An aerial shot of Kitch-iti-Kipi, the great spring at Palms Book State Park in Manistique. Photo by Instagram user joshuajjoshua

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By Emily Bingham | ebingham@mlive.com

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We love summertime at our state parks as much as the next Michigander, but there's a case to be made for the the beauty, seclusion and exhilaration found at those same summer-beloved spots during a Michigan winter.

To make the most out of the snowy season, we asked the folks at the Michigan DNR to suggest a few favorite parks around the state when it comes to winter adventures. Their following recommendations are packed with all manner of winter fun: places to hike, ski and snowshoe; lantern-lit walks; a gorgeous freshwater spring that never freezes over; and one destination where you can ice skate through a forest. (Event information can be found at michigan.gov/winterfun)

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A winter sunrise at Tahquamenon Falls State Park

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Tahquamenon Falls State Park

The main attraction at this 50,000-acre state park in Paradise, Mich. is, of course, its namesake waterfall: One of the largest east of the Mississippi. "The falls are beautiful any time of year but seeing them in the winter is truly magical," said Maia Turek, resource development specialist with Pure Michigan DNR Parks and Recreation. The park also hosts guided and lantern-lit snowshoe hikes throughout the winter. Park website here

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Muskegon State Park

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Muskegon State Park

Home to the the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, Muskegon State Park offers more than the run-of-the-mill winter activities: Think ice skating through the woods, skiing along the longest lit cross-country ski trail in the Midwest, or hurtling down a hill on the Olympian-designed luge track. Bonus points if you book a few nights at the on-site yurt. Park details here

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Hartwick Pines State Park

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Hartwick Pines State Park

The serene old-growth forest of historic Hartwick Pines State Park takes on another dimension when blanketed in snow. Several beautiful cross-country ski loops wind through the nearly 10,000-acre park. The park also hosts multiple guided hikes throughout the season, including full moon hikes and snowshoe hikes. Park details here

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Island Lake Recreation Area

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Island Lake Recreation Area

This 4,000 acre park is less than an hour's drive from Detroit but feels as peaceful and remote as some Up North parks. Multiple trail loops for hiking, skiing and snowshoeing. The park also offers lantern-lit night hikes on Saturdays throughout the season. Park details here

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The Boardman River in Traverse City

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Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park

If you've never experienced the beauty of a winter beach, you're missing out. This 47-acre urban park in Traverse City has a quarter mile of frontage on Grand Traverse Bay, plus winter camping and mini-cabins for cozy, rustic vibes after a day of outdoor adventures. Park details here

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A snowy scene at Kitch-iti-Kipi, the great springs of Palms Book State Park.

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Palms Book State Park

Behold the marvel of to Kitch-iti-Kipi, Michigan's largest freshwater spring -- which maintains a constant temperature of 45 degrees year-round. It's pretty any time of year, but winter is particularly ethereal. Park details here

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Winter at Ludington State Park

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Ludington State Park

Sometimes called the "queen" of Michigan's state parks, this 5,300-acre royal beauty on Michigan's west coast really sparkles in the snowy season. There's winter camping, adorable mini cabins and seemingly endless trails, plus events throughout the winter, such as snowshoe-making classes, lantern-lit ski and snowshoe outings, and guided night-time and day-time snowshoe walks. Park details here

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Related:

38 rustic winter rentals in Michigan, from river cabins to snowy yurts

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Emily Rose Bennett

Hikers make their way back from Lower Tahquamenon Falls at Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

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