15 things that belong on every Michigander’s winter bucket list

We created the perfect Michigan winter bucket list with everything from marveling at snow sculptures to snowshoeing down wintery trails. 

Winter in Michigan can be a wonderful and magical time. It can also be a very, very long time. Those of us who live here know that there are a few ways to survive a long and harsh Michigan winter—sometimes, it involves getting outside and embracing all of the snow, and other times, it involves working up ways to stay entertaining indoors. 

Whether you’re looking to experience the great Michigan outdoors or need a way to get out of the house during winter break, we’ve crafted a unique winter bucket list that every Michigander will enjoy. There’s something for everyone, from pierogi-making to spa weekends to igloo dinners to exploring a salt cave. (Yes, really!) 

1. Make homemade pierogis

My husband’s family has Polish roots, so every winter, they gather together and have a big pierogi-making party. His grandmother is no longer with us, but she was famous for her pierogis. I got to taste some of the homemade pastry stuffed with cheesy mashed potatoes and it was definitely comfort in a pasta form. If you’ve never had a pierog (that’s the singular form), the best way I can describe is like a pan-friend dumpling stuffed with add-ins like mashed potatoes, cabbage, or cheese. They can be sweet or savory and are hearty, filling, and perfect for warming up on a cold winter’s night. 

Detroit, which was home to many Polish immigrants at one time, continues the pierogi tradition, and you can even join in on the pasta fun by taking a pierogi-making class. Pietrzyk Pierogi, a pierogi shop in Detroit, offers hands-on Pierogi Making 101 classes that run all winter long. You can reserve your spot at an upcoming class online. 

Photo courtesy of Pietrzyk Pierogi.

2. Marvel at ice sculptures at Snowfest

Frankenmuth is known for being a one-of-a-kind holiday destination town in Michigan, complete with the world’s largest Christmas store, horsedrawn carriage rides, festive dinners, and massive indoor waterparks for the kids, but it also has one of my favorite Michigan winter bucket list items: getting a chance to check out all of the incredible ice sculptures at Snowfest. 

Snowfest is the town’s annual winter celebration, and it features one of the country’s largest and most impressive ice sculpture competitions. There are also plenty of other attractions, like a petting zoo, fireworks, and a magic show. It’s free to attend Snowfest and marvel at all of the sculptures, and it runs from January 29 through February 2, 2025. 

Photo courtesy of Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau.

3. Strap on some snowshoes

I have always wanted to go snowshoeing, but despite growing up here in Michigan, I’ve never actually done it. So I was surprised when I did some research and found that according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, snowshoeing is allowed on any public trail or land. The department simply asks that if you’re using a groomed ski trail, you walk to the side of the trail for everyone’s safety. 

Many parks, resorts, and other places in Michigan offer snowshoe rentals and trails, but if you want a great place to try snowshoeing, consider Crystal Mountain. The resort offers snowshoeing across all of its property and at the nearby Michigan Legacy Art Park. You can rent snowshoes by the hour from Crystal Mountain for a self-led adventure or sign up for a guided snowshoe hike. 

Photo courtesy of courtesy of Crystal Mountain.

4. Bundle up for a candlelight snow hike

Charlevoix is known for its weekly candlelit hikes, which you can join from 5-8 p.m. Friday starting December 20, 2024, through February 21, 2025. The trail is lit up with candles and maintained by volunteers, but it is self-guided, so you can hike, snowshoe, or ski if that’s your preference. The trail starts at the sledding hill in Charlevoix and leads up to Mt. McSauba.  The route can vary from week to week, so even if you’re a regular, you can enjoy new scenery. 

Photo courtesy of Visit Charlevoix.

5. Enjoy dinner in an igloo

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to enjoy dinner in an igloo? Well, now you can have the chance to book a magical dining experience in one of Michigan’s many igloos. For instance, the White Horse Inn in Metamora offers heated outdoor igloos where up to 10 guests can enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner. Reservations must be made in advance, and you can warm up in the restaurant’s outdoor firepit before or after your meal. 

Photo courtesy of the White Horse Inn.

6. See the chair that Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in

Admittedly, this is not as feel-good activity as some of the other items on the list, but no trip to Michigan can be complete without visiting the Henry Ford Museum near Detroit, home to some of the most interesting historical items in the entire country. For instance, visitors can view the car that John Robert Kennedy drove in and see the actual chair that President Abraham Lincoln sat in the night he was assassinated. (The chair even has confirmed blood stains still on it.) When the weather outside is frightful, the Henry Ford Museum provides a fascinating way to spend a day. 

Photo courtesy of the Henry Ford Museum.

7. Be dazzled by the Big Bright Light Show

Every Michigander near the thumb needs to add a trip to the Big, Bright Light Show in downtown Rochester. Not only is the light show completely free, but it includes over one million holiday lights to enjoy and it’s open through January 19. Pack up the fam and walk or drive to enjoy the lights. It can get busy during the weekends, so there’s no shame in driving through with a thermos of hot chocolate to take in all the festivities. 

Photo courtesy of Chaunie Brusie.

8. Book a winter water rafting trip

I admit that despite spending my entire life in Michigan, it has genuinely never occurred to me that people go water rafting in the winter. But Jordan Valley Outfitters in East Jordan, MI, specializes in winter water rafting trips for groups and makes the experience safe and enjoyable by guiding the entire group (translation: they do all the heavy lifting!) and providing all the supplies you need. You can even take the whole family, with discounted rates for kids under age 12 available. 

