As fall turns to winter here in Michigan, the snow and ice will soon follow.
That opens up a whole world of winter sports all across the state. What are some of your best bets? Let’s take a closer look.
These are a dozen great things to do in The Great Lakes State this winter.
The Blue Ice at Grand Haven State Park is a natural wonder unlike any other.
On the shores of Lake Michigan, giant ice formations take on a striking blue tone.
This occurs when ice forms without air bubbles allowing light to pass through. Go and see them for yourself, they are quite a sight.
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Cross Country Skiing is an excellent form of exercise and makes for fun adventures. Our state has over 3,000 miles of trails to trek.
If hiking is your thing, you may just like snowshoeing. There’s no better time to start.
From Lake Orion north to Marquette, Petoskey, Traverse City and deep into The U.P., Michigan has endless possibilities for us to explore.
Fat Tire Biking
Fat Tire bikes have extra thick wheels, from 3.7 to 5.2 inches wide. Most are made with added traction to help maneuver through heavy snow.
Marquette is a mecca for Fat Tire bike lovers. Set out into snowy territory with a trusty two-wheeler.
As the waterfalls up north freeze over, they turn into walls of ice. The Frozen Waterfalls mean time to climb.
For those brave souls, you can try Ice Climbing. Michigan Ice Fest in Munising offers free ice climbing clinics for beginners
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the U.P. is open to climbers, that is one pretty special thing about our state.
Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock of Marquette is a much-loved Michigan tradition.
This spectacular show is a highlight of the holiday season. From The Lower Harbor Ore Dock, a historic landmark on Lake Superior,
the sky is painted bright with luminous laser lights. The dazzling display can be seen Thursday through Saturday in December from 6 to 8 p.m.
Curling is a cool game whatever your skill level. Check out the Kalamazoo Curling Club for a unique experience on ice.
Learn how to play then maybe join a league. It’s a great way to get into the game.
Monroe Street Midway in Detroit is next on the list. The Midway has a myriad of options.
Among them: Basketball, miniature golf, and roller skating. Also there’s arcade games, bumper cars and a huge arctic slide.
And Puck-Putt, a Motor City specialty that combines elements of mini-golf and hockey. Admission is free of charge.
Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park has a luge track specially designed by former U.S. Olympian Frank Masley.
With only four luge tracks in the United States, they are especially hard to find.
In their own words, “Learn to luge like an Olympian." The Park even offers lessons at night.
If you want some serious thrills, check out Snowmobile Racing. Each year Sault Ste. Marie welcomes the world’s biggest racing event,
The International 500 Snowmobile Race. The race runs from Sunday, January 28 to Saturday, February 3
Riders reach upwards of 100 miles per hour on the snow-covered course. No matter the air temperature, that should get your blood flowing.
Tip Up Town USA on Houghton Lake has bragging rights as Michigan’s largest and longest-running winter festival
Tip Up Town USA takes place Saturday, January 20 and Sunday, January 21.
The festivities include an Ice Fishing competition plus a Polar Plunge. The festival is open to all ages.
Tip Up Town features activities for the kids, such as: carnival rides, pony rides and a petting zoo.
Twilight Hikes have been gaining interest in recent years. Come search for owls and other wildlife at night by lantern light.
Numerous state parks have nocturnal hikes slated for the winter season.
Be prepared with proper gear for the cold weather. Here is where a state recreation passport comes in handy.
Whether you want a piece of the action or prefer to stay on the sidelines, there’s surely something here you will enjoy.
Get the most out of Michigan this season. Our state has so much to offer.