Snowshoeing in the Upper Peninsula | Photo Courtesy of Pure Michigan
Winter in Northern Michigan is real winter; packed with feet of snow, frigid winds, and icy temps- it can be hard to believe that anyone would want to go outside! It might be easy to think of winter this far north as a time for avoiding the outdoors- but some of the most fun can be had during this wonderful time of the year. There is a reason that one of Michigan’s nicknames is ‘Water-Winter Wonderland’, and although many consider winter to be the ‘off season’ - we know that some of the best adventures can be had in the snow. From snow shoeing, snowmobiling, skiing, to ice fishing – there is something outside for everyone, no matter what the temperature is.
Here in Mio, the Huron National Forest offers an excellent access point to get you out on your journeys- and winter is no exception to this. The national forest offers several groomed and ungroomed snow shoeing and cross-country skiing trails throughout the season, ranging from short one-mile hikes along the AuSable, to longer 10-to-30-mile hiking options. The most notable system in the Huron National Forest is the Corsair Trail System, a groomed and well-kept cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trail that offers 28.3 total miles of fantastic hiking in the wonderful Huron National Forest. It costs $5 for a day pass or $15 for a week pass and all proceeds go towards grooming the trails and maintaining the area.
Snowmobiling is another great way to go out and experience the outdoors in winter- and here in Michigan, it is one of the top things to do. With our state offering over 6,500 miles of groomed snowmobiling trails, it has one of the most extensively interconnected snowmobile trail systems in the country, making it a top destination if you’re looking to travel by snow. Even if you don’t have a snowmobile – Michigan has you covered with dozens of small businesses offering snowmobile rentals throughout the state, so you don’t need to find yourself limited by living far from the action. And, if you’re looking to take an extended trip- you can travel through the expansive network of trails with your gear and set up camp along the way, visiting lots of state and national forest destinations, lakes, and scenic views along the way.
When most people think of skiing, they often think of big ski resorts out west, with towering mountains and intimidating slopes – and although Michigan lacks these ‘traditional’ peaks, the Water - Winter Wonderland is second in the nation in the number of ski areas. With less drastic inclines, Michigan offers a unique and more family-oriented downhill skiing experience, where skiers of any level can enjoy the slopes together. Of course, with skiing comes ski resorts- and there is no lack of quality ski resorts to spend the holidays at in Michigan, with amenities ranging from ski-in cabins, indoor water parks, and instructed skiing classes. Additionally, some locations offer snow tubing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing.
In Michigan, fishing never stops- be it the heat or summer or the frigid depths of winter, it’s always time to get on the water and catch the next big one. Ice fishing is a Michigander tradition, with many small towns hosting events on the ice while hundreds of fishermen gather in their shanties to catch a wide array of pan fish and sport fish. Houghton Lake is known for one of the largest of these events, called Tip Up Town, hosted towards the end of January each year. And here at AuSable River Outfitters, we carry a wide selection of ice fishing goods that can get you out on the water and catching the big ones!
This list is by no means extensive- with lots of seasonal ice festivals, snow races, frozen waterfalls, indoor resorts, and other winter activities, Michigan has all of your bases covered, no matter what season it is. And here at AuSable River Outfitters, we carry the gear that you’ll need to get out there and enjoy the snow- from winter coats, snow shoes, ice tracks, and more- stop in today to get geared up!