Every season is ripe with opportunities to partake in favorite pastimes and activities – and to try new ones. If you live in Michigan or have visited the state during the winter, you know already that this time of year offers a lot of beauty and a lot to do.
People from around the country flock to Michigan, a true destination state, to see its beauty and history for themselves. Like Michiganders traveling south to take a jump in the salty ocean, coastal dwellers visit to jump into the largest freshwater lakes in the world. Let’s experience life and explore the Mitten State in new ways over the next few months, and throughout this year.
What can you do this winter to get outside, and get out of your comfort zone? What plans can you make for the upcoming season that will stretch your limits or get you to try something different, maybe something you have always wanted to try?
Strap on some skis.
Feel the wind in your face and get a rush as you speed down one of Michigan’s slopes. Even if you’ve never tried downhill skiing before, you can take a lesson or simply work your way down and up the bunny hill until you have a better feel. The best ski resorts include Boyne Mountain/Boyne Highlands, Nub’s Nob, Shanty Creek, Caberfae Peaks, Crystal Mountain (Northwest Michigan); Ski Brule, Mount Bohemia, Pine Mountain, Big Powderhorn, Marquette Mountain, Big Snow Resort (Upper Peninsula); and Mount Holly (Southeast Michigan).
If downhill skiing is not your pace, then try cross-country skiing. Michigan has a plethora of state parks whose walking trails in summer transform into the perfect trail for a gentle ski through the woods. Check with your local state parks. There are also specific cross-country ski trails, such as the trails at The Homestead in Glen Arbor (11 miles), the Porcupine Mountains Ski Area near Ontonagon (90 miles and runs past frozen waterfalls, and Fort Custer Recreation Area near Kalamazoo (45 miles). There are many, many more to choose from across the state, so research for one nearest your location or find one that fits your bucket list and make the effort to get there this year.
Float down a river.
Unlike ponds and small lakes, rivers have the benefit of remaining relatively lively during the winter, as the moving water doesn’t allow for much freezing. Bundle up, grab a friend, and go winter kayaking or river rafting for a truly unique experience that few are adventurous to try. The serenity of the flowing river combined with the landscape being quiet and sleeping underneath the snow offers outdoor enthusiasts an escape, as well as some light exercise. Many call it “magical.” The best part, you don’t get wet and no experience is necessary.
Rivers you should look into for winter kayaking include the Sturgeon River, the Jordon River, the Platte River, the Manistique River, and Grand River. You can drop in your own kayak or rent one from a livery. Of course, rafts are available to rent from liveries along these rivers as well. Reservations are required.
Snowshoe through frozen forests.
Some people find cross-country skiing a little awkward, but anyone can snowshoe. For many, snowshoeing is what they look forward to the most when winter comes around. The wideness of the snowshoe help to prevent you from sinking in too deep, so you can go pretty much anywhere without worrying about the depth of the snow. Revisit a favorite hiking trail or travel to some of the state’s old growth forests to literally “walk among giants.”
Several towns in Michigan have gotten creative during the pandemic and have created more chances for people to do things outside. Boyne Highlands, for example, created for winter 2021 a one-mile (one-way) Enchanted Trail that you can trek with boots or snowshoes. There’s a yurt along the route with hot drinks and snacks. The trail is open 5:30-8:30 p.m. on specific dates. Some state parks – such as Waterloo Recreation Area (Southeast Michigan), Seven Lakes State Park (Southeast Michigan), and Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Upper Peninsula) – host lantern-lit hikes in January and February. You can bring your own snowshoes, but parks often have pairs available first come, first-served. Check the Michigan DNR website for detailed information.
Try your luck ice-fishing.
Love fresh fish? You don’t need to wait until summer to heat up a pan. Ice-fishing is a pastime Michiganders have been doing for generations. We have more sophisticated tools and gear now (for a full list, read this article). The most common species of fish are pike, perch, walleye, trout, musky, bluegill, and crappie. Your catch will depend on where you drop your line. The Michigan DNR has a weekly fishing report.
Go stargazing.
Summer is usually the time folks think about stargazing. It’s warm, it’s comfortable, you’re up late anyway. But the stars and planets sprinkle the sky a lot sooner during the winter months, meaning you can stargaze earlier in the night and, if you so choose, longer into the night. Although Michigan sees a lot of grey days, the nights often transition to clear nights that warrant a viewing of the stars. Being outside is rejuvenating for your body’s health, and the winter sky holds different constellations than in the summer, making the experience seem brand new.