Michigan’s Best Illuminated Winter Trails to Explore This Season
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Michigan winters are undeniably beautiful, but those long stretches of cold and early nightfall can start to take a toll.
The upside? Earlier sunsets make it easier to enjoy some truly magical illuminated experiences.
Across the state, communities brighten the season with everything from walkable holiday displays at zoos and sculpture parks to lantern-lit hikes through peaceful winter woods. These glowing trails offer the perfect excuse to step outside and soak up a little light.
Aurora at Glenlore Trails | Commerce Charter Township (Tickets Required)
November – December
There’s just something about walking along an illuminated winter trail that brings out the magic of the holidays. The annual Aurora at Glenlore Trails ups the ante by making each visitor a part of the holiday magic.
As you journey through the enchanted (and illuminated) forest, you can help the festive winter wizards you meet along the way push back the gloom of winter and keep the holiday spirit (and thousands of lights) shining bright.
Make the journey even more special by purchasing a special magic wand that can reveal hidden magic and surprises along the path.
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo | Royal Oak (Tickets Required)
November – January
One of the brightest traditions in Metro Detroit happens each winter at the Detroit Zoo, where visitors can enjoy a little bit of everything at Wild Lights: a chance to take a festively lit stroll, dazzling and interactive displays, a 4D theater experience, and dining at the Wild Lights Lodge.
Here, you can enjoy more than 500 awe-inspiring light displays, made with millions of brightly colored LED lights. Keep your eyes peeled for special themed zones, pop-up performances and music, warming spots along the trail, and seasonal drinks and treats available for purchase.
ENGLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens | Grand Rapids (Tickets Required)
November – January
Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is already well-known for its award-winning works of art, but its annual ENLIGHTEN event offers a truly unique holiday experience.
Visitors can take their time exploring a mile-long pathway that’s decorated with brightly colored light displays, festive music, fun interactive experiences, and of course, the park’s famous sculptures. Meijer Gardens never misses a chance to astound and amaze and ENLIGHTEN is no exception.
DID YOU KNOW: ENLIGHTEN has even been nominated for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights Display by the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards, shining a spotlight on this beloved and spectacular winter event.
Christmas Walk at Dow Gardens | Midland (Free Admission)
December
Dow Gardens is famous for its unique landscape and educational programs, but this Mid-Michigan mecca comes even more alive during the holiday season with its annual Christmas Walk. Visitors of all ages can take their time strolling through the lit pathway and take part in special events on select dates.
The holiday fun includes a chance to meet Santa’s reindeer, caroling, and Silent Nights, where guests can sip on warm beverages and simply enjoy looking at the lights. Admission is free for each of the special themed evenings.
Lights in the Sky | Boyne Falls (Tickets Required)
November – February
Since it opened in 2022, SkyBridge Michigan has quickly become arguably the must-see attraction in the Great Lakes State. This pedestrian bridge at Boyne Falls resort is the world’s longest timbered-towered suspension bridge and has become an all-seasons hotspot for visitors wanting to walk among the treetops.
That excitement extends into the holiday season during the Lights in the Sky event, where 200,000 lights shine across this record-breaking bridge.
It’s definitely a bucket list item for Michigan winter enthusiasts and there’s something that just feels enchanting about taking a stroll across this one-of-a-kind bridge under festive lights.
The Winter Forest at Cannonsburg | Belmont (Tickets Required)
November – December
The Winter Forest at the Cannonsburg Ski Area is packed full of lights and holiday cheer. Each winter, visitors can take an exciting stroll through the woods to marvel at thousands of bright, twinkling lights, familiar holiday scenes, and beloved holiday characters. It’s not uncommon to see Santa Claus, the Grinch, or even Snoopy along the roughly ½ trail.
Interested visitors purchase tickets and wait for their check-in to enter the holiday forest. Guests of all ages are encouraged to sing, dance (or both) their way along the path and soak in all the feel-good holiday vibes on the lighted path that winds its way through the forest.
Magic at the Mill at Windmill Island | Holland (Tickets Required)
December
Windmill Island Gardens transforms into a twinkling Dutch wonderland during the first three weekends in December. Picture the historic DeZwaan windmill glowing under the night sky, thousands of LED tulips dancing to music, and Sinterklaas himself spreading cheer. With open shops, cozy treats, and plenty of holiday magic, this is the kind of festive night Holland does best – charming and family-friendly.
Winter Walks | Holland (Free Admission)
Select dates in December
With its famous downtown snowmelt system, there are plenty of good reasons to visit Holland during the winter. But a truly special winter experience can be found at the Outdoor Discovery Center, which hosts several Holiday Winter Walks during the month of December.
Winter outdoor enthusiasts can bundle up and step out for an evening and explore the lantern-lit Sensory Trail on a self-guided walk. The ½ mile loop is wheelchair, stroller, and wagon friendly, so guests of all ages are welcome to come and walk the trail.
