11 Unforgettable Places In Michigan That Everyone Must Visit This Winter

During the long winter months, we tend to fret over having to be stuck inside the house all the time. But fret no more. If you give it a little thought, there are plenty of better ways to enjoy the colder weather than gazing longingly out the window. Here are a few such examples of how you can make the best of it and have a blast this upcoming season.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

11) Boyne Ski Resorts Boyne Ski Resorts/ With three resorts, a golf resort, hotel spa and indoor water park, as well as two mountains (Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands) within 27 miles apart, you've got plenty to do indoors and out. 10) Dog sledding in Grand Marais photojo2005/Flickr You've probably heard of people going dog sledding in Michigan, but maybe you were incredulous about whether it was really a thing. Trust us, it's real and you'll want to try it. 9) Frankenmuth Christopher Woodrich/Flickr This old-time German town is ideal for strolling around during the holiday season. You'll also want to stop in the Bronners Christmas Store to stock up on new ornaments. 8) Great Wolf Lodge, Traverse City Great Wolf Lodge/Facebook Kids getting ansty in the house? Pack 'em up and take them to this sprawling resort, where they'll have fun and you'll get a break. An indoor water park with plenty of water slides, a four-story treehouse and interactive games all guarantee a cure to cabin fever. 7) Holly Dickens Festival Michigan Municipal League/Flickr Itching to get into the holiday spirit? The 42nd annual Holly Dickens Festival launched last weekend and lasts the next two weekends, giving revelers a chance to step back in time and enjoy "The Dickens Christmas Carol" stage performance, rides down a snow hill and mail letters to Santa. Event continues Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 12-13 in downtown Holly. 6) Little River Railroad, Coldwater Little River Railroad/Facebook Hop on this old-style locomotive in south central Michigan and get a chance to meet Santa. Make sure to get to the station extra early, because the train won't wait for latecomers. The Holiday Express runs Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 12-13. 5) Muskegon Winter Complex Steven Depolo/Flickr Got an athlete in the family? Then you'll want to make this a part of the routine. This park includes a luge, skating, snowshoeing, sledding and more... Perfect for beating the winter time blues. 4) Snowmobiling in Cadillac Visit Cadillac/Facebook Cadillac's snow trail system spans some 200 mills of terrain and connects you to other trail systems, giving you countless hours of riding fun. 3) Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Paradise James Marvin Phelps/Flickr Thought the falls at Tahquamenon Falls State Park were impressive before? Get ready to be wowed when you get a glimpse of them frozen. 2) Chateau Chantal, north of Traverse City Emily P./Yelp You'll be amazed at how refreshing and relaxing a tasting of Michigan Riesling will be for you and your sweetie when it's cold outside. 1) Winter Blast, Detroit Lauren/Flickr Come February, downtown Detroit's Campus Martius is transformed into a winter Wonderland, complete with outdoor ice skating, sledding and even a zip line, plus live music and more.

See, winter doesn’t have to be all that bad after all, does it? Tell us, where are your favorite places to go in Michigan this time of year?