Northern Michigan Winter: Ultimate Guide 2025

Wondering what it’s like to visit Northern Michigan in Winter?

You’ve come to the right place because as a Michigander, I’ve spent many winters visiting all over Northern Michigan. In fact, winter is one of my favorite times of year to visit Northern Michigan. I just love how beautiful the landscape looks covered in snow, and there are so many fun things to do in winter.

In this post, I’ve put together everything you should know when planning your Northern Michigan winter trip, including how cold it gets, the best things to do during winter, where to stay, and some local tips.

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Is Northern Michigan cold in winter?

Yes, Northern Michigan does get cold in the winter, especially from late December through February. It is common for temperatures to stay below freezing, especially at night or with wind chill. 

In the coldest month of January, average temperatures in the Upper Peninsula are 13° – 24° F, but it can get much colder at times.

While Northern Michigan winters are cold, you can still enjoy the outdoors by dressing warm. Plus, many outdoor activities such as skiing will keep you warmer than you’d expect since you are moving around. 

Is Northern Michigan worth visiting in winter?

Northern Michigan is absolutely worth visiting in winter. For most of the winter, Northern Michigan is typically covered in snow. The pine trees covered with freshly fallen snow and frozen lakes create scenic winter landscapes.

Not only is Northern Michigan worth visiting in winter for the beautiful scenery, but there are also so many things to do during this time of year. This includes popular winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, as well as more adventurous activities like ice climbing.

Things to Do in Northern Michigan in Winter

There are so many different things to do in Northern Michigan during the winter months, including both indoor and outdoor activities. Below you’ll find a list of the top 10 best things to do in Northern Michigan.

1. Go Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding

Going downhill skiing is easily one of the best things to do in Northern Michigan in winter. Northern Michigan has several great ski resorts, including Boyne Mountain, Mount Bohemia, Big Powderhorn, Pine Mountain, and more.

Northern Michigan’s ski resorts have slopes for all levels, so whether you are a novice or expert skier there is something for everyone. Most ski resorts also offer lessons to help you learn to ski or to improve your skills.

2. Attend a Winter Festival

If you are visiting Northern Michigan in winter, make sure to check out one of the winter festivals that happen throughout the state. 

These family-friendly festivals celebrate the winter season. They typically have a variety of activities such as ice sculpture displays and contests, snowshoe races, winter parades, ice skating, and more.

Some of the best winter festivals to attend include the Sault Ste. Marie Ice Festival, Boyne City Winterfest, Munising Ice Fest, and Traverse City Winterfest.

3. Explore Frozen Waterfalls

One of the most unique things to do in Northern Michigan during winter is to explore the frozen waterfalls. Several waterfalls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula completely freeze over, creating dramatic icicles.

The best place to visit to see frozen waterfalls is the town of Munising, near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. While there are several waterfalls to see in this area, some of the best ones to visit are Munising Falls, Sable Falls, and Miner Falls. 

Another popular area in the Upper Peninsula to see waterfalls is Tahquamenon Falls State Park. This is where you will find Michigan’s largest waterfall, Tahquamenon Falls. Due to its size, it rarely freezes over completely, but it’s still beautiful in the winter.

tahquamenon falls in winter - the main falls are still flowing but the sides and bottom is frozen. icicles are seen on the sides of the main falls.

4. Experience Ice Climbing

Ice climbing is an adventurous winter sport where people use specialized equipment to climb frozen waterfalls and ice formations. 

One of the most popular spots for ice climbing is at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Every February, the nearby town of Munising holds an Ice Fest where ice climbers from all over the country come to climb some of the frozen waterfalls.

Attending Ice Fest is the best way to try ice climbing, as it requires special equipment and training. Ice Fest offers classes from beginner to advanced to learn how to ice climb.

5. Go Fat Tire Biking

Fat Tire Biking, also called Snow Biking, is a popular winter sport. Similar to Mountain Biking, it involves biking over various trails. However, this type of biking has extra large tires that allow you to cycle over the snow.

