Winter Adventure GUIDE

iving in West Michigan means four distinct, beautiful seasons, including a long and snowy winter.

While it’s understandable to crave the summer sun in these freezing temperatures, a real winter means we get to do tons of things our Southern neighbors don’t. Snowboarding, skiing, ice skating, sledding, even ice fishing—these are unique experiences only certain parts of the world are able to enjoy, so why not take advantage if you’re going to live here? Especially since we have so many incredible venues to do so, many of which have multiple winter offerings. Getting active and outdoors in the winter is by far the best way to fight off seasonal affective disorder, and the more you move, the warmer you’ll be. Invest in winter hobbies and you’ll actually find yourself craving the snow, rather than waiting impatiently for June to arrive. So as we enter the coldest, snowiest month of the year, here’s Revue ’s guide to your outdoor winter adventures.

Stay Safe

Before we get to the many winter offerings of West Michigan, let’s make sure to do all activities comfortably and safely—otherwise you might not want (or be able to) come back for round two. We have a few tips:

LAYER UP. Even if all you’ve done is shovel your driveway, you’ve likely learned the importance of layering. Winter exercise means you’ll start cold and dry, and finish hot. Being sweaty is terrible in the winter, so removing layers is key.

SAFETY GEAR. Headlamps, reflective gear, helmets, running spikes, whatever it takes.

DON’T FORGET SUNSCREEN. Harmful UV rays don’t know it’s winter, and they’ll still burn you. Moisturizer helps too.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS. Whether it’s cross-country skiing, fat tire biking or hitting the slopes, just don’t push yourself too hard. Winter adds complications to anything you do.

CANNONSBURG SKI AREA | 6800 Cannonsburg Rd. NE, Belmont

With 21 runs and nine lifts, Cannonsburg is the biggest hub for skiing and snowboarding in the area. This is the place to go in West Michigan whether you want to start learning or are a seasoned pro. Cannonsburg also has excellent groomed trails through the woods for fat-tire biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, not to mention equipment rentals. Plus, a cozy lodge offers food, hot cocoa, coffee, craft beer and more.

BITTERSWEET SKI RESORT | 600 River Rd, Otsego

About halfway between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, you’ll find Bittersweet, a ski resort with 350 vertical feet, 20 runs and six lifts. Looking to try out your tricks? Check out the updated terrain park with multiple rail features. Looking to learn how to stay on your feet? Try Bittersweet’s Ski and Snowboard School, offering hour-long lessons.

MULLIGAN’S HOLLOW | Mulligan Dr., Grand Haven

Considered the “local skill hill,” this ski bowl has a 130-foot vertical drop with six slopes with adjoining trails, and rope tows all around instead of lifts. Affordable, community-focused, and offering a number of group lessons, Mulligan’s might just be the fit for you.

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN | 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompsonville

If you’re willing to make a trip out of it, Crystal Mountain is a huge resort with tons of offerings. With a 375-foot vertical drop, 59 downhill slopes, multiple glade areas and three terrain areas, there’s a perfect run for everyone here. Plus, they have trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, not to mention a skating rink.

Cross Country Skiing

PALMER PARK | 1275 62nd St. SW, Wyoming

With groomed cross-country ski trails, heated restrooms and ski rentals available, this is the perfect place to try out one of the most unique winter activities. Smooth, efficient and relatively easy.

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING CONTINUED...

PICKEREL LAKE PARK | 6001 Ramsdell Rd NE, Cannonsburg

While many of the best trails don’t offer rentals, including Pickerel, you can always head somewhere like Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus for daily/weekend rentals of cross-country ski equipment. Then head to this lovely trail around the lake, great for beginners.

LUDINGTON STATE PARK | 8800 M-116, Ludington

20 miles of pristine trails and views of Lake Michigan and Au Sable Lighthouse. Escape the city life for hours of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through one of West Michigan’s best kept secrets.

WAHLFIELD PARK | 6811 Alpine Ave., Alpine Township

A mix of hills and flatlands, valleys and open fields make for a great intermediate experience.

LUTON PARK | 5950 10 Mile Rd. NE, Rockford

With a mix of nearly 10 miles of ungroomed trails, you can pick your own length and difficulty here at Luton.

MILHAM PARK GOLF COURSE | 4200 Lovers Ln, Kalamazoo

Maintained by the Kalamazoo Nordic Skiers, this trail around the golf course’s perimeter is lovely and even has a ski shop for rentals.

