Best Michigan Towns to Visit This Winter
Experience a Winter Weekend Getaway in Michigan
Michigan is known for it’s winter hikes, snowy ski hills and Christmas themed towns. Here are 5 destinations to visit this winter season to embrace Michigan’s snowy days in December, January or February.
Visit Downtown Frankenmuth
Explore Michigan’s Famous Christmas Town
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Topping our list of Hallmark Holiday towns to visit is Frankenmuth, Michigan. Immerse yourself in holiday cheer at Bronner’s, the largest Christmas store in Michigan. This German Bavarian town is bursting with holiday festivities and displays.
Take in the towering lit Christmas tree belting out tunes, skate outdoors at the Frankenmuth Ice Rink and view the colorful downtown lights on an old fashion horse drawn carriage ride or aboard the Golden Ticket Trolley.
Plan your visit in November or December to enjoy Christmas activities and tons of family-friendly holiday indoor and outdoor activities including visiting Santa’s Reindeer at Grandpa Tiny’s Farm Frankenmuth makes a wonderful Michigan day trip or weekend winter vacation. Here is your detailed guide to holiday festivities in Frankenmuth.
WHERE TO STAY IN FRANKENMUTH:
Home of two indoor water park hotels, Frankenmuth makes it easy to warm up. Our all time favorite place to stay is Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel & Water Park. Read about our personal experience, plus Tips for Visiting Zehnder’s Water Park. Choose roomy hotels at the waterpark, or opt for cozy VRBO’s to fit your families individual needs.
Zehnder’s Water Park
Additional family-friendly hotel options include Hampton Inn Birch Run , Holiday Inn Birch Run Michigan and Bavarian Inn Lodge is right in the center of downtown.
WHERE TO EAT:
Specialty treats are in surplus in Frankenmuth, especially at Riverside Place. A personal favorite is the Popcorn Wagon, where you can choose from 20 different gourmet popcorn flavors or head downtown to watch fudge making demos at Frankenmuth Fudge Kitchen. Enjoy a satisfying meal at the old Frankenmuth Brewery, this historic building is one of the first breweries in Michigan featuring 21 beers on tap and pub style food.
Tour a Mansion in Rochester
Rochester, Michigan
Storefronts Bedecked in Lights
Decked out in winter lights and holiday charm, Rochester, Michigan is a welcoming place during the winter holiday. With dozens of local places to stop and shop, enjoy the lights downtown, and grab delicious pizza at Buddy’s.
Next up on the list is to see a Christmas Carol at Meadow Brook Theater, savor the Winter Wonder Lights at Meadowbrook or purchase tickets at Meadowbrook Mansion Tour for the Holiday Walk. Stroll downtown during the Big Bright Light Show, where downtown Rochester’s buildings are decked out with millions of festive holiday lights every evening (5 pm - Midnight) from November 25 - January 19, 2025.
Opt for some Detroit style pizza at Buddy’s Pizza during your visit. A local favorite right downtown, Kruse and Muer, offers seasonal specials, a wide selection of seafood options and delicious French bread while you wait. I still remember going to prom at this Rochester restaurant.
WHERE TO STAY IN ROCHESTER:
Holiday Inn Express Rochester Hills offers family-friendly facilities an indoor swimming pool, Free on-site parking and buffet breakfast is served daily, conveniently located near Meadow Brook Music Festival, Macomb Center For The Performing Arts.
Experience a Winter Festival in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Unsplash Image
Sculptures at Frederick Meijer Gardens
Heralded as the destination for one of the best Winter festivals in the US, World of Winter maximizes winter fun for everyone. Plan a trip anytime between January 10 - March 2, 2025 to experience World of Winter 2025. The art installations are truly unmatched and are open daily from 8am-11pm. It’s especially magical at night, since many of the exhibits and art pieces utilize lights and the vast majority of the events and performances are scheduled on evenings and weekends.
Another spectacular place to visit whenever you’re in Grand Rapids is Frederik Meijer Garden’s and Sculpture Park. During the winter it’s bedecked in lights, poinsettias, and hosts tons of special events.
If you decided to visit GR in January, a highlight for adults is the Winter Beer Festival. Whereas, if you have any LEGO maniacs in your family, then a stop at the Grand Rapids Public Museum is a must to view the current exhibit- Brick by Brick: The Creative Art of LEGO. In tandem, spend plenty of time outdoors by the river as you skate at the Rosa Park Ice Rink. Want more thrilling snowy day activities, Cannonsburg provides skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing opportunities.
Reindeer Ranch
Not to far away in Kalamazoo, have a one-of- kind experience as you pet real live reindeer at Reindeer Ranch. This is a perfect spot for children looking to meet Santa and learn about reindeer.