If you want to try Fat Tire Biking, head to Crystal Mountain Ski Resort as they have bike rentals and 12 miles of winter trails. 

6. Try Ice Fishing

If you enjoy fishing then you should definitely head to Northern Michigan in winter to try ice fishing. Due to the cold temperatures, Northern Michigan has many inland lakes that freeze during the winter and are ideal for ice fishing.

Some of the most popular fish that can be caught during ice fishing include bluegill, perch, northern pike, walleye, and various trout species.

7. Get Cozy at a Winter Spa

If you are looking for some relaxation this winter, check out Mount Bohemia’s Nordic Spa. It’s located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and is the perfect way to relax when the weather is cold and snowy. Plus, Mount Bohemia has great skiing so you can easily add a winter spa day to a ski trip.

This wintertime spa has a variety of amenities including a Finnish sauna, an outdoor hot tub, a cold plunge, an eucalyptus steam cabin, and more. 

For access to the spa, you can either purchase a day pass or a season pass.

8. Head to an Indoor Waterpark

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a waterpark during wintertime. Northern Michigan has two awesome indoor waterparks worth checking out: Avalanche Bay and Great Wolf Lodge.

Great Wolf Lodge is located in Traverse City and has plenty of splash rides, water slides, pools, and a lazy river to enjoy. You can visit by purchasing a day pass or by staying at the resort.

Avalanche Bay is a part of Boyne Mountain Resort. Spending the day here is a great addition to a ski trip, especially if you have kids!

9. Go Ice Skating

Ice skating is another popular winter activity in Northern Michigan. The cold weather is perfect for outdoor ice skating rinks, so you will find that many towns and ski resorts offer outdoor ice skating.

You can even go ice skating on one of Michigan’s Great Lakes, Lake Huron. To do this, you’ll want to visit St. Ignance, where they open up an ice skating rink on Lake Huron’s Moran Bay once the bay is frozen. They also have pond hockey games on Moran Bay.

10. Try Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing

Northern Michigan has hundreds of miles of trails that are great for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Going cross-country skiing is a perfect way to get some exercise and enjoy the fresh winter air. Plus, you’ll get to admire the beautiful snowy landscapes along the way, and if you’re into bird watching, there are some beautiful winter birds to keep an eye out for.

Some scenic cross-country ski trails in Northern Michigan include the Noquemanon Trail Network near Marquette, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, and the Sault Ste. Marie Cross-Country Ski Trails.

Where to Stay in Northern Michigan in Winter

There are many options for where to stay in Northern Michigan. Below, I’ve listed some of the most popular destinations and a highly-rated hotel or vacation rental for each one.

City: Munising, MI
Where to Stay: Comfort Inn & Suites Munising I ☑️ Book Here

Munising is ideal for visiting the famous Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which is home to frozen waterfalls, cross-country ski trails, and the popular Munising Ice Festival. 

The Comfort Inn & Suites is the perfect place to stay in Munising. It features beautiful lake views, modern decor, and a complimentary breakfast.

City: Ontonagon, MI (Near Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park)
Where to Stay: Rustic Cabin VBRO I ☑️ Book Here

Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park is a beautiful area of Northern Michigan, along the shores of Lake Superior. The state park has lots of ski trails, waterfalls, and scenery which makes it a great winter destination. 

This rustic cabin is incredibly cozy and is the perfect place to warm up and relax after a day of exploring. It is located just a short drive from Porcupine Mountains Ski Area and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

City: Marquette, MI 
Where to Stay: VBRO with Lake Superior Views I ☑️ Book Here

Marquette is the largest city in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, making it a popular base for exploring the Upper Peninsula.

This VBRO is the perfect place to stay in Marquette as it is walking distance from downtown and has beautiful views of Lake Superior. As a bonus, this VBRO also has a hot tub which is available year-round.

City: Boyne Falls, MI
Where to Stay: Boyne Mountain Resort I ☑️ Book Here

Located in the northern part of the lower peninsula, Boyne Mountain is one of the most popular ski resorts in Michigan. The Boyne Mountain Resort is a great place to stay for a ski trip as there are ski slopes for every level.

