One thing Michiganders can agree on is that winters here can be harsh, long, and very cold. With below freezing nights and negative windshields quickly approaching, here are some places you can visit in the mitten state to make your time during the long winter months more enjoyable.
1. Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
Once again this year the Detroit Zoo will illuminate the night with over five million LED lights on trees, buildings, and sculptures making it not only a great family outing but also something fun to do with your friends. With tickets only being $10, it is a perfect opportunity to see a local favorite zoo in a completely new way. Talk about being lit.
2. Ice Skating at the Rosa Parks Ice Arena
For those returning to the west side of the state this winter, ice-skating at the Rosa Parks Ice Arena in Grand Rapids is a must. Even if you have never ice skated before, lack complete balance, or have been skating your whole life, it is something fun to do with your group of friends or with your significant other this holiday season.
3. Boyne Mountain
For those who are traveling up north this winter, take a stop to ski, go tubing, or even snowboard at one of the most popular places to do so in Michigan. With terrains ranging from beginners to pros, you are sure to have the time of your life. But if snow happens not to be your thing, Boyne Mountain Resort offers many other activities for those who would prefer to stay indoors and drink some hot cocoa.
4. The Big Bright Light Show in Rochester
If skiing or ice-skating isn't your favorite activity, but would prefer shopping, visiting downtown Rochester this winter is the perfect thing for you. Every year Downtown Rochester lights up their store fronts over a million lights for the holiday season at the Big Bright Light Show, attracting hundreds of viewers each weekend. Throughout December, you can also stop by for events like the Fire and Ice Festival, or even to visit your favorite jolly old man.
5. Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth, especially for those in South East Michigan, is a holiday favorite. Not only is the town decorated with Christmas lights, which are a beautiful sight to see when you are shopping or even heading out of getting one of the famous Zehnder's chicken dinners, but it is also the home to the biggest Christmas store in the world, Bronner's. Yes, you read that correct, the BIGGEST Christmas store in the world. With the store only being closed on Christmas day, it is the perfect place to go get a gift for a loved one, or even treating yourself to a new ornament for your tree.
6. Campus Martius
Located in downtown Detroit, Campus Martius is one of the most festive places to visit this winter. With Winter Blasts activities ranging from ice skating and sledding to watching the live music and street performers, or even getting a ride on a horse-drawn carriage around town, there is no better way to get into the holiday spirit this season.
7. Ice Climbing
If you are looking to go on a new adventure and push yourself out of your comfort zone this winter, take a drive to the Upper Peninsula to try this extreme sport. Not only will you check something off of your bucket list, you would be able to see come pretty incredible views that are only accustomed to Yooper territory.
8. Holiday Nights At Greenfield Village
If you are a history buff like me, visiting Greenfield Village this season would be the perfect thing for you to do. Not only does it look like you traveled into the Christmas past with Scrooge himself, there are tons of holiday-themed activities to do that could make any Grinch full of joy. What could get more Charles Dickens than that?
Whatever you decide to do these winter months, stay warm and have fun!
