Winter is a magical time of year in Michigan. Every year the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, full of new hidden gems and places to explore. Embrace the cold and celebrate all that this beautiful state has to offer with some of my favorite bucket list activities for this time of year.
Visit Eben Ice Caves in Eben Junction, Upper Peninsula
The Eben Ice Caves have become a staple in winter adventures. Once a hidden gem of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the now popular location offers visitors a full experience. Grab a hot chocolate at the trailhead, put on your ice cleats, and take a magical 0.75 mile hike through the woods to the sixty-foot tall icicles.
New in 2023 is a voluntary registration. Help keep yourself safe by leaving documentation that you were there. It is also a great way for people to know how much foot traffic is visiting the Eben Ice Caves to improve and preserve the experience.
Experience Winter Camping
Wake up in the cold, brisk air and get warm by the fire during a winter camping trip. Winter camping is an incredible experience…if you prepare correctly for it.
If you’re not up to dispersed camping in a National or State Forest, there are plenty of State Parks and State Forest Campgrounds that are open during this time of year. Backpacking is also an option for those who want to immerse themselves in the full winter experience.
Always remember though winter requires additional work to prepare for. Plan well, research your gear thoroughly, pack extra, and make sure you understand how to keep yourself warm and safe.
Not a fan a tent camping in the winter? Stay cozy warm in one of Michigan’s State Park cabins or Yurt rentals.
Learn more about winter camping at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Take a Winter Rafting Trip
Paddle along on one of Michigan’s beautiful waterways…in the winter. There are a handful of companies throughout the state that offer the opportunity to go on a winter rafting tour. Bundle up and experience Michigan’s rivers in a way you never have before.
- Big Bear Adventures, Indian River, MI
- Jordan Valley Outfitters, East Jordan, MI
- Pine River Paddlesports Center, Wellston, MI
- Sturgeon River Paddlesports, Wolverine, MI
Go Snowmobiling or Watch the Races
Michigan is home to over 6,500 miles of snowmobiling trails. Get lost in the woods (not literally) and go on a snowmobile adventure. The Upper Peninsula has been rated as one of the best places in America to go snowmobiling and when you see the rugged beauty, you’ll understand why.
Snowmobile rentals can be found throughout the state.
Not a fan of riding? How about watching snowmobile races? At the end of January, the International 500 Snowmobile race is held in Sault Ste Marie. This multi-day event brings in people from all over the world to race snowmobiles on a specialized track.
Exploring the Trails with Skis, Snowshoes, or Ice Skates
My favorite winter activity is snowshoeing. Not only does it provide a good workout, but the beauty of the woods in the winter can rarely be matched.
Not a fan of snowshoeing? Groomed cross-country trails can be found throughout the state with rental options available.
A newly discovered activity (for me) is ice skating trails. At Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, visitors can go skating…in the woods. This is not a skating rink but an actual trail in the woods. This 0.25 mile ice skating trail has definitely made my bucket list for this winter.
Attend Michigan Ice Fest
Head north to Munising in February to experience the unique Michigan Ice Fest. Professional and recreational climbers come from all over the country to climb the massive ice towers that form along the Lake Superior Shoreline.
Whether you’re a climber or a spectator, visiting these massive ice towers and watching professionals climb them is a fun experience.
Learn more at Michigan Ice Fest
Discover Transformed Frozen Waterfalls
Michigan waterfalls are always worth the visit, no matter the season. But winter is when they truly transform. Discovering beautiful towers of hollow ice or soft, rushing water beneath a blanket of snow is one of my favorite activities. Bonus if I get to snowshoe there!
Watch a Dog Sled Race or Go Dog Sledding
Become a spectator in February of one of the 3 unique dog sled races. All three begin and end in Marquette, Michigan.
- The UP200 (230 miles)
- Midnight Race (90 miles)
- Jack Pine 30 (26 miles)
Learn more about the UP200 Sled Dog Races.
Visit a Frozen Beach
The beach isn’t just for sunbathers and swimmers during the summer months. Winter transforms these familiar places into beautiful landscapes of snow and ice.
While enjoying Michigan’s winter water land, stop by a lighthouse or two and see how the wind has sculpted the thick ice that coats them.
What’s On Your Bucket List?
Michigan’s winter provides unique opportunities to see things from a different perspective. New adventures. It is my favorite time of year to get outside and explore.
So, what’s on your bucket list?