There are a variety of room options and amenities at Boyne Mountain, including ski-to-door access rooms.

City: Salt Ste Marie, MI
Where to Stay: Hampton Inn Sault Ste Marie I ☑️ Book Here

Salt Ste Marie is another place in Northern Michigan worth visiting during winter. One of the highlights of visiting here is the Sault Ste. Marie Ice Festival which features dozens of incredibly detailed ice sculptures. 

The Hampton Inn is a great place to stay in Sault Ste Marie as it is highly rated and conveniently located. The rooms are comfortable and amenities include an indoor pool and a complimentary breakfast.


Winter in Northern Michigan Visiting Tips

Below are a few tips I’ve learned as a local for visiting Northern Michigan during winter.

Tip #1: Enjoy the Outdoors (Even Though it’s Cold)

The weather in Michigan may be chilly during winter, but don’t let that stop you from getting outside! Some of the best things to do in winter are outdoor activities like snowboarding, skiing, sledding, ice skating, and more. You don’t want to miss out just because of the cold temperatures.

Tip #2: Dress in Warm Layers

This goes hand in hand with the first tip, but make sure to dress in warm layers. Dressing in warm layers will keep you warm and toasty while outdoors. Don’t forget to wear things like a hat, gloves or mittens, and a scarf. 

Tip #3: Drive a 4-Wheel Drive Vehicle if Possible

Northern Michigan gets a lot of snow, which can make driving difficult. Especially if you plan to visit the Upper Peninsula, you will want to drive a 4-wheel Drive Vehicle (preferably an SUV or truck) as it can handle the snowy roads much better than a smaller car. 

Tip #4: Watch the Weather

Snowstorms are frequent during the winter months, so you will want to watch the weather forecast before heading out on the roads. 

Snowstorms can have snow and ice on the road in addition to low visibility which can make driving difficult. Even right after a storm, you’ll need to be careful as the roads can take a while to get plowed, especially in less populated areas.

Winter in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks in Winter

FAQs

Does Northern Michigan get a lot of snow?

Northern Michigan gets a lot of snow during the winter. Most areas of the Upper Peninsula average between 110-150 inches of snow each winter. However, it is possible to have as much as 200 inches of snow, which is much higher than the national average.

How cold does it get in Northern Michigan?

Northern Michigan can get very cold, especially in the Upper Peninsula. In Marquette the average temperature in January is 13° – 24° F, in Mackinaw City it is 14° – 24° F, and in Sault Ste Marie it is 8° – 23° F. While temperatures can vary slightly each year, it usually stays very cold from late November through early March.

Does Michigan have harsh winters?

Michigan can have cold, harsh winters. Snow storms are common during winter, especially in parts of Northern Michigan. The temperatures are also quite chilly, with Upper Peninsula averages from about 8-22° F in January. Plus, the windchill can make it feel even colder.

What is it like in Michigan in the winter?

Michigan in the winter can be very cold and snowy. However, Michigan is also beautiful in the winter, especially after a fresh snowfall. From snow-covered pines to frozen waterfalls, Northern Michigan can be a very scenic place to visit in the winter.


Conclusion

Winter is a perfect time to visit Northern Michigan. There are so many things to do in Northern Michigan in winter, from winter sports to winter festivals. 

So, whether you are looking to go skiing or relax at a winter spa, there is sure to be something for everyone in Northern Michigan. Plus, the large amounts of snow make Michigan absolutely beautiful in the winter season.

Want to check out other beautiful winter destinations in the Midwest? Head to Green Bay, Wisconsin which also has many things to do during the wintertime.

More Wandering Michigan Wisconsin

Tahquamenon Falls Winter: Ultimate Guide 2024
Upper Peninsula with Kids: Things to Do, Where to Stay & Top Tips
30 Best Small Towns In Michigan To Visit In 2024
Road Trip Around Lake Michigan: The Ultimate Itinerary
9 Best Winter Resorts in Michigan
Upper Peninsula Winter Attractions: 21 Things To Do This Winter

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