We’ll give you the inside scoop on where to go and what to do when the snow flies.

Winter is one of Michigan’s longest “seasons,” but that doesn’t mean you need to stay bundled up inside the whole time. The cold and the snow give the landscape a brand new appearance, quite the contrast from the brightness of the fall.

When it comes to experiencing and enjoying a Michigan winter, almost everyone will say, go up north. We’ll focus on northwest Michigan winter activities, where there’s the highest concentration of ski resorts and towns.

Go snowshoeing.  

Pack your own snowshoes, or rent from the place you’re staying or a local outfitter – then hit the trails! The Sand Lakes Quiet Area in Williamsburg, just east of Traverse City, offers eight miles of choice trails, with a few minor terrain changes. Though it seems like it should be a very busy spot, it’s actually never too crowded; however, it’s crowded enough since many of the loops are often pressed down from earlier travelers. It’s a peaceful place to go if you want to feel “up north.”

Want more of a challenge? Sign up to go on a guided snowshoe hike with a ranger at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on the Leelanau Peninsula. Hikes are offered every Saturday beginning in January and covers 1.5 miles. Plenty of people visit in the summer, but you’ll get a special glimpse of this gorgeous landscape by going when the snow falls. A true winter wonderland.

Go wine tasting.

Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau Peninsula have their fair share of wineries, so take a drive – or if with a larger group, hire a bus shuttle – and enjoy the scenery between tastings without having to worry about having a de. Winter marks the low season for wineries and their tasting rooms. Since many wineries don’t have wide distribution, this is a good chance to sample what they have to offer and what releases they have coming in the spring. Many tasting rooms don’t have a fee, and those that do don’t ask for much.

Go to a festival.

Outdoor festivals in the winter have a character all their own, and northwest Michigan has several you can choose to attend to liven up your winter – or you can make the rounds! Warm up with a brew or two, listen to live music, participate in events such as ice fishing and sled races, work in some kids’ activities, and simply enjoy being outside. Events include:

Where to Stay

Many private campgrounds, RV parks, and RV resorts are closed for the winter, as well as state and national parks. But there are some that are open year-round, including several MARVAC members. Open campgrounds offer reduced rates, plus it will be much less busy than the summer months. In Northwest Michigan, these campgrounds are:

Here’s the complete list of private campgrounds across the state from our directory: