Looking for cool things to do during Michigan winter weather? Check out the list below with some of the best recommended things to do and places to visit to make the most of a Michigan winter.
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 to make the most of winter!
You are going to learn about places to visit like Lake Michigan, Traverse City, Frankenmuth, and things to do like skiing and tubing. After learning about these things, you are going to be ready for your next Michigan winter weather travel adventure!
This post is about 15 cool things to do in Michigan winter weather.
Best Places to Visit
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. A must visit city in Michigan winter weather is Frankenmuth. Located in southeast Michigan, it’s a small Bavaria! With restaurants and stores offering Bavarian food, cheese, and wine, it will feel like you’re stepping into a hallmark movie. I highly recommend dining at Zehnder’s or Bavarian Inn for their famous chicken dinner and shopping at the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus.
4. Right next to downtown Frankenmuth is Bronners, the world’s largest year-round Christmas store. One of my favorite things about the winter season is celebrating Christmas. Bronners offers every kind of Christmas decoration you could ever imagine. It’s a great place to visit to get into the holiday spirit.
5. 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.
Best Ski Resorts & Lodges
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
Related Post: 15 Sparkling Locations To See Christmas Lights In West Michigan
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. If staying indoors is more your style, check out Great Wolf Lodge! It is a family fun indoor water park. A lot of my friends and family members bring their kids here in the winter for a fun indoor vacation. They offer indoor pools, water slides, water activities, and other scheduled events for kids.
Best Free Activities
If you’re looking for some good old fashioned Michigan winter weather fun, there are plenty of free things to do too!
12. 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!
13. 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.
14. 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!
15. Take pictures of the fresh snow. 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!
This post is about 15 cool things to do in Michigan winter weather.
Other related posts:
15 Fall Fun Things To Do in Frankenmuth Michigan
The Best 3 Day Upper Peninsula Michigan Travel Guide
19 Cheerful Ways To Celebrate In Grand Rapids
[…] 25 Things to Do and Wear in Michigan Winter Weather […]
[…] 15 Cool Things To Do In Michigan Winter Weather […]