The winter walks are free and flashlights are welcome on the trails.
Hike the Lights | Muskegon (Free Admission)
October – December
The Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park is famous in West Michigan for being one of the only places in the state where visitors can experience the thrills of a bona fide Olympic sport. But the park also beckons guests to experience the beauty of fall and winter during its Hike the Lights event. This free event invites visitors to meander along lighted hiking trails after dark from dusk until 10 p.m., soaking in the beautiful scenery and the crisp night air.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice trail explorer or an experienced hiker; the park offers a trail for everyone. The trails are well-lit, wide, groomed, and easy for walkers and those in wheelchairs and strollers. Leashed dogs are welcome too. This is a perfect way for families to enjoy a winter nighttime stroll before the colder winter weather arrives.
Twilight Turtle Trek | Mackinac Island (Free Admission)
January – March
There’s no question that Mackinac Island is one of Michigan’s best summer hotspots, but there are plenty of reasons to visit in winter too. One of those reasons is to take part in the Turtle Trek, which Mackinac Island State Park hosts for one night each month from January to March.
While it only takes place three times a year, the Twilight Turtle Trek is worth the journey – and it’s free. This two-mile, lantern-lit trail is traversed by roughly 50 people on each of the three nights. If you go, make sure to have your hiking boots, snowshoes, or cross-country skis ready. Those who go around the entire loop make their way around the east side of the island and end the trek with a bonfire and warm cocoa.
The trail is maintained for both inline skiing and skate skiing, so outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of options for getting from beginning to end. On the off chance that there is no snow on any of the nights, the trails are still lit and invite adventurers to explore.
Candlelight Night Hike | Kalamazoo (Tickets Required)
November
Each November, the Kalamazoo Nature Center hosts a special “nature at night” experience on its Habitat Haven Trail. Visitors of all ages are invited to take their time strolling with family and friends. It’s the perfect excuse to bundle up in your favorite winter clothes, marvel at the moonlight, and enjoy the chill of winter (at least for a little while).
Tickets are available for members and non-members of the center (including children), and they go fast, so a reservation is highly encouraged. For safety, remember to wear sturdy shoes and bring along a walking stick to stay upright on the trail.
Winter Solstice Hike & Bonfire | Shelby Township (Tickets Required)
December
For many Michiganders, the arrival of winter is anything but welcome. But the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center celebrates the longest (and darkest) night of the year in style with an annual Winter Solstice Hike & Bonfire.
NOTE: The event is open to participants aged 12 and older and pre-registration is required.
Outdoor trekkers of all skill levels can start the night with a presentation on the history of the winter solstice, craft a mini yule wreath, and then hit the trail to experience the stillness of the night. The night ends with a bonfire, hot chocolate, and the burning of the yule log to bid the current year goodbye.
Enchanted Trail at The Highlands | Harbor Springs (Tickets Required)
NOTE: Due to damage from the historic ice storm in the spring of 2025, the Enchanted Trail is closed for the 2025-26 winter season, with plans to reopen in the future.
One of the most beautiful illuminated winter trails in Michigan can be found in the northern part of the state along the Enchanted Trail at The Highlands. This wonderful wooded walk has all the ingredients for a memorable winter adventure: thousands and thousands of bright, twinkling lights, captivating, interactive light displays, and much more.
The festivities also include a Woodlands yurt roughly midway through the journey, where winter walkers can stop and warm up with adult beverages and hot drinks. There’s also an outdoor area to relax and warm up by the inviting flame of a bonfire before continuing on the walk. Tickets come with an added bonus: Hot chocolate and s’mores!
Lantern Lit Hikes | Various Locations
For those who love adventure (and are willing to brave the cold), several parks in Michigan offer lantern-lit hikes during the winter months. Many places hang solar lanterns to guide visitors on their way and have fire pits and hot beverages for sale on site.
Most hikes are also free, but travelers must have a Michigan State Park Recreation Passport for vehicle entry.
- Island Lake Recreation Area | Brighton | January-February
- Mitchell State Park | Cadillac | January-February
- Ludington State Park | Ludington | December-March
- Van Riper State Park | Negaunee | January
- Tahquamenon Falls State Park | Paradise | February
- Sleeper State Park | Caseville | January
- Candlelight Hike Mt. McSauba | Charlevoix | December-February
- Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park | January-February
Explore One of Michigan’s Inviting Illuminated Winter Trails
Michigan is home to plenty of illuminated winter trails that add a little brightness to a season that can feel dark or heavy. These glowing paths mix the quiet beauty of nature with just enough festive magic to make the cold feel worthwhile.
They’re the perfect excuse to get some fresh air and enjoy a winter outing that’s actually fun. So, bundle up, grab a flashlight, and bring your sense of wonder – these sparkling trails are ready to explore!