WHERE TO STAY IN GRAND RAPIDS:
Embassy Suites Downtown is located along the river with city views, an indoor pool, and a complimentary breakfast, plus its only a 10 minute walk to the Devos Place. Stay at Amway Grand Plaza, a splurge worthy spot right downtown. The Grand Plaza is on the river and has onsite dining, a spa and pool. Bonus it has a connecting bridge to the DeVos Place, across the street from the Grand Rapids Art Museum and Rosa Parks Ice Rink.
Hit the Ski Slopes in Boyne
Boyne, Michigan
Make your job simple by heading to Boyne this winter for a quintessential snowy adventures. This ski resort has it all- thrilling ski slopes, enchanted lit trails, indoor water parks and relaxing spas. Step into the winter wonderland of northern Michigan this winter in Boyne, Michigan.
Michigan Ski Resorts
It’s no secret winter in Northern Michigan is wonderous with snow covered hills and this little corner of the map has multiple ski resorts, stunning bluffs and views of Lake Michigan shoreline.
Kilwin’s in Petoskey
Dazzling in the winter, add a little excitement to your stay by crossing Sky Bridge Michigan, which boasts the title of the longest wooden towered suspension bridge in Michigan. During the winter months the bridge is lit with thousands of lights. Check out these deals at Boyne Mountain Resort.
Pond Hill Farm Gnome Hunt
The enchanted trail at the Highlands, part of Boyne Resort, is another wonderous experience. Traverse a half-mile section on a lit winter trail leading to a rustic yurt, where you can cozy up around a bonfire with s’mores and warm drinks. This event runs December- February.
There is plenty to do in the the surrounding areas of Harbor Springs, Petoskey and Boyne, which have unique shops, spectacular scenery and great food & drink options.
During your winter vacation getaway, stop into the lovely town of Petoskey where Kilwins, the ultimate chocolate store was founded in 1947. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the facility, savor decadent chocolate and learn about the chocolate making process. Our family loves the charming town of Petoskey and have also visited in the summer months. Here is our guide to 12 unmissable activities in Petoskey from hiking trails, restaurants and even a hidden waterfall to discover.
Go Sledding
Scoot on over to Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs, this combination restaurant, market, farm, & winery is lively in the winter months and hosts winter outdoor activities for families to enjoy. Winter weather brings sledding, an adorable gnome hunt on the trails, live music, Christmas- themed activities like meeting Santa, and selecting your live Christmas tree.
WHERE TO STAY IN BOYNE:
You can’t go wrong staying at either Boyne Mountain or The Highlands in neighboring Harbor Springs. With lodgings and onsite restaurants, it’s a one stop location for winter fun.
Bay View Inn Petoskey
Detroit River Walk
From ice skating to holiday plays, historical museums and Greenfield Village, heading to the city of Detroit can be an unique winter adventure.
Beloved by youngsters, visit 101 Winter Wonderland in Detroit where children can meet with Santa and get their photos taken. Get tickets at Detroit Theater as you view a superb holiday play, the musical Christmas Carol or Cirque du Soleil’s, Night Before Christmas.
Greenfield Village comes alive with Christmas spirit during Holiday Nights. Take in the brightly light village stores and be surrounded with live music, holiday cooking demonstrations, free carousel rides & ice skating.
Snowmobile Simulators at the Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit
While you’re in Detroit, stop by the Outdoor Adventure Center which has massive indoor play structure, snowmobile ride simulators, a tunnel in the sky and even an indoor waterfall for a low entry fee.
WHERE TO STAY IN DETROIT:
Best Western Plus Leamington Hotel & Conference Centre is a family-friendly option with an impressive pool with water slides the kids won’t want to leave. Another great option is to stay in Detroit at Holiday Inn Express & Suites, where you can utilize the large pool, free breakfast and modern amenities.
Visit a Winter Sports Park in Muskegon
Muskegon, Michigan
Are you looking for a destination to fully engage in winter sports. Head to Muskegon this season for one-of-a kind Michigan experiences at a winter adventure park. Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park is truly the spot for families to get active outside. Visitors will love ice skating through a dreamy lit trail in the woods, defy gravity as you fly down a winter luge and try snowshoeing through the trails at Muskegon State Park.
Michiganders get the best of both worlds when it comes to scenic location in Muskegon, the park is situated within the Michigan state park & by Lake Michigan’s shores. You can really embrace nature, by staying in a Yurt at Muskegon State Park.
Want to add a little history to your family vacation, then USS Silversides Submarine Museum fits the bill- learn hands on aboard a decommissioned submarine and through interactive exhibits.
Craving Mexican- Rad Dad’s Tacos and Tequilas has the best food and drinks the entire family will enjoy!
WHERE TO STAY IN MUSKEGON:
Several highly ranked hotels are located in Muskegon, as well as cozy VRBO options located near the State Park.
Closing Thoughts
Make the most of winter days in Michigan by planning a weekend getaway with your family and exploring a new place. With such an array of features for both young and old, you’ll create lasting memories in these picturesque vacation spots during December, January and February together while immersing yourself in holiday events.
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