When winter arrives in the Great Lake State, it can be very easy to sleep the cloudy months away. But Michigan becomes a whimsical marshmallow world that we can embrace and explore! Some spots get ever cooler (get it?) in the chilly winter months. You can go sledding, ride a barge, or take a scenic hike when you lace up your snow boots, grab your winter hiking essentials, and get out this winter on these exciting one-day trips in Michigan!

1. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
1. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Township of McMillan, McMillan Township, MI 49868, USA
Jonathan VerStrate /500Px Plus 500px collection via Getty Images
The impressive Tahquamenon Falls' upper and lower waterfalls are commonly visited in the warmer months. But the state park is open year-round and offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking trails, and camping. The upper falls rarely freeze over and offer a unique view of the popular waterfall without all the crowds. The lower falls are mostly frozen over by January and will leave a small trickle that leads to a river.

2. Muskegon State Park - Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park

Michigan Winter Day Trips
462 N Scenic Dr, Muskegon, MI 49445, USA
Parker Smith/Google
Winter is perhaps the best time to visit Muskegon State Park in West Michigan. Did you know the park is home to one of just four luge tracks in the United States? Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park has an 850-foot slide of natural ice that visitors can luge down. You can book a 2.5-hour session where you are trained and fitted to a proper sled before you take the ride of your life.

3. Dow Gardens

1809 Eastman Ave, Midland, MI 48640, USA
Dow Gardens/Facebook
The highlight of Midland, Michigan is Dow Gardens which is a lovely botanical garden and event space. You can book tickets to take a self-guided tour of the 110 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. The canopy walk gives you a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the winter wonderland below.

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4. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park - Empire Bluff Trail

Maple City, MI 49664, USA
Matt Olson/AllTrails
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park is a must-see bucket list destination in Michigan. Empire Bluff Trail offers the best views of the park, and the trail can be quite busy in the warmer months. The 1.5-mile hike is moderate and can be a bit more challenging in the winter, but when you reach the outlook and see Lake Michigan in all its winter splendor, it will be worth it.

5. Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island, MI 49757, USA
Layne Kennedy/Corbis Documentary Collection via Getty Images
The crown jewel of Michigan is Mackinac Island, where visitors come from all over the country to experience the unique car-free destination. When you visit in the height of the summer, the island is filled with tourists, which is why we are partial to spending a winter day (or weekend) here. You’ll most likely run into only island locals, and it will feel like you have the entire place to yourself. The state park trails are open year-round for you to hike and explore.

6. Kitch-iti-kipi

Sawmill Road, Sawmill Rd, Thompson Township, MI 49854, USA
csterken/iStock / Getty Images Plus collection via Getty Images
Kitchi-iti-kipi is a freshwater spring in the Upper Peninsula in Manistique, Michigan. The viewing platform is actually a barge that takes you across the enchanting turquoise waters, even in the winter! The natural area is so pristine and you glide along on the clear, deep water to witness the awe-inspiring stream.

7. Pond Hill Farm

South Lakeshore Drive, S Lakeshore Dr, Sand Beach Township, MI 48441, USA
Pond Hill Farms/Facebook
Located on the north shore of Grand Traverse Bay in Harbor Springs, Michigan, Pond Hill Farms is the perfect family-friendly winter getaway. Pond Hill is a working farm with a groomed sledding hill that is so steep helmets are recommended. Pond Hill also has a restaurant that offers delicious farm-to-table meal events that you can book in advance.

No more searching “winter day trips near me” for you! Don’t waste away winter in front of your TV, get out and appreciate Michigan’s snow! Before you do, check out The Ultimate Survival Guide For Winter In Michigan so you’re prepared for a chilly day trip.

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More to Explore

Winter Fun In Michigan

Sara Dager | December 01, 2023

What are some fun museums in Michigan that I can visit? 

A great way to escape the cold and dreary weather is to take a visit to one of the many fun museums in Michigan. Not only can you warm up, but there is so much to learn and see:

  • The Flint Institute of Art in Flint is the second-largest museum in the state and houses a large collection of inspiring works.
  • The Castle Museum of Saginaw County History is housed in a castle that is over 100 years old, making the location as compelling as the collection.
  • The A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum in Houghton is home to over 25,000 fascinating specimens of minerals from all over the world.

Which winter hikes in Michigan should I go on? 

If you're already prickling at the thought of winter hikes in Michigan, we're here to tell you that this is the perfect time for a hike! You just need to add a few layers and bring along a cold drink to make a cold-weather trek absolutely ideal, and you'll have the added benefit of having these trails almost entirely to yourself!

  • Pine Baron Pathway in Gaylord
  • Drummond Island Heritage Trail on Drummond Island
  • Kensington Metropark in Milford
  • Stony Creek Metropark Trail in Shelby Charter Township
  • Muncie Lakes Pathway in Traverse City


What are the best Christmas lights displays in Michigan? 

Are you looking for a little bit of holiday cheer? Well then look no further than these beautiful Christmas lights displays in Michigan, visiting one (or all of these makes for the ideal family holiday outing).

  • Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak
  • Magic of Lights at the Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston
  • The Christmas Lite Show in Comstock Park
  • The Big, Bright Light Show in Downtown Rochester
  • Glenlore Trails Aurora in Commerce Charter Township

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