No Snow Winter Fun

Last winter was almost snowless throughout much of the state. This winter? Who knows but the Michigan DNR wants you to know that there’s still plenty of winter fun to be had even if the temperatures are unseasonably high.

Here are their suggestions:

Stare at the Stars

Stargaze at one of our state’s dark sky preserves. Limited light pollution (artificial light) affords these locations some spectacular night-sky viewing.

Birds in a tree

Go birding. While many of our summer species have headed south for the winter, for a number of species, Michigan is their warm spot. Grab your binoculars and go!

What Tree is That?

Test your winter tree identification skills. Use bark and buds to determine which trees are in your neighborhood or along your favorite local trail. Join A Hartwick Pines park interpreter to learn how to find clues to identify Michigan trees. (Check out our state forests webpage for more tree-friendly activities.)

Go Swimming. Seriously

Take a wintry dip. Try a cold-water plunge in East Grand Traverse Bay – and warm up afterward – with a visit to MI Sauna on the beach at Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park. Reserve your spot in the sauna by booking one of the 80-minute sessions available weekends and certain weekdays.

Go Hiking

Feel the dirt beneath your feet. Hike a tried-and-true trail or wander a new-to-you route. Keep in mind that if you must traverse a muddy section of trail, go through the center rather than travelling around the mud and widening the path. Check out trails and download trail maps) at MichiganTrailMaps.com.

Mountain Bike The Dunes

Get your heart pumping by riding the dunes at Silver Lake State Park. The  fat-tire biking season runs Dec. 15-March 15, 8 a.m. to dusk each day.

Spend A Night in a Yurt

Try winter camping at a state park. There are many opportunities to tuck into  remote campsites and cozy cabins for the evening and experience adventures that can be shared over campfires.