Enjoy Winter Up North Around Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan's four seasons offer wonderful recreational activities for everyone. We hardy souls who brave the cold weather months are rewarded with fresh outdoor fun that reddens our cheeks and clears our minds.
Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
If you like the vigorous exercise of cross country skiing and snowshoeing, Michigan and Wisconsin destinations have the perfect setting. Head out to groomed trails at state parks or public lands--good exercise, fresh air, and gorgeous Lake Michigan scenery-what a way to enjoy winter...and burn tons of calories as well!
Sledding
Whatever your mode of travel--sled, toboggan, tube or saucer--find the closest hill and re-live those childhood memories. It's one of the more inexpensive ways to play in the snow, and requires absolutely no skill! A great activity for kids...and the kid in all of us.

Ice Skating
Ice skaters need look no further than the closest pond to do a little wintertime gliding. There's plenty of water around northern Michigan and Wisconsin, and with the popularity of hockey, there's also an abundance of indoor skating rinks. So lace up those skates and show off some of those Olympic moves!
Ice Fishing
A drive along frozen Michigan and Wisconsin lakes finds ice shanties dotting the surface of the inland waters. Only diehard fishermen venture out in these conditions, but the abundance of bluegill, yellow perch, walleye, and northern pike make it all worthwhile. Local tournaments also make it worthwhile, with big cash prizes waiting to be won.
Downhill Skiing
Downhill skiing is abundant in Northern Michigan and Wisconsin, with many ski resorts offering groomed downhill trails for snowboarding and skiing. Even if it's not your sport, you can enjoy the other amenities offered by these resorts, such as spa treatments, indoor pools and hot tubs, or just sitting by a warm fire.
Snowmobiling
If the exhilaration of snowmobiling is more your style, head out on the trails just waiting for you to swoosh through the tall pines. If you don't have your own machine, rentals are available from local businesses. Many trails pass through small communities, where you can stop and grab a bite to eat.
Winter in Northern Michigan: Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne City, Mackinac Island, and more...
- Boyne City's Irish Heritage Festival March 2012
- Boyne City's Winterfest Renamed Slushfest
- Ski, Board and Snow Conditions Up North
- Ice Sculptures & Caves On the Beach
- Winter's Ice Brings Out Skates & Sail Boats
- Craft Beers, Music, Brats---Brew-Ski Festival
- Charlevoix Celebrates with Winterfest
- In a One Horse Open Sleigh
- Winter Fun Up North! Skiing, Snowboarding, Sledding, Ice Skating, Snowmobiling, Sleigh Rides and More
- Sledding and Ice Skating in Northern Michigan for Family Fun
January • February • March • April • May • June
July • August • September • October • November • December
Enjoy Snow in West Michigan: Ludington, Manistee, Pentwater, Silver Lake, and more...
- Ludington Lake Jump
- Online Photo Contest
- Scottville's Blizzard Blast!
- Hamlin Hookers Ice Fishing Tournament on Hamlin Lake
- Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing on the Pentwater Pathway
- New Children's Wing Open at Mason County District Library
- Michigan's Free Fishing Weekend Coming this June
- Winter Snowshoe Making Classes at the Ludington State Park
- Snowmobile on the Hart-Montague Bike Trail
- Michigan Ice Open
January • February • March • April • May • June
July • August • September • October • November • December

