My 7 Favorite Michigan Winter Adventures You Need to Try This Year
Would you like to save this full guide?
We'll email this article to you, so you can come back to it later!
Winter in Michigan is magical. The snow-covered landscapes transform familiar destinations into peaceful escapes, offering an entirely new perspective. From outdoor sports to unique dining experiences, there are countless ways to embrace the season.
Here are my 7 favorite Michigan winter adventures, with ideas to inspire your own cold-weather explorations.
1. Snow Tubing: Thrills and Chills
Snow tubing is an exhilarating way to enjoy Michigan’s snowy slopes. One of my favorite spots is Hawk Island, part of Ingham County Parks in Lansing. With well-groomed hills and a convenient tow “magic carpet,” it’s perfect for families or anyone looking to relive childhood fun.
We have made tubing at Hawk Island an annual family tradition for the last four years. Grabbing cocoa and popcorn at the small concession and enjoying them at the fire pit near the bottom of the sledding hill is a highlight of our winters.
If you’re looking for more snow tubing options, check out Sault Seal Recreation Area or Cannonsburg in Belmont—both offering dedicated tubing runs.
2. Frozen Waterfalls: A Winter Wonderland
Around the beginning of February, I often get the itch for a big adventure. This is when I start sifting through my list of accessible winter waterfalls I want to visit.
One of my favorite winter memories was getting to Tahquamenon Fall State Park just at sunrise, watching the different sunrise hues, and experiencing the falls in a completely different way than I had ever before.
Many waterfalls in Michigan are easily accessible, making them ideal for a winter adventure. Bond Falls, Munising Falls, and Ocqueoc Falls are all great options for a quick visit, even with snow on the ground.
Remember to bundle up and bring a thermos of hot cocoa to enjoy while seeing these frozen wonders.
3. Winter Water Rafting: An Unforgettable Adventure
For a unique winter experience, try water rafting with Jordan Valley Outfitters in East Jordan. Starting my winter with an adventure rafting down the Jordan River surrounded by snow-covered trees truly set the tone for an adventurous year.
A close friend and I decided to try this adventure, just the two of us without kids in tow, but we concluded that they could have easily made the trip. It was nice to get away and experience something so peaceful with a friend, and the rafting trip included stopping for hot cocoa and homemade cookies.
The outfitters provide everything you need to stay safe, making this a must-try activity for anyone seeking a winter thrill.
4. Snowshoeing: Exploring Michigan’s Trails
Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Michigan’s winter landscapes. Many local nature centers offer snowshoe rentals, allowing visitors to explore their scenic trails.
Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids and Chippewa Nature Center in Midland are great options for rentals when snow conditions are right.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time snowshoer, there is something so incredibly peaceful about being out on the trails during the winter. What worked best for my family was renting our snowshoes at our nearby nature center and testing them out on their trails.
After I discovered that my children did well on the trails with the snowshoes, we found child-size snowshoes on clearance at the end of the winter season and have enjoyed them the last two winters. We love having an easy way to enjoy a fresh snowfall together as a family.
5. Igloo Dining: A Cozy Winter Dining Experience
Dining al fresco in winter? In Michigan, it’s not only possible but delightful. At Hop Lot Brewing Company in Suttons Bay, the Igloo Village creates a cozy and festive atmosphere for dining with friends and family.
One winter, we found Hop Lot by happy accident after exploring Fishtown in Leland. Wanting a good meal after rockhounding at Vans Beach, we were happy to see fire pits and igloos to warm up in.
For another unique experience, visit Horrocks Farm Market in Lansing, where you can enjoy meals inside a heated greenhouse surrounded by greenery, even in the dead of winter. These experiences offer a refreshing way to embrace winter while staying warm and enjoying great food.
6. Eben Ice Caves: A Unique Winter Hike
For an unforgettable winter hike, visit the Eben Ice Caves in the Upper Peninsula. These natural ice formations within the Rock River Canyon Wilderness are breathtaking.
I had personally had the Eben Ice Caves on my Michigan exploration list for a long time. One week a couple of winters ago, the conditions were just right, and I decided to go for it.
The hike to the formations was incredibly peaceful, and the owners of the land near the cave had recently made a new parking lot, and during my visit, there was a port-a-potty available.
These were huge upgrades to the roadside parking that I had read about previously and made the adventure so much easier for my first trip exploring the caves. While there is no cost to visit the caves, they were taking donations for the parking.
Pro tip: Wear trax or spikes on your shoes for better grip on the icy trails. The hike to the caves is about a mile through scenic snowy woods, making it an adventure worth the trek.
7. Winter Festivals: Fun for Everyone
Winter festivals bring a sense of celebration to the colder months.
The Alpena Ice Fest is a favorite, featuring incredible ice carvings and fun activities for all ages. I personally enjoyed the festival, which included food, horse-drawn wagon rides, activity stations, and so much more. Seeing everyone outdoors and enjoying the festival, you would have never guessed the frigid temps.
Another option is the Zehnder’s Snowfest in Frankenmuth, where snow sculpting and ice carving competitions draw visitors from across the state. These events showcase the creativity and charm that make Michigan winters unforgettable.
Bonus: Blue Ice at the Mackinac Straits
For a truly awe-inspiring sight, head to the Mackinac Straits to witness the phenomenon of blue ice. This rare occurrence happens when pressure causes lake ice to compress, creating stunning blue hues. It’s a natural wonder that captures the beauty and power of Michigan’s Great Lakes in winter.
While the timing can be unpredictable, catching a glimpse of blue ice is well worth the effort. I have caught the blue ice only once in my lifetime, and it was worth every minute of the drive with my then four and one-year-old. A local gift shop in Mackinaw City was open, and we commemorated the trip with a souvenir and a bag of popcorn.
While my children won’t remember the trip, I won’t forget their faces when we approached the straits, and I will have pictures to pass down to them for when they hopefully experience this phenomenon when they are older.
Explore Michigan’s Winter Magic
Michigan offers endless opportunities to make the most of winter, whether you’re chasing thrills, seeking tranquility, or discovering unique experiences. With so many options, there’s no need to let the cold keep you indoors.
Bundle up, head out, and embrace the season—you might just find a new favorite way to enjoy winter in your own backyard. When I changed my mindset around this long Michigan season, the adventures that we found ourselves on became some of my favorites.
Getting out and exploring more of Michigan in the colder months offers such a unique perspective and has made some amazing memories.