Michigan winters can be dreadful for some, but there are so many great things to enjoy about this time of the year. Don’t let cold weather stop you and your family from taking a little getaway! Your trip doesn’t have to be hopping on a plane and flying across the country, it could mean taking a mini road trip an hour away from your house in Michigan. If you want to take advantage of what winter has to offer in Michigan, take a trip to one of these incredible places that turn into winter wonderlands during this time of the year. Here are the top winter staycation ideas in Michigan to consider if you are itching to get away!
Endless Trails at Sleeping Bear Dunes
Who knew that Sleeping Bear Dunes could be just as breathtaking in the winter as it is during the summer months?! Visitors from all over visit these dunes to experience the serene views of Lake Michigan’s crystal blue waters and exciting hiking trails like the Empire Bluff Trail, Alligator Hill, and Pyramid Point. These hikes are relatively quick and most under just a few miles giving you time to stop and take in the beautiful scenery along the way. This is the perfect winter staycation destination in Michigan for a fun experience exploring nature and also making a quick trip if you don’t want to stay for an extended period of time. If you do want to stay longer, Traverse City isn’t too far away and offers lodging along with a variety of things to do!
Winter Wonderland in Mackinac Island
While most people may dream of visiting Mackinac Island during the warm summer months, the winter here is just as dreamy! The city’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas Bazaar bring in crowds to experience these old-fashioned festivities to get into the holiday spirit. Experience the best of Michigan’s winter wonderland at Mackinac Island’s Winter Festival in February for snow sports, broom hockey, a cookout and more! A wide variety of hotels and restaurants remain open all year long on the island to ensure you will always have something to do and somewhere to stay during your trip.
Family Fun in Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth is a town where the whole family will have something to enjoy during the wintertime! For the kids, Splash Village Water Park is the perfect choice with endless indoor waterpark activities that are sure to keep kids occupied for hours. The whole family will enjoy the Bavarian Inn Lodge Family Fun Center with an 18-hole miniature golf course and an Official Video Game Test Center. You will never run out of things to do with the family when you take a staycation to Frankenmuth, Michigan!
Romantic Getaway at Castle in the Country
Located in Allegan, Michigan, the Castle in the Country lives up to its name sitting on 65 secluded acres in the middle of the country. In the winter months, take advantage of the complimentary snowshoes to wander through the wooded trails or sit back and relax by an outdoor fireplace with your sweetheart. Enjoy a full gourmet breakfast served to you each morning to start your day off right before exploring the grounds. This is the perfect romantic weekend getaway to go on with your other half.