Get Outdoors this Winter at Michigan State Parks
We have over 97 state parks in Michigan where the natural beauty of our woods, lakes and streams are preserved for you to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can enjoy the parks year round, even when the snow is flying. Bundle up, get outside and celebrate winter at these State Park events this season.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great way for almost anyone to enjoy the winter landscape. No special skills are required. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. It’s also great exercise. One hour of moderate snowshoeing burns 750 calories! Several parks are offering special snowshoeing events throughout the winter. Participation is free, but some do require reservations. Many parks also have snowshoes for loan if you don’t have your own. Most offer free rental. Some charge a small $5 fee. Most hikes are guided and even provide a bonfire and refreshments afterward.
Bay City Recreation Area Shoe Year’s Hike, Jan. 9th
Hofmaster State Park Snowshoe Hike, weekly, Jan. 16th – Feb. 27th
Brighton Recreation Area Snowshoe Spectacular, Feb. 27th
Snowshoeing After Dark
Two parks are offering snowshoe hikes after the sun sets. Experience the peace of the winter woods at night!
Straits State Park Stomp the Park, Jan. 9th
Ludington State Park Moonlight Guides Snowshoe Hikes, weekly, Jan. 16 – Feb. 13
Dog Mushing
Fort Custer Recreation Area Intro to Mushing 101 & 102 Jan. 16th and Feb. 20th
Dogs can have fun in the snow too! At these two events the Southwest Michigan Husky Club will provide an introduction to all the outdoor winter activities folks can enjoy with their dogs, including mushing, skijoring, bikejoring, and tandem snowshoeing. The 101 class is free and reservations are not necessary. Students must attend the first class to participate in the second session.
Candlelight Trails
Candles mark the trails at these events adding to the serenity and romance of the woods after dark. Enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at these events. Again a bonfire and refreshments are also offered afterward at many. Some parks may require reservations and have a limited supply of equipment available for those who don’t have their own.
Bay City Recreation Area Candlelight Trail, Jan. 16th
Metemora Hadly Recreation Area Candlelight Trail, Jan. 23 and Feb. 20th
Sleeper State Park Candlelight Cross Country Ski Night, Jan. 23
Port Crescent State Park Candlelight Cross Country Ski Night, Feb. 6th
Cheboygan State Park Lantern Lit Cross Country Ski , Feb. 20
Festivals
Muskegon State Park Party in Your Parka, Jan. 23rd
Celebrate Michigan’s birthday at Muskegon State Park and the Winter Sports Complex where you can enjoy ice skating, luge runs, sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Shop the art fair, listen to live music and watch spectator competitions. A warming tent and fire pits will keep you toasty. Some activities require a fee to participate.
Bay City Recreation Area Winter Festival, Feb. 13th
This event is fun for the whole family. Youth can learn to ice fish at the clinic. Adults can participate in the ice fishing derby. Lessons on ice safety, winter wildlife tracking and owl calling are just a few of the other activities. Show off your winter skills at the snowman contest, snowball tournament and sled race. Hot cocoa will keep you warm.
Straits State Park Winter Family Fun Day, Feb. 6, March 5th
Come out for a day of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, frisbee golf and volleyball. Warm up around the fire pits.
Rifle River Recreation Area Winterfest, Feb. 20
Cook hotdogs over the fire and sip coffee and hot chocolate. Hayrides, sledding, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowshoeing will keep everyone entertained.
Ice Fishing
Seven Lakes State Park Ice Fishing Derby, Feb. 13th
Give ice fishing a try at this free derby. It’s held on Free Fishing Day so no license is required. A limited amount of equipment is available for use for those who don’t have their own. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the day. Refreshments are available.
A Recreation Passport or fee is required to enter most state parks. For more information about these events visit the Michigan DNR’s Out and About Calendar.