PIGEON CREEK PARK | 12524 Stanton St., West Olive

Over 10 miles of groomed and tracked ski trails wind through mature forests across 282 acres of land. Plus, a sledding hill nearby!

Showshoeing

BLANDFORD NATURE CENTER | 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, Grand Rapids

Now with 264 acres to explore and miles of trails, Blandford is the perfect place to trek year-round. Snowshoe rentals are cheap at just $6 for adults, and there’s tons of amazing wildlife to see at this nature center and animal habitat.

HEMLOCK CROSSING | 8115 West Olive Rd, West Olive

Cheap rentals and more than six miles of trails across a 239-acre park makes Hemlock another excellent option for snowshoeing along a river and through a forest.

WITTENBACH WEGE CENTER | 11715 Vergennes St., Lowell

Head to Lowell for 140 acres of forests, prairies, wetlands and open fields at the Wittenbach. You’ll find several different trails for snowshoeing, plus rentals.

MILLENNIUM PARK | 1415 Maynard Ave. SW, Walker

Unplowed and ungroomed, this park is perfect for snowshoers who have their own pair. Walk along 18 miles of paved trails and see the popular park in a new light.

SEIDMAN PARK | 8155 Conservation Road, Ada

Take a quick hike or snowshoe for nearly four miles—either way, Seidman is an excellent choice.

Ice Skating

ROSA PARKS CIRCLE | 135 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids

This is the place to skate outdoors in Grand Rapids. The Rosa Parks ice rink has been open for many years, and it keeps getting better. This year, the rink has 90-minute skating sessions with resurfacing in-between, which makes it easy to sign up for a time and be sure you won’t have to wait. Plus, the skate rentals are cheap and easy! Bring your loved one, friends and family.

ICE SKATING CONTINUED...

MUSKEGON LUGE ADVENTURE SPORTS PARK | 462 Scenic Drive, Muskegon

Previously known as Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, this truly unique spot has recently put the spotlight on their luge track—only one of four in the United States. However, they have much more to offer, including a large skating rink and a one-of-a-kind ice skating trail through the woods. This quarter-mile trail is lit at night and great for even beginners to enjoy. By the way, they also offer snowshoeing and cross-country skiing!

SOUTH HAVEN ICE RINK | 546 Phoenix St., South Haven

This family-friendly skating rink in South Haven is under a covered pavilion to protect from precipitation, but still open to the great outdoors. Plus, if you want to learn to curl, you can contact the rink and arrange a group lesson.

Fat Tire Biking

INDIAN TRAILS GOLF COURSE | 2776 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids

In the winter, this golf course converts to a fat bike park groomed by clubhouse staff, with bikes available for rental and concessions on-hand as well. Head here for nearly 4 miles of quality bike trails, alongside separate trails for snowshoeing and skiing.

MERRELL TRAIL | 8320 Belmont Ave., Belmont

Up for a bit of a challenge? Hit up this 6.4-mile single-track trail through the woods in Rockford.

DRAGON TRAIL | Newaygo

This trail is new and still growing, but nearly 22 miles are available already, with much of the trails open and groomed for fatbiking.

YANKEE SPRINGS | 2104 S. Briggs Rd, Middleville

This single-track trail near Gun Lake has 6.5 miles of groomed trail, plus plenty ungroomed for the adventurous

Ice Fishing

ANYWHERE

That’s right—just about any inland lake in Michigan works for ice fishing, as long as the ice is actually frozen enough (at least 3 inches) to hold you. And while there’s plenty of additional gear you can bring along, all you really need is a rod, an auger, and safety equipment for emergency. For extra safety and camaraderie, try to head somewhere with other fishers, such as Reeds Lake (pike, bluegill), Long Lake (pike), and Gun Lake (pike, bluegill, walleye).

Sledding

RICHMOND PARK | 1101 Richmond St. NW, Grand Rapids

Long hill, beautiful woods, pond at the bottom.

BELKNAP PARK | 30 Coldbrook St. NE, Grand Rapids

Massive, steep, powerful — maybe too big to handle. Provides beautiful city overlook.

JOHNSON PARK | 2600 Wilson Ave. SW, Walker

Long and large. One YouTube video demonstrates an impressive 30-second long ride.

SUGAR BOWL DUNE | Near South Scenic Drive in Muskegon

Extreme, steep, completely natural. Excellent view of Lake Michigan. It’s a dune, but with snow. ■