Christmas & Holiday Activities in Northern Michigan
The holiday season in Northern Michigan includes Christmas tree lightings, decorated stores, parades, merchant open houses, and more.
Photo by Victoire Joncheray on Unsplash.com
Northern Michigan does winter right. No gray, mushy, damp days here. Blue skies, crisp temperatures, and an abundance of snow makes winter just as it is supposed to be: perfect.
If you enjoy the vigorous exercise of cross country skiing, Northern Michigan is for you. More than a dozen trails attract a skiers. The Petoskey State Park, Wildwood, Nub’s Nob, and Birchwood Country Club are just a few great places to cross country ski. Each February, the Loppet takes place, a cross country ski trek from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.
Downhill skiing is Northern Michigan. We boast of downhill skiing because we have it all: three spectacular resorts with a variety of terrain. Nub’s Nob and Boyne Highlands, both outside Harbor Springs, and Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls, provide a ski experience that will bring you back for more. Ski schools, racing, demonstrations, snowboarding, night skiing, apres ski… what more can you ask for?
If snowmobiling is your passion, then you have come to the right place. Miles and miles of trails can take you from the woods to the water’s edge, from the countryside to a spot for a warm drink. The annual Moose Jaw Safari attracts hundreds of snowmobilers each February as they sled from Harbor Springs to Lark’s Lake where the famous bean pot awaits.
It may be the old fashioned way to get around in the snow, but it works and is gaining in popularity every year. And one hour of moderate snowshoeing burns 700 calories. Try any of the area cross country ski trails or take part in guided snowshoe walks by the Little Traverse Conservancy.
Iceskating on a beautiful winter evening with the stars overhead just can’t be beat. Outdoor rinks in Petoskey, Boyne City, Charlevoix, Boyne Falls, Harbor Springs, and Boyne Highlands; along with indoor skating in Harbor Springs, provide wonderful opportunities to glide across the ice. Sledding hills are perfect for a fast trip down the hill on a sled followed by hot chocolate in the warming house.
The holiday season in Northern Michigan includes Christmas tree lightings, decorated stores, parades, merchant open houses, and more.
March is a big month for the ski resorts Up North. Visit Nub’s Nob, The Highlands at Harbor Springs, and Boyne Mountain for winter fun!
Celebrate the winter at Petoskey’s Winter Wonderland Weekend, in partnership with the Winter Sports Park Winter Carnival!
Music, dance, art, and theater all come together for an event celebrating the New Year at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in downtown Petoskey.
Indian River’s Winterfest is packed with fun things to do including a poker run, bonfires, music, food, kid’s events, and more.
Northern Michigan appreciates spring after a long winter and holds lots of great activities to celebrate this time of year!
Northern Michigan appreciates spring after a long winter and holds lots of great activities to celebrate this time of year!
Northern Michigan appreciates spring after a long winter and holds lots of great activities to celebrate this time of year!
Northern Michigan has many varied settings for kayaking- whether it by river, one of the inland lakes, or Lake Michigan,
Just a short drive from Harbor Springs or Petoskey are more than a dozen Northern Michigan cross country ski trails in Emmet County.
Spring brings lots of outdoor activities to Northern Michigan but one often ends up on pancakes: making maple syrup.
Harris Gardens at North Central Michigan College is a spectacular sculpture garden filled with 26 pieces of vibrant art.
Petoskey State Park is one of the premier destinations for campers and outdoor lovers and is tucked away between Petoskey and Harbor Springs.
The Harbor Springs History Museum offers a unique look at the history of the community, starting with the first Catholic missionaries.
Historic Mill Creek Discover Park has 625 acres along Lake Huron, 3.5 miles of hiking trails, a reconstructed saw mill, mill dam, and more.
The North Country Trail is the longest trail in the U.S. and stretches from North Dakota to New York, passing through Northern Michigan.
Young State Park outside Boyne City is a ‘year round delight for campers, hikers, snow lovers, swimmers and nature lovers.
The Andrew J. Blackbird Museum is named for a counselor who helped Native American veterans. Native American artifacts fill the museum space.