What: An El Niño weather pattern has resulted in lower-than-average snowfall in Michigan and across the Midwest in the early part of the winter season. Pure Michigan, a four-season wonderland, knows how to enjoy winter regardless of natural snowfall. Make your plans now for area ski resorts, indoor waterparks, museums, warming igloos, firepits, quiet trails and more.
Why: Just because you don’t see snow in your backyard doesn’t mean you won’t find snow on the slopes. Michigan ski areas and resorts have snow-making capabilities that can keep lifts and ski runs open across the state, including destinations like:
And for those not interested in winter snow sports, area hotels and cultural institutions are eager to welcome travelers for long weekends and winter wellness escapes.
Where: Off the slopes, find winter fun across all areas of Michigan, such as:
- Detroit: A cultural hub, named a top 2024 destination by AFAR and Conde Nast Traveler, Detroit offers live professional sports and entertainment, museums and a flourishing culinary scene.
- Grand Rapids: The annual World of Winter Festival is on display from January to March with intricately lit art displays stationed throughout the city, as well as regularly scheduled live entertainment from silent discos, food truck rallies, ice skating, live ice sculpture carvings, and much more.
- Kalamazoo: Known for its craft beverage scene and home to Michigan’s oldest microbrewery Bell’s Brewery Inc., cozy up at one of the area’s 20+ breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries.
- Traverse City: Positioned on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, this Up North gem has all-season pools and water parks for your family escape. Check out Delamar Hotel, Great Wolf Lodge and Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.
- Upper Peninsula: Enjoy the quiet beauty of Michigan’s UP from the comfort of the indoors or the tranquility found in the outdoors. Mount Bohemia situated on the Keweenaw Peninsula offers a Nordic Spa with sauna and plunge pool, and Lake Superior Steam offers picturesque views while warming your bones. Charming towns like Marquette are centrally located to a network of trails and parks for those looking to embrace the great outdoors this winter.
How: Plan your winter escape at michigan.org/winter.
