10 Reasons to Plan a Winter Getaway to Michigan

The first snow fell last week in Northern Michigan, which means the winter season is already on its way. But don’t let a little cold weather and ice keep you from visiting Michigan this winter. There are so many adventures to be had here, and the winter season can be just as beautiful and amazing as the summer season.

1. See Hell frozen over – That’s right! Hell freezes over every year in Michigan. The town of Hell that is. Located a few miles northwest of Ann Arbor, it’s a favorite of meteorologists all over the country who love to show viewers photographs of Hell buried in snow in the dead of winter. The next time someone tells you something won’t happen until, “hell freezes over,” you can tell them it already has, many times.
2. See Lake Michigan frozen over – Lake Michigan is beautiful in the summer, but it’s an incredible sight in winter too. When the water freezes, it creates an otherworldly landscape that might make you think you landed on some distant planet. It creates all sorts of strange natural phenomenon like ice balls, ice tsunamis, and blue ice. Some of the most spectacular sites along the frozen lake shore are lighthouses encased in ice. An icy Lake Michigan provides lots of photo opps for camera buffs.
3. Awesome ski resorts – Ski season in Northern Michigan generally begins around the end of November and continues into the first weeks of April, weather permitting.  Three top resorts, Boyne Mountain, Nub’s Nob and Shanty Creek have all won numerous national and international awards, putting them in the league of world-class ski resorts. You don’t have to travel to the mountains to find great skiing. Just come to The Mitten!
4. Ice caves – This frozen lake phenomenon deserves its own individual mention. Wind shapes the icy water into caves along the lakeshore that can tower 20 and 30 feet, or even higher, in the air. They even have stalagmites and stalactites, just like underground caves. Viewing the caves can be dangerous and requires caution. You have to hike out across the ice. Slipping and falling is one hazard. You also have to be careful of cracks and thin spots in the ice where you could fall through. But people who have dared to take the walk say the view is worth the risk.
5. Snowmobiling – Michigan is a snowmobiler’s paradise. The state features 6,500 miles of groomed trails, one of the longest interconnected snowmobile trail systems in the United States. The trails take you over frozen lakes and through snow-frosted forests. Rental equipment is widely available and trails even feature dining and overnight lodging along the way.
6. Dog sledding – Alaska isn’t the only place you can go dog sledding. If you love snow and dogs, this adventure was made for you! Several Michigan kennels offer dog sled tours. You’ll learn the ropes of caring for and maintaining a dog team, and even how to drive your own sled. What a unique way to see Michigan’s winter beauty!
7. Sleigh rides – There aren’t a lot places you can take a sleigh ride in the winter anymore, but if it’s on your bucket list, you’ll be able to do it in Northern Michigan. Several ski resorts offer them. What’s more romantic than snuggling up on a sleigh ride for two through a winter wonderland?
8. Cozy cabins – Speaking of romance, many of those lakeside cabins and cottages that beach goers flock to in the summer are also available in the winter. Book one with a fireplace, bring a good book and a warm blanket and relax in the warmth while big snowflakes fall gently outside the window. Booking sites like Homeaway are good places to find cabin and cottage lodging.
9. Towns without crowds – Many of the shops and restaurants that line the streets of beach towns like Petoskey and Harbor Springs are open for business in the winter. If you want to enjoy delicious dining and unique shopping in a quiet, relaxing atmosphere come to Northern Michigan in the winter.
10. Try the luge – Are you a fan of the Winter Olympics? Have you always dreamed of flying down a luge track with the cold wind in your face? Michigan is home to one of only four luge tracks in the United States. You’ll find it at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex. Designed with general public use in mind, the luge is safe even for most first-timers.