8 IDEAS TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES IN MICHIGAN

The holidays are now behind us and we are officially into 2023. In Michigan, this is an excuse to embrace the cozy. To finally get that fireplace going or binge that Netflix show your coworker has been bugging you to watch. But if we’re being real, 75 and sunny is still a long ways away and sooner than later cabin fever is gonna set in. To break it up and get you out of the house, here are 8 things to do during the winter months in Michigan!

Go skating at Campus Martius ice rink (Detroit)

Located on Woodward Avenue in the heart of Downtown Detroit, this is a one-of-a-kind ice skating experience that’s a staple date night or fun for the whole family! The rink is open seven days a week from now through March. While you’re there, make the most of your trip and visit the nearby popular restaurants and retailers! Check out this webpage for more information including hours.

Attend a concert at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (Detroit)

The DSO is a great place to escape the cold and enjoy classical symphonic music (along with the occasional modern cover) the way it should be listened to–live! Because it’s located in Detroit, there’s plenty of opportunity to go out to eat before or after and make it dinner and a show. Click here to buy tickets and check out a full calendar of upcoming events.

Visit the Cranbrook Institute of Science (West Bloomfield)

The museum has a plethora of permanent exhibits, and now through April 30th you can view their guided multimedia presentation on SUE, the most complete T-rex fossil skeleton found to date. This presentation features a resin-cast recreation of SUE based on the actual skeleton located in Chicago. If none of the exhibits catch your eye, Cranbrook’s observatory is worth the trip in and of itself. The historic observatory, which originally opened in 1927 and was renovated in 2012, is open every Friday from 7:30-10:00 pm, weather permitting.

Take a short trip and cozy up at the Lakeside Inn! This historic Inn is located in the southwest region of Harbor Country, just north of the Indiana state line. The Inn has hosted weddings and events, along with being a popular spot for weekend getaways for decades. Feel free to explore the grounds, enjoy Lake Michigan’s view, or venture out to grab a bite to eat nearby. Hot tip: it’s extremely affordable during the off-season winter months. For more information, visit their website here.

Visit A Historic Former State Hospital (Traverse City)

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is a popular winter tourist attraction in gorgeous Traverse City. The former state hospital has a plethora of shopping, restaurants and guided tours, including an asylum flashlight tour for those who might be a little more adventurous! Check out their website for more information.

Looking for something more active and engaging? Running the weekend of January 26th through 29th, the Grand Haven Winterfest includes a wide range of fun winter-themed events for the whole family to enjoy. Some of these events include a cardboard sled race, snow angel contest, and euchre tournament! Check out this page on their website for recommendations on lodging for the weekend.

Experience the “World of Winter” (Grand Rapids)

Have you ever wanted to go to the largest winter festival in the Midwest? From activities and events to outdoor art installations, the festival boasts over 100 free, winter-themed events! This festival takes place over the course of 2 months, from January 6th through March 5th. You can find more information, including an extensive calendar with events, on the World of Winter Festival website.

Embrace the cold with this adventurous, icy getaway! These breathtaking ice caves located in the UP on Grand Island (just a half mile from the town of Munising) are a great way to take in the beauty of winter right here in Michigan. Please reference this article published by the National Park Service for details on the best way to view these caves along with important safety precautions and warnings.

Additional Sources:
WXYZ
An Adventurous World
Metro Parent
Visit Detroit
Exploring the North
Lake Superior Cave Tours