What is there to do in the Upper Peninsula Michigan in the winter?
Michigan’s upper peninsula is nothing short of enchanting in the winter months. When the lake effect snow starts to fall, and the temperatures drop, visitors can enjoy all manner of unique and delightful activities. No matter your age or activity level, you will find an abundance of fascinating things to do for unforgettable experiences and memories sure to last a lifetime!
Discover an Abundance of Enchanting Winter Activities in Michigan’s Beautiful Upper Peninsula
With so many enticing options, deciding where to visit in the U.P. during your next winter getaway can take time. Come investigate otherworldly frozen upper peninsula waterfalls and take photos of nature’s splendor from powdery hiking and snowshoeing trails. Ride through fresh powder on a snowmobile or cross-country ski over some of America’s finest snow trails.
See the northern lights in the nation’s dedicated dark sky parks! Or, simply take it all in as you wander through silent forests with towering pines blanketed in freshly fallen snow. In the U.P., your options are virtually endless. Below, we will walk you through some of the best Upper Peninsula Michigan activities and discuss where to visit in the U.P. as you plan your next winter adventure.
Explore Frozen Waterfalls and See the Great Lakes Like Never Before
If you visit Michigan in the winter, you will not want to miss some of the most gorgeous upper peninsula waterfalls. As the temperatures drop, these waterfalls begin to freeze into exquisite natural sculptures with pillars of ice that create jaw-dropping scenery all around the Great Lakes, especially near Lake Superior. Additionally, about an hour outside Ironwood, Michigan, in the picturesque Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, hemlock-hardwood forests and miles of crystalline rivers combine for scenery like nothing else in America.
Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Michigan are located in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park along the Presque Isle River. Manabezho Falls, Manido Falls, and Nawadaha Falls, to name just a few. With crests as high as 150 feet and drops as low as 25 feet, these stunning falls (except Nawadaha Falls) are located right off the trails for easy access for most hikers.
Traverse Frosty Forests Via Cross-Country Trails and Revel in the Splendor of Nature
The Upper Peninsula receives some of the highest annual snowfall averages in all of America. So, it is not surprising that there are numerous cross-country skiing trails available to choose from in this region. Many of these ski trails are great for hiking and snowshoeing! In places like Tahquamenon Falls, groomed ski trails are positioned near stunning waterfalls for exceptional views and panoramic winter scenery.
You can also enjoy cross-country skiing on Mackinac Island during the winter. Mackinac Island’s entire Eastern and Northern sides are open for cross-country skiing all winter long. You can even take ski lessons and rent ski equipment here. Or, check out the Mackinac Twilight Turtle Trek, a popular cross-country snowshoeing and skiing event that takes place annually in the area. During this event, complete trails are lit with lanterns in January, February, and March. Access two breathtaking miles of twinkling twilight paths for a captivating winter wonderland experience.
Enjoy Winter Sports Like Snowmobiling, Skiing, and Snowboarding in Premier Powder Destinations
The Upper Peninsula has some of the most exciting and beautiful snowmobiling trails in America. Indeed, with over 3,000 miles of pristinely groomed snowmobile trails, this region is one of the best places to snowmobile in the entire country. Starting in October and stretching through March, you can choose from an abundance of stunning trail options with scenic views for riders of all skill levels. Downhill skiers, snowboarders, and tubing fans will also find plenty of resorts and ski hills where people of all ages can play in the pristine powder.
For snowmobile enthusiasts, Lovells Trail System, Blue Bear Trail System, and the Alcona County Snowmobile Trail System are all top options to consider for excitement and gorgeous views. Tahquamenon Falls State Park also has some great snowmobiling options near Newberry! For those who want to ski, tube, or snowboard, the Upper Peninsula has nine popular ski resorts for people of every skill level. In Ironwood, Michigan, you can access four of these top-rated ski areas from a single destination, with amenities and lodging conveniently accessible from each one. Ironwood is also home to the Copper Peak Ski Jump!
Take Advantage of some of the Best Ice Fishing in the Country
Winter anglers can find some of the best ice fishing locations in the upper peninsula. This dream destination for ice fishermen is like nowhere else in the world. Typically, the Upper Peninsula’s ice fishing season starts during mid-December and extends through March. However, occasionally the season will go as late as April.
Lake Gogebic is the largest inland lake in Michigan and has excellent winter fishing. Top ice fishing locations in the upper peninsula can also be found just outside Mackinac Island near Big Manistique Lake, all around the town of Ironwood, near Potagannissing Bay, Munising Bay in Alger County, and Little Bay de Noc in Delta County near Kipling. You can find monster muskellunge, sizable walleyes, northern pike, perch, lake trout, whitefish, smelt, and more in these locations. Don’t forget to stop in Ironwood, the home of Stormy Kromer, for fishing gear and cold weather wear!
Visit the Nation’s Best Dark Sky Parks for an Unforgettable Light Show
If viewing the northern lights in Michigan is not already on your bucket list, should consider adding it. The remarkable phenomenon of the northern lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is like nothing else on the planet. This natural wonder of the winter sky is highly visible in the upper peninsula!
Ironwood, Michigan, is a top-rated U.P. location for viewing this otherworldly nighttime light show during the winter. Another great place to view the northern lights in the upper peninsula is near Marquette on the southern shore of Lake Superior. Or, plan to see the northern lights outside of Black River Harbor, Superior Falls, or near the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Park.
In any of these places, you can find unrivaled views of the northern lights brilliantly illuminating the night sky. Particularly, on the shores of Lake Superior, these lights can often be seen dancing over hundreds of miles of pristine waters. Once you find a nice dark spot, get comfortable and look up for a captivating winter display like nothing else. You can learn more about seeing Michigan’s northern lights or visiting the area’s dark sky parks by contacting Travel Ironwood.
To Learn More About the Best Towns in the Upper Peninsula During Winter, Reach Out to Travel Ironwood!
Without question, the Upper Peninsula offers some of the most interesting and exciting activities for people who enjoy the awe and splendor of winter. Gorgeous Upper Peninsula towns are the ideal locations for adventurers, photographers, or families looking to make fun winter memories. Particularly, Ironwood, Michigan, is a top-rated travel destination for anyone looking to take in the splendor and allure of Upper Peninsula Michigan.
Make your plans to revel in the enchantment of one of America’s most beautiful winter travel destinations in Ironwood now. If you would like to learn more about Michigan’s most captivating Upper Peninsula towns, contact Travel Ironwood. Travel Ironwood is here to help you find the most fun and fascinating things to do in Ironwood and the rest of Michigan’s upper peninsula. Simply call us or click here to learn more!