How to Have a Fun Winter Vacation in the Great Michigan Outdoors

Planning a winter vacation to Michigan? Then you must be looking for some outdoor fun! A Michigan winter rarely disappoints snow lovers, so pack your outdoor apparel (or buy them once you get here) and prepare for lots of winter fun. You can go skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, deer hunting, and more!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• winter vacation money

1. SKIING: If you like to downhill ski, then you’ll want to vacation near the Northwestern edge of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. This is one of the best “snow belt” areas for skiing in the state of Michigan. The winds blow snow across Lake Michigan and—viola!—lots and lots of snowfall. Stay somewhere in Leelanau County if you want to experience a fun winter vacation skiing near Lake Michigan.

2. SNOWMOBILING: Michigan has more than 6,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails! The Michigan Interactive website has a nice map and list of snowmobile trails throughout the state, so I’ve included its link in the Resources area. If you are a non-resident of Michigan and plan on bringing your own snowmobile on your winter vacation, a proof of registration from your home state along with a $25 trail permit is required to ride on government-owned trails. See the Resources area for more information on Michigan snowmobile laws and related information.

3. ICE FISHING: Michigan has plenty of fish to catch during your winter vacation! The Great Lakes are home to walleye, trout, bass, perch, and much more. You can purchase a 24 Hour Fish license online from the Michigan DNR for $7. See the Resources area for a link to the MDNR E-License system. If you plan on using a snowmobile to reach your favorite ice fishing spot, a trail permit is not required (although registration still is). And, please, keep a set of ice picks around your neck in case of an emergency. Having easy access to ice picks could make all the difference in your survival on the ice.

4. HUNTING: Deer hunting is a big recreational activity in Michigan, especially during the cold weather months. But no worries if you’re not a fan of venison meat; there are plenty of other game animals here to hunt, including elk, black bear, waterfowl, and wild turkey. If you do not have a Michigan Driver License or Michigan ID card, you’ll need to buy a Sportcard (the cost is only $1) in order to purchase a hunting license. See the Resources area for more information about hunting in Michigan. Here’s to wishing you and yours a fun winter vacation here in Michigan!

Resources

• Map of Michigan Snowmobile Trails (scroll down a bit on page)
• Snowmobiling Info from the Michigan DNR
• Michigan DNR E-License System
• Hunting Info from the Michigan DNR

[Punkuns]

on 12/21/2008 I want to go to Michigan right now! Very detailed information, thank you!

[1960texan]

on 12/21/2008 You write for the Michigan Tourism office! Great article and tips for a fun vacation.