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During most winters, Michigan is known as a winter wonderland where Michiganders and out-of-town visitors can spend hours outside snowmobiling, sledding, hiking, and soaking up the beauty of nature. With milder and wetter weather predicted for Michigan this winter, outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to cold temperatures and potentially higher-than-normal levels of sleet, snow, and rain, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

But there are plenty of snow-free ways to enjoy the very best of the Great Lakes State during traditionally colder months. Whether you’re not a huge fan of snow or you still want to get outside during a mild, snow-free spell in the winter, there is no shortage of things to do when the flakes aren’t flying.

Winter's Views From The Treat Farms Lookout — Winter’s Views from the Treat Farms Lookout | photo via Kristi Murphy

Take a Hike

Many Michigan hiking trails are still open in the winter months. Or you could visit a local garden or park and enjoy a brisk walk.

Go Fat Tire Biking

Whether there’s snow on the trail or not, fat tire biking is becoming a popular winter activity across the state, and it’s the perfect way to get outside this winter!

Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum-Detroit — Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum | photo via sip_prosecco

Visit a Michigan Museum

No matter where your interests lie — history, science, art, or music — you’ll find museums in Michigan to engage and delight you. From the Upper Peninsula to the Detroit Metro Area, you can spend a day or a week exploring one or more of these amazing Michigan museums.

Curling Game In Action At The Kalamazoo Curling Club — Kalamazoo Curling Club | photo via Leah Tennant

Learn to Curl

Scotland may be home to the international governing body for curling, but in recent years it has captured the attention of scores of Americans.

That admiration includes many Michiganders and curling clubs in Michigan can be found all over the state.

Go Ice Skating

Ice skating is a favorite thing to do during the winter months for Michigan residents of all ages.

Whether you prefer the grooming of an indoor ice rink or the natural aspects of outdoor ice rinks, you are sure to find plenty of Michigan ice skating rinks no matter which part of the state you look at.

Two Glasses Of Wine Clinking Indoors At Petoskey Farms Vineyard &Amp; Winery — Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery | photo via Leah Tennant

Sip From the Vine

Just because winter brings cold weather and snow doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy wine at a Michigan vineyard.

With its location along the 45th parallel, the Greater Traverse City area has dozens of wineries and vineyards.

Air Zoo-Kalamazoo — Air Zoo | photo via mrszablowsellshomes

Take Flight Through History

For indoor amusement and learning opportunities in one place, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Air Zoo.

It’s home to more than 100 air and space artifacts, about a dozen exhibits, aerospace-related shows, and indoor amusement rides.

A Latte At Foster Coffee Company — A latte at Foster Coffee Company photo by Amanda Shaffer

Grab a Cup of Java

There’s nothing like grabbing a hot cup of coffee (or other hot beverage) to start a winter day or warm up after playing in the snow.

Michigan has an abundance of coffee shops, but we’re particular to these Michigan coffee shops.

Northern Lights -Sleeping Bear Dunes — Northern Lights | photo via karfar

Catch the Northern Lights

Did you know that winter is an exciting time for stargazers? Being so far north, Michiganders have the opportunity to see the Northern Lights.

Clear nights during winter offer the best viewing experience, and the farther north you go, the better your experience will be.

Igloo Dining In Front Of Stigg's Brewery In Boyne City, Michigan — Stigg’s Brewery | photo via Leah Tennant

Dine in an Igloo

You don’t have to forgo eating and drinking outdoors with friends just because it’s cold outside. More and more igloos are popping up at restaurants, breweries, and wineries across Michigan.

Add an igloo dining experience to your winter bucket list.

Beginning A Lighthouse, Lake Michigan Road Trip In The Winter — Lake Michigan | photo courtesy of Aaron Cruz

Spend a Day on the Beach

Some sandy shorelines are packed during summer months but deserted during the winter, and we are now entering the peak season of deserted beaches, which means it’s the perfect time to take those thermals and snow boots to the lakeshore.

These are just a small sampling of the many things to do this winter in Michigan that don’t require snow. What are your favorite snow-free winter things to do in Michigan?

No Snow? No Problem. Snow-Free Winter Things to Do in Michigan