There is no doubt that Michigan is ideal for winter activities, but the sheer number of things there are to do can become overwhelming. What If I told you that there are in fact, things that you didn't even know of on top of what you already are trying to find time for? Take a look at this list if you want to get the most out of this winter season— and everyone thereafter!

Skiing + Snowboarding

Skiing is ideal during the winter months, whether you're young or old. If you haven't had the chance to try this activity out yet, don't sweat. Most ski resorts offer equipment rentals and once you realize what a blast it can be, you’ll feel the need to invest in your own.

Skiing and snowboarding are iconic Michigan activities. Mount Bohemia in Houghton is ideal for those who into the real rush of it and have been skiing beforehand. If you're new to the scene or prefer a more casual experience, though, Boyne Mountain would be a fun place to get involved. They have an incremented skiing course, offering slopes to beginnings and experts alike. Another Northern slope that is quite pleasant to retreat to as well is Shanty Creek. This resort offers unique fine dining experiences for its area (Antrim) and year-round events that delight both adults and children.

2. Cross-Country Skiing + Snowshoeing

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing keep people busy all winter long with their ease of access and lovely views. Cross-country skiing puts a person in a position to engage in nature in a very liberating way, adding a sense of speed and rush to the general winter hike. Snowshoeing is not simply winter hiking, but it does resemble the simplicity. There are many snowshoeing trails in Muskegon and various others at local and state parks around the state.

3. Ice Skating

There are fewer people than I realized who have never ice skated, despite living in Michigan during the winter season. Ice skating is offered both indoors and outdoors, depending on where you're at. Up north, most civic center's give way to some decent indoor ice skating, though it tends to still only be during the winter months. Downstate there is a mix of both, as the urban areas try to make up for their lack of natural experiences (such as waterfall climbing or skiing).

If you are looking for some lively places to get your ice skates scuffed at, check out the rink at Campus Martius Park located in Detroit. There are rinks throughout the downstate region, such as in Flint and Ann Arbor, and far north as Marquette. The downfall to outdoor rinks is the scarcity of rentals that are offered in correlation to the location. That is the benefit of indoor rinks and why it is a person's best bet to go indoors for their first time if they lack the skates.

4. Snow Tubing + Sledding

Snow tubing and sledding are wonderful ways to get active and relax at the same time. Sledding is by far more accessible throughout the state, as there seems to be a local hill regardless of the county you’re in. Some state-acclaimed sledding locations include Burchfield Park in Holt, Johnson Park in Walker, Sleeping Bear Dunes in Traverse City, and Woods Lake Park in Kalamazoo.

Snow tubing is slightly more unique and can be difficult to find depending on what area of the state you are in. It is worth the time to give Hanson Hills Recreation Area in Grayling a spin if you are in fact, ever near the area. The facility is known for its flat-rate tubing sessions and open status during the holidays.

5. Find Frozen Waterfalls

Finding frozen waterfalls is a great adventure to go on in the wilderness of Michigan. For those who love to take in the beauty of snow-covered pine trees and glistening bodies of iced water, frozen waterfall hunting can keep you occupied and in awe all at once.

Looking for the waterfalls, though, doesn't have to be all there is to it. Ice climbing is a delicacy for the adventurer. It isn't a winter activity for the faint of heart, nor for those who haven't done much climbing. Nevertheless, it is one of the most demanding ones and can improve an individual's climbing skills if they already have them.

Michigan Ice Fest in Munising can be the ideal time to test out taking up this adventurous activity. Some highly skilled climbers host classes and demonstrations throughout the festival, bringing this daring experience to the public. Either way, though, merely finding a frozen waterfall in Michigan feels magical on its own. Something like buried treasure when you commit to seeing it with intent.

6. Fat Tire Biking

Fat tire biking will take you dashing through the snow faster than you will probably feel safe doing. This definitely can be a fun way to get around, but going out and taking up high speeds can feel quite rushing. Fat tire bikes are unique as they allow the bike to get through heavy to moderate snow amounts with ease. Their tires are a bit expensive to repair, though, so don't push it off the trail.

If you don't have personal access to one, there are many places to rent one. Crystal Mountain Resort has rentals and even trails that you can take your own on, as well as places such as Big M in Manistee and Winter Sports Singletrack in Traverse City.

7. Enjoy Hockey Season

Hockey season can be such a blast if you're into sports or even just the energy of them. Consider going to a game to get yourself out and involved in the community, whether you know the teams or not. Detroit is a famous city for quality hockey games and can have some really great prices at specific points throughout the season.

8. Dog Sledding

One of the most fun winter activities I have found is dog sledding. There are many different ways to engage in these adventures, but a guided tour is ideal if it is still a new experience. Shemhadar Dog Sled Adventures is a tourist attraction but is an excellent budget-friendly business, even if you're a local.

Dog sledding is an expensive hobby to have, though, as it requires the implied— dogs. In many cases, a team consists of 14 to 15 dogs, requiring an immense amount of care. Teams at facilities that provide public tours are usually cared for by a team, giving ease. Consider this before getting a passionate urge to take on the challenge yourself!

9. Snow-Mobiling

Take dashing through the snow to the next level and snowmobile through the state this winter. There are trails in pretty much any state area, though some are quite a bit better than others. Saint Helen and Antrim County are both "local" recommendations and pretty much anywhere in the Upper Peninsula. If you are already pretty involved in this activity (or even use it as a travel method), check out the North Eastern State Trail. Known to be one of the longest trails in the state and primarily made of limestone, it is highly acclaimed.

10. Build Something

Sometimes the best winter activities are right at home. Take time this season to get outside with people you care about- or strangers at the park- and create something. Enjoy the innocence and creativity that winter brings out of people as we all bumble through the day, trying to avoid the wintertime blues.

Snow feels magical because the sense that anything is possible lingers; a snowman, an igloo, a system of tunnels. Many towns have various types of snow and ice sculpting contests throughout the year as well. If you realize something new about yourself along the way, make it a point to get involved. Just because it's winter doesn't mean we should be cooped up inside. Throw on some gloves and a hat, and get creative!

Look and Feel Gorgeous During Any Activity

Winter Wonderland (Glitter Topper) ❄️

$16.00

Regardless of whether you’re playing hard in the snow or just embracing the serenity of the frosty woodlands, Northern Nail Polishes winter line will keep you feeling seasonal and secure. Non-chip, non-toxic, and vegan; they guarantee comfort and quality. Please take advantage of what Michigan offers, both outdoors and through its local businesses that allow these activities to be possible and high-quality cosmetics to be affordable.

While you’re outdoors and involved, make sure to match with one of the most stunning shades from the winter line release, Dashing Through the Snow. This periwinkle light blue shines just enough when hit with the light that it will be sure to give you the confidence needed to jump on that sled and embrace the season.