Exploring winter in West Michigan is a captivating experience, as the region transforms into a picturesque snow-covered landscape. West Michigan offers a wonderland for both adventure seekers and those seeking tranquil moments amidst the cold beauty of the season.
Scroll down for some of our favorite winter destinations across West Michigan.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park- Grand Rapids
Experience the magic of winter as Meijer Gardens is transformed into a serene wonderland, offering a peaceful escape. Take leisurely strolls through snow-covered sculptures and beautiful gardens and discover unique views. Don’t miss the annual University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition, showcasing the intersection of culture, nature, and seasonal beauty. It’s an idyllic setting for family outings, romantic walks, or introspective moments alone, proving that Meijer Gardens is a must-visit destination all year round!
Sleepy Hollow Resort- South Haven
Sleepy Hollow Beach Resort, South Haven’s esteemed ‘Grande Dame’ and longest-operating resort, prides itself on offering timeless coastal luxury with the unique distinction of being the only resort to provide exclusive and direct beach access, embodying the essence of a historic yet luxurious beachfront experience. Enjoy this Art-Deco-inspired property, our Olympic-sized heated swimming pool, three championship tennis courts, pickleball & 4 basketball courts. Don’t forget our children’s activity program! Combine everything with breathtaking sunsets, and you & your family are in for a vacation of a lifetime!
Choose Lansing
When the weather is frightful, a weekend in Lansing can be delightful! Families can find high speed go kart racing (even for the littles), axe throwing, trampoline parks, throw bowling, rage rooms, gel blasters, bowling and so much more. Want to pretend you’re Mario? Hit up High Caliber Karting. Or spend the day at the newly opened Zap Zone XL at the Lansing Mall. With these and more, your days will be packed with adventure. Choose Lansing for your next Michigan getaway!
The Highlands at Harbor Springs
Winter is here – discover the magic of winter at The Highlands – Michigan’s leading all-season resort in Harbor Springs. This year is extra special with our 60th Anniversary Season. Secure your spot now for a winter escape filled with sparkling lights for the Enchanted Trail or zipline through the wintry woods. Your extraordinary adventure begins at The Highlands – where every season is a celebration!
Country Dairy- New Era
The beauty of Oceana County is astounding and only an hour’s drive from down-town Grand Rapids. Being on the farm at Country Dairy makes time with your family something special, no matter the weather or season. This winter, bring them over the river and through the woods to our farm for a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the pastures. After the ride, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies in our Moo School and graze through our restaurant, bakery, meat shop, and ice cream shop.
Lakeshore Museum Center- Muskegon
There’s still time to catch a Holiday Tour of the Hackley and Hume Historic Site this season! December 23, 27, and 28 from 3pm – 7pm are the last days to experience these Victorian homes all decorated for Christmas. Visit hackleyandhume.org for more information.
Chateau Chantal- Old Mission Peninsula
Winter On The Traverse Wine Coast
Wintertime in the vineyard is not to be missed. After the hustle and bustle of summer and fall, things slow down to a relaxing pace on Old Mission Peninsula. As the snow falls outside, now is the perfect time to curl up by a warm fireplace with a glass of your favorite Michigan wine or specialty beverage. If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, enjoy a multi-course wine dinner, a hands-on cooking class, or a weekend getaway at the boutique Bed & Breakfast.
Village Suites- Bay Harbor
Village Suites Bay Harbor offers 1, 2 and 3-bedroom cozy fireplace suites that are perched above the fabulous twinkling lights of the Downtown Village. Each suite also has a small kitchen with all the essentials. We are centrally located to three great northern Michigan ski resorts, just a short drive away. It is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate this season. Step into your very own Hallmark Movie and book your winter stay with us today!
South Haven/ Van Buren County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Visit South Haven for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve Celebration! Experience our signature midnight fireworks, beach ball drop, and dancing in the streets until midnight to the DJ’s beats! New festivities include a scavenger hunt with awesome prizes and the chance to get your heart pumping on a 200-foot zipline! Don’t miss out – take advantage of our special lodging promotions to create even more lasting memories on this thrilling night in the heart of South Haven on Lake Michigan!
Fenn Valley Vineyards- Fennville
Fenn Valley tours have been designed to help take the mystery out of making world class wine. They are hosted by an experienced member of the staff, and the content is designed to be both informative and educational. In the winter and early summer these tours take place in the production wine cellar and include samples throughout! The cost is $10/person and includes a souvenir wine glass.
UP Travel- Upper Peninsula
Winter in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is not just a season; it’s a real-life snow globe. And, it was just named the No. 1 Best Destination for Snow in the country by USA Today! There are 3,000 miles of groomed trails for snowmobiling, crossing along the shores of Lakes Superior, Huron and Michigan. Head for the hills to ski and snowboard on some of the longest runs, highest verticals and deepest powder. Learn more about winter in the U.P.
Black Star Farms- Traverse City
Winter rates and BOGO deals await at the Inn at Black Star Farms! Snowshoes hang at the back door to explore 3 miles of trails. Inn guests enjoy complimentary wine tastings, gourmet breakfasts, hospitality hour and discounts at the new farm-to-fork Bistro Polaris. Select optional packages to suit your style—a romantic getaway, a yoga retreat or a fat tire bike to explore the region. At the end of the day, enjoy smores at fireside. Unleash your adventure!
Garden Grove Inn- Union Pier
Get cozy this winter at Garden Grove Inn! Our 7-room Bed & Breakfast features private bathrooms with double jacuzzi tubs, in-room fireplaces, the option for in-room breakfast, and a great location should you ever want to leave. Located in Union Pier (the SW corner of the state), this quaint Inn is in the heart of Harbor Country, and on the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. Check out our website for local winter activities, including Destination Book Club in January!
