14 Ways to Unwrap Winter
There are many ways to experience the thrill and magic of winter in Michigan. From sliding down a luge track to scaling a frozen water fall and from braving the elements for the perfect winter camping adventure to ziplining over snowy slopes —Michigan is a true winter wonderland.
Velocity
Feel an Olympics-style thrill on a sled ride down the luge track at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park in North Muskegon. It’s one of only four tracks in the United States.
Tranquility
Let your brain turn to mush while driving a team of canines through the snow at Nature’s Kennel Dog Sled Adventures in McMillan. Or just ride along as an expert guide steers.
Gratification
Now this is the life—cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, with gourmet food and beverage stations along the trail. Take the 6-kilometer Skiable Feast at your own pace.
Altitude
Scale a stunning frozen waterfall on the cliffs of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along Lake Superior. Find ice-climbing rental gear at Down Wind Sports in Munising. Guides are available through its sister company, Michigan Ice Fest Guides.
Coziness
Wood-burning stoves and bunk beds make winter camping more comfy. Spend the night in a rental yurt at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park near Ontonagon.
Adrenaline
Zipline even when it’s near zero out. Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls sets you flying over snowy slopes from 50 feet in the air at 20 to 25 mph.
Teamwork
Paddle past trees blanketed in fresh snow as you raft the Sturgeon River, the fastest in the Lower Peninsula. Sturgeon River Paddlesports in Wolverine and Big Bear Adventures in Indian River do guided trips.
Serenity
Dinner and a show at Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman means a five-course gourmet meal after an elk-viewing excursion in a horse-drawn sleigh or carriage.
Patience
Settle into a portable ice-fishing shelter while angling to reel in a trophy fish from Little Bay de Noc near Gladstone. This Lake Michigan spot ranks as one of America’s top 10 walleye fisheries.
Panorama
Snowmobilers get revved up about Gaylord’s central location to 500-plus miles of groomed trails. Northern Sports Sales and Service has sleds and gear, plus intel on the best places to ride.
Spectacle
Bundle up for a walk around Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. The annual Metro Health Christmas and Holiday Traditions exhibition (November 24 to January 3) really lights up the place.
Wanderlust
A 30-acre forest preserve creates a gallery for nearly 50 contemporary sculptures at Michigan Legacy Art Park on the grounds of Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville.
Creativity
Artworks made from scrap iron fill Lakenenland Sculpture Park in Marquette. Stroll or drive through free year-round. Snowmobilers can enter from Trail #417.
Magic
Dow Gardens in Midland doesn’t hibernate in winter. Plants exude a subtle beauty, holiday lights line paths and Whiting Forest features the nation’s longest canopy walk.