wine, and checking out the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus.
If you have the Christmas spirit all winter long, Bronners is the perfect place for you. It’s a huge year-round Christmas store! One of my favorite things about the winter season is getting to celebrate Christmas. This store is like walking into a Christmas wonderland. They offer every kind of Christmas decoration you could ever imagine. It’s a great place to visit to get into the holiday spirit.
Michigan Winter Weather Fun for Free
If you’re looking for some good old fashioned Michigan winter weather fun, there are plenty of free things to do too!
Go for a walk or hike at a local park. There are plenty of Michigan parks open year round that offer hiking trails in the winter. It offers a completely different perspective of Michigan’s beautiful wilderness. You may see deer, winter birds, and lots of snow covered trees. If a trail is not nearby, just taking a stroll through snow covered neighborhoods is fun too!
Sledding is always fun and free! Bring your own sleds to any large hill and have hours of fun (and get a workout!) in the snow. Building snowmen and snow angels are must-do activities too.
Winter bonfires cannot be beat. There’s something magical about standing or sitting around a fire in the winter. The glow of the fire is mesmerizing and it keeps you nice and toasty warm. Roast marshmallows and make s’mores for added fun!
Nothing beats fresh snowfall. There is something so special about the first snowfall of each winter season. Take pictures, catch snowflakes, and feel the magic of snow!
Best Things to Pack for Michigan Winter Weather
What to Wear
In my opinion, this is the best winter coat for women. I currently have this Columbia parka and love it! It keeps me very warm, the length is perfect, and it offers a flattering silhouette.
I absolutely love these Columbia winter boots. They keep my feet dry and warm, I love the minimalist look, and they are made of waterproof material.
My favorite winter hack are these rechargeable hand warmers! They easily fit into your coat pocket or the palm of your hand. I love using these in the car while I’m waiting for it to warm up.
Photography Items
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera is a great camera to capture memories instantly. I love taking photos with this camera and giving them as gifts.
A camera tripod is a must have accessory when taking winter wonderland photos. This would be great to use when capturing the majestic frozen waves or a serene snow fall.
For a smartphone, this tripod is great. It’s easy to pack and can be attached to almost anything.
Food Accessories
While exploring all that the Michigan winter weather has to offer, it’s important to pack warm drinks and snacks!
I recommend this Stanley insulated tumbler for warm drinks. Pack your favorite tea, coffee, or hot chocolate to keep you cozy and warm on your winter adventure.
To keep snacks warm (or cold), this insulated lunch bag is perfect. I love that it is large enough to hold many items as well as the perfectly sized handles.
Car Accessories
One of my favorite winter accessories for the car is this windshield cover. It goes over top of the windshield to keep snow from sticking. When you’re ready to drive, simply remove the cover along with all the snow! It’s way faster and more convenient to use than a brush/scraper.
As you’re traveling, be sure to have a blanket, snow brush/scraper, travel shovel, and water stowed in the car for emergencies.
Michigan is an incredible state to visit in the winter. There are so many things to do and see. I highly recommend visiting some of the places mentioned above and immersing yourself in a magical winter wonderland. But be careful, the winter season may become your favorite!
For Grand Rapids Michigan ideas, check out my 33 of the top things to do in Grand Rapids post!
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