Beat the Winter Blues with a Trip to This Magical Michigan Park

The Fort Custer State Recreation Area is one of my favorite state parks in Michigan. It seems to have everything; from awesome hiking trails to gorgeous lakes, awesome camping... the list goes on. While most folks choose to visit Fort Custer State Recreation Area in the spring and/or summer when it's considerably warmer, I think winter is the most underrated time to visit. Why? Well, fewer crowds, for one, not to mention the jaw-dropping beauty of the entire region when covered in snow.

Fort Custer State Recreation Area has 3,033 acres of wonder and whimsy, with over 40 miles of incredible hiking trails, three jaw-dropping lakes, and even the wonder of the Kalamazoo River meandering through. I'm not sure what it is about winter in Michigan that makes it so very magical, but my goodness, it doesn't get more beautiful than this. Other popular activities include paddling (though this can be challenging when everything's frozen) and fishing. Depending on which lake they select, some folks can successfully do some ice fishing.

It's also not uncommon to find folks dogsledding through the park, which is always fun to watch (and even more fun to participate in).

Once upon a time, this park was simply farmland, but once the federal government acquired it, it became Camp Custer, a centralized place for induction and military training in rural Michigan during World War II. Eventually, in 1971, it was gifted to the State of Michigan under President Nixon's Legacy of Parks Act. Today, it's a little respite from real life -- and a breathtaking one at that.

Take your pick from numerous trails, like the Blue Trail (four miles long), the Equestrian Trail (14 miles long), or the Yellow, Red & Green Trail (21.6 miles long). No matter which you choose, you'll find yourself fully immersed in a winter wonderland, surrounded by ice-covered trees and prairie (plus the water, of course). Despite the cold, it's astonishingly beautiful here, and I recommend donning something nice and warm.

Should you fall head over heels in love with the park while exploring, you can camp year-round at the Modern Campground. Do keep in mind that modern restrooms are open from April through October, so you ought to plan on having no access to them in the interim. Enjoy electrical hookups (which are relatively new), a water pump, and other helpful amenities. This is one winter camping trip in Michigan you're sure to love!

For more information about this amazing nature preserve in Michigan, check out the official Michigan Department of Natural Resources website. There, you'll find information about camping, hiking, and more - all of which are just a little more fun in the winter!

Do you have a favorite state park in Michigan to visit in the winter? Are there any awesome winter hikes in Michigan you'd like to tell me about? Let me know by filling out this nomination form - you might just see your favorite spots featured someday!

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