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Ultimate Guide to Winter Activities in Northern Lower Peninsula

If you have not been to Northern Michigan in the Winter you are missing out! Northern Michigan offers a diverse range of options for individuals and families seeking winter fun. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking to embrace the winter wonderland, Northern Michigan has something for everyone to enjoy. Here are the top 10 things to do in Michigan’s Northern Lower Peninsula this winter:

Snowmobiling:

Northern Michigan offers extensive snowmobiling trails, rent a snowmobile, and explore the winter wonderland while enjoying the thrill of snowmobiling. There are many places throughout the north to rent snowmobiles at. Traverse City has Snowblitz out of Peegeos right at the trails!

Skiing and Snowboarding:

The Northern Michigan is home to several ski resorts and slopes, providing opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. Crystal Mountain is great for beginners and experts, plus offers other family friendly winter activities. Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls offers skiing, biking, horseback riding and more. Boyne is also home to the world’s longest timber towered suspension bridge, SkyBridge Michigan.

Snowshoeing or Cross Country Skiing:

The area’s picturesque landscapes and trails make it ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Enjoy the tranquility of the snowy woods with a snowshoeing adventure. Many areas offer groomed trails for both beginners and experienced skiers.

Snow Tubing or Ice Skating:

Enjoy the excitement of snow tubing at various winter sports parks in the region. Timberlee Hills in Traverse City has Michigan’s largest no lane snow tubing hill, fun for the whole family! Many towns in Northern Michigan have outdoor ice rinks. Bundle up and enjoy a day of skating with family or friends. In the Winter Sports Park in Petoskey you can Ice Skate for free and if you need skates you can rent them for only $5 a pair. The park includes a warming house with a fireplace, concessions and more!

Ice Fishing:

With its frozen lakes and abundant fish, northern Michigan is a popular destination for ice fishing enthusiasts. Check local regulations and safety guidelines before heading out. Many of the Charter Fishing companies that take folks out on the big lake offer ice fishing trips on Northern Michigan inland lakes. Most provide all equipment necessary for a fun day on the ice. Mega-Bite and Storm Hawk offers guided ice fishing trips in the Grand Traverse region.

Winter Festivals:

Visitors can attend winter festivals featuring activities such as ice carving, snow sculpting, and other winter themed events. Events are held throughout the north all winter. Harbor Springs hosts a 2 day Winterfest every year in February. Also in February, Alpena also hosts the Alpena Ice Festival in conjunction with the DDA hosting Fire & Ice activities throughout downtown.

Dog Sledding:

Experience the thrill of dog sledding through the snowy terrain, offering a unique and memorable winter adventure. Treetops Resort is not just golf and skiing, they also have dog sled adventures provided by Evergreen Kennels. While at the resort make sure to check out all the other winter activities that they offer.

Indoor Waterparks:

For a break from the cold, indoor waterparks such as Avalanche Bay provide family-friendly entertainment and relaxation.

Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides:

Embrace the charm of winter with horse-drawn sleigh rides, offering a nostalgic and scenic experience. Fantail Farms in Benzonia offers horse drawn sleigh and wagon rides. Many local resorts also offer sleigh rides. Treetop Resort offers group and private rides. At Crystal Mountain Resort you can sip your hot chocolate while enjoying a horse drawn surrey ride pulled by a team of Belgian horses. At Thunder Bay Resort they offer horse drawn carriage or sleigh rides for elk viewing. Cook Family Farm in Gaylord offers large and small sleighs. The small is perfect for a romantic ride through the snow.

Winter Wine Tours:

Explore the wineries of northern Michigan, which offer a cozy and delightful way to enjoy the region’s renowned wines amidst the winter landscape. Visit Up North Wineries and search for a winery near you or book with a tour company and let them plan your trip. Traverse Bay Tours is highly rated and offers tours of wineries and breweries in the Grand Traverse and Leelanau regions.

These activities highlight just some of the winter experiences available in northern Michigan, catering to outdoor enthusiasts, families, and those seeking unique winter adventures. Always check the current weather and trail conditions before heading out, and follow any safety guidelines for the specific activity you choose to pursue.

Visit Up North Entertainment to find Snowmobiles rentals, ski hills, trails and more for your winter fun up north! Looking for family friendly adventures? Search Up North Entertainment’s Family Activities.

Marisa Fancy moved to Northern Michigan from SE Michigan in 1995 with her husband, Steve and their four children. Every year when they would vacation in Northern Michigan, they would dream of being able to move “Up North.”

Marisa discovered the amazing trails in Northern Michigan after her first husband died and she was looking for ways to cope with her grief. The trails provided her with the peace, comfort and solitude that helped her survive. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan, Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North.