Winter has arrived, bringing endless opportunities for adventure and cozy moments. Whether you're hitting the slopes for snowboarding or enjoying a warm cup of hot cocoa at one of the coziest cafes, we've got plenty of ways to keep you engaged all season long. You can scroll down for inspiration or click through to find the best winter activities and hidden gems in West Michigan.
The Highlands at Harbor Springs
This winter, The Highlands is calling! Whether you’re carving down wide-open slopes, gliding along peaceful cross-country trails, or relaxing by the fire, your winter escape is here. With two exciting lift upgrades in the past two years, you’ll spend less time waiting and more time making turns. From heated outdoor pools to fun-filled family activities, there is something for everyone. Plan your getaway and let The Highlands be the highlight of your winter season.
St. Joseph Today
Bundle up and venture outdoors for the annual St. Joe Winter Beer Fest! We invite craft beer novices and enthusiasts to enjoy sampling from local (North Pier Brewing Co., Silver Harbor Brewing, Sister Lakes Brewing Co., Watermark Brewing, and more!) and regional Michigan breweries (Bell’s Brewery, Blackrocks Brewery, Lansing Brewery, Pigeon Hill Brewing Co., and more!). Join us in downtown St. Joseph on Saturday, February 1 from 12:00p-4:00p. Limited tickets remaining!
Black Star Farms - Suttons Bay
Grab your family and friends and head to Michigan wine country this winter! From unique culinary events and winter snowshoeing through the vines to our educational Wine & Workshop series, Black Star Farms offers a variety of memorable wine experiences to celebrate the season. Whether you want to indulge in a great dining experience, explore our natural beauty, or learn something new while sipping wine, we have something for everyone. Come experience the winter magic at Black Star Farms!
RedWater - West Michigan
Warm up this winter at RedWater, home to 9 unique restaurants across Grand Rapids and the Lakeshore. Enjoy fantastic happy hours, daily specials, and menus crafted to please every palate. Make your visit unforgettable with a swing on our LiveGolf Studios simulators, adding fun for all ages. Don’t miss our holiday gift card special: buy a $100 gift card and get a $20 restaurant bonus card! Dine, play, and celebrate the season at RedWater.
UP Travel - Upper Peninsula
A marvelous winter getaway awaits in the Upper Peninsula. Be awestruck by frozen waterfalls. Snowshoe, bike, or ski on tranquil trails. Go dog sledding or tubing — your kids will never forget it. Melt stresses in a Finnish sauna, try legendary craft beers and fish fries, and watch the Northern Lights shimmer across our Great Lakes horizons. Or relish the freedom of snowmobiling — the thrills are exhilarating. Discover where wonder meets winter.
Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau
Come experience authentic winter fun in the Houghton Lake Area! It’s a winter wonderland! All types of fun escapades, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ATVs, and snowmobiles! Join us for the 75th annual Tip-Up Town USA Festival! It will be held January 18th-19th and the 25th in 2025 (visit link for details). Activities include a parade, pie eating contest, the polar bear dip, merchandise, food & drink, as well as kid rides and activities! Hope to see you soon!
Meet Mt. Pleasant
Meet Mt. Pleasant this winter and discover adventure by choice or chance. Visit Deerfield Nature Park, nestled against the Chippewa River, and spend the afternoon snowshoeing, sledding, or cross-country skiing or hit the slopes at Snow Snake Ski & Golf. Find indoor adventure by cheering on Central Michigan University at a basketball game, try your luck at Soaring Eagle Casino, or throw an axe or two at Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing.
Mackinac State Historic Parks - Mackinaw City
As we welcome winter to the Straits of Mackinac, we can’t help but let our minds wander to summer breezes off the lake, the blast of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon, or the view from the top of the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse tower. As you sit cozy by a fire or enjoy the natural beauty of Michigan in winter, it’s never too early to begin planning that summer trip to Mackinac!
Choose Lansing
Plan a weekend getaway to Michigan’s capital city - Lansing. Enjoy the season on beautiful, serene hiking trails or find thrills on Hawk Island’s tubing hill (tubes and snow provided). Too cold? Head to Zap Zone XL or High Caliber Karting entertainment centers for high-speed go-karting, axe throwing, throw bowling, laser tag, and more. Experience Lansing’s great craft beer culture and diverse cuisine that will make your tastebuds dance. When you choose Lansing, you can plan on something Greater!
South Haven/Van Buren County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Make the most of your winter getaway in South Haven! From cozy lodgings to fit any budget to dining deals and winter festivals, we invite you to browse our blog to uncover all the inspiration you need to plan the perfect trip. For a limited time, book a stay at select lodgings and receive a complimentary $25 digital dining voucher through our Dine On Us program!
Pure Ludington
Discover the enchantment of Pure Ludington this winter. Explore snow-draped trails on invigorating hikes, or amp up the adventure with fat-tire biking. Indulge your taste buds with downtown dining that celebrates the season's flavors. But that's not all! Join us for the electrifying Downtown Ludington's New Year's Eve Ball Drop and savor craft brews at the Pure Ludington Brrrewfest. Create unforgettable moments in Pure Ludington’s winter wonderland.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - Grand Rapids
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park kicks off its 30th anniversary year with ENLIGHTEN, a holiday spectacle of light, art, and sound running till January 4. This immersive one-mile journey features choreographed light displays, interactive experiences, and illuminated world-class sculptures, including works by Rodin and Ai Weiwei. Visitors of all ages can explore dynamic installations blending art, nature, and cutting-edge technology, transforming the gardens into a magical wonderland that captures the holiday spirit like never before.
Cornwell's Turkeyville USA - Marshall
Cornwell's Dinner Theatre at Turkeyville USA is turning up the temp this winter as they kick off their 2025 season! First up, the ever-popular vocal trio, The Manhattan Dolls, will premier their brand new show, Good Morning, Vietnam!, celebrating the timeless tunes that defined the era of the "rock n' roll war', followed by Almost, Maine, a magical, romantic Hallmark movie where folks fall in and out of life in a small town up north. Opening March 27, the 2025 season of Cornwell's Dinner Theatre is a Michigan must-see!
