10 Best Towns in Michigan for a Winter Getaway
With annual snowfalls reaching up to 180 inches in some areas, Michigan transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with cozy lodges, heartwarming festivals, and snow-capped landscapes reminiscent of a snowglobe. Imagine taking a journey from the German-themed town of Frankenmuth to the Dutch-inspired city of Holland, each boasting historic downtowns, cultural attractions, and holiday celebrations for a unique holiday experience.
Alpena's Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Museum is a standout in the state, featuring over a 10,000-square-foot interactive exhibit centered around the shipwrecks of Thunder Bay. The Keweenaw Peninsula, with its pristine shores and breathtaking scenery, extends into Lake Superior and is easily accessible from Houghton or Marquette's Presque Isle Park. In Marquette, enjoy last-minute holiday shopping, or start 2024 with Zehnder’s Snowfest in Frankenmuth, featuring ice sculptures, chocolate baking, and a luncheon in January.
Alpena
Located on Lake Huron's less-traveled “Sunrise Side,” Alpena offers a serene escape. Home to three Dark Sky Preserves, Alpena provides numerous activities in the "Sanctuary of the Great Lakes," including exploring seven nearby lighthouses and over 100 miles of trails for fat tire biking. The town’s historic downtown, with its centuries-old brick buildings, is perfect for shopping and relaxing in cozy cafes. From the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary to Island Park, visitors can enjoy history along the frozen shores or explore excellent snowmobiling paths.
The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Museum, free to enter, showcases a full-size wooden schooner replica among its exhibits on Thunder Bay's shipwrecks. Other attractions include the Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan and the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. Visitors can also enjoy elk viewing carriages and sleigh rides. For accommodations, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alpena Downtown offers convenient access to lakefront trails, lighthouses, and natural preserves.
Frankenmuth
This authentic small town, reminiscent of Bavaria with its deep German heritage, offers a cultural and immersive small-town charm. Known as "Michigan's Christmas Town," Frankenmuth boasts a year-round festive atmosphere. If you miss the Christmas season, consider visiting during Zehnder’s Snowfest in the last week of January, featuring ice sculptures, chocolate baking, and a luncheon. With its Bavarian architecture and winter landscapes, Frankenmuth is enchanting.
Families can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, while parents explore landmarks, shops, and restaurants. The downtown area offers unique shopping experiences, including Bronners, the world's largest Christmas store. For accommodations, the Bavarian Inn, famous for its chicken dinner, and Zehnder’s Splash Village, with its exciting water activities, offer a memorable stay.
Holland
Transitioning from the German-themed Frankenmuth to the Dutch-inspired town of Holland, this destination offers a relaxed atmosphere along its historic streets. Embracing its Dutch heritage, Holland features a historic downtown and vibrant celebrations. The town, mirroring the charm of the Netherlands, hosts the Kerstmarkt, a European-style outdoor market with traditional offerings and performances.
Exploring Holland extends beyond its heated sidewalks and cozy shops; Holland State Park offers stunning winter landscapes, including the iconic “Big Red” Lighthouse and the shores of Lake Michigan. Outdoor activities like cross-country skiing and ice skating are abundant. Cultural attractions such as the DeKlomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory, the Holland Museum, and Nelis’ Dutch Village add to the experience. For accommodation, Home2 Suites by Hilton Holland provides easy access to these attractions.
Houghton
In the small town of Houghton, located on the Keweenaw Peninsula, outdoor activities are a highlight, especially with its extensive green spaces and trails that are popular among cross-country skiers. With an average annual snowfall exceeding 200 inches, visitors can indulge in sled rides, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling against the picturesque backdrop of forests and waterways. Equipment rentals and ski groups are available, offering a range of activities to pique everyone’s interest.
Houghton, part of the Copper Country, is nestled near a waterway that connects Portage Lake and Lake Superior. It's a true winter wonderland, with phenomena such as the northern lights and frozen beaches creating a magical ambiance. The town provides a genuine Upper Peninsula experience, from nature excursions to local pasties, craft beer, and dog sledding. McLain State Park, along Lake Superior, offers a prime spot for viewing the Aurora Borealis.
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island, accessible via limited ferry service until mid-January, offers a unique winter escape. Known for its charm year-round, the island's Victorian architecture dusted with snow and the serene views of the frozen Strait of Mackinac are especially enchanting in winter. With fewer crowds during the holiday season, visitors can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere perfect for exploring the island and warming up in cozy settings.
The island's winter festivities, including tree-lighting ceremonies, bonfires, and snow golf, provide a delightful setting for family bonding. Sleigh rides and the family-friendly Murray Hotel add to the island's appeal. With its passionate locals and low-key festivals, Mackinac’s famous fudge becomes even more of a treat in the winter, enhancing the novel experience of feeling like you "own your personal island."