“I can’t even tell you how incredible winter rafting with Jordan Valley Outfitters was!” raved one reviewer on the company’s Facebook page. “Living in Traverse City for 14 years, this was the most wonderful activity we’ve done!  Brian, our guide for the rafting, shared his knowledge and love of the river, the environment, and wildlife. It was infectious! The beauty around us was like no other. I can’t wait to go again! I highly recommend this unique and fun experience.”

Photo courtesy of Jordan Valley Outfitters.

9. Learn to luge 

The Muskegon Luge—which, for those of us who aren’t familiar with it, is basically a giant winter slide–is one of only four ice luges in the entire country. Although ice luging is an Olympic sport, anyone can learn to luge with day passes at the Muskegon Winter Luge Track. 

Muskegon’s Luge is unique because not only is it one of four in the entire nation, but it stands alone as the only natural ice luge, so it’s not artificially refrigerated. The track was also designed by actual Olympian Frank Masley and provides Olympic-level vibes while still being beginner-friendly. Day passes include training on how to luge before participants are able to enjoy up to 30 MPH speeds on the track. Park visitors can also buy passes for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing, so there are plenty of outdoor winter fun activities to enjoy. 

Photo courtesy of Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park.

10. Buy an ornament at the largest Christmas store in the world

Nearly every year for the past 20 years, my husband and I have visited Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland store in Frankenmuth sometime during the holiday season to pick up an annual ornament for our tree. The tradition started when we were dating, and through marriage and kids, we have loved picking out a meaningful ornament to celebrate every year.

Bronner’s is the world’s largest Christmas store in the entire world and if you’ve never been, plan to take in a lot of holiday decor, shopping, and sights and sounds. If you take the kids, they can visit Santa, make a custom ornament, and have plenty of photo ops throughout the store as well. 

Photo courtesy of Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau.

11. Be enchanted by a one-of-a-kind majestic elk viewing experience

Ever since I learned about the Elk Viewing experience at Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman, MI, I knew it would be at the top of my bucket list. I honestly can’t think of any more magical winter experience than taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride out through the woods to marvel at the majestic elk in their natural habitat. 

And then, just when the cold starts to set in, the sleigh whisks you back to the Elk Antler Cabin, where you can enjoy a luxury 5-course dinner with menu items like pear and apple dumplings, homemade soup, roast and potatoes, and white chocolate mousse. Children 9 years and up can join in on the experience, too, making it one to add to the gift wish list. 

Photo courtesy of Thunder Bay Resort.

12. Relax with in-room massage at the Historic Webster House 

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, one of my favorite ways to recharge is with a stay at the Historic Webster House bed and breakfast in Bay City. I’ve visited the Inn several times—once with my husband for our anniversary and a few times as just a Mom’s night away to relax. 

I love this Michigan bed and breakfast during the winter months especially because not only is it cozy and decorated beautifully, but they’re one of the few small inns that have in-room massages available. You can even book a couple’s massage right in the comfort of your own room. Plus, many of their rooms have an add-on spa and sauna package so you can warm up and relax without leaving the property. We also enjoyed the in-room jacuzzi and fireplace and, of course, a delicious breakfast in the dining room or delivered to your door (for a small extra free). It’s the perfect way to unwind and recharge after a busy holiday season and welcome in the new year. 

Photo courtesy of Chaunie Brusie.

13. Book a Michigan rental for a spa weekend in

Speaking of recharging, one of my very favorite winter memories ever is the time my sisters, daughters, and mom all spent enjoying a cozy and fun-filled spa weekend at a Michigan Airbnb. We booked a weekend at the beautiful Savannah Blue in Walloon Lake and brought all the fixings for a relaxing spa weekend. Although there’s plenty to do nearby, like skiing at Boyne Mountain or visiting Petoskey, both 10 minutes away, we opted to stay in and pamper ourselves. 

After a delicious dinner out at a nearby restaurant, we kicked back with mud masks, red light therapy, pedicure foot baths, steam therapy, and plenty of snacks. And, of course, the adults enjoyed the complimentary champagne that our hosts thoughtfully provided for us. After a night of relaxation, we enjoyed waking up to beautiful wintery views and hot coffee. 10/10 recommend if you’re looking for a fun winter retreat with your best girls. 

Photo courtesy of Savannah Blue.

14. Take a deep breath in a salt cave

You know that time about February or March when you feel like you just can’t take one more yucky, freezing-cold day in Michigan? That’s the perfect time to take yourself to a nearby salt cave. Salt caves are purported to have healing and therapeutic properties to help with things like respiratory infections and conditions, detoxification, and inflammation reduction. But if nothing else, I can fully attest that the cave is a wonderful way to shake off the doldrums of winter in Michigan. 

We visited Halo2 Wellness Center & Himalayan Salt Cave in Southeastern Michigan and loved the cozy ambiance–we had a full hour to enjoy the cave, and I was able to bring my young daughters with me as well. I will caution you that although I thought for some reason salt caves were warm, the one we visited was cool, so dress appropriately! Many salt caves also offer saunas and red light therapy in addition to salt experiences if you want a warm boost. 

15. Watch the Lions at Ford Field

Last but not least, as a Michigander who lives near Detroit, I have to add watching the Lions to my winter bucket list. There’s still time to pick up tickets to watch their last scheduled game thus far, which will be at none other than Ford Field. You know we’re going straight to the Superbowl, so we may as well add that to the bucket list while we’re at it!

Tell us: what would you add to a Michigan winter bucket list?

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.