Visit Keweenaw
Adventure North to the Keweenaw! Discover dark skies, epic snow, and warm communities. The Keweenaw’s hundreds of miles of groomed trails are calling nature lovers with adventurous spirits. Grab your chook, poles and a warm jacket and plan your winter escape to the Keweenaw!
High Caliber Karting & Entertainment- Okemos
High Caliber is offering a Full Day of FREEBIE Fun on New Year’s Eve built for the entire family. Outside of their regular activities that you can purchase, they will have Disney Classic Trivia from 2-4 PM, Family Friendly Karaoke from 5-7 PM, and a live concert begins at 9 PM with JP & The Energy and balloon drop at Midnight. Reserved food and seating packages are available for the concert. Bring the family out for a whole day of fun! Additional things happening. We’re offering Unlimited Racing with All Access Passes on Mondays & Tuesdays throughout January and February.
Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
This winter, visit Mt. Pleasant and discover adventure by choice or by chance. Explore over 1,000 acres of parkland and 19 nature preserves for outdoor winter fun. Or visit Deerfield Nature Park, nestled against the Chippewa River, and spend the afternoon snowshoeing, sledding, or cross-country skiing. Find indoor adventure at places like Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing, or visit Central Michigan University to cheer on the CMU Chippewa’s at a home basketball game. We invite you to meet Mt. Pleasant!
Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau
Winter starts with a Shamrock Drop in Roscommon New Year’s Eve. This inaugural event with music, dancing and more is free and open to all ages. 9 p.m. to midnight. Enjoy the magic of Tip Up Town USA, January 20, 21, & 27, 2024. A $10 badge gets you Carnival fun on Houghton Lake with the adult beverage tent and live music next door. Fun continues February 16-17 at the Higgins Lake/Roscommon Winterfest. Head to Lyon Township and Park 27 for all kinds of frozen fun. $5 badge required.
Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau
While snowmobiling, downhill skiing, snowboarding, and river & ice fishing are Cadillac’s best known recreational winter pursuits, winter enthusiasts have an abundance of choices to experience the season. The variety of opportunities to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, fat tire biking, and camping adventures in this area rival any in the country. Caberfae Peaks offers the highest peak elevation in the Northern Lower at 1,561 feet! With 27 runs it is a favorite destination for ski families in Michigan.
Amtrak Michigan
This winter, there are lots of reasons to see all Michigan has to offer by train. From ice skating and snowshoeing to snow tubing and sledding, there are plenty of destinations to enjoy the winter wonderland of Michigan. Experience outdoor adventures for the whole family and save 50% on travel for kids 2-12. Organize a ski trip and save on group travel with share fares up to 60% off. Plan your Michigan winter getaway today!
Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Winter is the perfect time to sneak away for a rejuvenating getaway to Pure Ludington. Whether you are a winter enthusiast looking for outdoor activities that will enliven you like taking on snow-covered trails on a fat-tire bike, or just looking for a recharging getaway to reconnect and enjoy vibrant celebrations like the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop or a winter craft beer festival, there is a place for you here. Make plans to embrace all that a Pure Ludington winter has to offer!
Cornwell’s Turkeyville- Marshall
Cornwell’s Turkeyville offers a refreshing start to the year with their Simpler Life Classes in January. Embracing the charm of a bygone era, these classes provide hands-on experience in traditional skills like canning, knitting, and woodworking. Participants immerse themselves in a simpler way of life, learning timeless crafts that promote self-sufficiency and connection to the past. And look ahead to their upcoming 2024 Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre season beginning at the end of January, full of amazing performances you’re sure to love!
Choose Marshall
Whether you’re a historian, a foodie, a lover of theater and the arts, or someone in need of a weekend of retail therapy, Marshall is your destination! Head to a local brewery, wine tasting room, quaint coffeeshop, or award-winning restaurant before taking in a concert, play, or art show. Other Marshall favorites include festivals such as Ice, Wine, Beer & Blues, with live ice carving. Large hotels, bed and breakfasts, and Michigan’s oldest operating inn are all available to welcome you. Make plans to visit Marshall—the City of Hospitality!
RedWater- Grand Rapids, Holland, & Muskegon
Escape the winter chill with RedWater, boasting 10 restaurants, 5 golf simulator facilities, and 9 event venues in Grand Rapids and the Lakeshore! Warm up with expertly crafted restaurant food and drink specials, and swing into action with LiveGolf Studios’ state-of-the-art indoor simulators. Plus, unwrap the perfect gift with RedWater’s holiday offer – buy a $100 gift card and receive a $20 bonus! Elevate the season with fantastic food, great company, and unforgettable events. Visit RedWater.com for more information.
Air Zoo- Kalamazoo
You may have heard that the Air Zoo is Michigan’s premiere Aerospace and Science Center, brimming with rare and unique aircraft and spacecraft, immersive exhibits, and flight-based rides and simulators, but did you know they house one of the nation’s top restoration centers? More than 50 restoration volunteers are busy restoring WWII aircraft, rescued after nearly 65 years in Lake Michigan, right on the exhibit floor. There is so much to discover at the Air Zoo. Plan your visit today!
Maple Row Sugarhouse- Jones
You won’t want to miss the upcoming 2024 Michigan Maple Festival, full of fun for the whole family. Experience maple in an innovative sugarhouse, taste maple as you have never tasted it before, from our pure maple syrup on pancakes, to maple ice cream, and so much more. Visit the Maple Store and petting farm. Walk back in time to a French colonial maple camp. See, hear, and taste maple.