Manistique
Manistique, located on the northern coast of Lake Michigan, offers a year-round majestic beauty, particularly enchanting during the holiday season. The area is rich in wildlife, state parks, and boardwalks. Notably, Fayette Historic State Park serves as a cultural reminder of Michigan’s industrial past. For accommodations, options like the Quality Inn & Suites and the highly-rated Comfort Inn near the popular Big Boy restaurant are available.
The town is home to Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan’s largest natural freshwater spring, which is 200 feet long and 40 feet deep, gushing over 10,000 gallons of water per minute. Visitors can marvel at this natural wonder through the clear water and observe the limestone formations at the spring's bottom. Another key attraction is the East Breakwater Lighthouse, a must-visit destination that adds charm to every season, especially during the holidays.
Marquette
Marquette, known for its French heritage, is a top tourist destination in Michigan. The city is home to Presque Isle Park, which translates from French as "almost an island," and offers a warm holiday ambiance. The coastal city is filled with opportunities for holiday shopping and enjoying cozy cafes with hot cocoa. As the largest city in the Upper Peninsula and home to Northern Michigan University, Marquette combines a vibrant atmosphere with a small-town feel.
The city welcomes visitors with stunning views of Lake Superior and a snowy landscape. It's a haven for snow sports enthusiasts, offering miles of trails for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and activities like ice climbing and fat-tire biking. Presque Isle Park is notable for its “black rock” cliffs, forested paths, and beaches, which are home to rare native plants and wildlife, including deer and snowy owls.
Munising
Munising, renowned for its proximity to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, makes the journey to Michigan's far north worthwhile. Nearby, the Hiawatha National Forest and the Grand Island National Recreation Area offer some of Michigan's most stunning winter views. Just a mile southwest of Munising, the Eben Ice Caves are a breathtaking sight, featuring ice pinnacles and sculptures. Additionally, the nearby Grand Island presents the Grand Island Ice Caves, another natural wonder.
This scenic area in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers diverse activities, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Valley Spur. Visitors can enjoy tranquil hiking trails leading to sights like the frozen Munising Waterfall. Known as the “snowmobile capital of the Midwest,” Munising also attracts ice fishermen, ice climbers at Miner’s Falls, and families enjoying sledding and snow play. The North Star Hotel Pictured Rocks provides convenient access to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, known for its sandstone cliffs and picturesque lighthouse.
Pentwater
Pentwater, with its snow-covered gardens and village charm, feels like a winter wonderland. Everything in this town, from the vibrant shopping and dining scene to the marina views, is within walking distance. The Pentwater Winterfest, held in mid-February, is a highlight, offering unique experiences of Michigan’s winter magic. The festival includes a fishing tournament, the Snowman Scram 5K, cross-country skiing in Pere Marquette State Forest, and sledding in the Village Green.
Adventurous visitors will enjoy Charles Mears State Park for its hiking trails, snowmobiling routes, and stunning views from Old Baldy Dune. The park also offers ice fishing on Pentwater Lake. Food enthusiasts can partake in a warming soup competition, while the Cork and Canvas Wine Tasting and Gallery Stroll, benefiting the Pentwater Arts Council, caters to a variety of tastes. This event enriches the holiday experience in Pentwater, known for its tree-lined streets, Victorian homes, and cozy cottages.
Traverse City
Traverse City, a premier winter getaway in Michigan, captivates with its seasonal transformations. The town comes alive with the contrasting white snow against the deep blues of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay. The heart of the city shines brightly, drawing people to its festive, lighted streets and downtown celebrations. From shoreline strolls along Lake Michigan to hiking the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes, Traverse City offers an array of outdoor activities, including snowmobiling and skiing at Hickory Hills and Mt. Holiday Ski & Recreation Area. Blending small-town charm with a cosmopolitan vibe, the city also boasts museums, extensive retail districts, and top-tier restaurants.
A weekend or an entire winter break in Traverse City promises friendly locals and numerous kid-friendly activities, such as the Great Wolf Lodge. The holiday season is marked by light parades, carriage rides, a community Christmas tree, and sleigh rides in local parks. For family-friendly accommodation, Howard Johnson by Wyndham is ideally situated, close to the State Theatre and Trattoria Stella, a restaurant acclaimed for its authentic Italian cuisine. Traverse City is also a haven for wine, craft beer, and spirits enthusiasts, with many new and hip venues open throughout the winter, nestled among charming shops and cafes on Front Street.
The Michigan Winter Experience
As the year winds down or as you kick off 2024, Michigan, the Great Lakes State, offers an array of winter fun. While the beaches may be quieter in their frozen state, they present a stunning, snowglobe-like vista, particularly in places like Pentwater. Michigan’s landscape transforms into a winter haven for cross-country skiing enthusiasts, with each town offering its unique snowy charm.
In addition to Traverse City’s traditional skiing options and scenic walks along Sleeping Bear Dunes and Lake Michigan, Munising is a must-visit for those seeking the breathtaking beauty of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Whether you're seeking scenic serenity or adventurous outdoor activities, Michigan’s towns offer a picturesque backdrop for a memorable winter experience.
