Winter has arrived in West Michigan! Whether you are looking for leisurely snowshoe walks, downhill skiing adventures, speeding through snowmobile trails, or a warm spot to enjoy a locally made beverage, West Michigan has something for everyone to enjoy the beauty of this winter playground.
Scroll down for some of our favorite winter destinations across West Michigan.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park- Grand Rapids
Honoring cultures and holiday traditions from around the world, the University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has grown to more than 45 unique displays depicting fact and folklore, past and present. Appreciate the stunning presentations of winter plantings, the artistry of adorned trees, intriguing cultural displays and the beloved Railway Garden. Venture outdoors and discover the beauty of nature with wintertime walks and the new Seasonal Light Experience.
Sleepy Hollow Resort- South Haven
Sleepy Hollow Beach Resort is proud to be South Haven’s only resort with direct beach access! Enjoy this Art-Deco inspired resort, along with our Olympic size heated swimming pool, 3 championship tennis courts, pickleball & 4 basketball courts. Not to mention our children’s activity program, movie nights, and other amenities we have to offer. If basking in the sun is more your thing, enjoy our 1,000 feet of private beach. Combine everything with breathtaking sunsets and you & your family are in for a vacation of a lifetime!
Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau
Consider a weekend getaway to Lansing Michigan. 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, Spare Time or High Caliber Karting entertainment centers with high-speed go karting, a rage room, axe throwing, football bowling and more. Experience Lansing’s great craft beer culture and diverse cuisine that will make your tastebuds dance.
The Highlands at Harbor Springs
Winter in northern Michigan is spectacular- fresh snow, glistening icicles on the trees, and perfect cold days. Set in the idyllic and charming Harbor Springs, Michigan, The Highlands is located in the heart of it all. The resort is a family-owned destination providing the ultimate northern Michigan experience served with heartfelt hospitality. There are endless ways to enjoy the winter season, from cross-country skiing to fat tire biking. Moments are calling- find it here at The Highlands.
Traverse City Tourism
Experience the wonder and warmth of winter in Traverse City. A place where the season comes alive on the ski hills or on the trails. And where you find a cozy place indoors to enjoy local culinary talents and award-winning libations. In northern Michigan, you don’t have to hide from winter, welcome every moment, exactly where we should be.
Crystal Mountain- Thompsonville
Crystal Mountain cordially invites you to enjoy 59 downhill trails with superb conditions, AND one of the top 10 spas in the country, according to “Spas of America.” Lodging options include a mountaintop townhome with great views, cozy cottage, or hotel room in the resort village. You can also cross-country ski, go fat tire biking, ice skate, and hike through the Michigan Legacy Art Park. Plan your next getaway now.
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. 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
Welcome the beautiful winter season at the Village Suites Bay Harbor. Our cozy fireplace suites are perfect after a day on the slopes or to simply relax and unwind. It’s a truly serene time in our charming Village. Our suites are centrally located to the top three ski resorts in northern Michigan, as well as the charming resort areas for day excursions. There are 3 restaurants just steps from your stay. Come winter with us in Bay Harbor.
South Haven/ Van Buren County Convention & Visitors Bureau
South Haven is known as a beach town in the summer, but there are so many new things to explore in the winter. Now is the only time you will find an ice skating rink, ice circles on Lake Michigan, and a sled library. Bring your snowshoes, cross-country skis, or snowmobile, and adventure out on our trails. Then, cozy up at one of our unique lodgings for a weekend getaway and enjoy taking your time during this tranquil season.
Fenn Valley Vineyards- Fennville
Enjoy our expansive patio locations year around! Private Vineyard Igloos are the ideal way to enjoy premium Michigan wine and hard cider in a private, relaxed setting. Private Vineyard Igloos include an electric heater, blankets, charcuterie board, complimentary soft drinks and water, dedicated server and table service throughout with wine and hard cider available by the glass, bottle or tasting flight.
UP Travel- Upper Peninsula
Discover why the U.P. is one of the best winter vacation values between the holidays and April thaw. Open the throttle on over 3,000 miles of picturesque snowmobile trails. Hike to magical ice caves or frozen waterfalls. Feel the adrenaline rush of dog sledding, fat tire biking and ice climbing. Or enjoy the deep serenity of skiing or snowshoeing in winter’s silence. For the top winter things to do and the most scenic winter drives click here.
Black Star Farms- Traverse City
Enjoy your winter wonderland escape to Leelanau wine country with one night free! At the Inn, you will enjoy complimentary breakfast, hospitality hour, and wine tasting. Your perfect escape can include hiking or snowshoeing over three miles of onsite trails, a private sauna, a glass of wine by the fireplace, a good book with cup of local coffee in our library, and an outdoor fire on a crisp evening. Book now for best available dates!
St. Joe Today- St. Joseph
Those 21+ are invited to bundle up and join us in downtown St. Joseph for the annual outdoor St. Joe Winter Beer Fest on Saturday, January 28 from 12:00p-4:00p! Craft beer novices and enthusiasts will enjoy sampling from local and regional Michigan breweries. NEW in 2023, now through December 31, a limited number of VIP tickets that includes 30-minute early access and beer fest swag. General Admission tickets are available as well.
Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
Adventure North to the Keweenaw! In a land far to the North, you’ll discover adventure, epic snow, and warm communities. The Keweenaw’s hundreds of miles of groomed trails are calling snow lovers with adventurous spirits. Grab your chook, poles and a warm jacket and plan your winter escape to the Keweenaw!
Tree Vistas- Ionia
Enjoy the natural, elegant, and calming design of the 508 sq. ft luxury treehouse, 13 feet above ground! Feel like you’re in the treetops….because you are! Large windows create open views and minimal, sophisticated decor invites the outdoors to come in. Tree Vistas was created with the idea that connecting with nature should be simple, comfortable, and safe for everyone. Completely recharge any time of year from your stay at Winding Springs Treehouse: go on an adventure that brings a sense of peace and tranquility, nestled in the trees.
Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Visit Mt. Pleasant this winter to find both indoor and outdoor fun right in central Michigan! Take a winters day hike at one of 22 Chippewa Watershed Conservancy Nature Preserves. Or trek north to Snow Snake Ski & Golf to make a day out of tubing with family and friends. Too cold to stay outdoors? Warm up in inside at local museums and art galleries, dine-in at over 100+ restaurants and two breweries, or test your luck on Michigan’s largest gaming floor at Soaring Eagle Casino!
Mecosta County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Create Your Own Winter Adventure Exploring Mecosta County! Experience our beautifully landscaped trails perfect for snowmobiling, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or try an invigorating adventure on one of our more challenging trails. Explore ice fishing with over 100 lakes, numerous streams and of course the mighty Muskegon River. Excite your taste buds at a local restaurant along with unique shops and venues. End your day at one of our amazing lodging facilities. Plan your stay here.
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. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, rafting, fat tire biking, camping and even kiteboarding adventures in this area rival any in the country. With hundreds of miles of groomed trails winding throughout thousands of acres of public land, The Cadillac area is open to explore. Winter adventures await – book your stay now!
Terrace Inn & 1911 Restaurant- Petoskey
Two night stay for Two and Dinner for Two (includes a glass of wine) and discounts on wine tastings for some are wineries, delicious hot breakfast each morning and Live Music Weekends at 1911 Restaurant! There are so many amazing things to do nearby from shopping to art galleries, book independent bookstores, breweries to farm markets and cross country, snow shoeing, downhill skiing, and white water rafting! Bring your knitting project, journal, book you are working on, and chill by our fireplace and enjoy the quiet ambiance only a historic atmosphere can provide before tv and internet took the place of nature and creativity.
Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Can’t make it to Times Square for New Year’s Eve? Hop in your car and enjoy one of West Michigan’s biggest ball drops only 90 minutes from Grand Rapids instead – the Ludington New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. This is your quintessential New Year’s Eve celebration – complete with outdoor beer garden, music, fireworks, and the ball drop with 6,000 LED lights – all set against the charming backdrop of downtown Ludington. Think of it as one giant street party, as Ludington’s main intersection of James Street and Ludington Avenue is open only to pedestrians that night after 9 p.m.
Cornwell’s Turkeyville- Marshall
This season, head to Cornwell’s Turkeyville in Marshall for a lovely winter day! Enjoy a delicious, homemade, hot meal made from family recipes. Visit their shop for some local gifts and goodies to take home with you. And look ahead to their upcoming 2023 Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre season, full of amazing performances you’re sure to love!
Battle Creek Welcome Center
Good news anglers: Freezing days are ahead. For early winter, head to Waubascon Lake in Battle Creek. Search the west basin (40 feet max) and the east basin (35 feet max) for bluegill, largemouth bass and Northern pike. Go to Barney’s Bedford Bar for a great burger. Move to Goguac Lake once it freezes. This deep lake is conveniently located in Battle Creek’s metropolitan area. Pull up bluegill, rock bass, walleye and yellow perch.
RedWater Collection- Grand Rapids, Holland, & Muskegon
Eat, drink, and tee off at LiveGolf Studios indoor golf simulators at fabulous locations in Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out with friends, a unique date night, or entertainment for the whole family, LiveGolf has you covered! Complete the LiveGolf experience by enjoying delicious food and drinks from one of our signature restaurants while you play. Looking to keep up on your game year-round? LiveGolf’s state-of-the-art indoor golf simulator facility features AboutGolf technology. Enjoy access to over 100 golf courses, various challenge games, and multiple practice ranges on our simulators.
The Pidge Inn- Muskegon
Come stay at Muskegon’s Winter Wonderland Hotel The Pidge Inn this season!
They are offering luxury accommodations, amazing views, and outdoor space with every room. Plus they are near the Muskegon Luge Adventure Park so family and friends can partake in cross country skiing, luge, and so much more. Sleds, snowshoes and “snurfers” for nearby hills and trails are available at the hotel for guests’ use. E-Gift Cards are also available for purchase, which are the perfect gifts for those who need a weekend away!
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 2023 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.
